I keep dreaming of my late mother/father. What does it mean?

most often it is love and grief speaking; take it as a call to remember them — a lamp, a prayer, an act of kindness.

Dreaming of someone we have lost is one of the most common experiences of grief. The mind keeps working through love, memory and unfinished conversations. Many people find these dreams comforting; others wake up shaken. Both are normal.

In folk belief, a parent appearing in a dream may be seen as asking to be remembered — perhaps a śrāddha was missed, or they want the family to be at peace. If this belief helps you, respond lovingly: light a lamp, offer water with sesame on the next Amāvasyā, feed someone in their name, or do something they cared about.

Try not to read fear into dreams — a sad or troubled image usually reflects your own grief, not their suffering. If the dreams disturb your sleep for a long time, talking to a trusted person or a counsellor can help a great deal.

Source: folk belief; common experience of grief

Dharma Q&A — family & life events · Ask a Jyotishi your own question