What Does Dreaming of a River Mean?
Traditional Interpretation
According to Ibn Sirin, seeing a river in a dream may point to esteem, rank, and abundant provision; a clear, briskly flowing river can symbolize open fortune, while a murky or stagnant river may symbolize a tight livelihood and a closed-off period. Entering the river is interpreted as meeting an influential person, and crossing to the other side as overcoming troubles and prevailing over an enemy.
Psychological View
From a modern psychological perspective, the river can be a powerful water symbol representing the ever-flowing emotional life of the unconscious and life's transitions; for Jung, this flowing water may point to a "current of life" one needs to surrender to change. Whether the water is calm or torrential can be read as an indicator of whether one's inner feelings are repressed or freely expressed.
By Context
A Clear / Rushing River
A foaming, clear, and briskly flowing river may point to open fortune and plentiful, blessed provision.
A Murky/stagnant River
A muddy or slow, sluggish river may indicate closed fortune and entry into a difficult period.
For Singles
A single person drinking from a river may be interpreted as their fortune opening and marriage coming soon.
Swimming in a River / Crossing a River
Swimming in a river may point to help from an influential person; crossing the river may point to overcoming sorrows and prevailing over an enemy.