Power Animal: Butterfly is an unusual insect that symbolizes change.

Beautiful, thin and delicate, but surprisingly strong. In a word, butterflies are extraordinary. Few animals delight with their appearance in nature as well as these insects. Soaring majestically in the air, butterflies spread their magic and herald all sorts of changes.

Butterflies belong to a huge group of insects, numbering almost 200 3200 species of various varieties. Only in Poland about XNUMX different species of butterflies have been described. The vast world of butterflies is extremely diverse, ranging from the size and shape of individuals to a variety of colors and patterns of wings, which in themselves are a real miracle of nature. Unlike other insects, butterflies do not have venom glands and do not bite or sting.

A cycle of extraordinary transformation

In order for a butterfly to become a small winged miracle, it must go through a long path of metamorphosis. She begins her journey with a small egg, which, depending on the species, has amazing shapes, textures and colors. His first path, which slowly leads to the goal, is the caterpillar stage. The egg hatches into a small soft butterfly larva that feeds, grows and accumulates fat. Slender, thicker, hairy, colored, naked or spiked. Each larva from different families has individual features of appearance and time for further development. The caterpillar in the process of its growth changes not only the size, but also the color or texture. When he reaches the limit of his capabilities in the form of a small caterpillar, it is time for another metamorphosis. A sufficiently fed larva looks for a suitable place to be able to reach the shore in its journey. It is located in a cold pit, under a safe sheet or on a flat surface, and itself creates a cocoon in which the most important transformation will take place. He slowly transforms from an ever-eating caterpillar into a frozen chrysalis. This stage can last from a few days to several years. Over time, left without movement, the chrysalis undergoes an unusual transformation, slowly forming an unusual butterfly out of it. A fully formed insect hatches in a few minutes. However, before taking off into the air, he has to wait until the chitinous skeleton dries and spreads its wings. After this procedure, a beautiful butterfly is created from the testicle, which pleases the eye, easily rises into the air and pollinates flowers.

Source: pixabay.com

Meaning and symbolism

Butterflies are wonderful insects that are completely transformable. It is because of the process of transformation that they are most often a symbol of metamorphosis and transformation. They symbolize immortality, rebirth and the path to better change. Butterfly also means the passage of various life cycles, renewal, lightness and elevation from earthly affairs. In many traditions, souls are represented in the form of a butterfly. For the ancient Greeks, the image of a butterfly, in addition to the soul, also personified immortality and the psyche. However, for Native Americans, this insect means joy. For them, a butterfly that feeds on flowers additionally serves nature and spreads the beauty of the world.

When a butterfly enters our lives

Butterfly is a powerful totem animal that appears in our daily life most often during the transition period. He comes to herald significant changes in our lives, which may relate to aspects of personality, habits or point of view. It is also an excellent spiritual guide to turn to in times of fear, self-doubt, and hopeless thoughts. It helps us find our way in times of crisis when we need advice or support, whether in relationships, at work, or within ourselves. It works great as an ally during times of intense personal transformation, adding ease to the whole process. The butterfly fills with good inspiration, shows that there are more colors in life and encourages self-expression.

First, the insect helps us see our problem, the ballast we carry on our shoulders. This stage could be called the transition from chrysalis to butterfly. Now we have time to reflect, to put in order our thoughts, energy, emotions or feelings, without resorting to additional analysis, accusation or haste. We can focus all our attention on ourselves. After passing through this stage, transformation and healing occurs. In peace and quiet, without too much haste, we have time to meet with the soul and talk to ourselves. When we feel that the right time for hatching is approaching, the butterfly will give us wings, lightness and show us true freedom. It is after this transformation that we will be able to fully spread our wings, not look back and start flying. We will get rid of the negative energies that slowed down, weighed down and prevented us from enjoying life to the fullest.

Butterfly is an ally

Understanding change happens naturally, just like breathing. We should not demand a sudden change from ourselves and fear that the wings will add weight to us. We need to familiarize ourselves with the most important issues in our lives and calmly see what needs to be changed. As an ally, the butterfly will add inspiration, color, open naturally and bring color to our lives. However, you should always consciously connect with the spirit, then it is easier to achieve your goals. As a messenger, he shows us that transformation doesn't have to be painful or traumatic. It reminds you to stand up and trust your wings. He shows you how to consciously manage your life, turn dreams into reality, seize moments and open up to new ideas, and learn to create a new reality that will gradually become more and more beautiful.

Because of its lifestyle, the butterfly is one of the few animals that symbolizes personal transformation, so if you spot butterflies, pay attention to different areas of your life and personality. Perhaps this animal totem wants to show you which area needs deep change, or is trying to reveal the cycle of growth to you, or reveal to you the beauty of the world.

Aniela Frank