So, you’ve had a dream about bugs. Maybe it was scary, or annoying, or just plain disgusting. Whatever it is, you’re not alone. Although bug dreams don’t always get the most attention, I can say without a doubt that our insect friends are one of the most common animal teachers that come to us in our dreams. But what do dreams about bugs mean?

As always, the first question I like to ask about a dream I've had is, how did the dream make you feel? And there's one thing that is about 80-90% true about dreams with insects--especially if there is an infestation of bugs in your dream: You were probably feeling some degree of disgust. This wouldn't be strange, after all, if you found an infestation of bugs somewhere in your house, car, or workplace, you'd probably be pretty grossed out.

Dreams always speak to some aspect of our individual psyche, internal experience, or soul. Meaning, that if you are feeling disgust in a dream, you are feeling disgust inside of yourself. You are feeling like there is some part of you that is disgusting--rotten--infested with bugs. This is the essence of shame.

Through my dreamwork, I've witnessed and personally experienced enormous power in understanding infestations of bugs as symbolizing shame in dreams. But of course, dreams are highly personal and the metaphor will not apply to everyone. It's a good question to ask, though---how do you feel when you see the bugs in your dream? Do you ever feel this way about some aspect of who you are? How do you relate to the bugs in your dream? Do you ever relate to yourself that way, perhaps when you are feeling ashamed? Are there other people present in your dream? Do they contribute to feelings of shame or do they support you in the dream?

Shame is one of the feelings I have struggled with the most in my life. It's a dark place that can feel so undeniably real. It’s sometimes so effortless to feel disgusting and worthless—at times it has felt there was this voice in my mind that was just waiting for me to make the slightest mistake to pounce on me. And, since it was so consistent, it all felt so true. Nothing that those who loved me told me could break my convictions that I was bad, deep down in side.

My dreams have helped me recognize this voice for what it is--an illusion--and challenge it's view on reality at every turn. Insect dreams can be a powerful way to do this.

How? By turning the feelings of disgust in the dream back on the voice that is so mean and judgmental. In the same way that you may feel grossed out by the insects in your dream, imagine, right here and right now, what it would be like to feel that disgust when a shaming, judgmental voice comes into your mind. Because of course, that shaming, judgmental, cruel voice truly is disgusting. In fact, it's the only disgusting thing about you. It actually becomes quite clearly gross whenever it sees the light of day, which is why it is so powerful and healing for us to share our insecurities and self-judgments with others. But in order to master this voice, we have to become fierce warriors. You can’t just wish or ignore a bug infestation away. You have to be willing to look it in the eye and fight back with resolution, focus, and determination.

Feeling disgust can be a very strong tool for this. When we are disgusted by something, we don’t want it anywhere near us, and we’ll do what we have to do to get rid of it. Think of the harsh and shaming voices in your mind like this. Consider them like cockroaches lurking in your bed. Would you just let a cockroach share a pillow with you? Of course not. So why do you let that mean ugly nasty horrible voice take up any real estate in your beautiful little head?

Kick it to the curb—it’s DISGUSTING!! I hope this is a helpful exercise for you in understanding your insect dream. If you'd like to go deeper in your exploration of your dream, click below to receive my guided meditation that can be used for any dream to unlock it's deepest meaning. Happy dreaming and much love! Kezia Vida