Dreams About Spiders: What They Mean, Interpretation, & More

Co-authored by Alex Dimitriu, MD and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 17, 2022 References

The creepy, crawly nature of spiders can give you the heebie-jeebies in real life, so what does it mean when they show up in your dreams? According to Sigmund Freud, dreams serve as symbolic representations of our unconscious thoughts and desires.^{[1]
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Research source} With this theory in mind, spiders can be seen as more than a spooky image, conveying real-life emotions, anxieties, and fears. Keep reading to learn what dreaming about spiders means and how they can symbolize what’s going on in your everyday life.

1

You’re feeling trapped.

Being stuck in a web might mean you’re feeling 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.^{[2]
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- 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

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.^{[3]
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Research source} Being a symbol of fear for most people, spiders may enter your dreams as an embodiment of anxiety.
- 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, you might make a list of everything you need to pack and map out your daily agenda so you feel more prepared.

3

You’re fearful of the unknown parts of yourself.

Spiders crawling on you in a dream can represent your shadow self. Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, theorized that personalities are divided into the persona and the shadow.^{[4]
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Research source} Dreaming of spiders crawling on you could be a physical manifestation of your shadow, or the darker side of your unconscious.
- The persona represents the person at the forefront of our personalities, otherwise known as consciousness.
- On the other hand, 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.

4

You’re feeling deceived.

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.^{[5]
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- 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.

5

You’re afraid of something.

If spiders surround you in your dream, you’re fearful. Maybe you have a big test coming up or are worried about the future. Either way, something is scaring you.^{[6]
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Research source} Your mind uses your dreams to practice problem solving, so this may be your brain's way of facing your fears.
- Make a list of all the things you're proud of. These can be as big or small victories at you like.
- Then, if you wake from a dream or nightmare full of spiders, pull out your list. This will help you remember that you are capable of so many great things. Your fears don’t have to hold you back.

6

You’re in danger.

Dreaming of a black widow symbolizes a need to be careful. 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.^{[7]
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- 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.

7

You’re fighting your fears.

If you kill a spider in your dream, you’re preparing for battle. One dream theory suggests that we dream about upsetting and frightening situations to practice our fight or flight instincts.^{[8]
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Research source} 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.^{[9]
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- 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. You just have to take that first step toward the fight.

8

You’re feeling guilty about lying.

If a spider is making a web, 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.^{[10]
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- 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.

9

You’re going to get lucky.

A spider scurry across your path 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.^{[11]
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- 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!

10

You’re being protected.

Dreaming about spiders can mean your spirituality is being looked after. In Chinese culture, a spider appearing in a dream could be a divine visitation from the creator. With eight legs, spiders mirrors 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.^{[12]
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- Say a prayer or do a chant before you fall asleep to invite positive renewing energy into your dreams.

11

You’re going to have sweet dreams.

Envisioning a spider web when you sleep can banish evil spirits. 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.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} 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. This can help you sleep soundly.

Expert Q&A

Question

What can I do to remember my dreams?

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

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.