The Meaning of the Moth as a Spirit Guide
Moths in Mythology and Lore
The moth is sometimes viewed as the uglier, hairier cousin of the butterfly, but there are qualities of the moth that the butterfly could only dream to have.
To some Native American tribes, moths were thought to be sacred and powerful creatures and there is even talk of moth cocoons being used as rattles in certain Californian Native tribes. Others view the moth as a symbol of death or a messenger from the dead. This can be seen in the symbolism of the deaths-head hawk moth (which is also another type of hummingbird moth!). This particular moth has a skull pattern on its back and was featured in the horror movie Silence of the Lambs.
In old Appalachian folklore, if one saw a group of white moths it meant their ancestors were watching over them and bringing them messages of protection and love. This is in direct opposition to the idea that moths cause death and destruction as some Old Wives Tales claim. In Mexico, the moth known as the "Black Witch" is said to be a harbinger of death and causes fear in those who see it's bat shaped body and large dark wings.
One thing is for sure - the moth is a powerful totem and animal spirit guide. Whether it causes fear or awe, it causes a strong reaction in its beholder. While some moths are "ugly", keep in mind there are many beautiful moths too like the luna moth and the garden tiger moth.
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Do not fear moths. They have much to teach us.
— Nicole Canfield
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The Moth Spirit Guide
So the moth has appeared in your life and has a message for you. It may even have a specific lesson to teach you. But with the muddled and sometimes confusing mythology behind the moth, how do we decipher what the moth animal spirit guide is trying to teach us?
Moths represent three main ideals: mystery, darkness/light, and transformation. It is possible the moth spirit guide is trying to teach you the mysteries of the occult. The ancient mysteries of your ancestors. If one particular moth is coming to you often, research and find out what kind of moth it is and whatever the folklore or mythology is behind it. You might find your answer in your research. If not, let the moth continue coming to you until the message is loud and clear.
It is possible you have been hiding from something in your life and the moth is here to bring it into the light. To draw you to the light, just as moths are drawn to the light. It is also possible that some of the mysteries in your life are about to be revealed. Let the moth be your guide out of the darkness and to the light.
Just as butterflies go through an intense metamorphosis from caterpillar to adult, so too do moths. The moth spirit guide is here to help guide you through your time of transformation from a young person (in either spirit or mind) into a full-grown adult able to spread your wings and take to the sky. Perhaps you are embarking on a new career path, or a new family path. Perhaps you are outgrowing your old self to make way for the new. Let the moth spirit guide wrap you in its loving cocoon and show you the way to redemption.
Whatever the moth spirit guide teaches you, it will be a valuable lesson and you will walk away knowing the moth is a special creature indeed.
