Serpent in a dream: meaning in al-Nabulsi and Ibn Shahin

8 passages from 4 sources, quoted as written, every one linked to its page.

Artemidorus of Daldis, Oneirocritica (1644 English translation)

The Serpent signifieth sicknesse, and enmity, and to whom he shall appeare, they shall governe him, and the enemy and sicknes shall handle us.

Oneirocritica (1644 English translation), The Second Booke of Artimedorus His Exposition of Dreames.

Kinds and conditions of Serpent

large snake (python/serpent)

Abd al-Ghani al-Nabulsi, Ta'tir al-Anam fi Ta'bir al-Manam

In a dream it indicates a man of the valley, and it may indicate enmity from one's family, spouses, and children, and it may be an envious, evil neighbour.

Ta'tir al-Anam fi Ta'bir al-Manam, p. 54

The water serpent is a helper of the oppressor, or the ruler's standards/insignia.

Ta'tir al-Anam fi Ta'bir al-Manam, p. 54

great serpent

Artemidorus of Daldis, Oneirocritica (1644 English translation)

after which turning himselfe, he saw a great Serpent, which by force and violence broke all that he incountred

Oneirocritica (1644 English translation), The Fifth Booke of Artimedorus His Exposition of Dreames.

large serpent

Ibn Shahin al-Zahiri, al-Isharat fi Ilm al-Ibarat

The large serpent is an increase in strength.

al-Isharat fi Ilm al-Ibarat, p. 223

tree encircled by a serpent

Freud and Jung, a separate view

The symbol of the tree encoiled by the serpent may also be translated as the mother defended from incest by resistance.

Carl Jung, Psychology of the Unconscious (1916) / Collected Papers (1917), Psychology of the Unconscious, ch. V Symbolism of the Mother and of Rebirth

2 more passages on this symbol are in the database and used by the interpreter.