Spider symbolism is found all around the world as spiders have inhabited the Earth for more than 300 million years. They are found on every continent other than Antarctica.
Even though many people have a fear of spiders, many consider them to be a good omen. The spider is thought to symbolize artistry, interconnection, balance, and more.
What Does a Spider Symbolize?
- Artistry
- Illusion
- Balance
- Female Empowerment
- Interconnection
- Manifestation
- Ancient Wisdom
- Patience
Artistry
Spiders are thought to symbolize artistry because of their iridescent webs. They take the time to weave their webs in optimal locations.
If one of the strands breaks, spiders will weave a web again. These webs are well-constructed and strong, and they involve repeating patterns that will converge at a single point.
Illusion
Spiders are skilled in the art of illusion and entrapment. They are able to create their webs in a way that can trap other creatures.
Balance
Spiders are thought to symbolize balance. They play a critical role in keeping natural ecosystems in balance and healthy. While their part in supporting nature and life is important, they are also killing machines.
Female Empowerment
Female spiders are symbols of woman empowerment and female power. Generally, female spiders are larger and live longer than male spiders.
It is also known that a female spider might destroy a male. In addition, female spiders can stand on their own and defend themselves.
Interconnection
The spider’s web is thought to symbolize interconnection. Whether it is the World Wide Web or a spider’s web, a web can show how we are all interconnected with one another.
Manifestation
Spiders are often seen as a symbol of manifestation because of their patient and methodical approach to weaving intricate webs. Their ability to systematically create a web can be interpreted as a metaphor for developing and manifesting one’s goals and desires.
Constructing a web and then waiting patiently for their prey to come to them is symbolic of the idea that with careful planning, persistence, and patience, one can attract and achieve their desired outcomes in life. In this context, spiders are a reminder of the power of intention, patience, and the gradual building of one’s dreams and aspirations.
Ancient Wisdom
Since spiders have inhabited the world for more than 300 million years, they are also symbols of ancient wisdom. They have all of their history and experiences wrapped up in their DNA. Spiders remind us to study history so that we can learn from the past.
Patience
Spiders are symbols of patience since they are able to weave an intricate web. Weaving a web takes a lot of time and energy, and it has to be done often. If there is strong wind or a human, the web can be easily broken and therefore needs to be repaired. It also takes time for prey to fly into the web.
The spider reminds us of the importance of patience and self-governance. Possessing these two qualities is how you create or get what you seek in life. Spiders can remind you that good things will come to those who wait. When spiders are faced with difficulties, they are not deterred.
Spider Totem Animal
The spider totem animal is a helpful symbol of female empowerment. It is also a useful symbol to help foster creativity and manifest what you wish to achieve in the future.
If you have the spider totem animal, you can be creative and inventive. You are also viewed as someone who never gives up or stops trying to reach your goals.
Spider Spirit Animal
Pros of a Spider Spirit Animal
- You are an adept networker. You have many social and familial contacts that can help you meet people.
- You are good with your hands.
- You feel and envision what you want to create in your mind and manifest it in the real world. You are then able to create something unique and extraordinary out of nothing.
- You are considered an old soul which has made you open-minded. You can put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
- You are a good planner, and you can make the most of your resources.
- You are able to “fake it till you make it.” You can act as if you are capable and you can appear to be confident when feeling otherwise.
Cons of a Spider Spirit Animal
- You are not always the strongest communicator, which leads to misunderstanding.
- You like to be alone or you have a preference for solitude, which can negatively impact your social connections. You can easily isolate yourself, which can also make you feel disconnected.
- You can find it challenging to navigate your relationships or situations.
Spider Color Symbolism
Black Spider Meaning
Black spiders can be a reminder to invite more mystery and discretion into your life. It can remind you to think for yourself and do what is best for you. The color black symbolizes mystery, elegance, rebellion, and formality.
Black Spiders Include
- Black Jumping Spider
- Black House Spider
- Black Widow
- Black Lace Weaver Spider
Brown Spider Meaning
Brown spiders can be a reminder to get in touch with the things that truly matter. They can remind you to ground yourself and honor the things that helped you get to where you currently are. The color brown is associated with security, groundedness, and stability.
Brown Spider Types
- Wolf spider
- Brown Recluse
- Tarantulas
- Sac Spider
Gray Spider Meaning
Gray spiders are symbols for manifesting more balance and calm energy in your life. The color gray symbolizes balance, calmness, and mystery since gray is the color of fog and mist.
Gray Spiders
- Gray Wall Jumper
- Cellar Spider
- American House Spider
- Gray Cross Spider
Red Spider Meaning
The red spider is a symbol for reacting to something quickly, or before it happens. You may need to protect yourself or those around you that you care about.
