Via Pajamas Media, Sissy Willis has some excellent macro photographs of spiders, along with some keen observations like this:

the night stalker had moved its silken bundle across the room to a more secluded wall near the sink. We tried to get a closer look using one of those bar-magnifier rulers. When it inadvertently touched the web, the spider went into a spinning frenzy worthy of a Clinton spokesperson, even as what was left of the silk-encased lacewing hung motionless attached to the wall close by.

The thing is, I hadn't considered the political ramifications of spiders when I wrote that post, but Sissy has, and it occurred to me that the religious aspects (Pagan though they may well be) might be worth another look. The word "Arachne" is of traditional Pagan origin, and involves a sort of mythological guilt trip:

Minerva could not stand the insult that Arachne had weaved, so she took her shuffle and tore the weaving to peices. Then she touched Arachne's forehead to make her feel her guilt. Arachne could not stand the guilt any more so she hung herself. Minerva took pity for her and turned her into a spider to let her live.

Guilt is a powerful motivator.

So get spinning!