When it comes to magic, and mythology, moths take on the darker vibes. Both butterflies and moths are associated with rebirth and transformation, but as creatures of the night, moths gain a mystique all their own. Their nocturnal habits and seemingly magical attraction to light have sparked countless myths and superstitions. From symbolizing transformation and spiritual guidance to being seen as omens and protective charms, these nighttime flutterers hold a special place in folklore. Welcome to this session of Mothing 101, where we discuss moths, myths, and magic.
Nighttime spirit guides in our world
How do you feel when you’re outside in the dark? Perfectly comfortable or concerned because who knows what could be lurking in bushes and the dark? Once, I was on a back mountain road in Nagano at night. The trees formed a canopy blocking out the little bit of moonlight. We hadn’t seen any cars for an hour, so we found a place to pull off the road and turned off all the lights in our car. The darkness was… uncanny. I started to feel very uncomfortable, and the little comfort I had was that I was inside a vehicle.
For many cultures, nighttime and darkness is associated with mystery, the unknown, and the spirit world. It makes sense that the moth’s nocturnal behavior leads to its reputation of a “creature of the night.” Add the moth’s metamorphosis and transformation, and this insect becomes the perfect candidate to symbolize the mysteries of death, rebirth and the afterlife. Some believe that a visit from a moth is an omen of an impending death.
Go to the light
A moth’s attraction to light generates so many metaphors — fatal attraction, the light at the end of the tunnel described in near death experiences, obsession, hope. Many cultures believe that visits from moths are the soul of a family member. Some believe that moths guide souls to the spirit realm.
Bad Luck or Misfortune
In some European traditions, the presence of a moth in the house is seen as a sign of impending bad luck or misfortune. It’s believed that moths are drawn to homes with negative energy or troubled spirits, so their appearance may be seen as a warning. I can see how this came about. If producing food is an issue, finding your stored food spoiled by moths could mean starvation. Do people case the negative energy (maybe manifesting as a lack of attention to home) or do spirits cause it? I guess could be both depending on one’s beliefs.
Moths, myth and magic in dreamland
I dreamt of a moth! What could it mean?
Symbolically connected with the night, moths represent psychic energy and as a guide to the spirt world. Dreaming of a moth could be your sub-conscious trying to send you a message, to guide you towards some realization. Some see moths as a representation of our shadow selves struggling to surface. It could be a warning that something in our lives is transient, not permanent. I included a link to a dream dictionary to see moth symbolism for dreaming.
https://www.dreamdictionary.org/meaning/dreaming-of-moths
Magic Moths
Since moths’ nocturnal habits link them to the night, they also become linked to the moon and to feminine energy. Their transformative nature and spirit guide association makes them good for spells or rituals for transformation, intuition, and spiritual guidance. This very large overview encompasses a lot. Different cultures vary in how they do spells or rituals.
Transformation Spells:
Moths’ metamorphosis from caterpillar to moth can inspire spells or rituals focused on personal transformation, growth, or overcoming obstacles. Moths symbolize the potential for change and renewal in one’s life.
Spiritual Guidance:
Moths’ attraction to light and nocturnal nature can be used symbolically in rituals seeking spiritual guidance, enlightenment, or connection with higher realms. Invoke the moth to aid in meditation or divination practices.
Protection Charms:
Moths might work in protective charms or talismans since their association with nocturnal guardianship, intuition, and warding off negative energies or malevolent spritis, lends itself to protective magic and believed to ward off negative energies or malevolent spirits.
Dreamwork and Intuition:
Moths’ symbolism of intuition and the subconscious mind can be incorporated into spells or rituals aimed at enhancing dream recall, lucid dreaming, or psychic abilities. Moths can act as messengers from the dream realm.
Cleansing and Purification:
In some traditions, associate moths with purification rituals.Their presence or imagery helps to cleanse negative energies from a space or person, restoring balance and harmony.
Love and Attraction:
Moths’ ethereal beauty and gentle presence can inspire spells or rituals related to love, attraction, or harmony in relationships. They symbolize the delicate balance and mutual attraction between partners.
Celebration of Nature:
Moths may be invoked in rituals celebrating the cycles of nature, such as seasonal transitions or lunar phases. They embody the natural rhythms of life and the interconnectedness of all living things.
But which moths are magical?
While I think the magic of a moth is how you interact with it, here’s a list of moths commonly associated with magic and witchcraft.
Death’s-head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos)
Symbolism: Death, transformation, the underworld. The skull-like pattern on its thorax links it to themes of mortality and the afterlife.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Luna Moth (Actias luna)
Symbolism: Rebirth, intuition, spiritual guidance. Its nocturnal nature and ethereal appearance connect it to the moon and feminine energy.
Image Credit: Adobe Stock
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia)
Symbolism: Protection, inner vision, transformation. Its eye spots are believed to ward off evil.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)
Symbolism: Strength, endurance, transformation. Its large size and intricate patterns represent powerful change and resilience.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
White Witch Moth (Thysania agrippina)
A contender for the world’s largest moth. Check out this flickr link to see this moth’s massive size. Seriously. It’s HUGE!
Symbolism: Ghostly(white and fluttery at night), with a large wingspan, it inspires connections to spectral and protective energies.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata)
Symbolism: Omen, change, intuition. Often seen as a harbinger of death or change, it is revered and feared in various cultures.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
The most eye-like spots of all moths, I think.
Symbolism: Named after the Cyclops Polyphemus, its eye spots symbolize insight and safeguarding and mystery.
Image Credit: Deposit Photo
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)
From a distance it looks like the world’s tiniest hummingbird!
Symbolism: Its ability to hover like a hummingbird signifies agility and swift change.
Image Credit: Adobe Stock
Spanish Moon Moth (Graellsia isabellae)
The most beautiful moth? It looks like stained glass!
Symbolism: Its delicate appearance suggests elegance, spiritual growth as well as transformation.
Image Credit: Adobe Stock
Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)
Fuzzy, pink and yellow — the cutie-patootie of moths
Symbolism: official or not, this jolly, stuffed-animal looking creature makes me think of joy and creative journeys.
Image credit: Deposit Photos
Mothy Magic Challenge
Since I don’t practice magic, I’m not going to recommend spells or charms, but I think reflecting on nature and symbolism to guide our thoughts or inspire creativity is something we can all benefit from. Please tag me on instagram or leave a comment on the blog if you do one of the challenges. I’d love to see what moths bring to you.
Challenge 1: Messages from Moths
Imagine a moth visited you as a messenger. What message might it bring from the spiritual realm or your subconscious?
Challenge 2: Liminal Spaces
Moths teach us about liminal spaces. Their metamorphic nature is a guide from one state to the next either body or soul. Write about a time when you felt like you were in a “liminal space.” What lessons did it teach you?
Challenge 3: If you were a moth…
If you were a moth, what kind would you be? Think about the traits of different moth species and how they align with your personality or journey. You can also draw your favorite moth. I’m super tempted to try a Spanish moon moth painting.
Next time on Mothing 101:
The folklore and magical associations with moths make it a useful symbol for literature and movies which we’ll cover in our next episode of Mothing 101 — moth articles for the moth curious.
Read more about moths
I really recommend Folklore of Insects with Kaitlyn Elverson on Buglife Youtube channel (moth content starts around 35 minute mark and should start at point in the embed below).