by Last Updated on October 3, 2020 by Avia
Spinning a Web of Spider Tattoo Meanings
Spider Tattoo Meanings and Ideas
This article explores symbolic meaning of spiders in context of tattoo ideas. This is an artistic addendum to spider symbolism (the main spider page I wrote) and goes deeper into spiders in cultural history.
Spiders (and therefore spider tattoo meanings) share their symbolism with the webs they weave.
Countless ancient cultures hailed the spider web as a connective matrix from which all of creation emerged.
As the web mimics the interconnectivity of life/nature – the spider, then, is the creatrix.
For example, in India the spider is a weaver of reality and is a symbol of cosmic order. In this light, the web of reality is spun from the womb of the spider and so, the spider is also a representation of the Upanishads (spiritual wisdom) because the spider is both the creator and the inhabitant of wisdom. Spider tattoo meaning can also be connected to the Hindu concept of Maya (illusion) too as spiders weave crazy webs affecting perception.
The spider is often considered a solar creature and is associated with the sun because of its radiating legs and radiating webs. In this respect, the spider is also symbolic of: Life, vitality, health, radiating energy.
Furthermore, the spider has eight legs which is symbolic of infinity, cycles, time, progression and harmonic balance (more on meaning of number eight here).
In Islam, white spiders are considered good luck symbols. Black spiders…not-so-much.
Alternatively, the spider is also thought of as a lunar creature and is linked with moon symbolism too: Passivity, intuition, mysticism, shadows, cycles, time.
Symbolic Spider Tattoo Meanings
- Luck
- Magic
- Progress
- Thoughtfulness
- Secretiveness
- Thoroughness
- Practicality
- Connectivity
- Creation/Creativity
“To gain happiness,
throw yourself out in all directions
in an adhesive web of love
and catch all that comes”
~Tolstoy
Mythological Deities Associated with the Spider
♦ Neith: Egyptian – the great weaver goddess
♦ Anansi: African – spider god who tutored humans how to weave
♦ Grandmother Spider: Native American Indian of Southwestern tribes – nature spirit connected to creation and wisdom
♦ Arachne: Greek goddess turned into a spider after she bested the jealous Athena in weaving skills
For more information on spider tattoo meanings, check out the links at the end of this page for similar articles.
I hope this article on spider tattoos gave you some inspiration and ideas. As always, thank you for reading and may all your spider encounters be spinning with insight.
Other Articles of Interest on This Website
Spider Meaning and the Law of Attraction
Spiders are masterful illustrators of law of attraction in action. In fact, oodles of legends regard the spider as a creatrix of the whole universe. Observing the spider can teach us a lot about manifestation. Get more about law of attraction and spider meaning here.
Spider Meaning and Ideas
This article goes deeper into symbolic spider meaning. This is great follow up for your research into spiders for tattoos, or just for your symbolic curiosity. Get more about symbolic spider meanings here.
More Meaningful Tattoo Ideas
Tattoos can be a way of galvanizing intense and personal meanings. This article lists dozens of links about tattoo ideas and tattoo meanings. From planets to peacocks, roses to ravens – you are bound to find something that tickles your fancy for your next tattoo. Click here for full access to all tattoo ideas and tattoo meanings.
