Look to the skies at night, and you may just see a bat fluttering overhead, silhouetted against the moonlight. But what exactly is the spiritual meaning of a bat sighting? Bats — either in real life or in images — can carry great significance. However, like the crow and the wolf, bats can often be misunderstood. Let’s discuss what the spiritual meaning of a bat sighting might be for you.
What Is a Bat?
Bats are the only true flying mammal on earth. While the smallest bat species has a wingspan of six inches, the largest bat species has a wingspan of almost six feet. Bats can be found all around the world. Though they are not kept as domestic pets, many people choose to build “bat houses” in their gardens to welcome these nocturnal visitors. Most bats live in large colonies. Like their fellow pollinators, the bees, they can be seen as a symbol of community involvement, fertility, and selflessness.
While often associated with vampiric folklore, only three out of the 1400 different bat species consume blood. Even then, those bats prefer to drink from cattle — not people! Though vampire bats get a bad rap, they are actually known to be incredibly nurturing. For instance, like many other mammals, vampire bats will care for the sick, elderly, or orphaned young in their colonies.
The History of Bat Symbolism
Following a natural cycle of consumption and rebirth, bats emerge during the harvest months to feed on insects that have been drawn in by the light of people’s bonfires. After feasting, they hibernate through the winter. This “dance” around the flames was noticed by the Celts, who believed that bats represented spirits and fairies. Some Native American tribes regarded the bat as a shaman, while other tribes thought of the bat as a trickster spirit. The Zuni people believed that bats signaled oncoming rainstorms. In China, bats have historically been considered a good omen. They were thought to bring luck, especially when seen in pairs. A pair of bats symbolizes Shouxing, the god of longevity.
Interestingly, bats have been around for about 50 million years and can live to be about 20 years old — longevity indeed! Like a four-leaf clover, seeing four bats is also thought to be lucky. They represent long life, good health, financial security, and peace.
Because they sleep in dark areas, ancient people thought that the spiritual meaning of a bat had to do with the death and darkness that surrounded them. Bats often nest underground, in temples or ruins, and in places that usually go undisturbed, like cemeteries.
Are Bats Dark Omens?
The spiritual meaning of a bat sighting isn’t always something dark and spooky. These winged creatures of the night may conjure up thoughts of Halloween or Samhain, but the spiritual meaning of a bat sighting can be positive as well. For instance, thanks to their use of echolocation, bats have an excellent perception of the world around them.
As such, the spiritual meaning of a bat sighting might be that you possess a strong “second sight.” If bats are a recurring theme in your life, it could indicate that you’ve been gifted with divination abilities or insight into the spirit realm. Likewise, it is no coincidence that bats are associated with Halloween and Samhain, appearing at a time when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest.
Dreaming of a Bat
Sometimes a midnight visit from a bat happens when you aren’t even awake. What is the spiritual meaning of a bat sighting when it happens in a dream? Well, in dreams, entities that can fly generally bring cautionary explanations. As bats are tied to fear, seeing a bat in a dream may mean that you need to reflect on your fears. If the bat in your dream is biting or attacking you, you may need to face your fears head-on before you can move forward.
If bats are flying overhead in your dream, there may be fear or uncertainty on the horizon. In contrast, if you dream of a friendly bat or if your bat dream is set during the day, then your dream may be showing you that fear has no power over you and that your confidence cannot be trifled with.
The Bat as a Totem and Spirit Animal
As a totem or spirit animal, the spiritual meaning of a bat can be freedom from fear. Like birds, bats are connected to the soul and spirit world, especially in terms of natural darkness. Choosing the bat as a totem can be helpful when you decide to choose a new life path or let go of an old way of thinking. Having the bat as your spirit animal may also be indicative of accepting or not fearing death. The spirit of the bat accepts death and darkness as the perfect balance to life and light.
