Insect Symbolism

WASP PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 

Wasps are insects that are part of the Hymenoptera and Apocrita family. Most Wasps have a slender, segmented body with a narrow waist, also known as the petiole. They are smooth in appearance as they have very little hair. They also have six legs and wings. Their wings are generally iridescent clear in appearance although some have a slight brown or dark tint.

They have biting mouthparts as well as a sharp barbed stinger. Wasps have mandibles used for cutting and manipulating food as well as for constructing nests. They also have a Labrum and Labium which help them handle food. The Wasp stinger is connected to their venom glands. Unlike Bees, the Wasp stinger is smooth and stays intact when stinging. In fact, Wasps are able to rage brutal attacks as they can sting as many times as they wish.

The Wasps stinger serves them well in nature as it provides self-defense against predators. Additionally, when they sting, it releases a paralyzing agent which allows them to easily capture and kill their prey. For humans, Wasp stings can hurt very badly as their stinger is much larger than a Bee. They can cause issues for those who are allergic to insect stings.

What sets Wasps apart from Bees is their longer and slender body. Bees also have a lot more hair and appear a bit more roundish and fuzzier. Most Bees are a bit smaller than the average Wasp too. They both, however, are pollinators and have an important job in the ecosystem, so they are often both seen flying around the same flower and garden areas.

There are many species of Wasps that live among us. Some of the common Wasps seen in the United States include the Yellow Jacket, Paper Wasp, and Black Faced Hornet. They are considered social Wasps because they live in colonies with many supporting the egg laying Queen. Most Wasps, however, tend to live a solitary life like the Blue Mud Wasp, as they do not build large colonies. 

Due to the species diversity, Wasps come in an array of colors and patterns. The most common are brown and black in color with clear or dark clear tinted wings. Though there are some with striking color striped patterns across their bodies. 

The Yellow Jacket has a black body with bright yellow vertical stripes on its upper segment and horizontal stripes on its lower segment. They are the most recognized of the Wasp species as there are several sub species like the European Paper Wasp that is also black with yellow striping.

The Blue Mud Wasp is quite striking in appearance. They are sapphire blue in color, and they have a metallic sheen to their bodies. They are much larger than a regular Wasp, coming in at almost an inch in size. They are solitary Wasps and typically keep to themselves. It was quite a shock to stumble across this in nature one day. The Yellow Jackets vs Blue Mud Wasp. And no, I did not speed up the video…

The Wasp has a diverse menu selection. Most species prefer sugary snacks like jellies, jams and fruit juice. Although they are not picky and will feast on a melted candy wrapper or ice cream container. This is partly why they are so prevalent at picnic sites. 

It is interesting to note that Wasps also love a variety of fruit. The natural sugar found is actually quite good for them. In the Fall, when the temperatures have big swings from hot days to cold nights, it can become difficult for Wasps to regulate their temperature. If you notice one hobbling around, looking a bit like they took a shot of tequila and you have fruit, you can put some out and that will give them the energy they need to get back to their nest site. 

It is also worth noting that If you have fruit that is about to spoil and put some out for them, they will feast upon it for hours. The fermenting has an intoxicating effect on them. They do not appear drunk, but they are fixated and will not let go. They will remain on it and even allow you to move the pieces closer to them so they can get to a fresh piece. 

For the most part, Wasps are insectivores and carnivorous. Their favorite feast includes spiders, crickets, cicadas as well as many other smaller insects. Although it is important to note that Wasps typically chew up the bugs to feed to their larvae. 

Many Wasps will also feast upon carrion and meat. They have been known to eat the bodies of larger insects. In addition, if you like your steak rare, they may come steal some from you. Although they do prefer the scavenged variety. Blood is what draws the Wasp to meat. In their world, the stinker the better. 

Wasps are also fierce scavengers. As mentioned, they will seek out carrion, but they also frequent trash receptacles. They are typically searching for sugar or meat, but they will eat breadcrumbs and vegetable matter as well. The goal for the Wasp is survival. 

Typically, Wasps live in underground nests, trees, shrubs, and human housing. They can be found in our attics, porch awnings, wall voids, even patio furniture, like grills. If they can build a nest, and there is good nutrition nearby, they will move in and call it home. 

Wasps play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They pollinate a multitude of plant species such as flowers, crops, figs, fruit trees and pollen producing plants. They also feast on insects, helping with population control. Due to their diverse menu selection, they can also eat the ends of fruit pieces we throw away, reducing waste. 

The intricate process involved in the construction of a Wasp nest is quite intriguing. They are made of chewed plant fiber that is fused together with Wasp saliva to create the elaborate tunnel structures. 

