Crab  dream meaning is explained below using 26 different sources. Each interpretation is shown with its source.

Interpretation 1 — Silvana Amar

At first glance a crab seems to be a very negative dream symbol. It could represent a “crabby” or unpleasant personality.

The claws could be symbolic of a clinging and hurtful person, or a side of your own personality. There may be too much dependence, clinging and forcefulness in your life.

The crab may also symbolize your inability to effectively move forward and address your own difficulties.

(Remember the crab often moves sideways or backwards.) Some folklore interpretations say that the crab is an omen of poor health. However, there is a more positive interpretation for the crab in your dream. In some areas of metaphysics, the crab is a representative of the sea and the sky. It represents physical nourishment which can be obtained from the sea and also intellectual nourishment. As with all water dwelling animals, the crab could also represent something in the unconscious and the emotions.

See Animals, Cancer 

Source: The Bedside Dream Dictionary Author: Silvana Amar

Interpretation 2 — Dr. Mıchael Lennox

The crab is a water creature and so relates to feelings, emotions, and the feminine principle.

A crab’s habitat is connected to the tides, which relates these creatures to the interaction of the conscious and unconscious minds as well as the cycles of the moon. Their medicine can be hard to connect to because of their pinchers, which keep them out of our grasp. When the crab appears in your dream, powerful information is being offered from the depths of the unconscious, and that wisdom is best understood from a place of stillness and receptivity.

Source: Complete Dictionary of Dreams Author: Dr. Mıchael Lennox

Interpretation 3 — Martha Clarke

These animals are a symbol of indecision and doubt because of the backwards motion that characterizes them. When they star in your oneiric thoughts, they must be interpreted as a warning: you must not get carried away by prejudice because this would prevent you from moving forward.

It is the astrological sign of Cancer, armored but with a tender heart, romantic and in love with the past (in fact, he walks backwards). Its presence in dreams portends disputes and separations, especially if it is red; black indicates delays in business.

Source: The Big Dictionary of Dreams Author: Martha Clarke

Interpretation 4 — Patrica Telesco

(see Fish, Zodiac Signs: Cancer)

Scuttling about, carrying half truths with you wherever you go.

The hard shell of the crab equates to armor that you may use for protection.

Metaphorically, a crabby or grabby personality manifesting itself.

A life in limbo. Among Buddhists, a crab is used to represent the time between death and the next incarnation. Perhaps you feel like everything is on “hold” right now.

If so, just be patient.

A fresh beginning is around the corner.

Source: The Language of Dreams Author: Patrica Telesco

Interpretation 5 — Pamela Ball

1- A crab appearing in a dream can indicate mothering, particularly of the ‘smother love’ type, but can also be the qualities of unreliability and self-interest.

The crab can also, because of the way it moves, denote deviousness.

2- By word association the crab can represent sickness, or something eating away at us.

3- The Astrological sign of Cancer and the Great Mother (see Introduction) are represented by the crab.

Source: Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary Author: Pamela Ball

Interpretation 6 — Nancy Wagaman

Grabby, stingy, or needy.

Holding onto something or someone.

Grumpiness or irritability.

Emotionally well-protected or distanced.

Defensiveness, or defending yourself.

Dreaming of this animal can represent too much or not enough of one of those qualities, or someone or something you associate with the quality or animal.

Consider also the animal’s actions, context, and your feelings about it.

See Animal, Claws

Source: The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary Author: Nancy Wagaman

Interpretation 7 — James R. Lewis and Evelyn Dorothy Oliver

A symbol of both the sea and the sky, the crab can stand for physical nourishment from the ocean and intellectual nourishment from the interpretation of the horoscope. Claws are tenacious and clinging, which can indicate something about the relationships the dreamer is in, especially with the opposite sex.
Source: Dream Symbols in The Dream Encyclopedia Author: James R. Lewis and Evelyn Dorothy Oliver

Interpretation 8 — Versatile - Anonymous

Psychological / emotional perspective: Because the crab has a hard shell and is thus self-protective, in dreams this quality can be highlighted. When someone is ‘crabby’ they are irritable or morose.

The crab apple is small and sour and therefore has this same connotation.

Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 9 — Versatile - Anonymous

Material aspects: A crab appearing in a dream can indicate mothering, particularly of the ‘smother love’ type, but can also be the qualities of unreliability and self-interest.

The crab can also, because of the way it moves, denote deviousness.

Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 10 — DreamForth

To dream of a crab represents stubborn and determined aspects of your personality. You may possibly be too reliant on others and refuse to let go of a fruitless venture or dream. Crabs may also imply that you are feeling aggravated and frustrated.
Source: Dream Symbols and Analysis Author: DreamForth

Interpretation 11 — Versatile - Anonymous

Gives gender-specific: In a woman’s dream the crab will often represent the different aspects of the three-faceted moon goddess, maid, mother and crone. In a man’s dream it is more likely to suggest the ‘smother mother’.
Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 12 — Tony Crisp

The shell of bnttle emotions we guard ourself with, grasping or hurtful attitudes. Being nipped by crab: physical or psychosomatic pain or even illness caused by being too tight or self protective.

See shellfish under fish.

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

Interpretation 13 — Stearn Robinson - Tom Corbett

Look sharp for tricky rivals in business and/or love if you dreamed of this crusty fellow, unless you cooked or ate him, in which case it might be an auspicious time for a bit of cautious gambling—but don’t plunge!
Source: The Complete Guide to Interpreting Your Dreams Author: Stearn Robinson - Tom Corbett

Interpretation 14 — Ibn Seerin

It represents a man of sound character and strong principles. When he makes decisions he does so with confidence. His stoic beliefs sometimes give the impression that he is stern, proud and haughty.
Source: Islamic Dream Interpretation Author: Ibn Seerin

Interpretation 15 — Dream Explanations - Anonymous

Astrologically speaking, dreams of a crab represents extreme empathy, depth of feeling. Perhaps this dream is showing you that you have been crabby and are taking things too personally.
Source: Strangest Dream Explanations Author: Dream Explanations - Anonymous

Interpretation 16 — myjellybean

A dream about crabs means you feel fulfilled emotionally and physically.

If a crab pinches you in a dream, your partner in a love relationship is being “clingy.”

Source: My Dream Interpretation Author: myjellybean

Interpretation 17 — Betty Bethards

Necessary to move ahead or problem solve in an indirect manner; or, you are now moving sideways rather than straight ahead. Your current disposition: crabby.
Source: The Dream Books Symbols Author: Betty Bethards

Interpretation 18 — Katherine Taylor Craig

The dream of a ruinous lawsuit (Gypsy); a modern expression for an ill-tempered person; the tenacity of the crab has become symbolic.
Source: The Fabric of Dream Author: Katherine Taylor Craig

Interpretation 19 — Dream Meanings Anonymous

To dream of a crab can denote that someone may be trying to deceive you. That you or someone you know is trying to side-step an issue.
Source: Dream Meanings and Dream Interpretation Author: Dream Meanings Anonymous

Interpretation 20 — Vincent Wienand

1. Believer with a hard shell; Matt. 4:19

2. Temperamental person; (crabby person)

3. Sharing an unclean thing; Lev. 11:9-10

Source: Dream Dictionary The Biblical Model Author: Vincent Wienand

Interpretation 21 — Versatile - Anonymous

The astrological sign of cancer and the great mother are both represented by the crab.
Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 22 — Joan Seaman - Tom Philbin

1. Suggestion that one tends to complain too much.

2. Try to move a little faster.

Source: New American Dream Dictionary Author: Joan Seaman - Tom Philbin

Interpretation 23 — Raymond Buckland

Signifies the possibility of a lawsuit with someone you thought of as a friend.
Source: Gypsy Dream Dictionary Author: Raymond Buckland

Interpretation 24 — Internet Archive - Anonymous

As in the case of all unusual creatures, this is a sign of coming difficulties.
Source: Mystic Dream Book Author: Internet Archive - Anonymous

Interpretation 25 — Duke Zhou

You see a crab or crabs: your illness or troubles will vanish
Source: Chine Dream Interpretation Author: Duke Zhou

Interpretation 26 — Margaret Hamilton

Person who is grouchy
Source: Dream Dictionary Unlimited Author: Margaret Hamilton