Dreaming Lens: Was the ladder in use? Was it in place for use or was it in storage? What was the integrity of the ladder’s structure? Was it capable of bearing weight? What was the ladder made of? What was the ladder’s height? Were you on the ladder? Were you comfortable or frightened?
Personal Focus: A ladder is an effective, but unstable, method of getting to a higher vantage point. Anything that helps a person move from one level to another is symbolically connected with transitioning from one realm of operating to another. However, a ladder is a tool used in the construction or fixing of things. So in this way, the symbolic meaning connects to the ability to achieve some sort of goal.
The presence of a ladder in a dream suggests that there is a transition afoot that may also connect to achieving some goal or fixing some area of your life that requires attention. If the dream merits the use of a ladder, but it is either ignored or inaccessible in some way, you may be missing the very thing needed for success with some goal in life. A broken ladder may be a warning that you are not taking the necessary step-by-step process to achieve your goals. This may also be expressing a feeling that some rudimentary items you need are not available to you. The instability of a ladder requires a slow and centered approach to your climb, signaling a need to take each step in your life with care, grace, and ease.
The size and shape of the ladder can offer subtle layers to your interpretation. A ladder that is too short is an indication that you have the right concept, but not quite enough of what is needed to achieve a goal in your life. Something on top of the ladder may signify a yearning for a higher state of consciousness or accomplishment. Looking down from the top of the ladder might represent acknowledging what it took to achieve what has recently occurred.