Dear spiders,
You’re creepy, crawly and kinda cosmic.
My spidey senses have recently been going off. And no, I’m not coming for Tom Holland’s career (yet)–nor am I Spiderman. However, recently I’ve seen an overwhelming amount of both children and grown men dressed as Spiderman. And…well, you… Spiders. You’ve quite literally crawled into my life.
Sneaking out from behind my window, a small black spider caused my housemate to shriek so loud, it gave me a bigger fright than the spider itself. A few days later, a huntsman triple the size sent me on a mad sprint to the corner shop to purchase bug spray. The day after, another big beady-eyed bug appeared on my housemate’s desk. Then, I found a daddy-long-legs crawling up a wall, followed by a little spider in the shower and one in the sink. Not even my Australian blood could prepare me for this.
Weirdly, around the week before at work, I complimented my colleague's fresh spider tattoo. Seeing it, sparked memory of my dream from the night prior, which you guessed it; was about you.
“That’s symbolic of manifestation. Some witchy stuff,” he said.
As someone with slight arachnophobia – I’ve never really stopped to consider your positive connotations. To me, you are jittery creatures that always pop up in the most jarring settings. So, on a mission to potentially reframe you, I went on a spiral down the web to investigate their significance.
Biologically; you provide a lot of purpose. Spiders help pest control, add to biodiversity, support pollination and decomposition and are often tools in scientific research. However, in light of all my recent sightings – I found your spiritual meanings far more interesting. Plus, given the recent spooky season–it’s only appropriate to get a little woo-woo.
Spiders create webs; with silk stronger than steel of the same thickness to set up foundations in a beautiful web of patterns. Carefully, they wait. Patiently anticipating to catch prey in their weaves. And eventually… Voila! Dinner is served.
Sure, it’s not bolognese, but this did give me some food for thought. The overwhelming themes of creation, patience and manifestation felt like a comforting reminder to trust the process–something I’ve always disliked. I’m a dreamer with a lot of clear aspirations. My goals serve as pillars helping me navigate through life. I get angsty waiting for results or feeling like I’m buffering below my full potential. Worst, when I feel unsure of these ambitions, I find myself directionless and stagnant. Trapped in a cobweb.
A conversation around direction and beliefs that comes to mind is one from a while back with my brother.
“So you don’t believe in anything,” he questioned when I challenged his belief in God.
“No, I just believe in myself, not God.”
Sure it’s a little cocky, slightly self-indulgent and sounds like a quote from an American basketball coach–but I do feel this way. My brother and I often get deliberate our alternative perspectives, trying to comprehend each other’s point of view, even if we never see eye to eye. We’ve narrowed our varying beliefs to the fact that he finds consolation in a supernatural force; or religion, as guidance and structure to life’s existential questions. Alternatively, I seek the same comfort in believing I have free will.
Ultimately, whether that is right or wrong is subjective – but those biases are why I find it so frustrating when my actions don't provide immediate results. I drive a lot of purpose from my passions and ambitions, so when those take time I can feel deflated. It’s not just my goals that feel delayed, but my entire outlook on life feels unsteady.
Unsurprisingly, I love some instant gratification. A sweet treat for making in the afternoon. The immediate confidence boost after a compliment from a friend. A new outfit to boost morale. These are all nice, short bursts of dopamine. However, as addictive as cigarettes–they’re seemingly appealing, but potentially detrimental beneath the surface.
The arduous milestones like; finishing school, getting into a relationship, moving out or starting a dream role are what bring fulfilment. It’s the experiences, memories and lessons fostered after weeks, months or years that get woven into our webs of life, adding meaning to our day-to-day.
Take it girl of the moment; Charli XCX. She was crashing cars into bridges in 2012 so she could be a BRAT in 2024. Best-selling psychological books like Angela Duckworth’s Grit and James Clear’s Atomic Habits basically spell out the benefits of intrinsic satisfaction; the accomplishment, purpose and growth derived from developing long-term habits and goals. Sure, now and then we need to break the rules (hope you caught that old Charli XCX reference) for a short-term gain or two, but it’s consistent action, patience, and resilience that ultimately rewards us the most.
There’s a certain beauty about the twists of life that force us to be patient, often taking us on a different route–but one equally as fulfilling. I contemplated moving to London in September 2023 but instead moved to the Gold Coast for a job. Even though I was excited, part of me felt like I was giving up living overseas. However, my Gold Coast mermaid era taught me so much, from the people I met to living by the beach and new skills from the role. And, guess what? I’m drinking tea and pints now.
This same patience applies to relationships, too. I often romanticise the initial fascination, chemistry and shared similarities upon meeting someone. Yet, I've found my closest connections have always become richer over time, nurtured by genuine effort and care.
So spidey, you’ve arrived at just the right time. A slightly haunting reminder that just like you; a spider spinning a web–it’s ok to dream big, balance on each thread of fate and step forward with ambition. Call it intention setting, the law of attraction, manifestation or anything else, but, believing in yourself does pay off. Even if it feels slightly deluded. Despite being someone who wants what I want, when I want it (my final bratty nod to Charli), without time to nourish my goals–I’d be missing the substance.
Thank you for reminding me that there is solitude in life’s path and the cycle of creation. After all, fine art isn’t made overnight–not even a Banksy of a spider.
That’s just some clever PR.
xx Mandy
p.s. Spooky season is now over, so I’m kindly asking you to stop infiltrating my home. I’m still terrified of you.