Butterfly, Power Animal, Symbol of Change, The Soul, Creativity, Freedom, Joy and Colour
By Ina Woolcott
Native Americans see the butterfly as a symbol of joy. Feeding on the
flowers they help pollinate, they further spread beauty. Butterflies eyes
consist of thousands of individual lenses. This gives them the gift of being
able to see a single image clearly. They can perceive ultraviolet
wavelengths of light, suggesting clairvoyant abilities for those with
Butterfly as power animal. The antennae of the butterfly has small knobs on
each end which are said to aid orientation. If an antennae is missing the
butterfly will fly in circles unable to find its way. If butterfly is your
ally you need to remain consciously connected to spirit at all times so you
may fulfil your goals.
Butterfly is the symbol of change, the soul, creativity, freedom, joy and
colour. Their power is transformation, shape shifting and soul evolution.
They represent the element of air, quickly changing and always on the move
gracefully. Butterflies are messengers of the moment and come in a wide
array of colours. Studying these colours can help you uncover butterflies
message to you. It reminds us not to take things too seriously and to get up
and move. They teach us that growth and transformation does not have to be a
traumatic experience. It can be joyous. Butterflies possess the ability to
grow and change, leaving the safety of their cocoon to discover a new world
in a new form without fear, trusting their untested wings to fly without a
doubt in their minds. They work through many important stages to become the
beautiful creature they are. Similar to the butterfly, we too are always
moving through different stages, each equally as vital. It is no good rushing
to a particular stage, nor is it good getting stuck at a stage and becoming
stagnant. Butterfly is a potent symbol for those considering, or in the
throes of, a big change. Butterfly is also one of the most inspiring symbols
of the animal world, knowing precisely the time to leave the comfort and
limitation of its cocoon, flying freely into the world. Quite frequently, we
are not so certain. The cocoon of our thoughts and fears may be limiting,
they are also safe and familiar. We can become afraid of what may be outside
of our limiting thoughts and belief systems, trapping us and holding us back
from ourselves, from our dreams and desires, from our unlimited potential.
We can learn how to move on, how to grow from and improve a situation by
finding out which stage we are at. This may be the egg stage, the beginning
- where an idea is born and not yet reality. The larvae stage is when you
physically get your idea going, usually involving preparation such as
planning. The cocoon stage entails developing your ideas, project or talent.
The ultimate stage of transformation is coming out of the chrysalis, the
birth of the butterfly. This last stage is about sharing the colours and
ecstasy of your creation with the rest of the world. Remember that we are
always evolving, growing and that we are always at one of these stages.
Figure out which stage you are at, whether you need more time to complete
one stage before being ready going on to the next. Be careful not to rush,
nor get stuck either.
Not all change feels deliberate, it can be very subtle. Such as losing a job
and then circumstances pushing you in to a new direction. There may have
been things going on within you, getting you ready for a change
subconsciously, that you didn't even recognise. If you are feeling insecure
and unsure of what is going on in your life right now, then look back over
what has been going on in your life recently or even long ago. Have you ever
wished that you had a different job? Of changing career? Are you able to see
that on some level your wishes are coming true? I’m sure you will remember
the good old saying 'be careful what you wish for..' What you focus on, is
sure to manifest.
Butterfly can help you see that exiting the cocoon suddenly opens a new
door, that there is power in trust and vulnerability. No more than you does
a butterfly know whether it can fly, but it opens its wings in perfect
confidence, and discovers that their delicacy allow its graceful flight, its
dance in the air. When we understand that transformation can be as natural
as breathing, when we take ourselves lightly, when we trust in our own
untried wings to support us, we learn the message of Butterfly, life itself
is a joyous dance. Dance brings us the sweetness of life.
The four stages of the butterflies growth are parallel to the development of
our first forming a thought to manifesting it in the outer world.
Understanding that change can be as natural as breathing. We mustn't be so
hard on ourselves, trusting that our own untried wings will bear our weight.
This is when we receive the Butterflies gift: life itself is extraordinary
and amazing. If Butterfly has found you, take note of the most important
issues in your life and see what needs to be changed.
If an eco system becomes damaged, butterfly is usually first to leave, as
they are highly sensitive to the harmony of the earth. If butterfly finds
you and is unwell, hurt or caught, this is an indication that you must stop
disturbing the natural design of life and to flow with events in a more
gentle and natural manner.
