What Do Moths Mean Spiritually?

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Decoding the symbolism and beliefs surrounding moths

Co-authored by Jennifer McVey, Cht and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: October 23, 2023 Fact Checked

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Spiritual Symbolism of Moths

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Moth Species

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Moth Colors

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Moth Dreams

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Power Animal Traits

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Expert Interview

Moths are powerful spiritual symbols that carry a number of different implications and meanings. Once you know how to decipher those symbols, you'll be surprised at what these diverse and elegant insects might tell you. We’ll fill you in on the spiritual meanings of moths in general, then break it down by species and color. Then, we’ll help you interpret your dreams involving moths and let you know what qualities they embody as power animals so that you get the full spiritual rundown on these fuzzy little messengers.

Things You Should Know

Moths often represent transformation and change, either in your spiritual or personal life.
Moths also tend to be positive omens that represent productive endings or positive conclusions. They sometimes also foretell death.
Dreams of moths often symbolize troubles or frustrations that you need to ask for help with, or find a new perspective on, in order to overcome.

Section 1 of 5:

Spiritual Symbolism of Moths

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Moths represent change or transformation. We usually give butterflies credit for undergoing dramatic metamorphoses, but moths do the same! That’s why moths, too, tend to represent transformation. That transformation is usually emotional or spiritual, reminding you that you’re always growing and shifting as a person.^{[1]
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- Unlike butterflies, though, which tend to be flamboyant, the changes associated with moths are often more subtle, but no less meaningful.
- If you see a moth in your home, it could be a messenger of changes to come. Now’s the time to take stock of your strengths, which will aid you through that change.
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Moths symbolize endings or conclusions. If butterflies represent new beginnings, it’s only right that moths represent endings.^{[2]
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Research source} That ending might be a death, a conclusion to your troubles, the conclusion of a relationship, or anything else that you must let go of. But the moth’s metamorphosis represents what’s on the other side of that ending, which is a new beginning.
- Spotting a moth at night is often an omen of a soon-to-be ending. Think about the things in your life that might be leaving soon—a job that you’ve outgrown, a friend that’s moving away—and reflect on how they aided you to help ease you into the transition.
- Some Native American cultures believe that moths are spirit guides, traversing the space between life and death, beginnings and endings.^{[3]
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Moths are often positive omens. While it’s true that moths symbolize change or endings, they often promise a positive resolution to that change.^{[4]
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Research source} Though they may not always be as showy as a butterfly, they’re beautiful all the same, and this understated appearance serves to remind us that there’s always a silver lining.
- Some say that in Chinese culture, moths represent yin-yang energy; that with every negative omen, a positive omen is right around the corner.
- While spotting a dead moth might be concerning, it’s actually a reminder of the natural life cycle of everything, and an omen of a peaceful conclusion to your concerns. Stay motivated in your pursuits and trust that they’ll bear fruit.

Section 2 of 5:

Interpreting Moth Species

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Luna moths represent knowledge and intuition. These moths are often light-green, slightly translucent, and have “moons” or “eyes” on their wings. They’re active at night, when the moon is in the sky, and like the moon, represent illumination or newfound knowledge.^{[5]
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Research source} Their graceful flight in the dark reminds us to trust our intuition, even when we can’t see, and also trust that our path will be revealed soon enough.
- Luna moths also represent spirituality or spiritual connections, sometimes appearing similar to guardian angels or spiritual messengers.
- If you see a luna moth, take it as a sign that you should be okay in not knowing everything, and that you should trust your gut in any major upcoming decisions.
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Death’s-head Hawk-moths are often seen as omens of death. That’s probably not surprising, though. After all, it’s right there in the name. But if that wasn’t enough, this species also sports a distinct skull pattern on its thorax.^{[6]
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Research source} It’s sometimes said that when these moths make an appearance, someone you know may soon pass.
- This moth was also featured in the iconic serial-killer film The Silence of the Lambs, further emphasizing its association with death.
- Don’t worry too much about encounters with these moths—often, their message is simply to hold your loved ones close. Make some time to call your family and friends to catch up and let them know you’re thinking of them.
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Sphinx moths represent your inner thoughts. These moths have long proboscises, which they use to extract nectar from deep within flowers. Likewise, they serve as reminders to look deep within ourselves to analyze our own internal lives, rather than the world around us.^{[7]
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- If you see one of these moths, take steps to analyze yourself. Ask yourself which of your thoughts and habits are productive, and which don’t serve you.
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Emperor moths represent truth. Emperor moths have huge wingspans, and those wings are adorned with 4 “eyes.”^{[8]
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Research source} These “eyes” represent seeing things as they really are, or recognizing the truth about a tricky situation. If you encounter one of these, it may be a reminder to examine your problems a little more closely, or to trust your own senses.
- If you see one of these moths, ask a trusted friend for an outside perspective. Often, the truth is hard to see if you’re looking for it alone.

