Dead Stepmother in dreams

A stepmother in a dream is the dream's image of a maternal presence that arrived after the original arrangement of the family had been set. The folklore tradition often casts her as suspect; the dream uses that tradition when applicable, but it also uses the figure neutrally — as a parent who occupies the role without having been the source. The dream brings the stepmother when a later-added authority in your life — in a household, a workplace, a chosen family — is being weighed against the older claim. A stepmother who is fair is the dream telling you the added presence is earning her place. A stepmother who is unjust is the dream marking that the added authority has not paid the price the original arrangement did.