What Does It Mean when a Ladybug Lands on You? Symbols, Dreams, & More

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Learn about the spiritual symbolism of a ladybug that visits you

Co-authored by Stina Garbis and Eric McClure

Last Updated: July 31, 2023 References

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Symbolic Meaning

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Different Colored Ladybugs

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Dead Ladybug

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Ladybugs in Dreams

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What to Do If a Ladybug Lands on You

If a ladybug has landed on you, it’s possible you’ll have a bit of a spiritual moment with your new insect friend. But what exactly are you supposed to take away from the experience? The beautiful and elegant ladybug has a rich history of bringing good omens, so rest assured that this is good news. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ladybugs and the messages they bring.

Things You Should Know

If a ladybug lands you, it’s a sign that you’re going to have good luck soon.
The color of the ladybug can influence the meaning of its symbolism. For example, a yellow ladybug can represent blooming love or new adventures.
Where the bug lands can matter a lot as well. For example, if it lands on your foot it may be a sign you need to “get moving” or “kick a bad habit.”
A dead ladybug isn’t a bad omen. In fact, it’s a sign that you’re going to experience a rebirth of some kind!

Section 1 of 5:

Symbolic Meaning

A ladybug landing on you is a sign of good luck to come. The name “ladybug” goes back to farmers in medieval Europe where farmers would pray to the Virgin Mary for good crops.^{[1]
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Research source} Ladybugs eat pests that destroy crops, so if they’d show up, it was a sign their prayers were answered.^{[2]
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Research source} Basically every culture has a similar relationship with ladybugs, so if one lands on you, it’s a major signal that the universe has something good in store for you.^{[3]
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- The number of spots on the ladybug determine how many years of good luck you’re going to have.
- If a ladybug with no spots lands on you, it’s said that you’ll meet your true love soon.
- If you’ve been facing a problem or you’re worrying about a tough decision, the ladybug coming to visit you is a major sign that the universe is on your side and things will work out soon.

Section 2 of 5:

Different Colored Ladybugs

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Yellow ladybugs symbolize travel, new adventure, and blooming love. Yellow is the color of spring, sunlight, and youth. On a ladybug, the implication is that you’re going to start a new chapter in life. If you’ve been thinking of taking a trip, you’ve been thinking about asking that cute barista out, or you’re considering taking a new job, the yellow ladybug on you is a sign that now is the time!^{[4]
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- If you are perfectly happy right now and you don’t want any new adventures, the yellow ladybug may simply be a sign that it’s time to take a break.
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Orange ladybugs are a sign you should embrace your creative side. Orange is the color of energy and optimism, and an orange ladybug landing on you is a big signal that you shouldn’t shy away from your inventiveness. Now is the time to start exploring a new artistic hobby or get back to that painting, movie, or song you were working on.^{[5]
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- This could also be a sign that it’s time to get creative at work or school, too. If you’ve got a big project coming up, don’t hesitate to take a little risk with how you approach it.

Section 3 of 5:

Dead Ladybug

A dead ladybug is a positive sign of rebirth and possibility. If you come across a dead ladybug, don’t worry—this is not a bad omen. In fact, it’s a signal that you’re about to experience a transformative change in your life. If you’ve been facing a major obstacle or you’re going through some tough times, rest assured that you’ll turn a new leaf over soon.^{[6]
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- If you kill a ladybug that lands on you, you’re inviting bad luck into your life, so don’t swat away any ladybugs.

Section 4 of 5:

Ladybugs in Dreams

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Dreaming of a ladybug is a sign you’re going to have success. If you wake up with visions of meeting a ladybug in your dreams, the universe is bringing you an omen of achievement. Perhaps you’re going to ace that big test you’ve been worrying about or maybe you’re finally going to get that much-deserved promotion at work. Whatever it is, good things are on the horizon.^{[7]
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- Spend the day after you dream about a ladybug looking out for actual ladybugs. If one lands on you after a dream like this, it’s a sign your dreams (as in hopes and desires) are going to come true.
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If you dream of multiple ladybugs, you may feel out of control. Were you swarmed by a wild frenzy of ladybugs last night? If so, it could mean that you’re spiraling out a bit. It may be the time to take a break, recollect yourself, and start fresh in life. Try not to be so hard on yourself when it comes to who’s in charge at school, work, or in your personal life. It’ll all be okay.^{[8]
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- If you don’t actually feel out of control in your life, write it off as a random nightmare. It’s not like everything has to mean something.

Section 5 of 5:

What to Do If a Ladybug Lands on You

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Pause whatever you’re doing and recite a wish in your head. Whether you’re walking or just scrolling through phone at the bus stop, pause as soon as the ladybug lands on you. Look at it, take a deep breath, and silently make a wish for whatever you want in your mind’s eye. You may find your wish coming true!
- The ladybug is an opportunity. It’s the universe’s way of saying it’s time to pay attention and set your intentions. By pausing to make a wish, you’re accepting this invitation.
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Meditate on the significance of whatever the ladybug lands on. According to some spiritual traditions, where the ladybug lands is extremely important. It could be that it’s calling your attention to a particular piece of clothing and what it means to you, or maybe there’s some symbolic significance to the body part where the ladybug is focused. Meditate on what the location may mean for you.
- For example, if the ladybug lands on your hand, perhaps it’s a sign that you should start working with your hands again, or give a “helping hand” to a friend in need.
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Whisper the name of your true love and gently blow the ladybug away. If you’re crushing on someone or you’re in a committed relationship, the ladybug (especially a yellow ladybug) could be a metaphor for your love life. Tell the ladybug the name of the person you love and allow it to fly away. The ladybug is a sign luck is on your side, so your love life may improve for the better soon.
- If you’re into somebody and they don’t know, it may be a good time to tell them how you feel.