From our vantage point it looks like a cone shaped paper feeling object with many tunnels for pencils. But from the vantage point of the Wasp, this is a multi-level architecture masterpiece with over 10,000 cells for a young Wasp to call home. To them it is the equivalent of Taj Mahal. 

Although many Wasps find a home in nature, they can end up at our homes. It is important to take care of nests right away, so they do not become unmanageable. What starts as one or two, within four to six months can triple. Typically, there is more than one creating.

There are a few ways to remove Wasp nests. I chose the wrong path years ago, the path of ultimate destruction. I do not plan to take that road again. It is not a simple process, but there are ways to safely remove and relocate Wasp nests. The most important thing is to catch them early, so it is only one or two. If you have an infestation, I recommend getting support from a professional.

Wasps have incredible memories, and they can retain information for many years. They can recognize human faces as well as specific characteristics about us.  In studies, they have been known to use a form of logical reasoning to establish patterns of connection, creating unknown relationships to known relationships. This was also true with color testing models.  

In general, Wasps do not bother humans. We do see them frequently as they like a lot of the foods we like. The issue is that we get scared when we see them and wave our arms around and it startles them. They are highly reactionary so to them this is a threat, so they attack. 

It is important to note, however, that one must use caution with their nests as to the Wasp, this is sacred ground. They will defend and attack at all costs. They also do not take kindly to getting in between a particularly tantalizing meaty feast either. 

One interesting Wasp fact is they also do not like getting inside buildings. In fact, when they do they become confused and disoriented. If you have ever seen a Wasp, get indoors, they head towards the ceiling and bounce around as if they keep trying to find an opening to freedom. They are unable to adjust their eyesight to the closed atmosphere. It is easy to get them out, just open a door or window with lots of light and they will be drawn to it. 

WASP SYMBOLISM INTRODUCTION

As Spirit Animals, Wasps symbolize trust, honesty, protection, bravery, confidence, Warrior energy, development, creation, organization, planning, teamwork, collaboration, urgency and the unexpected. They can guide us through our inner landscape, help us tap into the power of our inner Warrior, embrace change and make those changes reality in the physical world.  

SYMBOLIC KEYWORDS

· Trust 

· Honesty 

· Protection

· Bravery

· Warrior Archetype 

· Development

· Creation

· Organization

· Planning

· Collaborative Efforts 

· Urgency

· Unexpected 

KEYWORD SYMBOLISM DEFINITIONS

Trust

Wasps are generally solitary creatures. There are some species that live in large colonies, but for the most part, the life of a Wasp is one of solitude. They are very protective of their space and do not appreciate any kind of interference. They are quite small when you look at them but as humans, we are well versed in their power. A Wasp sting is a memory we tend to hold on to. 

The Wasp reminds us to trust ourselves and embrace our inner power. We can free ourselves from the destructive thoughts and the prison we created in our own mind. We have the power within to heal our wounds and release the hold they have over us. 

Once we work through the emotions we make space, then we can find the lesson the experience is trying to teach us.  We have the inner strength to free ourselves from the past plaguing our thoughts and emotions and quiet the chaos within. We can find balance between our inner world and our outer world.  

Honesty

What is interesting about Wasps is that although they are generally solitary creatures, they are also very outwardly expressive. They are always buzzing around within the environment, stopping for food or to pollinate or to occasionally take down a predator. It is common to see them going about their daily lives as we go about ours.

Wasps are honest and upfront, and they do not sugar coat who they are. As humans we know they can become aggressive and can sting, a lot. We use caution when we see them as I imagine many insects in nature also give them a wide birth. 

The Wasp reminds us to live our lives with truth and honor. We may not fit the mold of society, and we may have big dreams that seem unattainable to many, but we can never allow the fears of others to sway us from our path. Like the Warrior, we can live by our code of honor and courageously walk our path. 

Protection/Bravery/Warrior Archetype

Wasps are unique as they have both biting mouth parts as well as a sharp, barbed stinger. They use their mandibles for cutting into food as well as for building and constructing nests.  Their stinger serves as a strong protective shield in nature, as they can continuously sting. Their venom releases a paralyzing agent allowing them to stun predators and easily capture prey. 

The Wasp symbolizes protection, bravery and Warrior energy. With their stinger, Wasps can defend and protect themselves from many predators, even some ten times their size. They represent our inner Warrior and bravely fighting the battles on our path.  

When we tap into the power of our inner Warrior, we can find our wellspring of courage and strength. When we are faced with a difficult circumstance it is easy to lose confidence along the way. With challenge comes change and that can prove difficult for many. Our minds can get plagued with the "what if" scenarios. 

