When your head hits the pillow, the last thing on your mind is probably spiders. Yet, you might find yourself waking up in a cold sweat hours later with the lingering memory of a spider-filled dream.

Before you grab a shoe, let’s unravel the meaning behind these creepy crawly visions. Just because you dreamt about spiders doesn’t mean there’s a nest of the creatures in a corner of your bedroom.

Spider dreams can be interpreted in many different ways, and they weave some pretty deep messages. Dreaming about spiders can indicate stress, anxiety, or fear in your waking life. You may feel trapped by a situation and are unsure about how to navigate the complex web of life.

Another popular interpretation of spiders in dreams is that they represent feminine energy, women, or mother figures.

They can also symbolize creativity and wisdom, as spiders are associated with weavers, basket makers, and creative jobs in mythology.

Some common variations on spider dreams include seeing a giant arachnid, being bit or chased by a spider, or having a lot of spiders crawling all over you.

Dreams with multiple spiders may indicate underlying stress or anxiety that you haven’t yet noticed or confronted while awake.

If you dream about spiders crawling on you, this could signify feelings of overwhelm and insecurity. A spider biting you could mean that you feel betrayed or criticized by someone you trust.