We are preserving or, quite literally, locking up our spiritual integrity sometimes for future use. Often when our security is threatened, a symbol which reinforces our need for defence mechanisms appears, and the padlock comes into this category. It offers sanctuary and an element of control. If the padlock is of an ornate design, such control may be more complicated than we first thought. Dreaming oflocking a padlock suggests that we are attempting to shut a feeling or emotion away. We are not able to explore these at this time. This may either be through fear or possessiveness. Conversely, if we are opening a padlock we may be trying to open up to new experiences. You might also like to consult the entries for Key and Lock.