There are many stories about spider woman or grandmother spider. The Navajo believe the Spider Woman (Na’ashjé’íí Asdzáá) is the constant helper and protector of humans. Spider Woman is also said to cast her web like a net to capture and eat misbehaving children. The Ojibwe people (Chippewa) of southern Canada and northern US speak of Spider Woman, known as Asibikaashi, as a helper of the people, and inspiring mothers (or other close female relatives) to weave protective spider web charms. In the Northwest, there is a connection between Spider Grandmother and the Moon Goddess. The Coos people of Oregon have their version of a Spider Grandmother traditional tale. The Choctaw people of Mississippi tell the story of Grandmother Spider stealing fire, then after animals refused it, bringing fire to humans.
In many of these beliefs, the spider women is a helper to the People. When she is called upon, she will help people in many ways, such as giving advice or providing medicinal cures. “Spider Grandmother” is seen as a leader, a wise individual who represents good things. She is a good ancestors that is love and revered for her wisdom.
I would encourage everyone to learn about their Tribal stories of the relationships between human and non-human beings. These stories are passed down with important information for us about our relationship with all living beings.
Thank you for asking about this important ancestor.
Auntie Manda
