Recurring dream since childhood where an older male figure is chasing me and wants to kill me and I start flapping my arms to fly and get away from this man, but am always grabbed by my ankle and caught before I gain enough height and then wake up.
Dreams featuring being chased often symbolize anxiety, fear, or unresolved issues in waking life. The recurring nature of your dream indicates that this theme is significant and may reflect persistent feelings or experiences that have not been fully addressed.
The older male figure in your dream could represent authority, power, or a challenge, possibly embodying a person or situation that feels threatening or overwhelming. This figure might symbolize an aspect of your life that you perceive as dangerous or intimidating.
Your attempt to fly away suggests a strong desire for freedom, escape, or a wish to rise above your fears or challenges. However, being caught by your ankle before you can lift off indicates feelings of helplessness or being trapped by these very fears. The repeated failure to fully escape may point to deep-seated issues or conflicts that you feel unable to tackle.
Overall, this dream may be urging you to confront what the older male figure represents in your life—whether it's a fear, a responsibility, or an unresolved trauma. Taking steps to address or acknowledge these feelings could lessen the dream's frequency and intensity. This dream also invites you to explore your capacity for resilience and self-efficacy in facing your challenges.