Islamic Interpretation
A water cistern in a dream stands for a purse, a strongbox, a chest, a treasury, a spouse, a child, or the keeping of hidden matters. When it contains water, it indicates stagnation in any of those areas. Filled with oil instead, it foretells abundance and success. The cistern belonging to a Sufi lodge, mosque, or religious gathering represents its spiritual guide, imam, caretaker, or guardian of the place. Seeing the household cistern placed in an improper spot or inside a bathhouse points to the presence of a jinn that follows the resident or haunts the dwelling. A well serving as the house cistern suggests that the family belongs to the middle ranks, or that their water is brackish and unfit to drink. A cistern brimming with ghee, honey, or milk announces that the wife is expecting, or it signifies general prosperity for the household. Should the family appear thirsty while the cistern holds something other than water, it means they owe the obligatory zakat yet have neglected it, or that they possess beneficial knowledge but fail to act upon it, or that the region suffers drought requiring expenditure in the way of God. A cistern may also symbolize a shield, a pocket, personal honour, divine favours, attainment of high standing, or the removal of hardships – but only for those who actually use such vessels for storing or distributing water; for them it further denotes tranquility and safety from all harm. (See Urn)