The Wasp can help us clear the chaos in our minds and get to the heart of the matter. At the core of our insecurities are fears or outdated beliefs that have lived long past their expiration date. When we tap into our inner power, we can bravely face our fears and release the pain from our past battles. 

We can release our fear of change and invite transformation into our lives. We can gain the wisdom from the experience, find our new beginning and become the Hero of our own story. 

Development/Creation/Organization/Planning

Wasps are extremely creative and when it comes to constructing their nests, they have an intelligent planning and development process. Their nests are comprised of chewed plant fiber that they use their mandibles to create, and then use their saliva as a glue to hold it together. 

They do this to create a stable structure, so they burrow down to create an intricate tunnel like cells for the eggs. Their masterpiece creates space for 10,000 cells for young Wasps to call home. 

The Wasp reminds us that we have the power to reconstruct our lives. We start with a stable foundation and build upon it, piece by piece. Taking time to form each structure, step by step, we can continue to expand our masterpiece and rebuild our lives.

The Wasp nest building process is not quick and can take 4-6 months. The Wasp guides us to stay patient while on the path. Change is not a light switch and even though we want things to be calmer now, we need to show restraint and allow things to take shape in their due time.

Collaborative Efforts 

Wasps are generally solitary and spend their lives alone. There are some Wasps like the Yellow Jacket, Paper Wasp, Black Faced Hornet that are considered social and live in colonies. These colonies are established to support the egg laying Queen. They each serve a crucial role in the tribe in support of new Wasp life.

As humans it is common to find ourselves in group settings, especially at work or school. However, this can be difficult for some, as they prefer to do things their own way. Whether it is a need to control or the inability to trust others, they stand firm in going things the solo route. 

The Wasp reminds us that although we can go through life independently, there is power in the community and the support of others. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength. When we can act in the Grace of Humility and admit our limitations, it builds strength and character. It also allows us to develop deeper connections with others. 

Urgency/Unexpected 

Wasps are very busy insects and are always on the move. They are resourceful so they are always planning for the unexpected. They zip around seeking food to finding resources for the home. The Wasp makes sure all their needs are met. Of course, along their path, they will go bravely into battle with anyone who dares stand in their way.

Wasps are quick and they can sneak up on us unexpectedly. We could be taking a leisurely walk in nature or enjoying a peaceful picnic and BAM, there is a Wasp zipping and zagging about. As humans, our first reaction is to run away as fast as possible to prevent the inevitable. As most of us know, Wasp stings are extremely painful.

When a Wasp comes into our awareness, our reaction is a good indicator of what the message may be trying to tell us. Feeling jumpy and fearful could indicate immediate change is needed or change is coming, fast. Not reacting is another indicator that maybe we are moving too slowly on something in our lives. Perhaps we are hesitant to make a change, so we dig in, refusing to make a final decision or take action. 

The Wasp reminds us to expect the unexpected, it’s time to embrace change, new beginnings are on the horizon. They guide us to stay focused and organized and start planning for the future. We have nothing to fear, with the power of our inner Warrior, we can bravely liberate ourselves from our fears and embrace our brand-new adventure!

SPIRIT ANIMAL

As a Spirit Animal, the Wasp can guide us to learn how to trust ourselves and others while tapping into the power of our Warrior energy. Wasp medicine guides us to release the pain from the past and find the wisdom from the experience, so we can learn our Soul Life Lessons.  

Trust

Wasps are courageous and savage survivors. They do what is necessary to protect themselves and their nests, which to them is their sacred space. They bravely fight off other insects and birds, as well as us humans. If we reflect upon it, we can feel their power. They sneak up on us and BAM we are freaked and running. That’s a lot of power in a tiny package! 

Given the hierarchy of nature, Wasps are fierce survivors. They are prey to so many different animals, so they stay on the offensive, in constant attack mode. For animals, this is a normal way of life, it is survival of the fittest. For humans, it is another story entirely. 

When we have been hurt in the past it can be difficult to trust others. We relive the pain and the memories, and we vow to never get stung like that again. As we face these traumas it also impacts our ability to trust ourselves. We question our decisions and wonder if we can trust ourselves enough to not get hurt again.

If we do not work through and resolve our emotional pain, we will continue to get caught up in the emotional turbulence. Eventually, this will start to cause issues in our lives. We may start to get more critical or frustrated or we may become depressed and withdrawn.  

If we continue to ignore our issues, we outwardly express our unhappiness and take our frustration out on others. As we continue to slip further into our shadow patterns, we can cause further damage in our lives. Our relationships suffer greatly, and our lives become unmanageable. 

Taking time for solitude and self-reflection can guide us to the root cause of our inner challenges. We can heal by getting to the core of the wound and releasing the pain from the experience. We are not meant to hold on to the pain, only the lesson the experience was there to teach us.

