The spiritual significance of a nest is that of security within our known environment. It is perhaps interesting to note that just before giving birth many women have what is known as a nesting instinct, the need to clean, tidy and make ready. This will sometimes emerge in dreams before it is recognized in waking life. The nest symbolizes safety and perhaps home life. We may be emotionally dependent on the people around us and afraid of ?leaving the nest?. A nest egg was initially a device to improve a hen's ability to lay eggs and carries with it the idea in dreams of improving a situation.