A ladder in a dream commonly reflects ambition and the steps required to reach it -- each rung a small, deliberate risk toward something higher. Climbing steadily can point to confidence in your progress, while a shaky or breaking ladder often names a fear that the risk isn't fully supported yet.
If the objective is in the nature of the ruler the acquisition will be easier, and vice versa. - Picatrix (Andalusia, ~1000.AD)