A quote often associated with Socrates, but to be found more appropriately in Dan Millman’s “Way of the Peaceful Warrior”. For me this quote resonates with the Butterfly symbol, the inspiration for my Light work and choice of business name. For centuries the butterfly has been known as a symbol of change, transmutation and metamorphosis, an emblem of death and resurrection.
This summer I have been blessed by the number of butterflies who have visited my garden, many of them lingering for longer than usual, or maybe I am just noticing them more. Indeed in recent weeks two have entered my home, at a time when I have been in reflective mood, pondering how my life has been transformed by my energy work, how I have grown and changed as a result and contemplating what lies ahead.
Maybe you have had a similar experience or are undergoing a period of transition or personal transformation too. The symbolic meaning of the butterfly tells us about the cycle of life and when a butterfly shows up in your life either literally or metaphorically in a dream, for example, ask yourself
Crystals can help you connect to the qualities of the butterfly at each stage in the cycle and like the butterfly they can add colour to your life too.
The egg stage is where an idea is born and not yet reality. It is a time of creativity. Carnelian can help to ground our energies and enhance our creativity, it brings courage and helps us make positive life choices.
The larval stage involves a period of observation and introspection. The shimmer of Labradorite reflects the joy of the butterfly. A stone of transformation, regeneration and rebirth it is the perfect accompaniment to a time of change. It has a profound energy and this is best absorbed in meditation where it brings stillness to the mind, allowing us to connect with our inner knowing and infinite potential.
The cocoon stage is about developing our ideas and making heart centred choices. The fine, high energy of Kunzite assists in this, connecting us to universal love.
The final stage is coming out of the chrysalis, the birth of the butterfly, and this is about sharing your creation with the rest of the world. Citrine is a stone of manifestation, it is joyful, uplifting and energising. It gives us confidence, improves our self-esteem and helps us maintain a positive outlook.
The cycle of change can be quite subtle and may arise from a feeling of dissatisfaction over a prolonged period of time. Or it may be dramatic involving loss of some kind or circumstances forcing you in a new direction. The butterfly knows it can fly, it trusts in the joy of life confident of support and its dance confers grace.
I will leave you with the words of Bernie S. Siegel and encourage you to “embrace each challenge in your life as an opportunity for self-transformation”. Express yourself more fully and participate in the dance of life!