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The Meaning of Spiders in Dreams


A dream is a series of subconscious thoughts that an individual experiences during a conscious or unconscious state of mind. It has been defined as a succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in one’s mind during stages of sleep.  

Most often, dreams are very easy to describe, but their true interpretation depends on how they affect the individual in question. So even if three people can recount the same dream, it may not represent the same outcomes for each of them.  

People dream of different things, and sometimes, this can include spiders. If you didn’t know already, spiders are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs, chelicerae with fangs, are generally able to inject venom, and have spinnerets that exude silk. They can be found in and around most people’s homes. 

Spider dreams may not always foreshadow a negative experience, even though they tend to be the stuff of nightmares. Interpretations of spider dreams can also symbolize good fortune. 

So, before we start interpreting the different types of spider dreams and their symbolism, let us begin with the famous words of Jane Theresa, a dream analyst: “Every symbol is unique and personal to every dreamer, so begin by asking yourself: what do you feel about spiders?” 

Common Interpretations and Emotions Associated with Spider Dreams 

brown spider

First, let’s talk about the different emotions that are often linked to dreams about spiders: 

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1. Feeling Trapped or Entangled  

Spiders build webs that they use to trap smaller insects, so dreaming about spiders could mean that you are feeling entangled, trapped, or captured by a particular person, object or situation. 

2. Attraction or Seduction 

Some animals pounce, some intimidating, and some are elusive, but the spider lures in its prey with its webs, and since everything in your dream pertains to you, dreams of a spider could be a sign that you are connecting with that part of yourself that is attractive, seductive, or enticing.  

3. Realization of Dreams and Desires 

Dreams of a spider could also mean that you are weaving your dreams into reality. This is because spiders weave webs that draw their prey and other necessities to them instead of finding their prey themselves.  

With this point in mind, we can deduce that dreaming about a spider signifies that you should slow down, make your space appealing, and await the attention and benefits that come your way, just like how the spider lures its prey to its web. 

4. Complicated Relationships 

Another way to interpret the appearance of a spider in your dream is to think about the convoluted webs that spiders can spin. As such, the web could point to complicated relationships in your life, or it could point to a situation or a specific relationship that is making you feel trapped. 

If you wake up scared from your dream, figure out who or what in your life is limiting your freedom or making you feel vulnerable or paralyzed. However, do bear in mind that, more often than not, this dream isn’t really about someone or something but about an aspect of yourself that is self-sabotaging. 

Interpretation of Spider Dreams  

Here are some of the more common types of spider dreams and what they are often used to symbolize.  

1. Giant Spiders 

giant spider

Giant Spiders exist in different forms. There is no singular way to describe a giant spider because it could be poisonous. Likewise, when you dream about giant spiders, it can mean different things.  

If you dream of killing a giant spider, it most likely means that you are courageous. The giant spider is known for its toxic and huge attributes, and facing it signals a kind of courage in the involved individual. 

Dreaming of a giant spider could also be construed as a good sign, signifying that success will appear in your life. This is also because giant spiders are known to be toxic and poisonous, and killing them in your dreams could mean that you have defeated challenges that would have deprived you of success. 

Apart from that, dreaming of a giant spider attacking or biting you could be a sign of possible betrayal. Such betrayal tends to come from a close friend or relation who is hell-bent on witnessing your downfall, and the implication of such a dream means they will succeed in betraying you if the spider succeeds in biting you in your dream. 

Spiders are fond of using their web to haunt their prey and eat them alive. So, dreaming about giant spider webs could mean that you are someone’s prey at the moment, and such a person or thing is holding you by force, alerting you to the fact that you need to overcome it. 

2. Killing Spiders  

spider in a web

There are also different interpretations attached to killing spiders in a dream. It could mean that you have successfully terminated a situation that had been bugging you. Apart from that, it could also mark the end of a negative chapter in your life.  

The true meaning attached to this ‘killing a spider’ dream depends on how an individual initially interprets it. Some have interpreted it as freeing oneself from bondage or obstruction, while others have attributed it to the destruction of their enemies. 

However, killing a spider in your dream could also be interpreted as a bad sign, especially if the spider is of a good breed. On the other hand, it could also mean that you are currently facing some problems in real life that you will eventually control, thereby increasing your strengths. 

3. Black Spiders  

black spider

A dream about a black spider often refers to loneliness or isolation as a result of the loss of a loved one. However, it could also mean you are avoiding certain challenges, especially if the spider looks small in your dream. 

A black spider could also symbolize anxiety, depression, or disappointment. But, on the other hand, dreaming about a big black spider means good luck, peace, and tranquility.  

4. White Spiders  

white spider

Usually, spiders have brown colors, and it is unusual to see white spiders, especially in some climates. However, observing a white spider in your dream is a good sign. It symbolizes good news or a sign that you will see your long-distance relatives sooner.  

5. Tarantulas  

If you see a tarantula in your dream, you need to be careful. It may mean conspiracy from a friend or other person. Likewise, it means you have enemies staying close to you. 

Should I Be Worried? 

Whether you love or hate spiders, dreaming about them can be a scary experience. However, as mentioned, not all nightmares about spiders can have negative connotations.  

In some cultures, spiders are seen as a strong symbol of luck, femininity, or even creativity, while in others, they can symbolize caution, a warning not to repeat the same mistakes. 

If you’ve dreamt about a spider, there’s no cause for concern. Simply try to decode what the dream means and see whether it’s telling you something about a deeper issue.  

Wrapping Up 

In conclusion, dreams can be very powerful and sometimes a reliable guide to our existence. But when the essence of our dreams is not duly understood, we might begin to miss clues that suggest patterns, feelings, and desires we long for and how we can access them. So, it is very important to elaborate on the context of these dreams.  

Dreams about spiders can be both good and bad – depending on the context. By understanding the details of the dream and thinking about your specific situation, you will be able to decode your dream’s meaning.  

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Dani Rhys
Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her.