Dragonflies are adaptive insects. They are more powerful during the summer, under the effects of sunlight and warmth. Their lifecycle starts in water and they move to air after maturity. However, they tend to live close to water. Well, what does a dragonfly represent? A dragonfly represents monsoon and rain. It also represents uncertain or unexpected changes in the climate or weather of a particular place. Being a creature of the wind, the dragonfly totem represents change. Its iridescent wings are extremely sensitive to the slightest breeze. They remind us to heed where the proverbial wind blows. A dragonfly is also a creature of the water and hence, it is a symbol of subconscious or dreaming mind and thoughts.
What does a dragonfly symbolize? A dragonfly is a symbol of sense of self, which comes with maturity. It represents renewal, positive forces and power of life. A pair of mating dragonflies is believed to be a symbol of love. The animal symbolism of a dragonfly is associated with good luck, prosperity, swiftness, strength, peace, purity and harmony. These symbolic meanings of a dragonfly are popular, specifically, with the Japanese and Native Americans. In Japanese paintings, dragonflies represent new light and joy. Dragonflies help you see through your illusions and allow your own light to shine in a new vision. They remind us to pay attention to our deeper thoughts and desires. In Japanese culture, dragonflies are considered as a symbol of strength, happiness and courage. They are often mentioned in Japanese literature and art, especially haiku. In ancient mythology, Japan was recognized by the name, Akitsushima that means ‘Land of the Dragonflies’. According to the Japanese people, a dragonfly is associated with the rice plant’s spirit. To some Native Americans, dragonflies are the souls of the dead. In England, dragonflies were considered to be evil and dangerous. They were nicknamed as ‘horse stingers’.
A dragonfly lives a very short life and it tries to live to the fullest with what it has. I think this is the greatest lesson for all of us. We should try to enjoy every moment of life with what we have.
Dragonflies are in the Odonata family. They have big multifaceted eyes, two pairs of transparent wings, an elongated body and can’t walk. They eat mosquitoes, flies, ants, bees and butterflies. Their habitats are places near lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands. These insects can be confused with damselflies because of their similar appearance. Unlike dragonflies, damselflies hold their wings in a different position and their eyes don’t touch as dragonflies’ do.
AmerIndian Dragonfly Symbolism
For the AmerIndians, dragonflies are symbols of change, communication from the elemental world and messages of enlightenment and wisdom.
The dragonfly’s lessons are to give thanks for food, discard illusions that prevent people from restricted ideas and actions and changing negative habits into positive ones. Some tribes believe dragonflies are the souls of the dead.
Dragonfly and Coyote Legend
Some AmerIndian folklore maintains that Dragonfly had been Dragon with shimmering scales. Dragon had great wisdom and flew in nighttime, creating light with his fiery breath. This evoked magick and the illusion of shapeshifting until he was caught in his own façade.
Coyote tricked him into changing his form to resemble Dragonfly’s. Dragon lost his power when he abused his magickal skills and strength and he remained in the form of the dragonfly.
Cross-Cultural Dragonfly Positive Symbolism and Lore
The primary symbolisms of the dragonfly are powerful force, renewal and the power of life. He is a symbol of the sense of self that arrives with maturity. As a creature of the wind, he represents change. One of his lessons is to live life to the fullest because his own is brief.
Negative Dragonfly Lore
It appears that every positive has its downside which is true about the dragonfly.
- The English associate them with evil or injury and calls them the devil’s darning needle and ear cutter.
- People in Wales associated dragonflies with snakes, calling them the adder’s servant.
- Romania has a folktale that states the dragonfly was a horse who was possessed by the devil.
- Swedish folklore is that the devil uses the dragonfly to weigh people’s souls. Another legend is trolls using them as spindles when they weave their clothing and use them to poke out enemies’ eyes.
- In Norway, they are called “eye pokers.”
- The Portuguese call them “eye snatchers.”
- Lithuanians call them the “evil old hag’s horses.”
- The Dutch know them as “horse biters.”
- In some South American countries, they are dubbed horse killers or the devil’s little horse because they’re viewed as harmful.
Dragonfly Myths Unmasked
Some call dragonflies “snake doctors” because they believe dragonflies can bring dead snakes back to life. Adults used to tell naughty children that dragonflies would sew their mouths together while they slept in order to scare them into behaving. This is why the insects were called “devil’s darning needles” and some people still refer to them as darning needles.
Dragonflies have large stingers and some people are allergic to their toxin, which could be fatal. Generally, the insects don’t sting humans.
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).
