For many cultures, they represent death and rebirth, probably because they disappear into a cave every day and reappear every night. If the bat has crossed your path at important life events, or if the bat is your spirit animal, get ready for a rough f#cking ride. The bat instills fear in people for a good reason, and it's not about their teeth. They carry messages of fear, suffering, trial, initiation, and challenge. Over the past decade, bats have visited me at numerous times of difficult transition, so she has become my warrior symbol.