Parasite

This is a common symbol appearing in forms other than an insect. It brings forward the idea of the life that 'grows' or is nourished by your suffering. The parasite symbolizes how you may be unwittingly doing something self-destructive because it 'serves you' in some way. As a symbol of what may be draining your life force, it can represent a lack of fulfillment because you would rather ignore the problem. See Blood.