Human and Ecology
The totem of the dragonfly holds the insights of adaptability and transformation. They are spiritual creatures connected to light and change. When you see one, be reminded of these qualities in yourself. Perhaps you are in need of more lightness and joy in your life? Or perhaps it’s simply time to take a moment to be consciously grateful for the lightness and joy that you do have.
“Dragonflies are reminders that we are light and we can reflect light in powerful ways if we choose to do so.”
Robyn Nola
For me, personally, Dragonflies have always had an association with the “in-between”. The area between my living place and the spirit world. The Dragonfly lets me know that there is communication between me and the others, and facilitates the access or a reminder of the access to that realm beyond this physical one on this Third Rock from Sun. Besides their majestic acrobatics, the Dragonfly exhibit exceptional light reflections and shimmer so to speak due to the vibrations surrounding their interaction with the environments they move through. When I see two or more together their play is just beautiful and their movements graceful and captivating. The Dragonfly has offered the clear pathway between heart-head-hands and if one is ever in doubt or does not know what this means, see them at work. The Dragonfly is the spirit animal of BushBasking supporting transition periods between the technocratic /work environment, the self and community environments through the use of our senses, ensuring continual smooth transitions between. Change and adaptability, repetitive shifts between two seeming very different ways to live are enhanced by the Dragonflies’ input and means to metamorphoses. The BushBasking Dragonfly shows the way to operate between, in-between our daily lives to journey into a balanced path where we may enjoy the best of both worlds.
The Dragonfly
I believe I have always loved Dragonflies. Watching them dart with apparent ease, float gently, and majestically dance through the air… Just through observing Dragonflies, it quickly becomes clear that their meaning and impact on us as humans goes much deeper than just being a beautiful part of nature.
Every culture and civilisation throughout human history has developed a folklore and meaning behind the existence of the Dragonfly. It is from the Greeks that they get their root name, Odanates, which means tooth. Because of the way Dragonflies crush prey, it was once believed they possessed teeth. The more modern name of the Dragonfly comes from the story that they once were dragons, and are left now here to remind us of a time past where magic and a mix the realism was part of daily life. Some cultures imagined Dragonflies as elemental messengers with the spirits of Devas inside them. Since human eyes are not trained naturally to the world of magic, the beauty and aerobatics of the Dragonfly were considered the perfect way to catch our attention.
They can travel more than 60 kilometres per hour, fly backwards, hover like a helicopter, and change direction with seemingly impossible speeds. They do all this by flapping their wings only 30 times per minute. To give you some perspective, a mosquito flaps its wings 600 times per minute. Because of this, Dragonflies take on the role of spiritual guides for us. They are powerful yet graceful – even in high wind. They show us how to navigate life’s storms with confidence and ease.
They motivate us to let go of whatever holds us down or holds us back.
Meanings and Symbols of the Dragonfly
- Adaptability
- Joy and lightness
- Emotional depth
- The invitation to go deeper
- A connection to spirit beings
- Wisdom
Connection with and to nature through the Dragonfly
It is easy to notice the fairy-like quality of the Dragonfly, making them an auspicious connection to nature and her spirits. They are fascinating creatures, and feelings of fascination and amazement are needed to tap into the magic of nature, lightness, and the elements. They are also strongly associated with water because they begin their lives in ponds and small bodies of water. They learn to scurry across water surfaces – a strong symbol of looking beyond the surface of a person or situation. Life is complex and as creatures of both air and water, Dragonflies remind us of this.
Dragonfly as a Spirit Guide
The Dragonfly may enter our lives when our joy diminishes or when we start taking things too seriously, reminding us to lighten our thoughts and habits. Because of their connection to water, Dragonflies are tied to our emotional selves. They are the perfect guides to ask questions like:
• What emotion is it that I need to explore?
• Am I hiding something from myself or others?
• Am I using this emotion as a smoke screen for something more important?
Call on the guidance of the Dragonfly when you are struggling to adapt. The energy it brings will give you flexibility and a fresh perspective. So many of our problems contain an element of not being able to accept our emotions. They end up overtaking us and stalling our growth. Dragonfly energy is perfect for digging in, embracing, and understanding emotions. If you are stuck in an emotional pattern or just stuck in a temporary rut, surrender to the Dragonfly’s transformative
power.
Your Spiritual Animal
Individuals with the Dragonfly totem, or spirit animal are likely to experience changes, metamorphoses and evolutions in their lives, with these experiences of change being part of their soul’s journey. These people, when tapped into their highest vibration and purpose, have the ability to soar to great heights in this lifetime. Dragonfly people are very flexible, adaptive and quick thinking, embracing new places, people and situations and are seen as mature and “having a
presence” The best time to start working with the energies of Dragonflies is when you are becoming conscious of their presence, physically. However when your subconscious seems to be calling this spirit animal into your life, it is likely you are in line for a transformation. Be inspired by the amazing Dragonfly. When you tune into the symbolism associated with Dragonflies, it will be easier to create a balance and find maturity in your emotional life, through the gift of clarity.
Why not dedicate a meditation session toward Dragonfly energy though focusing on self-awareness, working with the elements, or understanding your current emotions. Use the image of the Dragonfly to bring out its characteristics as you begin, then focus on bringing your vibration in alignment with the transformative and strong energy which the Dragonfly carries. Open up to the guidance of your energies together to find direction and answers. Adaptability and dealing with tricky situations call for the Dragonfly’s help through the raising vibrations to release negative draining energies that may be holding you back, it will make you see the issue at hand differently and a solution and direction towards preferred outcomes will present itself.
A Concluding Lesson
There is a concluding lesson which may be seen as a most important lesson of the Dragonfly. Dragonflies have a short life span living an entire life in only seven months. So, make sure the Dragonfly is a reminder to live life to the fullest, and teach us to look out for the gifts and beauty that we encounter each day. May I suggest to then offer a small prayer of gratitude for your Dragonfly spirit guide.