The Dragonfly
The dragonfly has become very significant to me and if you notice, they are displayed here on my website. When you get to know me better, you will also see them on and around everything that is important to me. I never paid much attention to them until recently. They were just flying insects. But as I traveled along my journey of transformation and self-discovery, I felt a draw toward these fascinating creatures and since then, they have captured my attention and awareness. I adopted the dragonfly as my totem, which basically means that I believe the dragonfly symbolizes spiritual significance for me. They are symbolic of so many meanings that I either have become or am striving to achieve. The biggest symbolic meaning is that of change and transformation, which has been the whole foundation of my journey and purpose in life. Dragonflies hold this meaning because they represent the transition from life in a cocoon to the life of an insect of flight. This transition also represents moving on from the past and into the present and future.
To several Native American tribes, dragonflies represent overcoming obstacles and moving forward and beyond them. The dragonfly symbolizes past self-created illusions that limit us growing and changing. They are a symbol of the sense of self that comes with mental and emotional maturity. To Asian cultures, this transformation also has a similar deeper meaning. To them, it represents embracing change and seeing it as positive and freeing. It represents strength, joy and bravery. The dragonfly inspires bringing about the changes needed in order to reach our full potential in life. It calls us to live and experience life differently and to stay open to the journey and to understand a deeper meaning of life.
Dragonflies have a beauty that at a glance can be missed, but if you look closely, you will notice that both its body and wings are iridescent in color. These many colors on the dragonfly body are a result of reflecting and refracting the power of light and can appear differently depending on the angle of light and the perspective in which it is viewed. This amazing property signifies the self-discovery of one’s true abilities and the removal of inhibitions. In Asian cultures such as Japan and China, these changing and reflecting colors represent the magic of the light. Dragonflies help you to see through your illusions and allow your own light to shine in a new vision. This light is within each of us and we can reflect the light in powerful ways if we choose to do so.
The eyes of the dragonfly are one of the most amazing and awe inspiring sights. Given almost 80% of the insect’s brainpower is dedicated to its sight and the fact that it can see in all 360 degrees around it, it symbolizes the uninhibited vision of the mind and the ability to see beyond the limitations of the human self. Sometimes you will see dragonfly tattoos or dragonfly designs with additional eyes added onto the wings. This can signify the ever-watching eye and protection or self-protection. Depending on the number of eyes placed on the dragonfly’s wings, it can also represent time and the past, present and future.
The dragonfly is a creature of both the water and the air. The air signifies freedom. It represents leaving behind the old ways and going into the unknown, going past our perceived limitations. It represents advancement and independence. Furthermore, the dragonfly has the amazing ability to fly in all 6 directions – up, down, left, right, forward and backward, as well as the ability to hover. The fun, carefree flight patterns of the dragonfly symbolize the free spirit and our wild side because it can change direction swiftly and with little effort. Symbolically, this means it has the ability to be flexible and highly adaptable in any situation and can tackle issues from a different angle.
The water aspect of the dragonfly brings the meaning of spirituality and the subconscious mind. The dragonfly represents the metaphysical aspects of our lives. To the Native Americans, the metaphysical aspect of dragonflies relates to rebirth. Some Native American tribes believe that if a dragonfly lands on you, it is the soul of someone who has passed on.
In summary, the dragonfly is significant in so many ways. I hope that I have the opportunity to share with you and teach you everything they symbolize. These amazing fairy-like creatures invite you to dive deeper into the realms of your true self.
Credit for above content was compiled from http://www.dragonfly-site.com, http://www.spiritanimal.info and http://www.tattoodestination.com
