What Does It Mean to Dream About Spiders?

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Interpret the meanings of a dream about spiders or spider webs
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The creepy, crawly nature of spiders can give you the heebie-jeebies in real life, but what does it mean when they show up in your dreams? Dreaming of spiders often symbolizes what’s going on in your waking life, whether you feel anxious and stressed or creative and lucky. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about what it means to dream about spiders and spider webs, including common meanings, specific scenarios, and dreaming of different types of spiders. Plus, learn how to interpret and stop recurring spider dreams.

Spider Dream Meaning

Dreaming of spiders often symbolizes fear and anxiety in your waking life. You may feel trapped or stressed by a situation, and the dream may be your subconscious mind's way of expressing those feelings. Spider dreams can also be positive, however, as they may represent creativity, spiritual protection, or good luck.

Section 1 of 6:

Possible Meanings of a Spider Dream

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  1. Step 1 Dreaming of spiders may indicate you’re anxious or stressed.
    Real-life worries can manifest as spiders in your dreams. If spiders give you the creeps when you’re awake, they probably frighten you in your dreams, too. Some researchers believe dreaming helps the brain process difficult emotions.[1] Therefore, being a symbol of fear for many people, spiders may enter your dreams as an embodiment of anxiety.
    • Responding to This Dream Meaning: Write down all the things that are making you anxious or stressed. Then, make a plan to tackle the things you can control.
    • For example, if you’re worried about an upcoming trip, make a list of everything you need to pack and map out your daily agenda so you feel more prepared.
  2. Step 2 Spiders may symbolize creativity and wisdom.
    In mythologies around the world, like the Greek myth of Arachne, spiders have been associated with creative jobs like weaving, basket making, and sewing. If your dream is positive, it may mean you’re feeling particularly creative or that you should invest your energy into your creative interests.[2]
    • Responding to This Dream Meaning: If you’ve been considering taking up a creative hobby, like painting, music, or writing, now may be the time to take that leap.
    • In Greek mythology, Arachne was a skilled weaver whom the goddess Athena turned into a spider because Arachne beat her in a weaving contest.
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  3. Step 3 Spiders can symbolize manipulation and lying.
    The presence of bugs in dreams can literally mean “something’s bugging you,” especially if bugs creep you out in real life. Because spiders are generally associated with lies and deceit—think of the phrase “a web of lies”—you may dream about spiders when you feel misguided or deceived.[3]
    • Responding to This Dream Meaning: Take time to reflect on your dream by thinking of context. For example, maybe a friend recently told you they weren’t free to hang out even though you have a hunch they were. You may dream of a spider crawling on or near this friend because of your suspicion.
    • In this example, talking to your friend about your suspicions can help you dream peacefully, as confronting the lie can ease the subconscious feeling of being caught in a web of lies.
    • Dishonesty doesn’t have to come from a friend or family member. You might be dreaming about spiders because you’ve been dishonest with yourself.
  4. Step 4 Dreaming of spiders may mean you’re spiritually protected.
    With eight legs, spiders mirror the world’s energy and life cycle, making them symbols of a higher power. Seeing a spider may suggest that your destiny is being woven and your spirit is protected.[4]
    • Responding to This Dream Meaning: Say a prayer or do a chant before you fall asleep to invite positive renewing energy into your dreams.
    • In Chinese culture, a spider appearing in a dream is sometimes seen as a divine visitation from the creator.
  5. Step 5 Spiders can represent mother figures or feminine energy.
    Psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud associated spiders with protective or angry mother figures or a fear of one’s own femininity. If you have a complicated relationship with your mother or recently had a negative interaction with her, there’s a chance the spider in your dreams could symbolize that relationship or your mother herself.[5]
    • Freud may have associated spiders with angry mothers because spiders prey on smaller insects, which could represent children.
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Section 2 of 6:

Different Spider Dreams & Their Meanings

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  1. Step 1 Spider crawling on you
    According to psychoanalyst Carl Jung, spiders crawling on you in a dream can represent your shadow self, or the darker, unknown side of your unconscious. This dream scenario could indicate that you’re afraid of the unknown parts of yourself or that you’re facing some adversity that’s negatively affecting your life.[6]
    • Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung theorized that personalities are divided into the persona and the shadow. The persona represents the person at the forefront of our personalities, otherwise known as consciousness. The shadow represents the darker, unknown parts of our unconscious.
    • Jung believed we could not move forward in life without encountering and acknowledging our shadows.
    • It’s perfectly normal to fear things, especially when it comes to the unknown. What’s important is acknowledging these fears as they are. They do not define you, and you can overcome them.
  2. Step 2 Killing a spider
    If you kill a spider in your dream, it can symbolize facing your fears. One dream theory suggests that we dream about upsetting and frightening situations to practice our fight-or-flight instincts. A spider can symbolize an obstacle in your life—a disloyal partner, upcoming test, etc. When given the opportunity to kill the spider in your dream, your fight or flight response is challenged, and it often signifies that you’re ready to face your problems in real life.[7]
    • It takes very little effort to kill a spider in real life. Yes, it may jump or scurry away, but you can catch it. Think of how this represents your daily fears. You can conquer whatever you set your mind to if you just take that first step toward the fight.
    • If you kill multiple spiders in your dream, it may mean you have such an extreme need for security and protection that you’re isolating yourself from others. Remember, it’s okay to be vulnerable, and others can often offer you the support you’re searching for.
  3. Step 3 Spider biting you
    Spiders are often known for their venomous bites, and dreaming of being bitten might mean you’ve felt the “sting” of betrayal. You may have recently been criticized or betrayed by someone close to you, like a friend, relative, or coworker, or you’re having difficulty trusting someone because you’re afraid they’re going to hurt you.[8]
    • If you feel betrayed, try surrounding yourself with people who care about you. Lean on them as you heal rather than isolating yourself.
  4. Step 4 Multiple spiders surrounding you
    If spiders surround you in your dream, you’re likely afraid of something. Maybe you have a big test coming up or are worried about the future. Either way, something is scaring you.[9] Your mind uses your dreams to practice problem-solving, so this may be your brain's way of facing your fears.
    • This can also be true if you dream of one large spider. Large spiders or multiple spiders often mean you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or problems in your life.
    • Make a list of all the things you're proud of. These can be as big or small victories as you like. Then, if you wake from a dream or nightmare full of spiders, pull out your list. The list will help you remember that you are capable of so many great things. Your fears don’t have to hold you back.
  5. Step 5 Spider crossing your path
    A spider scurrying across your path in your dream could be good luck. Spiders aren’t always a bad omen. In many religions and cultures, these crawling creatures represent luck and good fortune. If you encounter a spider web or spider in your dream, it may mean your wishes will be granted or that new opportunities and rewards are coming your way.[10]
    • Consider what’s going on in your life. Are you expecting a promotion? Have you been working really hard towards a goal?
    • A spider or spider web could symbolize that everything will work in your favor, so keep your head up and keep at it!
  6. Step 6 Catching a spider
    Dreaming about catching a spider and/or releasing it outside is often a positive sign. In this case, spiders may represent worries and concerns, and by catching them, your subconscious is telling you you’re capable of facing and overcoming them.
  7. Step 7 Friendly spiders
    If the spiders are especially friendly in your dream, it could signify wisdom, growth, or transformation. Because of their ability to build and rebuild intricate webs, spiders have long been associated with transformation and rebirth. If you dream of friendly spiders when starting a new path (like a new job or new relationship), the spiders may be a symbol of guidance and protection.[11]
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Section 3 of 6:

Dreaming of Different Types of Spiders

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  1. Step 1 Tarantulas
    Because tarantulas are generally big spiders, dreaming of them often suggests you might be going through a physical or emotional period of growth. It may be time to focus on personal development or to change how you present yourself to the world. Tarantulas also sometimes represent the self and good luck.[12]
    • If the tarantula is frightening in your dream, it might mean that it’s time for you to take a look at your beliefs and fears that are stopping you from achieving your goals.
    • Dreaming of any large spider or multiple spiders, not just tarantulas, can also indicate a period of growth.
  2. Step 2 Black Widows
    Dreaming of a black widow might mean you’re in danger. Notorious for their red hourglass marking and venomous bite, black widows are one of the most dangerous spiders. Interacting with a black widow in a dream could signify that danger is near and that you need to proceed with caution.[13]
    • Keep an eye out the next day for any dangers. Who knows? The black widow may be trying to warn you of something you can prevent.
    • This interpretation can also be true when dreaming of any black or red spider.
  3. Step 3 Brown spiders
    Dreaming of brown spiders is usually a positive sign, as it symbolizes comfort, stability, and patience. It often means you feel grounded or encourages you to put effort into things that would make you feel more secure in yourself, your relationships, and your life in general. Brown spiders can also symbolize fertility and abundance and serve as a reminder to appreciate the good things you have in your life.[14]
  4. Step 4 White spiders
    Dreaming of a white spider is often a sign of good luck, positivity, and new beginnings. It may indicate that a higher power is protecting you or that good things are headed your way. White spiders can also be a reminder to stay positive, even when times are tough.[15]
  5. Step 5 Small spiders
    Dreaming of small spiders often symbolizes creativity and adaptability. You may be going through a phase where quick decisions and adjustments are needed in your life. It’s time to embrace and adapt to the changes so you can grow as a person.[16]
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Section 4 of 6:

