The butterfly’s life cycle is one of transformation. The caterpillar emerges from an egg, then, transforms into a chrysalis, the stage in which caterpillar’s body is broken down and changed into the adult’s one. It’s from this stage that the butterfly emerges.
Facts About the Butterfly
There are about 24,000 species of butterflies ranging in size from 1/8 inch to almost 12 inches across. Butterflies come in a vast variety of colors, from red, green, orange and yellow. The butterfly's flight speed can reach 12 miles per hour.
Butterflies are considered very beneficial to the plant world because they pollinate plants. Monarch butterflies migrate from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, about 2,000 miles, in winter and return north in spring. Notably, most butterflies don’t eat anything; they drink liquids with their proboscises. They consume sustenance from lowers, fruits, water and manure. This insect’s predators include wasps, spiders, ants, parasitic flies, dragonflies, snakes, frogs, toads, lizards, birds, rats, monkeys and humans.
Butterfly Symbolism in Religion and Culture
The butterfly symbolizes transformation because of her life cycle. The butterfly is also symbolic of metamorphosis, joy, freedom, naturalness, fun, color, change in one’s life, purity, and joyous times.
"Psyche" is Greek for both soul and butterfly. They believed that butterfly was a human soul searching for new reincarnation. Early Christians used the butterfly as a symbol of the soul. Celts thought women became pregnant by swallowing her soul. The caterpillar stage has been linked to materialism. Chrysalis represents internal changes of the mind and the butterfly is perceived as the free expression of these changes.
Lessons of Butterfly
It's believed that the butterfly can offer many lessons to people. The butterfly reminds people to make changes when opportunities arise. Her flying — which can look like a dance — serves as a reminder to avoid taking matters too seriously.
The butterfly’s senses of lightness and joy are reminders to dance because dancing brings joy. The Chinese believe that a jade butterfly symbolizes a marriage of souls, making it an excellent gift for the groom to give to his bride
Butterfly Omens and Departed Souls
In northern Europe, to see a butterfly flying at night was a death omen. Some believe in the soul-butterfly's ability to leave the body in sleep, creating dreams.
In some cultures, butterflies are seen as the departed souls of people’s ancestors. There are people who recognize chrysalis as the soul trapped inside in the body. The butterfly’s emergence symbolizes the freedom of the soul at the moment of passing.
AmerIndian Butterfly Legend
According to an AmerIndian legend, if people have secret wishes, they should capture Butterfly and whisper their desires to her. People’s secrets are safe in her keeping because she cannot speak. This legend says that one must release Butterfly so she can carry their wishes to Great Spirit, who knows her thoughts. When Butterfly is set free, people’s wishes will be granted.
Butterfly in Chippewa Astrology
According to Chippewa astrology, Butterfly is the is the totem of the east; her element, air. When Butterfly’s ancestors were crawlers, there was a young maiden, Spring Flower, who was a joy to all who knew her. She had a vision of beautiful flying creatures who gave her the rainbow’s power. They told her she would have the gift of healing and that, when she passed, she would release the power to the people.
Spring Flower was given the name, She Who Weaves Rainbows in the Air. She married a man and had two children who were gifted with the power to heal. One day, a crawler climbed to her ear. She asked him what he wanted. He said that his sisters and brothers wanted her to teach them to fly. She promised to try and told her husband about this and asked him if any messages came to him in dreams.
According to legend, the next morning, Butterfly's husband was excited from a dream. When he tried to wake his wife, he discovered she had passed during the night. After he prepared her for her grave, he saw the crawler who had asked for help. He picked him up and took him to her grave site. The crawler said he should put him on her shoulder. When the earth covered the grave, his body would die and her soul would unite with his. They’d fly from the earth and go to his people to teach them to fly.
The husband lingered by the grave. A flying rainbow-colored creature flew out of the grave and landed on his shoulder. It was She who Weaves Rainbows in the Air who said not to be sad because her vision was fulfilled. When it was his time to pass, they would be reunited. After he passed and was buried, their children stayed by the grave. They saw a beautiful butterfly hovering over the grave, then saw another beautiful one fly from their father’s grave and join her. Together, the butterflies flew north to the place of renewal.
Articles Related to Butterfly – Powerful Symbol of Transformation
Readers who enjoyed this article might like Bat – a Powerful Pagan Symbol, along with Dragonfly – Pagan Symbol of Illusion and Snake – Pagan Symbol Transmutation.
Sources:
Animal Magick, D. J. Conway, (Llewellyn Publications, 1996).
Animal Speak, Ted Andrews, (Llewellyn Publications, 2002).
Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams & David Carson, (Bear & Company, 1988).
The Medicine Wheel, Sun Bear and Wabon, (A Fireside Book, 1980).
Jill Stefko - I'd rather deal with the paranormal than human abnormal - having dealt extensively with both.
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