A ladder is a structure used for climbing up and down. A ladder could represent spiritual ascension. 

Positive: Dreaming of a ladder could indicate ascension in the spirit. You may be experiencing spiritual growth. Going up a ladder could also represent promotion in the natural or spiritual realm. A fireman’s ladder could symbolize rescue or help. A fire escape could symbolize God’s very present help in time of need or God giving you a way of escape. Coming down a ladder could also represent heavenly beings coming down from Heaven to Earth.

Negative: Going down a ladder in a dream could represent descending or demotion in the natural or spiritual.

(Psalm 46:1-2; Genesis 28:12-13; John 3:13).