Ascetic dream meaning is explained below using 7 different sources. Each interpretation is shown with its source.

Interpretation 1 — Pamela Ball

1- There is some conflict with natural drives. There may be an avoidance of sex or contact through fear or the need for restraint. In a dream to meet an ascetic or holy man is to meet our higher self, and to recognise the part of ourselves which is continually seeking unity with the divine. We may be looking for simplicity.

2- Psychologically, we are searching for purity in ourselves or in others. Equally, we may be afraid of that purity within ourselves and need to come to terms with it.

3- There is an attempt to find the spiritual in our lives and also a development of will.

Source: Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary • Author: Pamela Ball

Interpretation 2 — Versatile - Anonymous

Psychological / emotional perspective: Psychologically we are searching for purity in ourselves or in others. Equally we may be afraid of that purity within ourselves and need to come to terms with it. As an archetype jung frequently mentions his wise old man who was present when he needed guidance.
Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile • Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 3 — Patrica Telesco

(see Monastery, Mountain, Temple)

A life or period of serious contemplation.

Someone who denies her himself and worldly needs, possibly to a dangerous extreme.

A renewed religious focus growing in your life.

The need to evaluate what things or possessions are, and are not, truly important.

Source: The Language of Dreams • Author: Patrica Telesco

Interpretation 4 — Versatile - Anonymous

Material aspects: There is some conflict with natural drives. There may be an avoidance of sex or contact through fear or the need for restraint. We may be looking for simplicity. Consult the entries for hermit, monk and mystic for further information.
Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile • Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 5 — Versatile - Anonymous

There is an attempt to find the spiritual in our lives and also a development of the will to be ‘pure’. In a dream, to meet an ascetic or holy man is to meet our higher self and to recognize the part of ourselves that is continually seeking unity with the divine.
Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile • Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 6 — Tony Crisp

Conflict with natural drives; desire to be less domi­nated by them, avoidance of sex; attempt to find the spiritual, which may be an inverted fear of one’s unconscious or a bid for power to control; development of will.

See religion and dreams.

Source: A Guide to Dreams and Sleep Experiences • Author: Tony Crisp

Interpretation 7 — Betty Bethards

Self-denial; efforts to grow inwardly by renouncing the outer world. Spiritual search, often misdirected through self-hatred and a poor self-image rather than the love of God. Cleansing, purification.
Source: The Dream Books Symbols • Author: Betty Bethards