What do you think this means? Open to any ideas.

Symbology and symbolism has always played a great role in the esoteric's sphere of life. Discuss everything about symbols here.

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Naravyn
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What do you think this means? Open to any ideas.

Post by Naravyn » Tue May 27, 2008 2:29 pm

For quite some time, I've seen dragonflies pretty frequently. In the last month, I have begun seeing them on a daily basis, they are always in my yard. Sometimes so close I can touch them, and I have. Just the other day, one was sitting on my steps and I put out a finger towards it and was able to touch it. I fully expected it to flutter away before I got close enough, but it just sat there. I have also gotten close enough to take some  very lovely pictures of them. I have wondered if maybe they are a power animal of sorts or if seeing them is the universes way of trying to tell me something. What is the symbolism behind them? What do they mean? I am very open to any ideas.

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Molissa
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Post by Molissa » Wed May 28, 2008 12:36 am

for me, they are whimsical creatures, dreamlike and carry "dreams".  So when one comes close to me, I feel the sense of a dream or wish coming true.
Caution: I brake for faeries, elves, dragons, unicorns and other mystical creatures only I can see.

pagandesign
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Post by pagandesign » Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:25 am

from the mythology that I know: dragonflies are guardians of the 'other world', the land of the dead. Thus they are not ominous in any way but very magical and I believe auspicious creatures. Some say they're 'holy animals' of the Nordic Goddess Freya. "Legend has it that the Emperor of Japan was once bitten by a horsefly that was later eaten by a dragonfly. To honor the dragonfly, he named Japan "Akitsushima," or "the Isles of the Dragonfly." Today, Japan is a global leader in the study of dragonflies. It even has a scientific journal dedicated solely to the dragonfly." (from: http://www.unsolvedmysteries.com/usm293163.html )  
Also a symbol of springtime, renewal and clean water (especially for some Native American cultures), and sometimes considered a messenger.


Plus, they're in that category of 'good bugs' with spiders - you know, the category that eats flies! ;)
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All are leaves, branching from One Great Tree.

JewelOfTheSouth
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Post by JewelOfTheSouth » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:41 am

The symbolic meaning of the dragonfly deals with:

Mind
Dreams
Balance
Thoughts
Awareness
Living to the fullest
Because of it is a creature of water (which symbolically deals with thoughts, dreams and intuition), the dragonfly is a symbol of our thoughts.  We can use it as an emblem of balanced mind because the dragonfly represents the two realms of thought.

The dragonfly skitters across the surface of the water which is symbolic of our “top thoughts” the daily, surface thoughts that primarily keep us in auto-pilot.

But the dragonfly knows she is standing on the vast watery depth of endlessly profound and potentially life-altering thoughts: The murky mass of thoughts that represent our primordial divinity - a virtual powder-keg of expansive expression.

And so, the dragonfly is the fulcrum between mundane and mystical.  She is the balance keeper between the “little me” and the “God self.”  This is why the dragonfly is a perfect tool for meditation, and is often used by spiritual practitioners in meditation practices (an example of using the dragonfly in a meditation can be found here).

Additionally, as creature aof the wind, the dragonfly totem represents change. It’s iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows - lest we run into stormy weather.

The Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. This lesson is huge for each of us. When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.

Dragonfly Totems Facilitate:

Greater attention to the nuances and subtleties around us.....

Awareness & gratitude of inner beauty

Awareness of outer beauty, and ability to share it modestly with the world
Knowledge of life’s brevity, and understanding the importance of making every minute special
It should be clear this insect totem has endless potential in changing our perspective, and enhancing our life experiences.  Take the time to connect with this and other insect totems and you will be amazed at the doors they can open for you.


I hope this helps a little,

Gentle Hugs,

Julie
The Universe Always Keeps Her balance. Lady Karma always shines through the darkness....

dessa
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Dragonfly

Post by dessa » Fri Sep 26, 2008 4:18 pm

Some meanings for the dragonfly

Damselfly/Dragonfly's Wisdom Includes:

Mastery of life on the wing
Power of flight
Power to escape a blow
Understanding dreams
Power of light
Breaking down illusions
Seeing the truth in situations
Swiftness
Change
Connection to Dragon


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Dragonfly

Illusion, the Power of Light

Dragonfly is the power of light.  
The dragonfly inhabits two realms: air and water
and the influence of both these elements will be felt by Dragonfly people.  
They will be emotional and passionate
during their early years (the influence of water)
and more balanced with greater mental clarity
and control in as they mature (the influence of air).  

