When I saw this photograph, it struck me first as an amazing, beautiful image. (Frankly, I wondered what kind of camera the photographer was using to capture such a remarkably detailed portrait of this skipper butterfly on a sunflower.) Since the sunflower is an image associated with our recent Full Moon, the timing seemed particularly significant. It also made me think about the butterfly's magickal powers and what it represents as a totem animal.

Photo by Robin Loznak of the Great Falls Tribune appeared in SFGate's Day in Pictures.

Throughout history the butterfly has been admired for its delicate beauty. As a creature that undergoes a dramatic and complete physical metamorphosis, the butterfly as a symbol for transformation is obvious and universal and it is a powerful character in myth and religion. For early Christians, it represented the soul itself. In China it symbolized conjugal bliss and joy. Native Americans call upon the butterfly for guidance in change, color, and happiness.

Scientific research has shown that the butterfly is the only living being capable of entirely changing its genetic structure during the process of transformation: the caterpillar's DNA is totally different from the butterfly's. This suggests that the butterfly's magick allows us to make a total transformation - to literally change from one being to another. The implication of this for us as spiritual beings is profound.

The butterfly is a symbol of freedom and creativity. It holds the gift of transformation and soul evolution. A butterfly represents a need for change and greater freedom, and at the same time it represents courage: one requires courage to carry out the changes necessary in the process of growth. The butterfly's magick is related to the air and the mental powers. It teaches us to find clarity in the mental processes, to organize projects or to figure out the next step in our internal growth.

If the butterfly is your power animal or if you feel in any way attracted to it, this means you are ready to undergo some kind of transformation. When a butterfly appears to you, make note of the most important issues confronting you at the moment. What state of change are you experiencing in regard to them? Examine which stage in a butterfly's life that resonates with you the most:

The egg is the beginning, the birth of some project or idea - think of the Aces of the tarot and their symbolism as gifts or seeds for a new beginning. The larva is the decision to manifest something in the physical world - think of the Seven of Pentacles, which represents our diligent work towards creating something for ourselves. The cocoon has to do with "going inside", either through insight or the nurturing of the project or idea - think of the Hermit, whose light illuminates that which is within and guides us through personal transformation. The breaking of the cocoon deals with sharing the splendor of your creation with the whole world - think of The Sun as it represents basking in the glory of our accomplishments and the soul's happiness. Once you understand the stage of the butterfly's life that you are sharing, you can discover which is the next step to make in the completion of your own journey.

If you are going through changes or transitions in your life right now, study the butterfly to make these changes beneficial, joyful, and rewarding. All change is good - even if it may not seem so at the time. Change is what life is made of and is necessary for growth and accomplishment.

To the Native Americans the butterfly is a symbol of joy. Butterflies remind us not to take life so seriously. They feed on flowers, aiding pollination thereby further spreading beauty. They represent the element of air, quickly changing and ever moving, so graceful. Butterflies are messengers of the moment. They come in a variety of colors. To understand the message that the butterfly holds for you, a study of its colors can be helpful.

Butterflies have a pair of large compound oval eyes made up of thousands of individual lenses. They can see a single image clearly and are able to perceive ultraviolet wavelengths of light. This suggests clairvoyant abilities for those who hold this totem.

The antennae of the butterfly have small knobs on each end, which are believed to play a role in orientation. When one antenna is missing the butterfly will fly in circles, unable to find its way. Those with this medicine need to stay consciously connected to spirit at all times in order to arrive at their desired destination.

Whenever an eco system is damaged, the butterfly is usually the first to leave. Butterflies are especially sensitive to the harmony of the earth. If a butterfly comes to you in a hurt, trapped or ill way, you are being asked to stop disturbing the natural design of life and to flow with events in a more gentle, natural way.

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 2:20 PM