When we can view our experiences in this way, we can find the wisdom from the lesson and a path to healing. We can restore our self-esteem and learn to trust ourselves and the world around us. The Wasp is a courageous survivor, and they teach us to embrace this energy on our true path to healing. 

Warrior

The Wasp is a Warrior and a fierce survivor in nature. Given their small size, one would suspect they would not survive, but they embrace their inner Warrior and survive at all costs. In fact, the Wasp uses their size to their advantage. They are extremely fast and zip and zag at great speed until they can focus in and land a sting on their target. 

The Wasp symbolizes our Warrior Archetype. We all have the warrior or protector within us, and this can serve us well when we are acting in our light. Guiding us to set positive intentions and live our lives courageously, with trust and faith in our hearts.  

However, in shadow mode our Warrior Archetype can manifest as control, aggression, separation from others, and inability to trust others. In this state we want to control every person and every aspect of our lives. And when things do not go our way, we can become quite angry and outwardly expressive. This can have a negative impact on our relationships, career, health and daily life.

We have the inner power to shine a light on our Warrior archetype and get to the root cause of our inner struggles. Our Archetypes are here to serve as teachers on our journey and they have a wealth of wisdom to share. They can guide us to the core of our fears, self-limiting beliefs, and negative behavior patterns helping us address and release the pain from each experience.   

As we embrace the light of our Warrior archetype, we can begin to make empowered decisions in our lives. We can look towards the future and begin to rebuild and reconstruct our lives for the better. 

TOTEM ANIMAL

For those born under the Wasp totem, they are honest, trustworthy, loyal, fierce, direct, strong and courageous. They have had their fair share of adversity, and they always find a way to rise above and come out stronger on the other side. This path has its drawbacks though, as there were plenty of stings along the way.  

For Wasp people they tend to keep their emotions to themselves and have a hard time trusting others. Patience is key. Although it can be hard to get to know a Wasp person, if they do let you in, you have a loyal companion for life. They learned from their struggles, and they are wise beyond their years.

They believe in themselves, so they are confident and at times a bit rough around the edges. They can be brutally honest and have no problems saying what is on their mind. This is because to those born under the Wasp totem, honesty is everything and the truth will always set you free. 

Wasp people are highly intelligent, organized and are good at planning, especially long-term projects or goals. They can work through the mountain of the details and stay focused on the end result. They are also very creative and may enjoy architecture and design. 

They also enjoy the value of solitude and spending time to reset and rebalance. It can be difficult for Wasp folks to be around a lot of people for extended periods of time. Most know this and take their quiet time to reset so they can maintain balance and harmony in their lives and relationships. 

POWER ANIMAL

As a Power Animal, Wasps can help us tap into the power of our inner Warrior. When we tap into the power of our Warrior Archetype, we can discover a wealth of potential and possibilities. This is where we find the power to stand up for ourselves and others as well as find inner strength to overcome challenges on our path.

The Warrior Archetype is also the archetype that can move mountains. In physical terms, this is the power center where a mother can move a car if their children are in danger. Our Warrior within us will stand tall and brave no matter what the circumstance.  

The Wasp carries the Warrior energy. They are fierce and ferocious predators, and they own their power. I mean, they do have us humans trained pretty well to get the hell out of their way. Of course, this can have its drawbacks as it can become too aggressive and demanding. 

When we work with the positive energy of our Warrior Archetype, we can discover our beliefs and attitudes and why we fight so hard for some of the things we do. Maybe our cause is noble, we chose to be the voice for those that cannot speak for themselves. Or perhaps we just fight, anything and anyone on our path. 

When we get to the core of our values and beliefs we can start to work with this energy in a more productive way. We can find a noble cause that we can fight for, so we can release the battle energy of our Warrior archetype. As we work with this power in its light we can begin to move mountains in our own lives, changing them for the better. 

HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM 

Native American

In Native American spiritual traditions, the Wasp represents strength, courage, and bravery - defending what is sacred. As a warrior bravely going into battle, they return with wisdom, protection and healing. They are also seen as productive, resourceful and methodical. Under pressure they can rise to the challenge. 

Celtic

In Celtic spiritual traditions, the Wasp is seen as sun and fire which represents change and action. Wasps symbolize change, transformation and rebirth. Fire destroys the old to make way for the new and with destruction there is transformation and rebirth. Wasps also represent strength and power. They are courageous in self-defense and are seen as conquerors of great battles. 

Shamanic

In Shamanic spiritual traditions, the Wasp represents the intermediary between the physical and spiritual realm. They are revered as highly symbolic with special spiritual powers. The Wasp escorts souls through their travels in the unknown realm. With their powerful stinger, the Wasp is known to sting as a reminder to think before they speak and act. The Wasp is also seen as a healer and is used in healing rituals. 