 
Dragonfly is the essence of the winds of change,
the messages of wisdom and enlightenment; and the communication from the elemental world.
Dragonfly medicine beckons you to seek out the parts of your habits which need changing.  
Call on Dragonfly to guide you through the mists of illusion to the pathway of transformation.  
The number 2 is important to Dragonfly,
so think in terms of two year periods when you begin a change.  
Dragonfly brings the light and color of transformation into your life.

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The Dragonfly

No bird or insect has the flight maneuverability of the Dragonfly. They can twist, turn, change directions in an instant, hover, move up or down, and even fly backwards. The power that dragonfly brings to the tapestry of life is skill. They are experts at what they do and do it relentlessly.

Dragonflies spectacular colors sparkle with iridescence in the sunlight. These colors take time to develop reflecting the idea that with maturity our own true colors come forth.

As newly hatched nymphs, dragonflies live on the bottom of ponds and streams. As they mature and go through metamorphosis they move to the realm of air. Since water represents the emotional body and air represents the mental, those with this medicine will often find themselves trying to maintain balance between their thoughts and emotions.

Children with dragonfly medicine are often very emotional. They feel things deeply and respond to situations with great passion. As they reach adulthood, and through experience, they learn how to balance their emotions with greater mental clarity and control. This gives them the compassionate quality necessary for any type of work relating to healing or counseling.

Dragonfly has the ability to reflect and refract light and colors and is often associated with magic and mysticism. Just as light can bend and shift and be adapted in a variety of ways, so can the archetypal forces associated with dragonfly. It conveys the message that life is never what it appears to be.

By helping a person see through illusion dragonfly awakens ones true vision. Flying at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour they can spot movement forty feet away. Flying into and around things from different angles, they challenge rigid awareness and prompt the energy of change for anyone who holds this medicine.

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Dragonfly - Illusion.
When we've tricked ourselves into believing that the limitations of physical existence prevent us from changing and growing Dragonfly medicine teaches us to pierce our self-created illusions.

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Dragonfly Medicine
*Ted Andrews/Animal-Speak:
Keynote: The Power of Light
Dragonflies and Damselflies are very ancient with estimates of having been around for over 180 million years. They have beautiful, jewel-like coloring. The bright colors take time to develop, reflecting the idea that with maturity our own true colors come forth. This is part of dragonfly medicine.

For many it is difficult to tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly. Dragonflies have broad bodies and enormous eyes. Damselflies are more slender and delicate. When dragonflies are at rest, they hold their wings out like a glider. Damselflies will fold their wings over their backs when at rest. Dragonflies will often eat while in flight, and damselflies will always land before eating.

Both are known for their fast flight and their dazzling aerial feats, as if imitating how light itself can be moved and directed. They twist, turn, change direction in an instant, hover, move up or down, and even fly backwards. Dragonflies are sometimes known as mosquito hawks. Both the damsels and the dragons are excellent hunters of flying insects. They can fly at speeds up to 30mph, and their eyes help spot flying insects. They can spot a movement 40ft. away. They use their sharp, spiny legs and strong jaws to capture prey.

Dragonflies and damselflies inhabit two realms--water and air. The significance of these should be examined. In their early life--as a nymph--they live within the water. As they mature and go through their metammorphosis, they move to the realm of air. It is not unusual to find individuals with dragonfly totems to be very emotional and passionate in the early years, but as they get older, they learn to balance it with greater mental clarity and control. sometimes it can indicate that the emotions have gotten shut down because of emotional issues in the early life. Remember tha the dragonfly and damselfly are always found around water. There must be expressions of the emotional and the mental together.

If a dragonfly has shown up in your life, you may need some fresh air in regard to something emotional. You may need to gain a new perspective or make a change. It may even indicate that you are neglecting your emotions. Are you being too rational about everyting? Are you not keeping the color of emotions alive?

Dragonflies are very territorial. They will lay their eggs within their territory near the water. The egg eventually develops into the nymph stage of metamorphosis in this insect, and remains as a nymph for almost two years before it transforms into an adult dragonfly or damselfly. This can reflect a number of possiblities for those with this totem. It can indicate that an approximate two-year period of change is about to reach its culmination. It may reflect that you are coming into a two-year period of transformation. It may even reflect a need to institute changes that may culminate in the colorful transformations you desire within a two-year period. Only by examining your life and activities will you begin to undersatand its specific role.

Just as light can bend and shift and be adapted in a variety of ways, so can the archetypal forces associated with the dragonfly. It is one of the most adaptable of insects. It is why it has been able to survive for so long. Dragonflies have two pairs of wings, but if need be, they can fly with one. Their eyes are kept clean with special combs on their legs and by washing the eyes with water drops collected in the mouth.

