Briefly
Arms, in a symbolic context, often represent strength, power, and protection. Given their physical function of providing support and facilitating movement, they are also associated with guidance, assistance, and capability. The right arm traditionally symbolizes the lawful or righteous power, while the left arm signifies the power of the subconscious or the talents hidden within a person.
- Symbolism: Strength, Power, Protection, Guidance, Assistance, Capability, Righteous Power (Right Arm), Subconscious Power (Left Arm)
Arms in Dreams
In the realm of dream interpretation, arms are significant symbols of one’s personal and social power. Dreaming about arms might indicate the dreamer’s ability to influence situations and people. Being armless in a dream may represent feelings of inadequacy or helplessness. If the arms are injured or weak, it could suggest a lack of confidence or fear of losing control. Strong, healthy arms in a dream often symbolize personal power, courage, and the ability to face challenges.
- Symbolism: Personal Power, Social Power, Influence, Inadequacy (Armless), Helplessness (Armless), Lack of Confidence (Injured/Weak Arms), Fear of Losing Control (Injured/Weak Arms), Courage (Strong Arms), Ability to Face Challenges (Strong Arms)
See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool.
Arms in Myths and Folklore
In myths and folklore, arms often play a significant role. In Greek mythology, for instance, the god Hephaestus was depicted with strong arms, symbolizing his capacity as a blacksmith. In Hindu mythology, many deities are portrayed with multiple arms, which represent their supreme power and ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Norse mythology presents the arm as a symbol of agreement and unity, as demonstrated in the tale of the god Tyr, who sacrificed his hand to bind the monstrous wolf Fenrir.
A different perspective can be found in Arthurian legends, where the Lady of the Lake offers Excalibur to King Arthur with her arm, symbolizing divine providence and rightful sovereignty.
- Symbolism: Capacity (Hephaestus), Supreme Power (Hindu Deities), Multitasking (Hindu Deities), Agreement (Tyr), Unity (Tyr), Divine Providence (Lady of the Lake), Rightful Sovereignty (Lady of the Lake)
Arms Spiritual Meanings
In spiritual symbolism, arms embody active force, the medium through which we interact with the world around us. They stand for service, as the hands perform acts of kindness and help. The act of raising one’s arms is seen as a gesture of surrender, openness to divine wisdom, or a sign of victory. In yoga, arms extended upwards are used in poses to promote focus and direction.
- Symbolism: Active Force, Service, Kindness, Help, Surrender, Openness to Divine Wisdom, Victory, Focus (Yoga), Direction (Yoga)
Arms Tattoo Meaning
Arms as a tattoo design can convey a variety of meanings. Strong, muscular arms can symbolize power, resilience, and courage. Tattoos of bound or chained arms might represent the struggle for freedom or overcoming obstacles. Arm tattoos can also be personal symbols of one’s own strength and abilities. As a popular location for tattoos, the arm itself represents a canvas for personal expression and storytelling.
- Symbolism: Power (Muscular Arms), Resilience (Muscular Arms), Courage (Muscular Arms), Struggle for Freedom (Bound/Chained Arms), Overcoming Obstacles (Bound/Chained Arms), Personal Strength, Abilities, Personal Expression (Arm as a Canvas), Storytelling (Arm as a Canvas)
Reviewed by Alexander Lys, M.L., a specialist in the field of symbolism research and dream psychology. A certified participant in numerous psychological seminars and courses, the author of hundreds of articles on psychology, including studies on symbolism in dreams and myths from a scientific perspective.
