What Does It Mean When You See a Rainbow? 14 Spiritual Signs (2024)

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Everything you want to know about a rainbow’s positive energy

Co-authored byMari Cartagenovaand Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: March 19, 2024Fact Checked

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  • Rainbow Symbolism
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  • Spiritual Significance
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  • Dream Interpretations
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  • Double Rainbow Meaning
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  • Expert Interview

You step outside after a storm, taking in the smell of the rain, when you look up to find a rainbow in the distance. You instantly smile, a rush of relief and happiness washing over you. Why do you feel this way? What’s so special about this colorful arc anyway? While rainbows can mean something special to each person, they also have a few universal meanings. Take a look at the spiritual definitions and symbolism below to discover why rainbows are so uplifting.

Things You Should Know

  • Rainbows are universal symbols of hope, love, happiness, and acceptance.
  • When you see a rainbow, it may be a message of hope from a deceased loved one or guardian angel.
  • Noticing a rainbow could signify that you’re on a spiritual journey. The colorful arc is a good omen, representing a new, hopeful beginning.

Section 1 of 6:

What does a rainbow symbolize?

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  1. 1

    Rainbows symbolize happiness. Chances are, when you see a rainbow, you immediately smile. That’s because the cheerful colors in a rainbow’s curving arc are an instant mood booster.

    • It’s been scientifically proven that colors can influence your mood, so seeing 7 bright, glorious colors appear in the sky can help you feel joyful.[1]
  2. 2

    Rainbows are universal signs of hope. A rainbow can only be spotted right after a rain shower when the sun hits leftover water droplets just right.[2] This natural phenomenon is what makes rainbows a symbol of hope—their beauty only appears after the harshest conditions. If a rainbow can shine amongst the darkest clouds, so can you.

    • For instance, in the Bible, a rainbow appears after the worldwide flood over Noah’s ark in the book of Genesis. This represents the hope of a new world and a fresh start.[3]

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  3. 3

    Rainbows are a sign of good luck. Perhaps you’re familiar with tales of leprechauns guarding their pots of gold at the end of a rainbow. Many believe that rainbows are symbols of good fortune because of these legends, so make a wish when you see one!

    • Believe it or not, the Irish originally viewed rainbows as representations of goals, as a leprechaun’s pot of gold would continue to move further and further away when the traveler approached.[4]
  4. 4

    Rainbows represent love and acceptance. Who would’ve thought that 7 drastically different colors could come together and make something so beautiful? Well, that very thought makes rainbows a universal symbol of love, diversity, and acceptance. If these colors can unite to form something so lovely, why can’t people of different genders, races, and religions?

    • In 1978, the rainbow was officially recognized as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community, symbolizing that all love is love.[5]
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Section 2 of 6:

Spiritual Significance of Rainbows

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  1. 1

    Spotting a rainbow could be a sign of a new beginning. Some believe rainbows are messages from angels that a positive change is just around the corner. So, take a moment to listen to the universe or pray. Follow your intuition because your angels know you’re on the right path.

    • Go into change with an open mind. We know new things can be scary, so think of it this way: when life closes one door, another more amazing one can open.
  2. 2

    You may be on a spiritual journey if you see a rainbow. A rainbow appearing out of the blue might a sign of encouragement from your guardian angel. Perhaps you’re experiencing a spiritual awakening—you’re on a path to becoming the best version of yourself. Your angels are letting you know they have your back.

    • Take a moment to reflect on your spiritual journey so far. Have you been aligning your energy to best serve you? If not, try balancing your chakras, taking a nature walk, or doing yoga.
  3. 3

    Rainbows may indicate that a passed loved one is near. In many cultures, a rainbow is a message from someone who recently passed away. Perhaps it’s a portal from the spirit world opening or a simple “hello.” Either way, seeing a rainbow after someone dies could be a sign that they’re closer than you think.

