The Adinkra symbol Ananse Ntontan, represents a spider’s web. It is a symbol which connects as many people as any world wide web, through wisdom, creativity and navigating life’s complexities.

Ananse Ntontan

The Ananse Ntontan symbol has seven spokes attached to the central circle. In ancient African wisdom the number seven is associated with perfection and completeness. In this alchemy of transformation, the creator of the web is Anansi, the Spiderman.

The spider is the creator of a web of illumination, which transmits the wisdom from Source. In Akan culture, the tales of Anansi, the spiderman, are fables with different degrees of understanding depending on the audience.

Wise Elder and Trickster

The Anansi archetype of elder/trickster is not only a teaching mechanism, but a method of distilling cultural wisdom and creative responses to problematic situations.

The stories and folklore of Anansi survived the Atlantic passage from the area known today as Ghana. Held in the fetid holds of ships, and the disgrace of human bondage, to arrive in a world that was ripe for a new manifestation of Elder/trickster.

Elmina Castle, Ghana

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land? Psalm 137, Bible

I was reminded of the energy of the Ananse Ntontan web and how nature connects us while watching a Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vata) in the garden, as it moved across a pink peony.

This ghostly white spider was far away from its home territory of goldenrod and milkweed plants, a distance that would be equivalent to miles in spider travel. Much like the fabled Anansi, whose wisdom landed in the Americas, in the hearts of a transported people.

Everything in nature is a fractal of the divine, it is a story retelling itself in ever expanding aspects, much like the Adinkrahene symbol.

Nature is truth and truth is nature. Anansi came in the form of the Goldenrod spider to nudge a meditation. One should always be open to messages from nature as they can come when you are just enjoying a Summer’s day, or when you are actually seeking, as in forest bathing.

Lessons From a Spider

There are many lessons one can learn from watching a goldenrod spider, including insights into various aspects of nature, behaviour, and adaptation. For example, you don’t need a physical web to have a connection. It is in the energy, heart and the soul, of people who carry the stories in their blood, bones, and memories. They are a testament to that wisdom of creativity and resilience.

Here are some key lessons we can draw from this fascinating spider which connect the past to the present:

When those who could not return arrived with their memories in their hearts, they would change via camouflage and adaptation, using lessons combined from their wisdom, and the knowledge shared by decimated indigenous populations of the Americas to survive. They were masters of creativity, and used the wisdom of Anancy to the best of their abilities.

Camouflage and Adaptation: Goldenrod spiders are known for their ability to change color to blend in with their surroundings, particularly the flowers of goldenrod plants. This highlights the importance of adaptation in survival, showcasing how organisms can evolve traits that enhance their ability to thrive in specific environments.

In our own lives we are masters of adaptation, which can be both negative and positive. We may adapt to things that do not serve our highest purpose to comply, or take the path of least resistance. There is always a choice.

Predatory Skills: As ambush predators, goldenrod spiders demonstrate effective hunting strategies. They patiently wait for prey to come close before striking. This behavior can teach us about the value of patience and strategy in achieving goals.

The legendary Maroon warriors of Jamaica, composed of mainly Ashanti, and Ibo nations were famous for their tactical skills which left them undefeated against the British. They were renowned for their ability to ambush predators, where the hunters became the hunted.

We can learn from this element of surprise and find our strength when we feel ambushed. Preparation and patience is the key to this strategy. When people show you who they are, believe them and act accordingly.

Ecosystem Role: Goldenrod spiders play a role in their ecosystem by controlling insect populations. This illustrates the interconnections of species and the importance of each organism in maintaining ecological balance.

Life Cycle and Resilience: Observing the life cycle of goldenrod spiders, from egg to adult, can provide insights into resilience and the various stages of development. It emphasizes the importance of growth and change over time, accepting its biological non negotiable traits as assets in survival..

Behavioral Adaptations: The way goldenrod spiders interact with their environment, including their hunting methods, can inspire innovative problem-solving approaches in human contexts. We must learn to accept ourselves and not change to please others. There is a patient acceptance of change as the goldenrod takes days to change colour when it moves.

Final Thoughts

The Ananse Ntontan adinkra is our web for connection with nature as a mirror for our own interactions. A present day goldenrod spider opened the door to a deeper appreciation of the complexities of nature and the lessons it offers about adaptation, strategy, and ecological balance, in conjuction with the wisdom and creativity of Ananse.

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