Dreaming of a spider according to psychoanalysis and popular culture

George Alvarez 07-06-2023
George Alvarez

Dreams about spiders have a multitude of meanings. However, between psychoanalytic and popular theory there is an intersection that can direct us to more accurate interpretations if you experience an episode of to dream of a spider .

This type of dream, in principle, can trigger fears due to its harmful nature. For many people, just the image of the animal already seems repulsive to them, an asymmetrical body on eight legs. In other words, this physical fear is also accentuated by the variation in venom that the species may present.

However, animals are in our dreams to tell us something about our reality. They symbolize the primitive instincts and impulses of our primordial nature, so the presence of these beings in our dream experiences needs to be viewed more consciously.

After all, the human being proves nothing more predatory than his subconscious repressed by the limits of our mind Therefore, the dream with spiders must have its meaning investigated in order to provide elements that generate advantages to the dreamer. Thus, it promotes self-knowledge and evolution.

To dream of a spider according to psychoanalysis

According to Jung's psychoanalysis the dream with the spider would represent the primitive psychic world, alien to consciousness. The taking of free will without the presumptions of the illusion of the phenomenal world, thus existing only duality. At the same time creative intelligence and predatism in the same symbology.

In many cultures the spider is linked to the creation of the world, due to the way in which it weaves its web. Thread by thread it shapes the spirals that represent the destiny of mankind, They have the freedom to weave it or to indulge in whatever is reserved for them.

Thus, dreaming of a spider may symbolize a struggle you are having between accepting or creating your destiny.

To dream of a spider escaping

Dreams in which there is an escape from a spider reveal that the individual is deviating from something in his destiny. However, it cannot see something that must be worked with and lived through, so it is necessary to review how it views free will when faced with conflicting situations.

However, if there is the representation of repulsion at the sight of the spider we go to the other extreme. That is, there is the awareness that something is present and its destiny, but refuses to accept it. These are the immutable things, of permanent or momentary nature.

Still, we cannot forget the dual principle of the spider image. Beauty and danger coexist in harmony in this dreamlike scenario. The symmetry of the web's shapes and its attraction to death here is only symbolic. The spider can close here as the possessive or partner-devouring mother.

Dreaming of a spider in the common imagination is invariably linked to traps being set. Thus, the dream of a spider can symbolize:

  • personal betrayal;
  • bad business bet;
  • or various charms that lead to perdition.

This is based on logical conception of spider dynamism . She delicately and patiently weaves the web through which she catches her food. In one of the most elaborate mechanisms ever deciphered by science, a spider's web adjusts itself in conformation to attract and keep prey attached.

Therefore, to dream of a spider would also be connected to the sense of death, given the dangerous nature of the animal. The size of the animal in the dream would symbolize the proportion of the threat that is announced.

In everyday life, spiders are readily repelled and chased away from corners where they settle. This denotes the repulsiveness and the fear of these animals. The presence of spiders and their webs symbolize the old, neglected and abandoned environment. So much so that webs are decoration in typical Halloween celebrations.

The fear associated with spiders is also translated by their silence. After all, spiders are beings that do not vocalize or make noises as they move. Thus, their approach can never be heard, which brings us back again to the context of traps.

Other interpretations of spider symbolism

The spider diligently weaves its web in a centralized way, from a center the spokes of its web are created. In symbolism, this would be linked to the narcissistic nature, obsessed by the center of the "I". Therefore, returning to the psychoanalysis approach, the center of the web would reveal the narcissist's introspection.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

Read Also: To dream of tooth and to dream of tooth falling out

See_also: Decipher me or I'll eat you up: meaning

In many civilizations such as the African and the Oriental, the spider has a strong predominance in the spiritual world. It would even represent the creator gods of the universe, represented in the weaving of the web. This cosmic attribution elevates it to an animal symbol of luck, contrary to Western belief.

Thus, the symbolism of dreaming of a spider differs abruptly as a result of cultural distinction. However, it is always associated with the question of the construction of the paths of destiny, man being the main coadjutant in the construction of each journey.

Work Done

A clear dream about a spider weaving a web can also symbolize recognition for a job performed. Your diligence and dedication to something you build and expect fruit from may be represented there.

In Gothic culture, the spider is used as a symbol of power and danger, and may also represent eternity. After all, the number of its legs corresponds to eight, which is the number taken as a symbol of infinity. A cycle that does not unravel, uninterrupted in its conduction.

Final comments: dreaming of a spider

Our dreams are the most intimate representations we can have of ourselves However, these messages come to us laden with symbolism and unknown elements, thus preventing our clear and precise interpretation, and we then wander among the various possible sources of enlightenment.

Psychoanalysis has certainly brought to light possible readings, that is, it has shown us that we dream more than we can imagine. We are complex beings submerged in our own darkness: our subconscious. An amorphous force that governs all our experiences.

Everything we know, all the answers are there, however, this access is not so simple. After all, it evokes our fears, traumas, and internal conflicts. Therefore, dreams are a voluntary door through which we can see a way through. We must pay attention to and value every revelation that is made to us through them.

Learn More

Dreaming of a spider, for example, depending on your culture, may seem terrifying to you, but stop, breathe, turn to your innermost self, to your moment. It is important to evaluate other elements and the composition of the dream. The whole dream scenario has a reason and purpose, nothing is put there randomly.

See_also: Meaning of Gratitude in the dictionary and in psychology

Dreams are the language of the soul, of your inner self saying: Look at this! Pay attention here. We need to be open to listening and recognize this as an exercise in self-knowledge, indispensable to the fullness of being. Finally, to learn more about dreams and the unconscious, enroll in our online Clinical Psychoanalysis course!

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.