
Moth Symbolism, Folklore & The Moth Spirit Guide
Maybe you’ve seen moths around a lot lately and you’re wondering what the meaning is. In this article, we’ll cover black moth symbolism, the white moth meaning, brown moth in the house, and general moth folklore. We’ll also go into detail about having a moth spirit guide.
Moths: Feared Yet Beautiful
The moth is both admired and feared. The moth is viewed as the uglier, hairier cousin of the butterfly, but the moth bears unique qualities the butterfly doesn’t. The most majestic moths are hummingbird moths. These moths are large and flap their wings so fast, they are confused with hummingbirds! They have long tongues that suck nectar out of flowers and they hover just like hummingbirds. One of the hummingbird moths is called the Sphinx moth and is found in the United States, but originally comes from Africa. Although I’ve found no African mythology concerning the sphinx moth, I wonder of its ties to Egypt.
Native American Moth Lore & Death Symbolism
To certain Native American tribes, moths were sacred and powerful creatures and there is even talk of moth cocoons being used as rattles in tribes in California. Others view the moth as a symbol of death or a messenger from the dead. We see this in the symbolism of the deaths-head hawk moth (which is also another type of hummingbird moth). This skull-bearing moth was featured in the horror movie Silence of the Lambs.

White Moth Meaning
The white moth meaning isn’t as some might expect. In old Appalachian folklore, the appearance of white moths meant the ancestors were present – bringing protection and love. Similar to finding a white feather. This white moth meaning is in direct opposition to the old moth superstition that they cause death and destruction. Perhaps the color of the moth holds significant meaning depending on the person and culture. Which leads us to black moth symbolism.
Black Moth Symbolism
Black moth symbolism is vast and complicated, depending on the region and culture. In Mexico, the black moth known as the “Black Witch” is a harbinger of death and strikes fear in those who see it. But does all black moth symbolism mean death is imminent? The color black is regarded as “evil” to some, yet to others black is a magical color, one that is all the colors combined. So the black moth symbolism might represent death to some people, yet might mean mystery and spirituality to others. If you have a black moth spirit guide, be prepared for initiation into the magical arts.

Brown Moth in the House Meaning
The brown moth in the house meaning is something people often search for. Why is this? Logically, it’s because there are SO many kinds of brown moths that like to get into the house. But spiritually? The brown moth in the house meaning is much deeper. Brown moths, depending on the kind, will invade your pantry or closet – symbolically this means to CLEAN out your closet (i.e. let negative relationships go, cleanse yourself of bad habits, etc.) The brown moth in the house meaning also tells us to watch who we’re letting in – be more cautious of the people you trust. If you find brown moths in your home, it’s time to declutter, clean and cleanse (and potentially look for a food source they might be feeding on and breeding in).
More Moth Color Symbolic Meanings:
- Green moth meaning: if you see a green moth, these are usually the large luna moths as pictured below. Green luna moths connect us to moon deities and the fay (fairies). If it’s not a luna moth, it’s a sphinx moth which connects us to guides and past lives in ancient Egypt
- Pink and yellow moth meaning: a pink and yellow moth is a rosy maple moth and its symbolism includes joy and self love even in the darkest moments of life
- Red moths meaning: the color red itself symbolizes anger, passion, intensity, lust, motivation, and protection. If you’ve seen a red moth, it may be a warning of something to come
- Orange moth symbolism: orange moths bring a time of creativity and inspiration, as well as energy.
The Moth Spirit Guide
The moth has appeared to you and has a message for you. It may even have a lesson to teach you. But with the moth’s muddled mythology, how do we decipher what the moth spirit guide wants to teach us? Moths represent three main concepts: mystery, darkness/light, and transformation. It is possible the moth spirit guide is trying to teach you the mysteries of the occult – the sacred mysteries of your ancestors. If one particular moth is coming to you recurrently, research what kind of moth it is and its folklore. You’ll find an answer in your research. If not, acknowledge the moth spirit guide’s presence and focus on it until the message is loud and clear.
Moth Symbolism: Light/Dark and Transformation
Are you hiding something from someone? Are you hiding in the dark? The moth spirit guide is here to bring it into the light. The moth will draw it into the light, just as they’re drawn to the light. Some of the mysteries in your life are about to be revealed. Let the moth be your guide out of the darkness and into the light.
Moth Metamorphosis
Just as butterflies go through intense metamorphosis from caterpillar to adult, so too do moths. The moth spirit guide is here to help guide you through times of transformation from a young person (in either spirit or mind) into a full-grown adult, able to spread your wings and take to the sky. Maybe you’re embarking on a new career path or a new family path. Maybe it’s time to outgrow your old self to make way for the new. Let the moth spirit guide wrap you in its loving cocoon and show you the way to rebirth. Whatever the moth spirit guide teaches, it’s always a valuable lesson. The moth spirit guide is a valuable teacher.
Learn More About Insect Symbolism:
- Butterfly Meaning by Color & Type and the Butterfly Spirit Guide
- Ladybug Spirit Guide, Symbolism and More