Their main predators are frogs and birds. Particularly the frog should be studied by those with this totem. Their realm is the realm of light, and they are only out during the day, as they are cold-blooded. Summer is their most powerful time, as they need the warmth and light of the sun. for those with this totem, this will be important to consider. Spending tie outside in the sun near fresh water sources will be beneficial for restoring and changing health conditions for the better for those with this totem.

Although some have color pigments in their skin, for most the colors are caused almost the same way rainbows form. Structures in their shell scatter and refract the light, making them look iridescent green and blue. as they age, they may pass through several color changes. This ability to reflect and refract light and color has caused it to be associated with many forms of magic and mysticism--including color magic, illusion (causing others only to see what you wish), and more. Dragonfly's magic is the power of light and all that has ever been associated with it.

Dragonflies and damselflies are often depicted in Japanese paintings, representing new light and joy. To some Native Americans, they repesent the souls of the dead. some stories speak of the time in which they used to be real dragons. Often we assume that dragons have to be gigantic beasts breathing fire, but the fantastic creatures of the Faerie Realm often come in many shapes and sizes. Dragonflies because they are mythical relatives of the ancient dragons are wonderful links to working with nature spirits. for more information on them, you may wish to refer to my earlier work "Enchantment of the Fairie Realm."

The dragon fly and damselfly reflect the work with the sun and light. The light changes throughout the day. The dragonfly and damselfly undergo their own transformations. If they have shown up, look for changes to occur. Are you resisting change when you shouldn't? Dragonflies remind us that we are light and can reflect the light in powerful ways if we choose to do so. "Let there be light" is the divine prompting to use the creative imagination as a force within your life. This is part of what dragonflies and damselflies teach us.

Life is never quite the way it appears, but it is always filled with light and color. Dragonfly can help you to 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.

*Jamie Sams & David Carson/Medicine Cards:
Illusion. Dragonfly medicine is of the dreamtime and the illusionary facade we accept as the physical reality. The iridescence of Dragonfly's wings reminds us of colors not found in our everyday experience. Dragonfly's shifting of color, energy, form, and movement explodes into the mind of the observer, bringing vague memories of a time or place where magic reigned.

Some legends say that the Dragonfly was once Dragon, and that Dragon had scales like Dragonfly's wings. Dragon was full of wisdom, and flew through the night bringing light with its fiery breath. The breath of Dragon brought forth the art of magic and the illusion of changing form. Then Dragon got caught in its own facade. Coyote tricked Dragon into changing form, and the shape of its new body became like the Dragonfly's. In accepting the challenge to prove its power and magical prowess, Dragon lost its power.

Dragonfly is the essence of the winds of change, the messages of wisdom and enlightenment, and the communications from the elemental world. This elemental world is made up of the tiny spirits of plants, and of the elements air, earth, fire, and water. In essence, this world is full of nature spirits.

If Dragonfly has flowin into your cards today, you may have forgotten to water your plants. On another level, you may need to give thanks to the foods you eat for sustaining your body. On the psychological level, it may be time to break down the illusions you have held that restrict your actions or ideas.

Dragonfly medicine always beckons you to seek out the parts of your habits which you need to change. Have you put on too much weight, or have you started to look like a scarecrow? Have you tended to the changes you have wanted to make in your life? If you feel the need for change, call on Dragonfly to guide you through the mists of illusion to the pathway of transformation.

See how you can apply the art of illusion to your present question or situation, and remember that things are never completely as they seem.

Contrary: Are you trying to prove to yourself or someone else that you have power? Are you caught in an illusion that weakens your true feelings or minimizes your abilities? If so, you may have contracted "Dragonfly dive-bombing." Is this the final "crash and burn" for some pipe-dream that had no real purpose? Look within and feel the sense-of-self energy within yourself. Notice if it is ebbing, and find the point in time when you were deluded into believing that you would be happier if you changed because someone else wanted you to. Misery is a prime clue that you lost your will and personal validity when you bought into someone else's idea of who or what you should be. The illusion was that you would be happier if you did it their way. In forefeiting what you know is right and true for you personally, you give away your power. Is it time for you to take it back.

Follow Dragonfly to the place inside your body where magic is still alive, and drink deeply of its power. This strength belongs to you. It is the power of becoming the illusion. This ability is ever changing, and contains within it the knowledge that you are creating it all.

*Dragonfly is the guardian and protector of Quetzalcoatl.