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DRAGONFLY PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 

Dragonflies are insects that are part of the Odonata family. They are easy to spot as they have a long, slender body and their abdomen is longer than their wings. They have four transparent gossamer wings that allow them to move forward, backward, up and down at record speed. Dragonflies can also hover in one place for extended periods of time. 

Watching Dragonflies aerobatics and water sports as they glide easy and effortlessly along the clear water, quickly diving down for a snack is a quite entertaining. They tend to move in Dragonfly packs, so they are often seen in groups of four to six. 

They are striking in appearance and come in a variety of vibrant colors. Some Dragonflies are more metallic in coloring while others have a matte appearance. For many their wings are clear but for some they have a slight tint of their own color on their wings. Dragonflies can be found in blue, green, red, purple, even pink. 

Dragonflies have powerful sight and can see their world in 360 degrees. They have large bead eyes that they can move about to adjust and take in their environment. Dragonflies have the biggest eyes within the insect kingdom. Nothing can get past the vision master. 

They have a diverse habitat and can be found near lakes, streams, wetlands, reservoirs, parks and even neighborhood puddles. Dragonflies need a constant water source as this is the primary source of nutrition. They can be seen zipping and zagging along the shoreline then they quickly speed out to the water body to search for a tasty snack.

They are ruthless hunters and can snag a meal from any vantage point. Dragonflies’ favorite menu selection consists of mosquitos. They will also feast on midges, flies, moths as well as other small flying insects. They serve a valuable purpose and aid with pest control of many invasive species. 

Dragonflies serve a critical role in the ecosystem. They act as an indicator of the health of wetlands. In order to survive, their larvae need well oxygenated water free of pollutants and debris.

There has been a decline in Dragonflies with the drainage of wetlands and pollution from industry and farming as well as urban development. Conserving our existing resources is critical for the survival of the Dragonfly.

Dragonflies have a transformative life cycle. They actually remain underwater during their second stage of life for several years. Once they become adults, they typically only live on the surface a few weeks to a few months. 

During mating, the male and female will do so while flying in the air. You can spot this in the Spring and Summer as they are attached together. Once the mating process is complete, the female will lay eggs in the water, typically on plants or nearby soil. 

Once the eggs hatch, they become Nymphs. They have large eyes, six legs and gills that are located in their rectum. They remain in this stage from one to several years. Nymphs will feast on aquatic organisms and mosquito larvae during this period as they are completely submerged under water. 

Nymphs undergo metamorphosis then they emerge as adult Dragonflies. This is when we see them with vibrant colors, long bodies, large eyes and translucent wings. The Dragonfly is determined, and they quickly adapt to their new surroundings as life is short and they do not want to waste a single moment.

DRAGONFLY SYMBOLISM INTRODUCTION

As Spirit Animals, Dragonflies symbolize change, transformation, new beginnings, balance, intuition and creativity. Dragonflies teach us to live in the present moment. They guide us to let go of the past, embrace change and transformation, and to trust the process. 

SYMBOLIC KEYWORDS

· Change

· Transformation

· New Beginnings

· Balance

· Live in the Present Moment

· Intuition

· Creativity

KEYWORD SYMBOLISM DEFINITIONS

Change/Transformation/New Beginnings

Dragonflies have a transformative life cycle. They begin their lives as eggs and then hatch into Nymphs. They can stay in the Nymph state for one to several years. They spend the majority of their lives underwater. When they go through metamorphosis, they emerge as adult Dragonflies and live on the surface. 

For the adult Dragonfly, this is their new beginning, on the surface there is a bold new world to explore. They do not waste a moment as they know their time is short. As adults, they typically only live a few weeks to a few months, so they live life to its fullest. 

Although Dragonflies spend the majority of their lives underwater, when they transform into an adult Dragonfly, they can fly and live on the earthly soil. This connects the Dragonfly to the elements of Air, Earth and Water. 

Air represents freedom, spiritual intelligence, mental awareness, clarity and new beginnings. Earth represents stability, grounding, strength, safety, and nurturing. Water represents purification, cleansing, transformation, intuition, emotions, and spiritual growth.

The Dragonfly reminds us of the importance of embracing change. It can be difficult to allow change into our lives. For most, we value the stability of our daily routines. Even if we are miserable, there is still a sense of safety knowing that the same people and situations will present themselves day after day.

Although change may seem like an impossible task, being unhappy with ourselves or our lives will have a detrimental impact on our emotional, mental and physical health. Eventually it will impact our lives in ways that we cannot ignore, and change will be necessary.