    • Whisper a message back to your loved one when you see a rainbow. After all, they may be waiting for your reply.
  4. 4

    A rainbow aura could be a sign of wellness and health. Spiritually, if someone has a rainbow aura, their energy is healthy and able to flow freely. While rare, this aura indicates an empathetic, passionate soul with a deep personal connection to the spirit world.[6]

    • If you have a rainbow aura, an aura reader will see more than one color in your energy field.
    • Wondering if you have a rainbow aura? Take our “What Is My Color Aura?” quiz to find out.
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Section 3 of 6:

What does seeing a rainbow mean for romantic relationships?

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  1. 1

    The spirits want you to accept love into your life. Maybe you went through a rough breakup and still have those walls up, or you recently lost someone close to you. No matter the situation, the universe and your angels are letting you know it’s okay to move on. Perhaps it’s time to let go of the past and put yourself out there.

    • Try calling up a friend you haven’t seen in a while to rekindle an old friendship. Love isn’t only about romantic relationships, after all.
    • Consider signing up for a dating app to start dating again. Who knows? You may just meet someone special who brings your walls crashing down.
      • Not sure which dating app to try? Take our “Which Dating App Should I Use?” quiz to find the right one for you.
  2. 2

    A rainbow may signify a new stage of your relationship. If you’re in a relationship, spotting a rainbow could be a sign that things are about to change for the better. Perhaps you’ve been unhappy in the relationship and looking for a way out, or you’re hoping your partner’s ready to take things to the next step. Either way, your romantic life might change in your favor.

    • Have an open conversation with your partner about their wants and needs in the relationship. Do your thoughts align with theirs? If not, express that.
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Section 4 of 6:

What does it mean when you dream about a rainbow?

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  1. 1

    If you dream of a rainbow, a positive change could be coming your way. Say you’re about to start a new job, move to a new city, or graduate. Seeing a rainbow in your dreams might mean the current chapter of your life is closing on a happy note. Change is upon you, but you don’t need to worry—your guardian angels have your back.

    • Keep in mind that interpreting dreams is extremely personal. So, have an open mind and consider why seeing a rainbow is symbolic to you.
  2. 2

    Dreaming of rainbows can also inspire you creatively. If no immediate changes are happening in your waking life, spotting a rainbow in a dream could be a sign to tap into your creative potential. Explore a new hobby, like writing, singing, or painting, or fall back into a passion project. By sending you a rainbow in your dreams, the spirit world is telling you to be creative.[7]

    • Think of the rainbow in your dream as a bridge guiding you toward your passions and creative endeavors.
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Section 5 of 6:

What does a double rainbow mean?

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  1. Double rainbows are spiritual signs of success and opportunity. Seeing a double rainbow is definitely a sight to behold! These magical phenomena are rare to spot, making their spiritual significance even more important. In other words, a double rainbow has double the meaning of a regular rainbow. It amplifies your luck and success, helping your spiritual energy grow.[8]

    • When you see a double rainbow, make a wish. This is a good omen, and great things are coming your way, so use the double rainbow’s energy to manifest what you seek.

Section 6 of 6:

Can rainbows have a negative meaning?

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  1. Yes, rainbows could indicate a faraway dream. In the 1939 musical The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy sings, “Birds fly over the rainbow—why then, oh why, can’t I?” The song “Over the Rainbow” alludes to a young girl's desire for adventure. Similarly to Dorothy, some see rainbows as a representation of unattainable dreams or false hope.[9]

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about spirituality, check out our in-depth interview with Mari Cartagenova.

      About This Article

      What Does It Mean When You See a Rainbow? 14 Spiritual Signs (38)

      Co-authored by:

      Mari Cartagenova

      Psychic Medium & Animal Communicator

      This article was co-authored by Mari Cartagenova and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Mari Cartagenova is a Psychic Medium & Animal Communicator based in Westford, Massachusetts. Mari has been seeing and speaking to Spirits since she was a child, and she loves to share her psychic gifts and abilities to help others. She specializes in mediumship, intuitive psychic guidance, past life or soul reading, and animal communication. Mari is the 2019 Award-Winning Best American Psychic and a Certified Advanced Spirit Worker. This article has been viewed 93,709 times.

