Dreaming of water in the Akan tradition: meaning
Among the Akan many deities, the abosom, dwell in rivers and lakes, such as the river Tano and Lake Bosomtwe. Water in a dream is therefore often read in an Akan reading as nearness to the spirit world, to cleansing or to the ancestors.
Within this tradition
Rivers have a special place in the Akan tradition. Tano, the river and the ɔbosom of the same name, is considered one of the most important deities. Lake Bosomtwe near Kumasi is seen as a sacred place where according to tradition the souls of the dead take leave of Asase Yaa. Many villages have their own river or spring with its own ɔbosom, and water plays a role in libations, cleansing and prayer.
That is why a dream about water is rarely read as feeling alone in an Akan reading. Clear, flowing water is connected with cleansing, blessing and an open path. Crossing a river can be read as a transition, sometimes to a new phase, sometimes in connection with the ancestors. A dream in which you stand by a river and see someone on the other side is often connected with the nsamanfo.
Murky or wild water can point to unrest, or to a relationship with the spirit world that needs attention. Drowning in a dream is not read as a prediction in the Akan reading on Dreamkin, but as being overwhelmed: too much at once, or an emotion sweeping you along.
Many Akan combine their tradition with Christianity or Islam, and then too water often remains an image of cleansing and blessing.
Common variations
Clear, flowing water
Cleansing, blessing and an open path.
Crossing a river
A transition, sometimes connected with the ancestors.
Someone on the other side of a river
Often connected with the nsamanfo: an ancestor greeting.
Murky or wild water
Unrest, or something that needs attention. Not a prediction.
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Write your dream in the appFrequently asked questions
What are the abosom?
Deities in the Akan tradition, who often dwell in rivers, lakes and forests, such as Tano and Bosomtwe.
Why is Lake Bosomtwe sacred?
According to tradition the souls of the dead take leave of Asase Yaa, the earth, there.
Does such a dream predict misfortune?
No. The Akan reading on Dreamkin does not predict misfortune. A dream is read as counsel or encouragement, and whoever finds it weighs heavily discusses it with an elder in the family.