Spider A Symbol Of Deviousness

This column is intended as entertainment. But psychologists who work with clients’ dreams say that dreams can hold a tremendous amount of significance; a particularly disturbing or repetitive dream may indicate the need to see a therapist.

Dear Nancy: This dream really scared me. What could it mean? - Joann

I am in a bathroom sitting on a toilet. In the corner I see a huge spider measuring 1 foot across. His legs are fat and hairy. Then, I am standing and the spider is on the toilet. I am watching him carefully. I know that one of his legs can move very quickly and that he is dangerous.

Dear Joann: This dream carries with it a warning: Someone or something close to you is not to be trusted. The bathroom and toilet are symbols of elimination; take a look at your life and see what should be removed.

Spiders are generally tricksters; they use their web to trap and devour their prey. The size of this spider is larger than life. This shows that you have quite a mental or emotional investment in this symbol and what it represents. I would advise you to ask yourself “Who or what in my life do I need to be cautious and wary of?”

Dear Nancy: I keep thinking about this dream, but I have no idea what it means. Could you help me? - Diane

My boyfriend and I were riding on a motorcycle down a country road. A big, beautiful bear ran out, stood in front of us, then walked away. Farther down the road we saw a small herd of cattle in a corral. They were really staring at us. One of the bulls started walking toward us looking threatening. He turned into a huge black bear.

I was terrified. He reared up in front of us and I knew that I must let go of all my fear and relax as much as possible. The bear came toward me, touched me twice in the solar plexus, and then walked away.

Dear Diane: This is a very strong dream filled with rich symbolism. The motorcycle shows a need for balance and freedom for your own life journey. The cattle in the paddock represent your own peaceful, nurturing nature; also, the part of you that feels penned-in or restrained. As the bull steps forward he is transformed into the bear, a wild creature with all his instincts and strength intact. The bear is that part of yourself that is protective and fierce and will not be subservient. You are afraid but stand your ground and allow the bear to touch you in your solar plexus, your own “power center.”

Being touched by such a mighty symbol in a dream means that the bear is giving you a gift of his own energy. This is a part of yourself that is coming into being. When you have accepted the peaceful, nurturing side of yourself along with the powerful, fierce aspects, you will have the balance you are looking for in your life.

I am excited for you, Diane. This will be a great transformation for you. When you meet the bear in a dream again, become its friend, for it is a great ally.

Note to readers: Remember that only you can truly interpret your own dreams so if the definition of a symbol does not feel right to you, keep searching inside yourself to find the true meaning. Your symbols are your own; one person’s frightening monster will be another’s source of mystery and power.

xxxx