Dragonflies have captured my attention lately. They have become a symbolic reminder to me of joy in nature, comfort and connection. Yep. Those weird little winged bugs (or insects?). If you just want to know the symbology associated with dragonflies, go immediately to Part 2. Skip the rest. But if you are interested in a story time first…then …read at your leisure.
What the Dragonfly?
This all started when I stumbled upon a woman on TikTok. She was reading Tarot cards and I was trying to get my brain to turn off (cute duck videos and puppies and such). TikTok seems to know me and that night it stuck in a tarot reader. Normally, I’d scroll past because that is NOT the way to put my brain to rest. It is the way to get it going strong down self-reflection lane.
But this lady, Sarah, grabbed my attention. Her authenticity was striking; she radiated a warmth that felt like a hug from a good friend that you haven’t seen in awhile. She was a beautifully sweet and genuine person. She has a sparkle about her.
The first video I watched of Sarah’s led to more videos, because she has a gift of seeing humanity–the emotions, the struggles, the joys.
Right around that time…I had gotten sick on a Saturday out of the blue. I was having terrible pain and I had to call an ambulance (naked, I might add. I can’t even make this up). This was the second time I had laid there, feeling like I was surely in the last minutes of my life. And it felt so wrong. And brought back memories of all the promises I had made to myself the first time I lived through the experience of thinking you’re at the end.
I knew that I was dealing with a mental health struggle that had tipped over into a chronic physical struggles and created a mess. I was exhausted and disconnected from myself. And then one night, while I was scrolling aimlessly, trying to distract my brain from chastising me…there was Sarah. Her words resonated with me on a deep level. She was a light in the darkness while my body at war with my mind. She even had me in tears at one point, which only happens when I get that deep emotional pang.
She said I needed to look for the dragonfly or something very specific. And I saw multiples. Hadn’t seen one in years.
Was I just not looking for dragonflies? That’s reasonable.
Just complete random chance? Possibly.
Or. A sign from the universe that told me that I’m not alone, and that I’m OK?
Who knows, but taking it as a sign makes this whole “life thing” a lot more interesting.
PART TWO:
A lot of dragonfly facts. Enjoy.
- In many cultures, the dragonfly is seen as a symbol of transformation and change. Their life cycle, which begins in the water and eventually takes to the air, represents a journey from one state of being to another. In Native American cultures, dragonflies are often associated with renewal and the spirit of life. They symbolize happiness, speed, and purity, as dragonflies only exist in clean environments.
- In Japan, dragonflies are seen as symbols of courage, strength, and victory. They’ve even been a symbol of the country itself. To the Japanese, the dragonfly’s ability to swiftly and gracefully dart through the air is a reminder of how one can move through life with purpose and agility.
- For the Celts, dragonflies represented the power of illusion and change. Their wings, which seem to shimmer and change in the light, are a reminder that things aren’t always as they appear. This is a metaphor for self-realization, seeing through illusions and finding your true self.
- Spiritually, dragonflies are often seen as messengers from the universe, encouraging us to embrace change and live our lives fully. Their brief lifespan–just a few months in some cases–reminds us of the importance of living in the moment, embracing joy, and not getting bogged down by fear or doubt.
- In metaphysical terms, dragonflies are associated with the element of air, symbolizing intellect, imagination, and insight. They also carry a deep connection to water, representing the emotions. Together, these elements remind us of the balance between thought and feeling, the mind and the heart.
- Some people believe that seeing a dragonfly repeatedly is a sign from the universe that you are on the right path, or that you are about to experience a major transformation. They are often seen as symbols of hope and new beginnings, reminding us that even after periods of struggle or stagnation, we can rise again with newfound strength and clarity.
- Many traditions see dragonflies as a powerful sign. A dragonfly appearing in your dream may symbolize a message from your subconscious, urging you to look at something in your life from a new perspective. If one happens to land on you, it’s said to be a call to pay attention to your surroundings and your inner world, as there may be something important you’re missing.
- Dragonflies are reminders to live life fully, to embrace chance, and to trust the process of transformation.
Watch for Dragonflies
If you dream of a dragonfly or see one repeatedly, pay attention. The universe (or your higher self) may be trying to tell you something.
Whether it’s the lightness in their wings or the big eyes which are intriguing, dragonflies symbolize resilience, adaptability, and the power to overcome–qualities I’ve come to appreciate more and more in my own journey. And maybe, like that intuitive woman on TikTok who blew kisses through the screen, the dragonfly is a reminder that love, transformation, and renewal are closer than we think.