What Do Worm Dreams Mean?

5 Min Read | By Lottie Salako

Last Modified 22 February 2024   First Added 16 March 2023

This article was written and reviewed in line with our editorial policy.

Dreaming about worms may make you feel gross and icky, especially when you find them on your body, food, or under your skin. However, if you see these little creatures in the land of nod, don’t worry – they have many meanings. Like many dreams, your associations with worms will significantly impact whether your dreams are a good or bad sign.

In this article, we’ll explain some common types of worm dreams, what they mean, and how you can answer them.

The dream:

You find yourself walking through a lush green forest. As you wander deeper into the forest, you come across a large tree with a gaping hole in the trunk. Curiosity gets the best of you, and you lean in to take a closer look. To your surprise, you see that the inside of the tree is teeming with earthworms – a wriggling and writhing mass.

You feel a sudden sense of unease as if the worms are trying to crawl out of the tree and onto you. You try to step away, but your feet seem to be rooted to the spot. The worms start to crawl out of the tree and up your legs, covering you with their slimy bodies. You feel a wave of disgust and revulsion, but you cannot move.

Suddenly, the worms start to glow with an eerie green light. You watch in amazement as they grow and change, their bodies transforming into something different. They become butterflies, their wings shimmering in the light. You feel a sense of wonder and awe as if witnessing a miracle. The butterflies take flight, soaring up into the sky and disappearing into the trees.

As you stand there, the feeling of revulsion slowly fades, replaced by hope and renewal. When you wake, you feel strangely inspired.

Common Worm Dream Meanings

  1. Renewal and regeneration: In some Native American cultures, worms are seen as a symbol of renewal and regeneration. They represent the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
  2. Transformation: As mentioned earlier, worms are often associated with change and growth, undergoing a metamorphosis as they grow. In some spiritual beliefs, worms can represent personal growth and transformation.
  3. Natural cycles: Worms are associated with the earth and its cycles, and they are seen as an integral part of the natural world, symbolising the process of decay and regeneration.
  4. Healing: In some African cultures, worms are used in healing rituals to symbolise the cleansing and purification of the body.

Intrusive Dreams About Worms

Remember, although a disgusting visual, it’s perfectly normal to have dreams like the ones we will discuss here. As you sleep, your brain processes a lot of information and draws on all sorts of emotions and sensory input – including anything you’ve watched or heard about.

If your dreams distress you, you can talk to a doctor about treatment options, as recurrent intrusive dreams can indicate OCD.

What Dreams About Eating Worms Mean

  1. Disgust or revulsion: Eating worms is often considered a repulsive and taboo act. Dreaming about eating worms may symbolise disgust or revulsion towards something in your waking life.
  2. Guilt or shame: The act of eating worms can also be associated with feelings of guilt or shame. The dream may point to a situation or behaviour you feel ashamed about.
  3. Fear or anxiety: Dreaming about eating worms can also indicate fear or anxiety. Maybe you are facing a situation or challenge that feels overwhelming or scary, and the worms could represent these insecurities.
  4. Worms in your food: A slightly different take on this dream is if you see your food full of worms. This could symbolise feelings of betrayal or that you’re being taken advantage of.

The Meaning of Dreams of Worms in Your Eyes

If you have dreams about worms in your eyes, it usually indicates that you’re feeling vulnerable, especially if the worms impede your ability to see. It may also manifest feelings of violation against your boundaries; perhaps someone has crossed a line with you that felt like an invasion of your physical or emotional wellbeing.

Worms Under Your Skin Dream Meaning

  1. Inner turmoil: Worms under your skin can symbolise inner turmoil or discomfort within yourself. The dream may be pointing to a situation or emotion causing you to feel restless or uneasy.
  2. Feeling trapped or overwhelmed: Dreaming about worms under your skin can also represent feeling trapped or overwhelmed by a situation or relationship. You may feel like you cannot escape a difficult or uncomfortable experience.

What Do Dreams About Giant Worms Mean?

In real life, the worms we come across are usually tiny and relatively harmless to humans, so what does it mean if you dream about giant worms or being chased by one?

Unfortunately, the key interpretation of this dream is that you have a lot of anxiety in your waking life. If your brain turns something small into something dangerous, it can symbolise feeling overwhelmed. Many dreams about being chased are a sign that you lack control, manifesting in your sleep as absurd but scary dreams.

However, if you defeat the giant worm – this is a triumphant dream that means you feel strong and successful. It may be a tough battle, but it shows that you believe you can conquer anything.

Browse our full dream encyclopaedia

Decode your dreams

About the author

Lottie Salako

See all articles by Lottie Salako

More from the Sleep Matters Club