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      Co-authors: 7

      Updated: March 19, 2024

      Views:93,709

      Categories: Superstitions

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      What Does It Mean When You See a Rainbow? 14 Spiritual Signs (2024)

      FAQs

      Why do I keep seeing a rainbow? ›

      Eye conditions that can cause rainbow vision include: Myopia (nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing things at a distance. Hypermetropia (farsightedness): Difficulty seeing things near you. Presbyopia: Farsightedness due to aging.

      What do rainbow signs mean? ›

      "Rainbows symbolize good luck, wellness, happiness, and health, [and] could indicate a positive shift in vibration and positive energy," notes celebrity psychic Deborah Graham. Rainbows also represent integration and serve as reminders that all things act as one, according to Rambo.

      What happens when you see a rainbow? ›

      So when the light exits the water droplet, it is separated into all its wavelengths. The light reflecting back to you, the observer with the Sunlight coming from behind you, from the water droplets will appear separated into all the colors of the rainbow!

      What is the spirituality of the rainbow? ›

      As a symbol that the original promise of blessing had been renewed & creation was recreated, God set a rainbow in the sky connecting Heaven to earth. In re- issuing His promise & re-creating creation, God proved that He is trustworthy.

      What does seeing rainbow mean in manifestation? ›

      You may be on a spiritual journey if you see a rainbow.

      Perhaps you're experiencing a spiritual awakening—you're on a path to becoming the best version of yourself. Your angels are letting you know they have your back. Take a moment to reflect on your spiritual journey so far.

      What is the meaning of rainbow in vision? ›

      Rainbow Vision

      Seeing rainbows around lights, especially at night, usually indicates swelling of the cornea. This may occur from a variety of causes which are discussed under Corneal Edema. Cataract can sometimes cause this also.

      What does God say about a rainbow? ›

      The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever. When I send clouds over the earth, and a rainbow appears in the sky, I will remember my promise to you and to all other living creatures.

      What does a rainbow aura mean? ›

      The Meaning of Rainbow Auras A rainbow aura is often associated with highly spiritual and evolved individuals. It's said to represent a harmonious balance of all the colors in the aura spectrum. Each color in the rainbow corresponds to a different aspect of our emotions, energy, and personality.

      When you see the rainbow bible verse? ›

      Genesis 9:16 (NIV) “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth. ” The flood ended, the waters receded, the ark stopped rocking, and the ground was dry.

      What does it mean when God sends a rainbow? ›

      After the Flood, God made an everlasting covenant with Noah, his family, their descendants, and all the living creatures. He promised never again to destroy the earth by a flood. The rainbow was the sign of that promise – a reminder of God's commitment to the earth.

      Are rainbows a gift from God? ›

      The rainbow is a sign of God's redeeming grace and mercy. The Hebrew word translated “rainbow” is properly translated “war bow.” God set the bow in the sky to serve as the sign of the Noahic covenant—signifying His promise of redemption (Gen. 9:8–17).

      What is rainbow Spirit? ›

      Rainbow Spirit is a diverse group of gay and bisexual men of all ages and backgrounds.

      What does it mean when you see more than one rainbow? ›

      It is believed that a double rainbow indicates good fortune and happiness. While the primary or first arc portrays the real world, the second represents the spiritual world.

      Why do I always see a rainbow in the same place? ›

      A rainbow is an optical illusion—it does not actually exist in a specific spot in the sky. The appearance of a rainbow depends on where you're standing and where the sun (or other source of light) is shining. The sun or other source of light is usually behind the person seeing the rainbow.

      Is it rare to see a full rainbow? ›

      Oftentimes, the rainbows we see are partly blocked by the ground and horizon. To observe one in all its circular glory, you'd have to find a nice high vantage point.

      What does it mean when you see a circular rainbow? ›

      The circle (or half-circle) results because there are a collection of suspended droplets in the atmosphere that are capable of concentrating the dispersed light at angles of deviation of 40-42 degrees relative to the original path of light from the sun.

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