*Patricia Telesco/The Language of Dreams:
If hovering near water, this represents the cooperation between your mental/conscous self and your emotional nature. Dragonflies are very adaptable, but also territorial. Have you been hovering around your domain too much? Or perhaps you've been too flexible in a specific situation. Dragonflies need warmth and sunlight. On the dream plane, this may represent a similar physical need that manifests as depression or restlessness. Alternatively, it may symbolize the need to be more aware of the conscious, masculine, solar self. In Japan, these are emblems of happiness and good fortune. Among Native Americans, the souls of the departed may reside in these creatures. As such, they may be messengers from other realms communicating through your dream.

*Mary Summer Rain/On Dreams:
Dragonfly denotes a strong, positive spiritual force or aspect.

*D.J. Conway/Animal Magick:
There are about a thousand different kinds of this insect. They all have large heads, composed of mostly eyes. Its two huge compound eyes give an exotic appearance. The dragonfly has a long, slender body and four large, strong wings.

The dragonfly is also called the Devil's Darning Needle, the Bee Butcher, and the Mosquito Hawk. It is one of the most beautiful of all insects and harmless to humans and animals, regardless of some of the fruesome folklore connected with it. However, it does eat large quantities of insects, particularly mosquitose, both as an adult and as a nymph. It doesn't sting or attack horses.

The dragonfly shares much of the same symbolism as that of the butterfly. it is the national emblem of Japan, which i sometimes called the Island of the Dragonfly, Akitsu-shima. Japanese art and poetry make frequent use of this insect. However, it can also represent irresponsibility and unreliability. The Chinese say that the dragonfly symbolizes Summer, weakness, and instability.

There are Native American legends that say the dragonfly was once a dragon and had scales like those on the dragonfy's wings. However, Coyote tricked it into changing its form, and it couldn't change back. They say it represents swiftness, illusion, and change.

Superstitions: Dragonflies are believed to sew together the lips of people who sleep outside at night. They are said to attack snakes and sting horses. If a dragonfly hovers over a fisherman, he will have good fishing luck.

Magickal attributes: Dreams, illusions. Mystic messages of enlightenment from spirit. Breaking down illusions in order to transform your life. Change is coming. Understanding dreams. Opening yourelf to messages from the gods. Seeing the truth in any situation or person.

*Zolar/Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens, and Superstitions:
Catch one and you are sure to marry within the year. Dragonflies are also said to come to fishermen's aid by hovering over fish.

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Dragonfly represents illlusion, dreams, messages, and enlightenment.

Dragonfly is the Keeper of Illusion that teaches you to see through it and bring about transformation in your life. She teaches the truth of matters and to recognize that change is in the air. reflecting luminous color and light on her gossamer wings, she speaks of the glory in change and the beauty of life itself throug the experience of the transformative process. Because she is a creature of Water and Air, she demonstrates how the emeotions can flow with your thoughts or cloud them. Her erratic flight patterns teach perspective; while her love of the sun and bright colors demonstrates the healing qualities of both. As Dragonfly dances on the wind or skims the water's surface she demonstrates changes and the shattering of illusions.

Linked ot nature spirits, she speaks of Otherworlds, other dimensions, and those that inhabit them. This creature-teacher encourages the creativity of your own imagination as a powerful tool in letting your own gifts shimmer in the light of a new day. Hers is the Medicine of the Dream Lodge; it tempts you to go beyond mundane or superficial appearances and into the explosive colors of your own mind. She urges you to explore other possibilities--always with a promise of enlightenment. Encouraging you to shed negative attitudes or old habits, she nudges you to emerge from your cocoon and dance among the early dawn mists of the still pools.

Dragonfly will show you the illusion and ask you to discover your own; she will teach you to apply it to your own life. She urges you to follow your dreams and not those of others; to reach for the gentle breezes and dance among them--to shimmer and shine with your own light reflecting the light of Spirit in the process. Through these teachings she demonstrates the magic that is alive and well in life and creates a spectacular theater in which to stage a show of your own. Through your willingness to see from various perspectives and change as the situation calls for it, you learn to let your own creativity dictate how far you can go. In the world of illusion the possibilities are endless.

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Dragonfly-Damselfly:

Lightness of body,expression of emotional and mental aspects, fresh air and a new perspective will come soon, allows our inner light to shine through. Teaches a mastery of moving quickly with precision, breaks down illusions, heightens visual depth and aids in changes that are swift with emphasis on the emotions and un/subconscious. Are you seeking out pieces of your life that need changing? Dragonfly will aid in this search.

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