We do not have to wait for the life altering change notices to wreak havoc in our lives. With the help of the Dragonfly, we can find the courage within to face ourselves and our reality and change our lives for the better. With change, there is transformation and with transformation there is rebirth. And a brand-new life that awaits.

Balance

The Dragonfly is a powerful aerialist. With their gossamer wings, they can fly forwards, backwards, up and down – they can even stop mid flight and hover for long periods of time. Dragonflies are also connected to the elements of Earth, Air and Water as they take flight in the air, live in the water, and dwell upon the earth.  

The Dragonfly symbolizes balance in mind, body and soul. They remind us to take time for inner reflection and rest. As we get caught up in the hustle of life, we can lose sight of our emotional, mental and spiritual health. When one of these areas are out of balance it can create a host of issues.

It may start out small, like headaches or slight annoyance every time a certain person enters the room. We tend to ignore these small messages as they seem so mundane in the big picture of our lives. We can find a reason to explain it away and off we go back to busy time.

What starts out small will eventually manifest into larger, more complex issues. The Dragonfly reminds us that we do not have to wait for problems at work or in our relationships to find the source of our angst. We can take time for quiet reflection and listen to the call of our inner self. Our intuitive guidance works around the clock, we just need to take time to listen. 

When we do, we can get to the core of our struggles and work through them and find peace and harmony in our emotional, mental and physical landscape. We can find much needed balance in our lives. 

Live in the present moment

Although as Nymphs, they can live for several years, as adult Dragonflies, their time on earth is short. They typically only live a few weeks to a few months and then they transition to their new life. 

As we watch them in their natural environment, Dragonflies have the freedom to fly above the water, forage on the ground and hang out with their Dragonfly friends. They do not waste a single moment, and we often see them zipping and zagging around ponds, wetlands and flower areas. Savoring the beauty that is nature. 

The Dragonfly reminds us to live in the present moment and embrace the beauty of every experience. Even if we are facing struggles, there is a spark of joy in every moment. 

If we take a look outside there are birds singing and frolicking or perhaps there are squirrels foraging or even some insect critters milling about. We can step outside and take in the beauty of the sun and feel the warm breeze. There is a slice of heaven in every moment and there is always something to be grateful for.

Intuition

Dragonflies have extremely formidable vision. They have the ability to move their eyes so they can see at 360 degrees. They have the most powerful sight of the Insect Kingdom. From their vantage point, they can see all and with their unique body shape and translucent wings, we don’t always know they are watching.

The Dragonfly symbolizes intuition and higher vision. We all have an intuitive guidance system but for many, we do not use it. Truth be told, our intuition doesn’t always send us down the safe path. Meaning, the rational mind that wants to quell our survival fears ensuring we survive, have money and power. 

No, intuition sends us down our Soul path – to our Soul calling. Who we are meant to be and what we are meant to be doing with our lives. This path is not always safe as it requires change. At times, lots of change at once. It also requires us to have trust in ourselves and our abilities. 

Our intuition can guide us to stand strong and face our fears, building inner strength and resilience. As we embark on this path, we continue to detach from all that is unnecessary in our lives and with each release, we gain wisdom from each experience and grow, evolve and spiritually mature. 

Creativity

The Dragonfly comes in an array of vibrant colors and patterns. There are many that are metallic in color or even matte and there are even some with dual-colored bodies and wings. With a variety of colors and thousands of extant species, the Dragonfly is an eclectic rainbow of grace, imagination and creativity. 

As the sunlight connects to their iridescent wings, the reflection may be calling us to be more expressive and creative. As they zip and zag in circular motion the Dragonfly reminds us to embrace our artistic urges and let our imagination swirl with creative energy. Dragonflies carry a powerful message on their shimmering wings to find our passion and pursue our dreams, the only time we have is the present moment.

SPIRIT ANIMAL

As a Spirit Animal, Dragonflies teach us to connect with our mind, body and emotions. They guide us through the complexities of our inner landscape, while helping us identify and release the emotions, fears and outdated belief patterns that prevent our development and spiritual growth. 

Balance – Eight Charkas

Through the elements of Air, Earth and Water, the Dragonfly is connected to our mind, body and emotions. With their symbolic sight, Dragonflies also represent our spiritual and soul connection. With their vibrant array of colors, the Dragonfly is a powerful aid in working with our Chakra Energy System. Each Dragonfly has its symbolic meaning and with each Chakra, the energy is enhanced – creating a stronger energetic connection. 

The Dragonfly can be used in visualization, meditation, affirmations or even through journaling. The goal is to work with the energy of each Chakra and Dragonfly to bring energetic balance and harmony to mind, emotions, body and soul. 

