The image of a dam presupposes that there is a block to progress. However, one interpretation suggests that it is the conservation of a scarce resource (perhaps our spiritual awareness), until it is available in sufficient quantity. By word association the image can suggest to be damned or rendered powerless. While consciously we may need to exercise control over our emotions, in a dream sequence we will often demonstrate a natural expression of difficulty or frustration by an overflow of water or the blocking of a natural channel. When we dream of a dam its significance may vary. We may be bottling up our own emotions and drive, or conversely we could be trying to stop somebody elses emotional outburst from happening. To be building a dam indicates we are likely to be putting up defences, whereas if a dam is bursting we may feel we have no control over emotional situations around us. For further clarity consult the entry for Water.