You should also be watchful for opportunities coming your way and then act on those. The color red is thought to symbolize passion, action, excitement, primal energy, and wealth.
Red Spiders Include
- Red Orb-weaver
- Red Jumping Spider
- Red House Spider
- Red Crab Spider
White Spider Meaning
The color white symbolizes simplicity and purity, so if you see a white spider, it can be a sign to embrace minimalism in your life.
White Spiders Types
- White Sac Spider
- Goldenrod Crab Spider
- White-banded Fishing Spider
- White Micrathena Spider
Are Spiders a Good Omen?
For those who understand spiders, they are a good omen. In some cultures, spiders are viewed positively.
They can signify wealth if you find one in your home. Their webs can trap negative energy, which can bring good luck.
Dead Spider Symbolism
Many believe that a dead spider symbolizes transformation and renewal. Since spiders are symbols of abundance and prosperity, a dead spider is also seen as a sign of luck.
Some believe that the death of a spider is a symbolic offering of their lives so that they can remain safe from energies that could harm them. It’s also believed that death could indicate an imbalance between your energy and the environment, including interpersonal relationships.
Spider Tattoo Meaning
A spider tattoo can hold diverse meanings depending on the individual’s interpretation. It often symbolizes creativity, patience, and the weaving of one’s destiny, reflecting the spider’s intricate web-building skills.
Additionally, a spider tattoo can represent transformation and adaptability, mirroring how spiders shed their skins as they grow. Some may also associate spider tattoos with mystery, cunning, or a connection to the unknown, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic nature of these creatures in various cultures and mythologies.
What Does Seeing a Spider in Your Dreams Mean?
Dream interpretation is highly subjective, and the meaning of seeing a spider in your dreams can vary depending on your personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions. The interpretation of a spider dream should be based on your unique circumstances and emotions at the time of the dream.
It’s essential to consider the context of the dream and your own feelings and associations with spiders. If a dream about spiders is causing you distress or confusion, you might find it helpful to consult with a dream analyst or therapist to explore its deeper meaning.
Creativity and Patience
Spiders are often seen as symbols of creativity and patience because of their intricate web-building process. Dreaming of a spider may indicate a need to be more patient in a creative project or to embrace your creative side.
Feminine Energy
In some cultures, spiders are associated with feminine energy and qualities like receptivity, nurturing, and intuition. A spider in your dream could be a reminder to tap into these aspects of yourself or to pay attention to important women in your life.
Feeling Trapped
Spiders can also symbolize feeling trapped or ensnared, as they capture prey in their webs. Dreaming of a spider might suggest that you feel entangled in a situation or that you need to break free from something in your waking life.
Fear and Anxiety
For those who have arachnophobia or a fear of spiders, dreaming of spiders can represent underlying fears or anxieties. It may be a way for your subconscious mind to process and confront these fears.
Change and Transformation
Some people associate spiders with transformation because they shed their skins as they grow. Dreaming of a spider may signify a period of change or personal growth in your life.
Weaving Your Fate
Spiders are sometimes seen as weavers of destiny or fate. Therefore, a spider in your dream might suggest that you are actively shaping your future or that you are considering the consequences of your actions.
How to Interpret a Spider Encounter
See a white spider
If you see or encounter a white spider, it could be a sign to embrace more simplicity in your life. This includes your thoughts and getting rid of the ones that aren’t beneficial.
Spider falls down on you from above
If a spider falls on you from above, this is considered to be a good sign. It means that you will be struck with inspiration and good ideas.
Spider passes away
If you see a spider pass away in your presence, it can indicate that you should pay closer attention to how you are feeling and listen to your inner voice. You may have some unresolved worries that you have been holding onto.
Spider is running away
If you see a spider running away, it could be a sign that you have been putting something off. It’s time to start working on any unfinished projects if you have been procrastinating.
See a spider on a web
If you see a spider on a web, it means that you have valuable ideas that haven’t come to fruition yet and can become even more valuable. This can be a sign to start thinking about those ideas in more detail.
What Should You Do When You See a Spider?
When you see a spider, think about whether or not you found it to be meaningful. If yes, ask yourself if you feel safe in your surroundings to figure out what the sighting could mean.
Spider Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings Throughout the World
Australian Aboriginal Spider Myth
Aboriginal Australians depicted spiders in artwork and they have numerous tales that include spiders. Some of the tales tell the story of the “red-backed spider,” which is thought to be the Australian black widow. Her name is Kara, and it is said that she captures young men.
According to the Aborigines, you can see Kara in the sky as Rigel. Rigel is a bright star found in the Orion constellation.
