Kellie told me she had the amazing experience of witnessing Thousands of Dragonflies Shimmering in the sun flying in a massive swarm in the air over her! She wanted me to look them up and I figured the symbolism around dragonflies would make a good topic for this weeks newsletter!
Dragonflies and Damselflies are ancient creatures with estimates placing their origin at about 180 million years ago. It can be difficult to tell them apart during flight, but Dragonflies are generally wider bodied, and when they land, Damselflies fold their wings over their backs while Dragonflies keep their wings outstretched.
Both types of these magical creatures make their homes in two elements, both Water and Air. In the early stages of their lives, both live in the water as nymphs, but as they mature, they emerge to fly and spend most of the time in the air. Because water is a symbol of the emotional and Air a symbol of the mental, Dragonflies and Damselflies can represent the movement from an emotional passion that is uncontrollable to a mature and insightful way of expressing that passion.
If Dragonflies have shown up in your life, you may need some fresh air around some sort of emotional issue; space to view the issue from a higher perspective allowing for clear insight to form in the mind. Conversely it could indicate a lack of emotional connection. Also, because of the fact that they often live nearly two full years in the water before emerging, Dragonflies commonly represent either the beginning or ending of a two year cycle of growth and transformation.
Dragonflies have an iridescent exoskeleton that catches and refracts the light in striking ways. This reminds us of our own ability, as light workers, to accept what is given and work with it to create beauty in the world. The shifting light of the Dragonfly has caused it to be associated with magic and mystical arts through out the ages.
To quote Ted Andrews in his wonderful book, Animal speak, “Life is never quite the way it appears, but it is always filled with light and color. Dragonfly can help you see through your illusions and thus allow your own light to shine forth. Dragonfly brings the brightness of transformation and the wonder of colorful new vision!”
Michael Sunspirit
