Who would have thought that a moth would be counted among the totem animals or that it would have a spiritual significance? To some, a moth is nothing more than an ugly butterfly, but according to science, moths are not butterflies at all.
While a butterfly is not nocturnal, a moth is, so that’s something that differentiates the two insects from each other. And while there are more than 160,000 species of moths, to be exact, like all things in life, they have spiritual significance.
Symbolism and meaning of the moth
The spiritual significance of a moth is similar to that of a butterfly, but we have already established that both insects are different from each other.
Moths represent transformation, resurrection, wisdom, concealment, determination, vulnerability and weakness. Symbolizing change, the spiritual significance of moths is to embrace that change rather than hide from it, to have faith that eventually the light will be seen.
Cuando veas una polilla, no te alarmes: no es un mal presagio. Aunque la sociedad nos ha enseñado a creer que las polillas son criaturas temibles que traen señales de acontecimientos futuros negativos, en realidad te están trayendo un mensaje: el cambio se acerca.
A moth flying in your house is an indication of a few things: your ancestors or deceased relatives are visiting; a warning that your enemies seek to see you wronged; there is or will be a fight or a dissolution of your relationship.
A moth landing on you is a reminder and a message to trust your instinct and follow it. Instead of seeking validation from outside sources, trust yourself and listen to your heart, knowing that you are in control of your success.
But the meaning of a moth landing on you may change depending on your personal problems or experiences.
If you have self-esteem issues, a moth landing on you means you need to take the right steps to find the confidence you deserve; if you have relationship issues, a moth landing on you means you need to love yourself first and heal any trauma you have before fixing your relationship.
Symbolism of the moth in mythology and folklore
In mythology, moths symbolize the inner soul seeking truth; moths are attracted to light, signifying divination. Another interpretation of mythology is that moths are the “souls” of the dead who fly at night and seek the light.
In some mythological depictions and folklore, a moth may symbolize the spirit of a deceased relative or ancestor; this means that moths should not be harmed and, on the contrary, should be eliminated, otherwise the spirit will be vengeful.
Although some cultures believe that moths represent death or the afterlife, this does not have a negative connotation. In fact, death represents something that ends so that another event can begin.
Native American moth symbolism
In Native American culture, moths represent messengers or angels that have been sent from the spirit world. Moths deliver messages from loved ones or ancestors who have passed away.
Moths also represent death, a transformation in itself.
Simbolismo celta de las polillas
En la cultura celta, las polillas simbolizan la muerte y la decadencia, pero no con matices positivos; más bien, las polillas tienen un lado oscuro. Incluso en la literatura celta, las polillas se asocian con la muerte, y una polilla en el hogar significaría la muerte de alguien de la familia que vive allí.
Spiritual meaning of the moth in Christianity
In Christianity, moths appear in the Bible in the form of allegory.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Mateo 6:19-20
Moths and rust are compared to thieves; all destroy things that are expensive and cannot be replaced, but an “investment” in heaven cannot be stolen.
In addition, as the Bible mentions moths attracted to light, this created a certain myth in religion that moths are associated with resurrection. However, as a spiritual meaning, moths symbolizing resurrection are similar to those of transformation.
What is the meaning of dreaming of a moth?
When you see a moth in your dreams, it can represent many things.
First of all, seeing a moth in your dreams signifies the need to stop finding validation through material goods, and find that same fulfillment from within. Take a few steps back, evaluate yourself, make changes to what you don’t like, and move on.
When you see a moth in your dreams, it also means that you should pay attention to the details of life. This will help you find the answers to some of the questions you have been searching for all this time.
A moth appearing in your dream can also be a warning that your inner truth is on the horizon, but only if you take the steps to get there. Consider a moth in your dream to be your guide.
The Moth as a spiritual or power animal
A spirit animal is a guide in life, leading us in the right direction while teaching us lessons. Totem animals are the spirit guides we call upon to guide us. Both are considered guardians or protectors, and help us walk through life while recognizing our higher purpose.
Having a moth as a spirit animal is a warning to be wary of those around you, meaning you are giving too much of yourself to the wrong company. At the same time, this guide is sending a message to hone your intuition and psychic abilities, finding clarity and confidence in the process.
If your spirit animal is a moth, this also represents a journey into your future.
A moth totem animal, on the other hand, is a spirit you invoke when you need optimism and hope. These totem animals signify the importance of embracing all that is positive in your life and attracting your deepest desires.
Meaning of moth tattoos
While many people get butterfly tattoos in memory of a loved one, or to represent metamorphosis, moths have very similar symbolism.
Just as moths are attracted to light, a moth tattoo represents the ambition found in following your dreams, experiencing transformation or change, and overcoming a difficult time in life.
Meanings of moths of different colors
Like other insects and creatures with spiritual meanings, the color of the moth you see determines the message delivered to you.
Meaning of the brown moth.
Brown moths are very common and symbolize interpersonal problems, specifically with a mother or mother figure. Brown moths also symbolize financial issues, the simplicity of life or the desire to fulfill our desires that may seem impossible.
Meaning of the white moth.
The color white symbolizes purity and prosperity, but it can also represent the light that moths are attracted to. White moths represent your spiritual energy, and how you act as a light in the lives of those you meet.
Meaning of the black moth
Black moths are associated with hiding and unintentionally suppressing your success. A black moth can serve as a message that you must do what you can to reclaim your power, and make that big change you’ve been putting off.
Meaning of the yellow or golden moth
Associated with your identity and the energy of manifestation, seeing a yellow or golden moth is a message to take the leap and stop postponing your goals or ambitions. Yellow or golden moths are signs of encouragement meant to push you forward.
Meaning of the blue moth
Blue moths represent a message from the divine, either from your spirit guide or another divine presence.
Meaning of the green moth
Luna moths are commonly green, representing things that are hidden right in front of your eyes. When looking for answers to your questions, you don’t need to look far; all it takes is looking inward.
Meaning of the orange moth
Seeing an orange moth is a warning that you are neglecting your emotional responses, rather than using logic and reason; it can also mean that your emotional responses are a bit reckless to the needs of others. But an orange moth is also a sign to trust your intuition.