Red Dragonfly

The Red Dragonfly symbolizes grounding, earth, roots, passion, and community. Our First Chakra, the Root Chakra is our foundation and represents survival, security, grounding, stability, vitality, physical identity, and tribal beliefs. It is our roots from which true health, well-being, and empowerment grow. Serving as the foundation on which our physical and energetic body and every chakra is built upon.

This chakra is our tribal power center. From an archetypal perspective, the word tribal denotes group identity, group force, group willpower and group belief patterns. This is our connection to familial beliefs that support our group identity and a sense of belonging in a group.

The Red Dragonfly helps us connect to our life-force energy, the essence of life and our foundation for physical and mental health. They help us connect to our energy center supporting our physical foundation which helps us remain grounded, stable, and secure. They teach us to nurture our community bonds and embrace all the tribes that are put on our path.

Orange Dragonfly

The Orange Dragonfly symbolizes creativity, relationships, emotions, and desire. Our Second Chakra, the Sacral Chakra governs relationships, creativity, physical desire, passion, and emotions. This chakra represents the realm of communication, material desires, exchange and finances. As the center of reproductive ability, the sacral chakra is also the home of artistic creation.

The Orange Dragonfly guides us connect with our emotions and develop deeper connections in our relationships. They teach us the importance of establishing a personal identity and setting psychological boundaries while cultivating personal connections with others. 

Yellow Dragonfly

The Yellow Dragonfly symbolizes individuality, personal power, self-esteem and new beginnings. Our Third Chakra, the Solar Plexus Chakra is linked to personal power, will, self-esteem, individuality, inner strength, inner confidence, and determination. This Chakra represents responsibility for one’s life, forming personal opinions and beliefs, forming a personal identity, personality, and developing self-assurance, confidence.

The Yellow Dragonfly teaches us how to develop self-esteem, self-worth and emotional independence. They teach us to embrace our personal power and individuality while honoring our own unique path. The Yellow Dragonfly guides us to release our fears and trust our inner self for guidance. 

Green Dragonfly

The Green Dragonfly symbolizes emotions, balance, love, and compassion. Our Fourth Chakra, the Heart Chakra represents love, compassion, and forgiveness.  The Heart Chakra represents receiving love, empathy, compassion, accepting self/others, managing stress, unconditional love, and joy.  It represents our ability to love and connect with others. It creates a bridge between our upper and lower chakras.

The Green Dragonfly teaches us to stabilize our emotions, deepen our emotional connection with ourselves and others. They also serve as powerful allies in learning the Soul Life Lesson: Forgiveness. The Green Dragonfly guides us to develop deeper trust and connections in our most valued relationships while learning to navigate the complexities of our emotional landscape. 

Blue Dragonfly

The Blue Dragonfly symbolizes communication, self-expression, truth and wisdom. Our Fifth Chakra, the Throat Chakra represents power of will, self-expression, choice, consequence, and spiritual karma. This Chakra is where we develop our willpower and represents the challenges we face with the power of will and choice. 

Initially we believed that everything and everyone has authority over us, as we mature, we believe that we alone have full authority over our lives. Eventually we arrive at the perception that true authority comes from aligning our will to a power greater than ourselves. 

The Blue Dragonfly teaches us that every thought, choice and action, has spiritual consequences. We have a choice each day; we get a chance to wake up to decide if we want to live our lives ruled by fear or faith. When we are ruled by fear, we make poor decisions that often leave us relying on others for security and safety. 

When we are ruled by faith, we become conscious that our personal power is limited and become acutely aware of our own limitations. With faith, we understand our personal power, surrendering personal will to Divine will. We find balance and wholeness in our lives. 

Purple Dragonfly

The Purple Dragonfly symbolizes wisdom, vision, trust and intuition. Our Sixth Chakra, the Third Eye Chakra represent lessons related to wisdom. 

We achieve wisdom through lived experiences with sound judgement and embracing the perceptual ability of detachment. Symbolic sight is a form of detachment, a state of mind that is beyond the influence of the personal mind, and with wisdom, leads to the impersonal or open mind. 

The Purple Dragonfly guides us to develop spiritual awareness through higher vision and wisdom. They teach us how to find the quiet place within so we can develop trust and faith in ourselves and our inner voice. Our intuitive guidance system is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. The Purple Dragonfly helps us navigate our inner world with trust and faith, helping us discover our inner wellspring of insight and wisdom.

White Dragonfly

The White Dragonfly symbolizes purity, wisdom, awareness, spirituality, universal consciousness, and soul connection. Our Seventh Chakra, the Crown Chakra is our purest form of energy, the grace of prana. 

We activate this energy through acts of prayer and meditation, thus allowing for an open mind for the capacity of symbolic perception. This is our center for spiritual insight, vision, and soul deep intuition. This is where we develop a deeper relationship and connection with the Divine.

