In Tibetan Buddhism, an intermediate state of existence, usually referring to the state between life and rebirth.

As the Sun is the light of the spirit, so shadow is the negative
‘double’ of the body, or the image of its evil and base side. Among primitive
peoples, the notion that the shadow is the àlter ego or soul is firmly established;
it is also reflected in the folklore and literature of some advanced cultures (35). As
Frazer has noted, the primitive often regards his shadow, or his reflection in water or in a mirror, as his soul or as a vital part of himself (21). ‘Shadow’ is the term
given by Jung to the primitive and instinctive side of the individual.

All things that flow and grow were regarded in early religions as a symbol
of life: fire represented the vital craving for nourishment, water was chosen for its
fertilizing powers, plants because of their verdure in spring-time. Now, all—or
very nearly all—symbols of life are also symbolic of death. Media vita in morte
sumus, observed the mediaeval monk, to which modern science has replied La vie
c’est la mort (Claude Bernard). Thus, fire is the destroyer, while water in its
various forms signifies dissolution, as suggested in the Psalms. In legend and
folklore, the Origin of life—or the source of the renewal of the life forces—takes
the form of caves and caverns where wondrous torrents and springs well up (38).

To see a canal in your dream, symbolizes restraint and constricted emotions. It also suggests that you are unyielding in your thinking and beliefs, which may hinder you in the pursuit of your goals. You are being too controlling.

To see the water of a canal muddy and stagnant-looking, portends sickness and disorders of the stomach and dark designs of enemies. But if its waters are clear a placid life and the devotion of friends is before you.

For a young woman to glide in a canoe across a canal, denotes a chaste life and an adoring husband. If she crossed the canal on a bridge over clear water and gathers ferns and other greens on the banks, she will enjoy a life of ceaseless rounds of pleasure and attain to high social distinction. But if the water be turbid she will often find herself tangled in meshes of perplexity and will be the victim of nervous troubles.

To dream that you are trying to catch your breath or that you are out of breath, indicates that you are experiencing some anxiety, tension, or fear concerning a new situation in your waking life.

To dream that you have bad breath, suggests that you are feeling enclosed or crowded in. Perhaps someone is invading your personal space.

To dream that you are holding your breath, indicates your stubborn state of mind. Your views are too one-sided. The dream is telling you to be more open to the opinions of others.

To come close to a person in your dreaming with a pure and sweet breath, commendable will be your conduct, and a profitable consummation of business deals will follow.

Breath if fetid, indicates sickness and snares.

Losing one's breath, denotes signal failure where success seemed assured.