Dreaming of a Spider Web Meaning

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  1. Step 1 Being stuck in a spider web
    Being stuck in a web might mean you’re feeling trapped or emotionally isolated. Spiders are well-known for crafting beautifully delicate webs that capture their prey. You can imagine how isolating and terrifying that must be for the fly, and perhaps you’re feeling the same way. If you find yourself tangled in a spider web or cobweb in your dream, you may be lonely.[17]
    • Acknowledge your emotions and ask yourself why you’re feeling the way you are.
    • What can you do to feel more emotionally open and accepted? Sometimes, talking about your feelings can squash fears and worries.
  2. Step 2 Seeing a spider web
    Envisioning a spider web when you sleep is sometimes believed to banish evil spirits so you can sleep peacefully. In North America, the Chippewa people use spider webs as inspiration for their dream catchers. These delicate and handcrafted ornaments are hung above beds and cradles to capture evil.[18] The same principle can work inside of your dreams, too. If you see a spider web at the beginning of a dream, this could be a sign that your dream ahead will be peaceful.
    • Hang a dream catcher above your bed, or think of spider webs as you fall asleep. These strategies may help you sleep more soundly. Just make sure to purchase an authentic dream catcher from a Native American tribe. Otherwise, it could be considered cultural appropriation.
  3. Step 3 Spider weaving a web
    If a spider is making a web in your dream, it might indicate you’re weaving a web of lies. Maybe you’ve recently manipulated someone by lying to a friend, family member, or even yourself. The guilt of this lie is manifesting in your dreams as a spider or web. Take this as a sign to unravel any lies you may have told.[19]
    • Your mind often uses dreams to rehearse an emotionally charged situation. In this case, your mind may be dealing with guilt.
    • Be honest with yourself and those around you to banish those creepy crawlers from your dreams.
    • If the dream seems more positive, it might mean you’ll soon be appreciated for your hard work. This meaning is related to the dedication spiders implement in creating their intricate webs.
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Interpret Your Spider Dream

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  1. Step 1 Keep a dream journal.
    Keeping a dream journal can help you find meanings and patterns in your dreams. Write down everything you remember about the dream as soon as you wake up, as you’ll likely forget details as the day goes by. Include details like what you’re doing in the dream, what the spider is doing, what the spider looks like, and if there are any other important characters. Write down any notable colors, as well, as different colors symbolize different things.[20]
  2. Step 2 Consider how you feel about spiders.
    When interpreting your dream, it’s important to consider your general opinion of spiders. Are you scared of them, or do you like them? Are they creepy or cute? If you don’t like spiders, the dream will likely be negative, but if you like them, it could have a more positive interpretation.[21]
  3. Step 3 Ask yourself about the context of the dream.
    Did you wake in a cold sweat with your heart pounding, or did you wake feeling well-rested and calm? Was the spider terrorizing you in your dream, or did it just happen to be there? Did you recognize the setting, and was it important to you? Ask yourself questions about what happened and how it made you feel. Considering the specific scenario is an important part of interpreting the dream, as it will help you narrow it down to positive or negative meanings.[22]
  4. Step 4 Think about what’s happening in your life.
    If you’ve recently been facing challenges or changes, this could be influencing your subconscious, as dreams often help us process our emotions. Think about the things that have happened in your life and how you’ve reacted to them. Do your dreams remind you of something from your waking life? Making these connections can add valuable insight to your dreams.[23]
  5. Step 5 Consider if the dream is recurring.
    If you’re having a recurring dream or nightmare, it often means you’re having trouble processing something. While a one-off spider dream could hold no special meaning, if it keeps happening, your subconscious is likely trying to tell you something.[24]
    • For example, recurring dreams are often a sign of stress, so think about what might be stressing you out in your waking life.
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Section 6 of 6:

