As many of you may know by now, I get a lot of colorful questions asked of me about symbolic meanings as well as symbolic dream meanings.  

This recent question from one of my readers was a welcome change.  Often our first response to the subject of lice or parasites is “Eww! Yuck!” 

Not fair!  Parasites have symbolic meaning too!  In fact, while researching the meaning of lice and parasites in general, I found these little creatures  have many lessons to impart to us. 

My response to this reader’s question about what it means when we dream of lice and symbolic meaning of parasites follows:

Dear Bugged Out:

Lice, as you know, are parasitic creatures.  They require a host in order to exist.

When Lice come to our attention in our dreams, it can be an indication that our subconscious is trying to tell us to let go of some pesky people or ideals in our lives.

When we are being “sucked dry” by too many responsibilities, too many obligations, or torn in too many directions by well-meaning people, the Louse will come to our attention as a message to withdraw ourselves and resist being pulled into situations we do not wish for ourselves.

The fact that you were dreaming of Lice around your head and down the spine indicates that you may be dealing with some challenging thoughts (the head & spinal cord being symbolic of the nervous system & the origin of thought), that there are many choices before you – and all of them may be “bugging” you.  Perhaps it is difficult for you to find peace for all the thoughts and choices you are experiencing right now.

Nevertheless, you can take advantage of the Louse.  Observe the beauty in its symbiotic relationship with its host.  The Louse actually changes its DNA to accommodate that of its host – assuring a life-long relationship.  This is a lesson of flexibility, and a message that we can work with our challenges rather than fight against them.

This is a clear message that we can learn to live with our decisions – that we can indeed make the best of things.  Sometimes we need only to adapt in order to live in peace.

Furthermore, the Louse never takes more from its host than either can handle (for to do so would destroy its own livelihood).  This is a message that we can all learn from.  Sometimes when Lice are in our dreams it indicates that we are either asking too much from our loved ones, or they are asking too much of us.

One of my readers contacting me as she was having reoccuring dreams about a white widow spider. My response to her message follows here: 

Dear Web Weaver:

I trust you have read my Spider symbolism page: Spider Symbol Meanings Page

The widow is a beautiful symbol of honoring the feminine energy within each of us.  Nurturing, comfort, patience, and wisdom.

Further, the widow is a creature of the autumnal equinox…this season we are entering now…a symbol of harvest and preparation.

Often the widow comes when it is time to prepare our homes and hearts for new events in our lives…to get ready for a new turn in our life’s direction.

The widow also comes as a message of peace and patience.  When we may be anxious or edgy the widow reminds us that all things come into (our web) understanding in good time.  Simply continue about the business of preparation (spinning) and all good things will come.

This message of patience is also consistent with spiders being symbolic of the passage of time.  Many Native American tribes see each round within the spiders web as a certain span of time…as such, many tribes see the spider as the mother of time itself.

The color white is symbolic of purity, enlightenment, and clarity.  When white is associated with totems within our visions it is a sign of blessing…a confirmation that our intentions are true, and that we are pure of heart in our endeavors.

I have a brief summary of color meanings on my Tarot site. These meanings are not restricted to the Tarot….rather these meanings spiritually based symbolisms.  Here is the link:  Summary of Meanings of Colors Tarot & Otherwise  

Other resources:

Spider Tattoo Meanings 

Spider Symbolism (full article)