Dragonfly Symbolism
The Dragonfly came to mind because in Native American culture it represents the breaking down of the illusions and beliefs that prevent having a healthy and fulfilling life. The Dragonfly is also a beautiful mystical creature with wings that represent all of the colors of the rainbow and it reflects the complexity of the human experience.
“Dragonfly medicine is of the dreamtime and the illusionary facade we accept as physical reality’. . . Dragonfly is the essence of the winds of change, the messages of wisdom and enlightenment, and communications from the elemental world . . . on the psychological level, it may be time to break down the illusions you have held that restrict your actions and ideas . . .
Dragonfly medicine always beckons you to seek out the parts of your habits, which you need to change. 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 in 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.”
Medicine Cards: the Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals, Jamie Sams and David Carson, 1988. Bear and Company, Sante Fe, New Mexico
“You are your dream, the source of your creation, of hope born again, your excitement fulfilled. Gather to yourself your passion and walk bravely into tomorrow.”. . . Remember that each of us is destined to follow a different trail and honour different needs. Let the child that sings in you rediscover the magic of your way, let it bring mystery into your life again.”
Wisdom of the Four Winds, Barry Brailsford, 1999. Stoneprint Press, Christchurch, New Zealand.
There is a parable of the Dragonfly by Doris Stickney that comes to mind:
The Dragonfly – A Parable of New Life
Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They noticed occasionally one of them seemed to lose interest in what was going on. Clinging to the stem of a water lily, the water bug would gradually move out of sight to be seen no more. They were greatly puzzled as to where it went.
“I have an idea”, said the leader of the colony. “The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back to tell where he went and why”. They all solemnly promised.
One day, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Before he knew what was happening, he had broken through the surface of the water and fallen onto the broad green lily pad above.
He couldn’t believe what he saw. His body had changed into four silver wings and a long tail. The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from the new body. He had become a dragonfly.
Then he remembered the promise. Without thinking he darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water.
“I can’t return”, he said in dismay. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess I’ll just have to wait until they have become dragonflies, too. Then they’ll understand what happened to me and where I went”