A puzzle in a dream can symbolize a problem that you must solve in waking life. You may not even consciously be aware that this problem exists. However, your conscious mind is using your dream to warn you of the problem so you can do something about it
If you dream that you are trying to complete a puzzle that requires intellectual effort, such as a crossword puzzle, or that you are trying to solve a mathematical equation, it can mean that you are trying to use an intellectual, rational approach to solve a problem in waking life. If you aren’t able to solve the puzzle, it may mean that you need to rely more on your emotions to help you decide what you should do. If you do solve the problem, however, the rational approach may be the right approach for the situation.
Riddles
Have you ever dreamed that somebody has asked you a riddle, or woken up with a riddle running through your mind? The riddle can be a clue to solving a problem that you have in waking life. Try to write it down as soon as you wake up so you remember it.
Secret Codes
If you dream that you have to decipher a secret code, you may be having trouble understanding a situation or another person in waking life.
Boxes that You Can’t Open
A box that you are having trouble opening can represent an aspect of your personality that you don’t want to acknowledge. The nature of the box can provide some insight regarding what quality you are denying. For example, a gift-wrapped package can represent a “gift” or talent that you have.
Knots that You Can’t Untie
A dream that you are having trouble untying a knot can be a sign that you have created a difficult, complicated situation for yourself that you will have trouble unraveling.
In the dream, do you give up or are you able to untie the knot eventually? If you give up, it can be a sign that you need more patience in order to deal with your waking life situation. If you are able to untie the knot, it can be a sign that you are on your way to solving the problem.
Mazes
If you find yourself in a maze in a dream, it can mean that you are having trouble finding your direction in life. It can also mean that you have conflicting ideas and emotions that are confusing you in waking life.
If you arrive at the same place in the maze again and again, it can be a sign that you are going around in circles in your waking life, and that you need to make a change in order to move ahead.
If you have a map with you that can help you get out of the maze, your unconscious mind may be reassuring you that you are taking the right path toward solving your dilemma.
If you use a ladder to climb out of the maze, your unconscious mind may be telling you that you need to look over your situation from a more rational, objective position.
If you eventually find your way out of the maze, your unconscious mind is letting you know that you have the ability to solve your problem.