BUTTERFLY

By, Ted Andrews; Animal Speak 1993

Keynote: Transmutation and the Dance of Joy

Probably no animal or insect has come to represent the process of transmutation and shape shifting more than that of the butterfly. For those with this totem, the process of metamorphosis should be studied closely. With butterflies and moths there are always four distinct stages of change. The cocoon is spun only by the moth, and not by a true butterfly, for the chrysalis stage.

When butterfly shows up, make note of the most important issues confronting you at the moment. This is probably why butterfly has shown up. What stage of change are you at in regard to them? To determine that, you may have to examine and determine what you wish the outcome to be, and how best to accomplish it.

The butterfly is a powerful symbol in myth and religion. In early Christianity, it was a symbol of the soul. In China, it was used as a symbol of the conjugal bliss and joy. In the Hopi tradition, unmarried girls of the butterfly clan wore their hair in the shape of butterfly wings. In Indian lore are stories of how butterflies come when called by children of the Nez Perce tribe.

To the Native Americans, the butterfly is a symbol of change, joy and color. The colors of the butterfly should be examined for its significance and to help you understand its role within your life. There has long been an association in folklore of a relationship between those of the Faerie Realm and butterflies.

Butterflies appear to dance as they light upon flowers and such. They remind us not to take things quite so seriously within our lives. They awaken a sense of lightness and joy. They remind us that life is a dance, and dance, though powerful, is also a great pleasure. Butterflies can be reminders to get up and move, for if you can move, you can dance. Dance brings the sweetness in life back. This is further exemplified by the fact that butterflies actually have taste receptacles on their front legs. They taste flowers by walking upon them.