I am spending the summer at our vacation home in the country recovering from foot surgery. I am spending my days working on Angel Jewelry and raising my spirituality with reading and meditaion. This has been a treat for me, sampling what life will be like when I retire from my 9-5 job and focus on our business Got Angel? full time. This is more than likely a few years down the road, although I would love for it to be happening now.
Everyday I am seeing 30 - 40 dragonflies flying around in the early evening I was wondering what the spiritual meaning of dragonflies are. This is what I found:
Symbolic Meanings of the Dragonfly
As a creature of the wind, the dragonfly totem represents change. Its iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows - lest we run into stormy weather.
Dragonflies are also creatures of the water, and any creature whose habitat is in, or around water carries symbolism relative the the subconscious, or "dreaming" mind and thoughts.
This is because in the animal world, water is symbolic of the subconscious mind ("deeper mind," "dreaming mind") and relates to the thoughts we have in relaxed/meditative/sleeping/subconscious states.
Quick-list animal symbolism of the dragonfly: prosperity, good luck, strength, peace, harmony, and purity. These symbolic meanings of dragonfly are particularly associated in Asian (Japan) and Native American (Plains region) circles.
Dragonflies carry messages that deal with deeper thought - and they ask that we pay attention to our deeper thoughts and desires. Further symbolic insect meaning of dragonfly comes into play when we observe the dragonfly's mode of transportation as it skitters across the top of water surfaces. This implies that our deeper thoughts are surfacing and we must be mindful of the outcome we wish to have.
The dragonfly is a reminder that when our deeper thoughts rise to the surface we must pay attention - there are lessons to be learned, and we are also reminded that what we think is directly proportionate to what we "see on the surface." ...In short, our thoughts (even the deeper ones that we might not be as in-touch with as we are with our conscious thoughts) are responsible for what we see in our lives - in our physical surroundings.
The dragonfly gives us a very powerful meditation tool. Close your eyes, and focus on a thought - let it rise to the surface of your mind's ocean - see that thought float lightly up to the water's surface. Now upon the top of a smooth, calm glass-like surface - visualize that thought moving across that water - sliding across - smooth and fast.
This exercise is useful when we want to visualize positive outcomes in a situation. We see the thought of hope happily moving across an ocean of peace (peaceful mind) and skitting to a perfect outcome.
Lastly it should be noted that the Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. This lesson is huge for each of us. When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.
Another source states the symbolic meaning of the dragonfly deals with: Mind , Dreams, Balance , Thoughts, Awareness, and Living to the fullest.
Because of it is a creature of water (which symbolically deals with thoughts, dreams and intuition), the dragonfly is a symbol of our thoughts. We can use it as an emblem of balanced mind because the dragonfly represents the two realms of thought.
The dragonfly skitters across the surface of the water which is symbolic of our “top thoughts” the daily, surface thoughts that primarily keep us in auto-pilot.
But the dragonfly knows she is standing on the vast watery depth of endlessly profound and potentially life-altering thoughts: The murky mass of thoughts that represent our primordial divinity – a virtual powder-keg of expansive expression.
And so, the dragonfly is the fulcrum between mundane and mystical. She is the balance keeper between the “little me” and the “God self.” This is why the dragonfly is a perfect tool for meditation, and is often used by spiritual practitioners in meditation practices (an example of using the dragonfly in a meditation can be found here).
Additionally, as creature of the wind, the dragonfly totem represents change. Its iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows – lest we run into stormy weather.
The Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. This lesson is huge for each of us. When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.
Dragonfly Totems Facilitate:
•Greater attention to the nuances and subtleties around us
•Awareness & gratitude of inner beauty
•Awareness of outer beauty, and ability to share it modestly with the world
•Knowledge of life’s brevity, and understanding the importance of making every minute special
It should be clear this insect totem has endless potential in changing our perspective, and enhancing our life experiences. Take the time to connect with this and other insect totems and you will be amazed at the doors they can open for you.
The meaning of a dragonfly changes with each culture. The main symbolisms of the dragonfly are renewal, positive force and the power of life in general. Dragonflies can also be a symbol of the sense of self that comes with maturity. Also, as a creature of the wind, the dragonfly frequently represents change. And as a dragonfly lives a short life, it knows it must live its life to the fullest with the short time it has - which is a lesson for all of us. God, Mother nature, the angels, and the universe are sending me such strong messages - the message of change is in the air and all around me. thank you for this special gift.