The sight of spiders can evoke feelings of fear and anxiety. It’s no surprise, then, that dreaming about these creepy crawlies can have you feeling unsettled in the morning. Dreams about spiders can bring in both positive and negative meanings, which means they are significant enough for you to pay attention to.
In Hinduism, spiders in dreams are considered to be a premonition of good fortune, but in Freudian dream interpretation, this dream evokes fear of a mother figure.
However, dream interpretation is always personal, and its true meaning lies in how you relate it to what is happening in your day-to-day life. Nevertheless, it’s best to know the general symbolisms and common meanings of spider dreams to help make sense of dreams that evoke strong emotions.
General Symbolism of Spider Dreams
Spiders have been the focus of stories in mythology and ancient cultures since the start of human history. From ancient civilizations to the Bible, different religions, and pop culture, spiders have been a significant presence that depicts many kinds of symbolisms.
In China, spiders are symbols of good luck, bringing about fortune. In India, spiders are also considered a sign of good omen, often used as confetti in traditional weddings. In ancient Egypt, the goddess Neith was depicted spinning a web, as she was considered to be the “weaver” of destiny and the world.
Among Native American tribes, spiders are symbols of protection. The “dreamcatcher,” a round hoop with a net inspired by a spider’s web design, filters out nightmares when they sleep.
In Psychology, psychoanalysts Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud mention dreams about spiders, with Jung stating spiders represent one’s shadow or dark personality. Freud, on the other hand, depicts spiders in dreams as the “phallic mom,” a female figure with masculine tendencies.
Other general symbolisms of spiders include creativity and manifestation because spiders create intricate webs to catch prey. They are also associated with the feeling of being trapped or stuck, as when a prey gets stuck in a web. Other symbolisms include fear and anxiety since some spiders are poisonous and deadly.
Knowing about these symbolisms can help you understand your spider dreams better. By relating them to what you’re going through in your waking life, you can make sense of what your dreams could be telling you.
Common Dreams about Spiders
In this section, we’ll discuss the most common kinds of spider dreams and their typical interpretations:
1. Dreams about Tarantulas
Tarantula dreams could mean you are going through a significant change in your life. Tarantulas are commanding, which could mean you have something in your life right now you need to pay attention to. This could be a significant change in your physical or emotional energy.
2. Dreams about a Spider’s Web
If you see a spider weaving a web in your dream, it’s a sign that you are about to create something big in your life using your creativity. You may be in the beginning stages of starting a business or changing your career, and you doubt yourself.
Seeing a spider weaving a web in your dream is a sign that you have what it takes to chase your dreams; remember your strength and creativity, and you’ll make it.
3. Dreaming of a Spider Crawling on You
A spider crawling on you in your dream could mean you are making the dark side of your personality appear in your life right now.
You may also be facing adversity, or someone in your life could be affecting you, and you need to get them out of your life. Like a spider crawling on you, it’s uncomfortable and brings about anxiety. A person may be causing you to feel these things in your life, and you may need to remove them from your life.
4. Dreaming of Killing a Spider
This dream could mean that you’re tapping into your power and strength and taking control of your life.
Like a creeping spider that’s present, you are killing it to feel safe; thus, it’s a reminder that you only need to tap into your courage to make decisions and live life on your own terms.
5. Dreaming of Being Bitten by a Spider
Dreaming of being bitten by a spider could mean there is someone in your life right now who is criticizing you, or you are having a conflict with a mother figure, and it is affecting you emotionally.
It could also mean you must pay attention to hidden emotions you may feel about people in your life.
6. Dreaming of a Black Widow Spider
A black widow spider is poisonous, which could have a negative meaning. Try to be more aware of the women in your life because a black widow in your dream signifies that someone may be deceitful or trying to manipulate you.
7. Dreaming of a White Spider
A white spider is considered to be a good omen. Dreaming of a white spider can mean good fortune is on the horizon for you, as well as positive changes or new beginnings.
If you’ve been feeling stuck or trapped in your life, a dream of a white spider can be a sign that you’ll start a positive change in your life soon.
8. Dreaming of Spiders in Real Life
Dreaming of spiders in real life could mean you have fears and anxieties that are unavoidable in your waking life. Spiders are primarily symbols of fear, which could mean you must pay attention to what keeps you scared.
9. Dreaming of Being Afraid of the Spider
If you dream about being afraid of a spider, ask yourself what you are stressing about in real life. Is there a person in your life that evokes the same emotions as the spider in your dream? Or your job gives you fear or a new endeavor.
Reflect on what areas of your life are bringing you fear and anxiety, and provide it with attention.
A Word of Advice
When you dream of spiders, there’s no need to worry. All you need to do is reflect on your waking life and try to relate the dream symbols of spiders.
What area in your life requires you to apply courage and strength? What problems do you have that need creativity? What do you want to create or manifest?
Though we’ve presented the most common interpretations of dreams, the true meaning is always personal. This means you need to assess the issues you face in real life to understand what your dreams tell you.
Your dreams are a reflection of your subconscious thoughts. There are things in your life that are stressing you out or desires you can’t openly admit, and deceptive people in your life with red flags you seem to be ignoring.
Listen to what your mind and body are telling you, and use your spider dreams to help give you the answers you need.
FAQ
1. Is dreaming of spiders good luck?
Dreaming of white spiders is considered to be good luck. Dreaming of a spider weaving a web is also a sign that you’re using your creativity and personal strength to achieve a positive life outcome.
2. What does a spider mean in a dream spiritually?
Spiders are associated with female energy since a spider weaving a web is about creation. Spiders in dreams generally mean you must listen to your female energy or pay attention to the women in your life.
3. What does it mean when you dream about a giant spider?
Dreaming about a giant spider means something big in your life needs your attention. This could be a problem you need to solve, a deceitful person you need to get rid of, or a feeling of being trapped that you need to break free from.
4. Are spiders a good omen?
Spiders can be both good and bad omens. To determine whether your spider dreams bring you good or bad messages, look at the details of your dream and relate the symbolisms we’ve mentioned to your waking life.
