We've all had situations in life where we feel we are taking "one step forward, two steps back." Moving backwards in a dream can have several meanings.

If you've been feeling stressed and frustrated in waking life, backward movement in a dream reflects those feelings. You may feel that rather than moving toward your goal, it is instead moving away from you. You may be feeling inadequate or that you are a failure at your role in life or career. If these dreams and feelings continue, take a look at where you can make changes. Small changes can sometimes make big differences. If you love what you do and are quite satisfied, you may simply be "burned out" and may need a vacation or break. Rest can restore your energy and passion and you'll return with a renewed sense of purpose. If you have been feeling hopeless and depressed for more than a few weeks, professional counseling may be in order.

Moving backwards can also symbolize retreat. If you've worked long and hard at a job, project or relationship and nothing is changing, perhaps it is time to leave the situation. Investing energy into something that may never come to fruition can be physically and emotionally draining.

In pagan and some tribal societies, it is believed that negative energy can be reversed or dissolved by moving in a backwards direction. In the Wiccan religion, this is called widdershins.

May all your dreams come true!

Parthena Black is a professional social worker and ordained minister with experience in tarot and runes. For private spiritual counseling and intuitive readings via e-mail, please visit her at oymygoddess.com.

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