In another story, the spider is a male deity known as Karr. The deity travels throughout swamps to coordinate with the winds so that rain will fall.
Ancient Peru Spider Symbolism
In Ancient Peru, the Moche, Cupisnique, Chavin, and Nazca people depicted spiders in their artworks. Archeologists believe that spiders’ webs are what most likely inspired the nets used for hunting and fishing.
It’s also believed that the early Peruvians associated the spider with prosperity, abundance, fertility, and water for its vitality.Temples over 3,000 years old that were discovered by archaeologists depicted spider deities.
The Nazca revered spiders, and they are famous for the Nazca lines which were created sometime between 500 BC-400 AD. They are large drawings in the desert, and one of the geoglyphs is of a giant spider.
Spider Symbolism in China
In China, the spider is viewed as a positive omen. It’s thought that the spider brings happiness during the morning and during the evening the spider brings wealth. The spider is known as ximu.
Islam Spider Symbolism
In Islamic culture, it is believed that the spider should be respected since they were viewed as a protector. In one legend, the prophet Muhammad was being chased by Quraysh warriors who wanted to kill Muhammad.
They wanted to stop him from preaching. When Muhammad reached Mecca with his father-in-law, Abu Bakr, they hid in a cave they found in Thowr Mountain.
The legend states that Allah commanded a spider to weave a web in order to close off the entrance in the case. They thought that no one would make their way through the web, so they kept moving and were safe.
Japanese Spider Symbolism
In Japanese culture, there are supernatural entities known as spider yokai. They were able to shapeshift into people.
In one legend, Minamoto no Yormisu, the Japanese folk hero, battles a mythical spider known as Tsuchigumo. During the battle, Tsuchigumo shapeshifts into a serving boy who is thought to be administering medicine to Yorimitsu. The medicine was actually spider venom.
Jorōgumo, another spider yokai, was able to shapeshift into a seductive woman who entices them and turns them into her home. She would keep them captive by spinning her silk threads around them.
Mesoamerica Spider Mythology
The Great Goddess of Teotihuacan, a celebrated earth goddess by the Mayas and other pre-Columbian societies, was often depicted alongside numerous spiders. The goddess was also known as the Spider Woman of Teotihuacan. It’s believed that she was a fertility goddess but also a goddess of death as a symbol of balance.
Native American Spider Symbolism
Native American tribes throughout the southwestern and eastern United States have legends about a Spider Grandmother. According to the tales, the Spider Grandmother lives underground but will come to help people if she is called upon. It is thought the Spider Grandmother is symbolic of an old and wise woman.
Cherokee Indian Tribe
The Cherokee have a tale about how sunlight found its way to the people, which involves spider symbolism. According to Cherokee legend, there was no light on Earth, and the animals and humans struggled to find their way. They lived in fear and uncertainty.
In this tale, it was the Grandmother Spider who took it upon herself to bring light to the world. She wove a magnificent web that eventually reached the heavens where the sun resided.
As she descended, she brought a piece of the sun back to Earth and illuminated the world for the first time. The Cherokee people regard the Grandmother Spider as a reminder of the power of determination and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges and bringing light into one’s life.
Spider Symbolism in African Folklore
In West Africa, Anansi was a spider deity who ruled wisdom and storytelling. He enjoyed causing mischief and he was cunning. Spider tales, which were part of Anansi culture, are similar to fables since they are cautionary stories.
Ancient Egypt Spider Symbolism
According to one ancient Egyptian legend, the Egyptian creation goddess Neith created the universe and she associated it with spiders. She was depicted as the weaver who wove the Universe.
Spider Symbolism in Celtic Mythology
In Celtic mythology, the spider is often associated with the goddess known as the “Spinner” or “Weaver of Fate.” The spider’s intricate web is seen as a symbol of creation, destiny, and interconnectedness in Celtic beliefs.
It represents the weaving of the past, present, and future, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life. Additionally, the spider’s ability to craft its web is a metaphor for the power of creation and the importance of patience and skill in shaping one’s destiny.
Spider Symbolism in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, the spider is linked to the story of Arachne, a mortal woman known for her exceptional weaving skills. Arachne challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving contest and, although her work was exquisite, it was seen as disrespectful.
Athena then transformed Arachne into a spider, condemning her to weave forever. The spider’s association with weaving and creativity in this context serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of challenging divine authority.
Spider Web Symbolism in Hinduism and Buddhism
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the spider web is a symbol of how everything in the universe is connected. Known as Indra’s Web, it can be found in Buddhist and Hindu texts.
Indra was revered as the ruler of the gods. In fact, his web is thought to be an infinite cosmic web extending in all directions.