Coming out with Spider

Finding Yoyu with Spirit – How I discovered Spider was an Animal Spirit Guide and why I finally heeded her call.

Several summers ago, I had a powerful experience with a very large spider who chose my window to build her web. The web was gorgeous, and I loved watching her rebuild it every night.

A few weeks later, I sent away for an animal reading, and to my astonishment, the reading came back Spider. It was validating and fun, but I thought it was a happy coincidence.

Until that summer, it had never occurred to me that Spider could be a spirit animal. I felt a little stupid. I realized I had disregarded other smaller species such as bees, ants, and rodents, too.

The more I read about Spider, the more I noticed what was happening all around me. I noticed how many different beings were practically shouting their messages to me. How could I have been so oblivious?

Fast forward six years and Spider has continued to show up. Close friends and family know about my relationship with her. It is undeniable. Even my husband, who scoffed about the supposed connection, has become a believer.

Spider is one of my spirit animals. Spider has shown up again and again at just the right moment with exactly what I need to see or hear.

Even though I have this unique relationship with Spider, I’ve hesitated to share about it outside my immediate family. I felt presumptuous. I was afraid of being judged. And, I was afraid I would offend someone.

When I was in high school, I started wearing a certain symbol around my neck because I thought it was mysterious, edgy, and cool. One of my uncles, well-schooled in astrology and the occult, asked me if I knew what the symbol meant or anything about its origins. When I couldn’t answer, he admonished me.

At first, I thought he was upset that I was wearing the symbol because he didn’t like it or believe in its power. I was wrong.

He explained that I needed to be more intentional or I risked being disrespectful. I had a responsibility to investigate and understand what symbols meant before choosing to wear and use them.

I felt defiant. I did not want to agree with my uncle. At the same time, I deeply respected his experience and couldn’t forget his words. That night, I removed the necklace before going to bed and never wore it again.

Don’t get me wrong. There was nothing inherently “bad” about the symbol I stopped wearing around my neck. In fact, I later learned that it has a beautiful meaning and sacred origins. Even so, I still carry a little regret for my irreverence. I’m grateful to my uncle. His words made me more mindful.

Which brings me back to Spider. I was not born into a culture that traditionally recognizes animals as totems, let alone spirit guides. Some cultures might even say that I have not been appropriately initiated.
Still, Spider has appeared too many times and in too many ways. It would be irreverent of me to ignore her.

I do not take Spider lightly. I am honored and grateful every time she appears. Even now, as I type these words and see her looking back at me.

If my uncle were alive today, I would proudly wear my spider locket whenever I saw him. I wouldn’t be able to tell him all that Spider symbolizes worldwide. However, I could tell him why I wear the necklace and what she means to me.

Today, I don’t need to show the world that I wear a symbol of Spider around my neck. (Though I sometimes do!) It is more important for me to pay attention when she appears. To watch and grow. And, when appropriate, to share her message with you.

To Spider!