How to Stop Dreaming of Spiders

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  1. Step 1 Manage your stress.
    If you’re constantly having nightmares about spiders, it’s likely a sign that you’re overworked or stressed in your waking life. Take some time to figure out what might be causing the stress, as this is probably what the spiders in your dreams represent. Then, do what you can to manage your stress levels, like setting boundaries, exercising, meditating, and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms, like alcohol.[25]
  2. Step 2 Create a calming bedtime routine.
    Giving yourself time to wind down before going to sleep can help calm your mind and prevent nightmares or stress-related dreams. Try taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music. An hour before you go to sleep, turn off all electronics like your TV or phone to improve your sleep quality.[26]
    • Somnologist Alex Dimitriu says “Chamomile tea can be part of a healthy bedtime ritual. Lavender oil or scent can also lower anxiety and improve sleep by raising levels of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter.”
  3. Step 3 Try different relaxation strategies.
    Relaxation strategies help calm your physiological stress response, relax your muscles, and lower tension in your body. Something as simple as taking deep, slow breaths from your diaphragm can help, or try progressive muscle relaxation, in which you tense and release each muscle individually to relax them.[27]
    • Dimitriu recommends systemic relaxation: “Start with your shoulders, eyes, and jaw, and think about relaxing all these muscles. Try some deep breathing. Square breathing works well—in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and breathe out for 4. After a few cycles, continue the square breathing and try to visualize something relaxing.”
  4. Step 4 Seek medical help, if necessary.
    If no other strategies help and the spider dreams are negatively affecting your daily life, it may be time to seek professional treatment. This step may be especially necessary if the dreams began after a traumatic experience, as you may need additional support to recover from your symptoms. Talk to your doctor to see if medication, therapy, and or behavioral treatments could help.[28]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What can I do to remember my dreams?
    Alex Dimitriu, MD
    Alex Dimitriu, MD
    Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional
    Alex Dimitriu, MD is the Owner of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, a clinic based in the San Francisco Bay Area with expertise in psychiatry, sleep, and transformational therapy. Alex earned his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook University in 2005 and graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine's Sleep Medicine Residency Program in 2010. Professionally, Alex has dual board certification in psychiatry and sleep medicine.
    Alex Dimitriu, MD
    Alex Dimitriu, MD
    Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional
    Expert Answer
    You could try waking up during your dream. Researchers have found that people who wake up during a dream remember it better. As another option, you could try lucid dreaming, which is when you're asleep but awake enough to be aware of your dreams.
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  • The way you interpret your dream may also depend on your culture. Some cultures see spiders as a symbol of good luck, while others see them as omens.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/sleep/understanding-dreams
  2. ↑ https://sites.psu.edu/aed590f21/agbeze/
  3. ↑ https://dreaminterpretation.info/what-does-it-mean-to-dream-about-spiders/
  4. ↑ https://druidry.org/resources/spiders-as-spiritual-guides
  5. ↑ https://pep-web.org/search/document/IJP.004.0313A
  6. ↑ https://www.thesap.org.uk/articles-on-jungian-psychology-2/about-analysis-and-therapy/the-shadow/
  7. ↑ https://www.alittlesparkofjoy.com/dreaming-of-spiders/
  8. ↑ https://www.psychologistworld.com/dreams/dictionary/spider
  9. ↑ https://dreaminterpretation.info/what-does-it-mean-to-dream-about-spiders/
  1. ↑ https://www.sunsigns.com/dreams/spiders-and-snakes-dream-interpretation
  2. ↑ https://www.astrology.com/spiritual-meaning-animals/spider
  3. ↑ https://tucsonspiritualdirection.org/spiritual-meaning/tarantula
  4. ↑ https://mindberg.org/insights/black-widow-spider-dream-meaning/
  5. ↑ https://tucsonspiritualdirection.org/spiritual-meaning/brown-spider
  6. ↑ https://www.astrology.com/spiritual-meaning-animals/white-spider
  7. ↑ https://www.astrology.com/spiritual-meaning-animals/spider
  8. ↑ https://mindberg.org/insights/giant-spiders-dream-meaning-interpretation-and-symbolism/
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553613/
  10. ↑ https://www.dreamsguideme.com/spider-web-dream-meaning/
  11. ↑ https://dreamstudies.org/how-to-keep-a-dream-journal/
  12. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/dream-analysis-and-interpretation
  13. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/dream-analysis-and-interpretation
  14. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/dream-analysis-and-interpretation#what-dreams-tell-you-about-mental-health
  15. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams/dream-interpretation/recurring-dreams
  16. ↑ https://health.cornell.edu/resources/health-topics/stress-management
  17. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/ways-to-shut-off-your-brain-before-bedtime#help-me-sleep-now
  18. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/relaxation-exercises-and-techniques#for-everyday-relief
  19. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2919672/

About This Article

Alex Dimitriu, MD
Co-authored by:
Alex Dimitriu, MD
Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional
This article was co-authored by Alex Dimitriu, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Alex Dimitriu, MD is the Owner of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, a clinic based in the San Francisco Bay Area with expertise in psychiatry, sleep, and transformational therapy. Alex earned his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook University in 2005 and graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine's Sleep Medicine Residency Program in 2010. Professionally, Alex has dual board certification in psychiatry and sleep medicine. This article has been viewed 54,522 times.
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Updated: August 5, 2024
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