22 Comments
Veronica Morris
March 9, 2022 at 2:07 pmHi. Today while working in my garden, I saw a beautiful moth it had brown outer wings but with distinct gold on the inner parts, then 10 min later found a gold beetle.
Any ideas?
The Mexican CosmicWitch
August 15, 2021 at 12:06 amBlack and white Sphinx Moth is in the top of our front door… Any message, I’m not getting?
Ashley
August 30, 2021 at 12:33 amSo crazy. I was searching the Internet bc I too have a black and white Banded Sphinx moth at the top right of my front door. Very curious to know what it means.
Anonymous
October 1, 2021 at 12:49 pmLast weekend I had a sphinx moth above my front door it stayed there all weekend .when I came home Monday night it was dead on the door mat. meanings?
lisa
October 1, 2021 at 12:53 pmLast weekend I had a sphinx moth above my front door .when I came home Monday night it was dead on the door mat.
any meanings?
Cara Cooper
July 16, 2020 at 12:01 pmWhat does it mean to have the trust of a moth?
Sophia
May 5, 2021 at 2:32 amTo have the trust of any creature is a profound privilege. It sees the kindness within you.
Veronica
June 5, 2021 at 3:13 pmI just found a white silk moth on my railing. What does it mean?
Evelyn Melendez
September 23, 2021 at 11:31 pmI walked into my apartment after work and I seen a black moth on the top corner of my kitchen.
Michelle
September 8, 2021 at 11:29 pmI know this post is a year old. But I am so curious. I have had what it looks like the same black moth- along with other moths, want to come into my house nightly. He/she -!it seems when I talk to it – let’s me capture it in my hand and set it free outside. ?? I was told that one of my spirit guides was a moth. I am trying to understand what I have to learn from the fellow. But I don’t. Can you help ?
Anonymous
July 2, 2020 at 8:47 amWhat about green moths? One just landed on my neck.
Jaspe
March 3, 2020 at 3:31 amLove How this was stolen. Original down below
https://www.google.com/amp/s/aminoapps.com/c/pagans-witches/amp/item/moths/KW7b_lrvuKIR545G0rJLad6NBkRBoQdojno
admin
March 3, 2020 at 4:44 pmNo. You are incorrect. I originally wrote this piece for Hubpages in 2017. I have the original documentation with the date. I deleted it from that platform and moved it here. I’ll be reporting your link for stolen content to google. Thank you.
Anonymous
May 7, 2020 at 8:52 amJudge not lest you be judged.
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Sarah
March 20, 2019 at 7:30 pm<3 thankyou fpr this I have always been drawn to to them and had them around me a lot. I call them my friends cause I let them land on me or scoop them up and put them on my head or shirt and let them hangout somewhere safe. If I find a hurt one I Invote it into my home or I brimg it to a large bush with flowers and hope they make it. Very lovely things.
Anonymous
July 30, 2020 at 5:20 amyes sarah excellent