The White Dragonfly guides us to develop self-awareness, higher intelligence and symbolic sight. As we learn the lessons from our experiences, they guide us to release the pain from the experience and retain the wisdom, our Soul Life Lesson. The White Dragonfly guides us through our fears and Dark Night of the Soul, helping us find our spiritual foundation and connection. 

Gold Dragonfly

The Gold Dragonfly symbolizes spiritual wisdom, guidance, universal connection, collective archetypal patterns. The Eighth Chakra is the seat of our soul and the source of our spiritual wisdom and guidance. 

The Eighth Chakra is our next level of evolution and holds our collective archetypal patterns, manifesting as universal topics or images that provide a symbolic view of our shared experiences. This is the dimension of consciousness that serves as the bridge between our personal consciousness and the collective, impersonal consciousness. 

The Gold Dragonfly teaches us how to stay in the present moment, develop unconditional trust and recognize the illusion of fear. They guide us to accept intuitive guidance and the Dragonfly acts as a bridge between our physical existence and the spiritual realm, allowing us to tap into higher consciousness and universal knowledge.

Spiritual Connection

Dragonflies have powerful sight and symbolize intuition. They guide us to trust ourselves and embrace our intuitive guidance system. They teach us to balance our mind and emotions and open our hearts to what is beyond the veil. 

Many animals have a deep connection to both the natural and spiritual world. They can serve as spiritual guides and connectors, helping deliver messages from those who have transitioned from this world. This is true of humans as well as animals. 

With the Dragonfly, I have a personal connection outside of their symbolism. The Red and Blue Dragonfly represent two of my departed kitty’s, Bonnie and Clyde. If you would like to read their story: Healing Lessons from a Cat: Bonnie & Clyde. 

It took me several years to figure this out, but I am grateful I did. Now when I see Blue and Red Dragonflies, especially together, I know it is them saying hello. It is very peaceful knowing those that have left us are still with us. 

TOTEM ANIMAL

For those born under the Dragonfly totem, they are emotionally intelligent, spiritually grounded, adaptable, balanced and easy going. They have no problem speaking their truth, but they do so with grace and compassion. They tend to lead with their emotions and let their intuition guide them in life.

Dragonfly people are also quite spiritual. They may belong to a community, be a healer or leader themselves. To them the spiritual path is an important part of their life journey. With this path, they understand the cycles of change and transformation. 

They have been through their fair share of struggles in life, but it has made them stronger as a result. They gained the wisdom to see through the illusion of fear and embrace the changing cycles of life like the changing seasons. To them, metamorphosis is a part of the fabric of life.

POWER ANIMAL

As a Power Animal, Dragonflies empower us to embrace change with courage and strength. They also guide us to listen to our intuitive guidance.  

Change

Dragonflies are masters of change. As they emerge from their water life to the surface, they transform from tiny brown insects into beautiful, bold Dragonflies. Their lifecycle illustrates the transformative process that we go through as we make changes in our lives.

Change itself is painful but the transformation can also prove challenging. As we shed the old, we make space for the new, but there is a delicate balance between the old and new; as the old is the rational mind, wanting to control the narrative and instill fear and doubt.

The new is our inner self and comes from a place of trust and faith – a place with a deep inner knowing that all is good. The transformation process can be painful but with courage and strength, we can endure the journey. If our intentions are pure of heart, we will find our way through with grace and resilience. 

Intuition 

The Dragonfly has powerful vision and can see in 360 degrees. They can see beyond the surface of what the regular eye can see. Dragonflies can see beyond the surface and point out the illusions that are plaguing our minds.

At times it can be difficult to hear the soft voice within. Perhaps we are trying but there are just too many thoughts to contend with. Often it could be just random events from the day that we need to release in order to make space. It could also be fears and emotions and painful memories that need to be worked through and released. 

The Dragonfly reminds us to take time for quiet reflection and go within for the answers we seek. Taking a moment to pause and collect our thoughts and understand our emotions can provide clarity and insight into ourselves and our lives. It may be time for change so remember to fly on the wings of change with the Dragonfly!

HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM 

Native American

In Native American spiritual tradition, the Dragonfly represents change and messenger from the spirit world. They are also known to be healers and warn of danger. In some traditions, the Dragonfly is seen to house the spirit of honored ancestors. They have a deep connection to past lives. 

Celtic

In Celtic spiritual traditions, the Dragonfly symbolizes the mystical and magical realm of fairies and pixies. They are known to live between the natural and spiritual world and can guide souls on their path. Dragonflies also represent balance and the soul path between the earth and spiritual realm. 

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