Monday's visitor

Some time ago my friend Dharma wrote about symbols and learning their hidden meanings.  To top this off, Stephanie, aka Trouble, has been talking about totems.  She has been working on hers and I admit I find it interesting in an unconventional way.  You are wondering what this is all about, I can hear your brains ticking.  Simple.  I posted some beautiful pictures yesterday of a dragonfly that landed on SF and stayed with her for about thirty minutes and then spent the next three hours on my knee, my fingers and my midsection.  So, when the little guy landed on my shoulder this morning while I was finishing up the pool brushing and adding the necessary chemicals before heading out I began to wonder why he was visiting me again, especially since the sun was not even up.  He was trying to tell me something and I needed to figure it out.


Symbolism of Dragonflies - As a creature of the wind, the dragonlfy totem represents change.  It's iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows - lest we run into stormy weather.


Dragonflies are also creatures of the water, and any creature whose habitat is in, or around water carries symbolism relative the the subconscious, or "dreaming" mind and thoughts.

This is because in the animal world, water is symbolic of the subconscious mind ("deeper mind," "dreaming mind") and relates to the thoughts we have in relaxed/meditative/sleeping/subconscious states.


Quick-list animal symbolism of the dragonfly:

• prosperity
• good luck
• strength
• peace
• harmony
• purity

These symbolic meanings of dragonfly are particularly associated in Asian (Japan) and Native American (Plains region) circles.


Dragonflies carry messages that deal with deeper thought - and they ask that we pay attention to our deeper thoughts and desires.


Further symbolic insect meaning of dragonfly comes into play when we observe the dragonfly's mode of transportation as it skitters across the top of water surfaces.  This implies that our deeper thoughts are surfacing and we must be mindful of the outcome we wish to have.


The dragonfly is a reminder that when our deeper thoughts rise to the surface we must pay attention - there are lessons to be learned, and we are also reminded that what we think is directly proportionate to what we "see on the surface." ...In short, our thoughts (even the deeper ones that we might not be as in-touch with as we are with our conscious thoughts) are responsible for what we see in our lives - in our physical surroundings.


The dragonfly gives us a very powerful meditation tool.  Close your eyes, and focus on a thought - let it rise to the surface of your mind's ocean - see that thought float lightly up to the water's surface.  Now upon the top of a smooth, calm glass-like surface - visualize that thought moving across that water - sliding across - smooth and fast.


This exercise is useful when we want to visualize positive outcomes in a situation.  We see the thought of hope happily moving across an ocean of peace (peaceful mind) and skitting to a perfect outcome.


Lastly it should be noted that the Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has.  This lesson is huge for each of us.  When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.


Being a cardinal water sign in the "regular" zodiac world I began to wonder if this little guy was trying to tell me he was a part of my totem and that I needed to pay attention, because he was very persistent.  Now I know I cannot devote my entire day to this pursuit; however, the information above has provided me with a foundation to build upon.

I asked myself if this was part of the planning that SF and I have been discussing with regards to retirement back to Tennessee, since he seemed determined to get both of our collective attentions.  Was he trying to get us to a new place in our relationship?  With so much information flowing through me I know I will need a cup of tea to relax my mind so that I can focus on the job at hand and return to the dragonfly when I am safely poolside this evening.

Interesting way to start my week.....