Section 3 of 5:

Interpreting Moth Colors

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White moths represent innocence or purity. White is often the color of purity, and white moths are often delicate and harmless creatures. That’s why white moths are said to represent innocence or purity. Seeing them is a sign that you should keep exercising integrity in everything you do, and to stay true to yourself through any trials life throws at you.^{[9]
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- White moths might also represent wisdom, or a suggestion that you take a moment to reflect on the wisdom you’ve gained in your life and apply it to your current situation.
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Black moths represent the unknown or your subconscious. These moths are mysterious and sometimes hard to spot, especially at night. They represent the limits of your own knowledge, or your thoughts that are hidden even to you.^{[10]
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Research source} Seeing a black moth is often an indication that you need to stop and analyze your situation, or to ask yourself if you have any blind spots.
- If you see a black moth, take a few moments to meditate on your own subconscious. Ask yourself if there are any feelings or emotions you’re trying to conceal, and why.
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Brown moths symbolize unity or harmony. Sure, brown moths may be the most common type, and might seem unremarkable, but they’re an important part of the ecosystem nonetheless. They feed on plants, and many animals feed on them in return. For this reason, brown moths are said to represent harmony or symbiotic relationships.^{[11]
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- Take a cue from the humble brown moth and reflect on your own relationships. Strengthen your long-term relationship or your family relationships by telling them, “I love you,” more often.
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Yellow moths represent vitality and joy. These moths display the colors of the sun, or of a vibrant garden. Their warm hue is an indicator of happiness—happiness now or happiness that’s soo to be.^{[12]
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Research source} They serve as a reminder to be grateful for all that you have in this life, and to hold it tightly.
- If you encounter a yellow moth, try to practice gratitude by writing down a list of at least 10 things you’re grateful for right now. This reminds you to cherish the things that you have.

Section 4 of 5:

Interpreting Moth Dreams

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Dreams of flying moths symbolize your stubbornness. Generally, moths are attracted to light. If you see a moth flying toward a light in your dreams, it may reflect yourself stubbornly chasing your own “light.”^{[13]
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Research source} Your determination is clouding your judgment, and you most likely need to pause and assess the situation to find a better path to success.
- Ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve and how. Are your methods working? Why not? Is there something else you could try? Changing your perspective will grant some much-needed clarity.
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Dreams of being covered in moths represent crowding opinions. Just like moths are crowding you in your dreams, you’re letting other people’s thoughts and opinions get the better of you.^{[14]
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Research source} You feel weighed down by criticism or by an antagonistic presence, and that presence is invading your dreamspace.
- Disregard your naysayers by focusing on your own sense of self-worth. Ask yourself if your critiques have good or bad intentions to help you tell the constructive criticism from the destructive.
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Catching a moth in your dreams symbolizes feelings of being trapped. Moths are meant to fly freely, so if you dream of catching one in your hands (or worse, your mouth), it could mean that you feel weighed down by something.^{[15]
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Research source} That might be your responsibilities or commitments, or a depressed state of mind is mentally wearing you down.
- Take a vacation to refresh yourself and your mental state. Whether it’s for a single day or a whole week, some time away from your responsibilities will do you good.
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Dreaming of a large moth symbolizes a large problem you’re facing. We often think of moths as relatively small, but the atlas moth can grow up to 27 cm (11 in) across! When a gigantic moth appears in your dreams, it can be pretty intimidating, and usually means that you’re staring down some sort of trouble that’s equally intimidating in your professional or personal life.^{[16]
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- You don’t have to face your problems alone! Think of someone you know and trust, and ask them for help. Say, “I’ve been stuck on this particular issue lately, and was hoping you might be able to lend a hand.”
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Dreams of a moth landing on you symbolize an annoying person. Moths, as great as they are, are often viewed as pests. When a moth lands on you in your dream, especially on your face, hair, or clothes, it may symbolize someone around you is acting as a sort of pest.^{[17]
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Research source} It could be a coworker who won’t get off your back, or an acquaintance you see a little too much of. Whichever it is, you can’t seem to shake them.
- Deal with an annoying person by setting clear boundaries. Tell them what you will or won’t talk about, and politely let them know if you don’t have the energy to interact. Say, “Sorry, but I’m exhausted right now. Let’s catch up later, okay?”

Section 5 of 5:

Moth Power Animal Traits

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A power animal is an animal that you can call on to lend you its traits. Moths make great power animals because of their keen sense of intuition, showcased by their ability to fly deftly through the dark.^{[18]
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Research source} Moths can lend that intuition to give you more insight into challenging decisions or to shed light on sticky relationships.
Moths tend to follow a guiding light, a trait that calls to mind heightened faith or the belief in the spiritual.^{[19]
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Research source} Invoking a moth as a power animal lets you harness that faith in moments of uncertainty, letting you trust your gut in your decision-making and be confident that things will work out.
Moths are nocturnal, but are drawn to the light. This dichotomy lends them a sense of balance or a yin-yang sensibility.^{[20]
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Research source}. As a power animal, moths represent moderation and balance in all things, keeping you from venturing too far into extremes.
Moths are elegant creatures that have a unique relationship to the moon (itself a feminine presence), and are often influenced by the moon’s appearance.^{[21]
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Trustworthy Source

Nature
Respected Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal

Go to source} Because of this, moths are often said to embody feminine qualities or energies.^{[22]
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Research source} Invoking a moth power animal might help you get in touch with your feminine side, balancing those energies.