Dragonflies are one of the most fascinating insects on Earth, and their symbolism is even more intriguing. Their origins date back hundreds of millions of years to the age of the dinosaurs. Shockingly, some of their ancient relatives had wingspans nearly three feet long.
Dragonflies symbolize authenticity, transformation, and joy. Other symbolic meanings include good fortune, self-actualization, and new beginnings.
Below, explore dragonfly symbolism, and the meanings world cultures have given dragonflies over the ages. As you’ll see, every aspect of dragonfly symbolism relates back to the dragonfly’s astounding physique or physical ability.
Dragonfly Symbolism
When dragonflies are born, they take the form of an aquatic nymph or a naiad. Their ability to morph from the aquatic nymph stage to an adult, flighted insect, symbolizes transformation. Their array of colors and the way they reflect light symbolizes the joyous soul that strives toward self-actualization.
The Greek root word of dragonfly, ἄνισος anisos, means “unequal.” Why? The dragonfly’s rear wings are broader than the front wings.
However, their unequal wings allow them to fly steadily. Because of this phenomenon, dragonflies represent strength and perspective. They symbolize rising to new heights.
Dragonflies have different symbolic meanings across world cultures. Keep reading to learn more about them!
Dragonfly Symbolism: Native Americans
In some Native American tribes, dragonflies represented the souls of those who had passed to the next realm. Most Native Americans considered them medicinal animals with spiritual powers. Specifically, Southwestern tribes believed dragonflies represented transformation and could heal injured snakes.
Also, you can find dragonflies on Zuni, Hopi, and Pueblo tribal art and pottery. The Navajo tribe considered dragonflies symbols of pure water. Native Americans also consider dragonflies to represent infinite possibilities and hope.
Dragonfly Symbolism: Japanese
Dragonflies represent courage, happiness, and rebirth in Japanese culture. Also, they’re a seasonal symbol, representing autumn. You can find dragonflies in Japanese art and in haiku poems.
In Japanese culture, dragonflies also represent the spirit of the rice plant. Therefore, they symbolize a ripe harvest season. In fact, dragonflies are so important to the Japanese that the dragonfly is the emblem of their country.
Dragonflies also symbolize military strength and victory in Japan due to the similarities between the words “dragonfly” and “victory.” Also, dragonflies represent strength because of their aggressive hunting behavior and unrelenting power while chasing prey.
Dragonfly Symbolism: Chinese
The Chinese regard the dragonfly as a healing animal, so they have used it medicinally. The Chinese believe dragonflies symbolize change and uncertainty. Dragonflies are also used in practicing Feng Shui.
In Feng Shui, dragonfly artwork or statues in the home bring about positive change and inspiration. They also help ward off bad luck and bad spirits. Place a dragonfly by the main door to bring prosperity to your home, or place dragonflies in the room of a household member who is sick to help them heal.
Dragonfly Symbolism: Celtic
In Celtic lore, dragonflies symbolized imagination and transformation. They represent the ability to overcome challenges and adapt to life’s changes. Dragonflies also represent emotional intelligence and the quest to find deeper meaning in life.
A silver Celtic dragonfly pendant helps bring about these positive characteristics. It reminds the wearer to seek deeper meaning and adaptability in all situations. The Ancient Celtics also believed dragonflies had a connection with the mythical dragons of old.
Dragonfly In Your Dreams
Seeing a dragonfly in your dream could mean several different things. In dream interpretation, pay close attention to the action the dragonfly takes in your dream and consider the life changes you face. These analyses will help you understand the exact meaning of your dragonfly dream.
In general, dragonflies in dreams are a positive sign and should be warmly welcomed. They usually notify you that a big personal change is about to occur. Also, they serve as a reminder to embark on a spiritual journey to understand your inner self more.
Dragonfly Lands On You
If a dragonfly lands on you in your dream, it’s bestowing a gift on you. It’s notifying you that a special event will soon happen in your life. So, in your waking hours, be prepared for good news.
A dragonfly landing on you may also remind you to be grateful for your prosperity. If you’ve recently had many blessings, have you taken time to thank those who support you and helped you achieve these blessings? Now is the time to thank the universe and your loved ones for your good fortunes, and to share with them.
Dragonfly On Water
If you see a dragonfly hovering over a calm pond or taking a rest under a leaf on a rainy day in your dream, it symbolized hope and purity. If you have a dream you’ve wanted to pursue, now is the time to take a brave leap of faith. Maintain the hope that what you desire is possible, and your character will develop as needed to make it happen.
Also, take this as a sign from the universe that your heart is pure. Perhaps you’ve doubted yourself, and you’re unsure of your path. Well, the dragonfly shows you that your intentions are pure and your path is solid.
Dragonfly Flying After You
When a dragonfly chases you in your dream, it means you’re avoiding a pending transformation in your life. Maybe you’ve been put up for a big promotion that scares you, or you’re going to have a baby, but you’re afraid of parenthood. Whatever this change is, the dragonfly in your dream wants to assure you that the change will bring joy into your life.
Further, it’s reminding you that even if changes hurt, you can overcome them and find joy in little things. Your prosperity comes from within, not from your life circumstances. In short, this dragonfly desperately wants to share that you have nothing to fear on your path.
Multiple Dragonflies
If you see a multitude of dragonflies in your dream, it means you have a wealth of good fortune and prosperity coming your way. It could be financial, spiritual, or relational. Whatever the case, you will find that it brings more love and inspiration into your life.
A sky full of dragonflies is the best dream to have if you’ve recently been working long hours toward your goal. That’s because it means your dream is about to come true. If you stay grounded on your path, the wealth and love you seek will soon be yours, as the dragonflies indicated.
Dragonfly Omens
If you keep seeing dragonflies around you, the universe is trying to tell you something. The dragonfly’s message most likely concerns life changes, good fortune, or self-realization. The most common meaning of seeing a dragonfly is that change is coming into your life.
So, if you see a dragonfly fluttering around you, get ready for a wild ride. This life change is likely a positive one and will bring you wealth and joy. Focus on creating space in your life, so you can fully accept the new change.
A dragonfly omen may also mean it’s time to throw yourself into your life’s purpose. Perhaps you’ve been stagnant for a while, fearing the change that following your dream will bring. Well, seeing a dragonfly is a strong indicator that now is the time to reset your compass.
Finally, dragonfly omens may represent a loved one who has passed away. Dragonflies represent souls from the other world, and sometimes they wish to send an uplifting message to you through the realm. In this case, you should be at peace knowing your lost loved ones still care for you.
If you keep seeing dragonflies daily, take notes of when they pass by to better help you understand their meaning. Their meaning depends on your life circumstances and their behavior as they fly near you. In any event, seeing a dragonfly in real life is a positive sign that you should find comfort in.
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Dragonfly As a Spirit Animal
If a dragonfly is your spirit animal, you’re in luck. Dragonflies are strong guiding beacons that help you navigate any roadblock you face. They do this by providing comfort, helping you find the right path, and opening your eyes to profitable opportunities.
Typically, you can recognize that a dragonfly is your spirit animal if you repeatedly notice them in your dreams or real life. If dragonflies have always been a theme in your life, they will continue to guide you to good fortune. No doubt that dragonflies will bring you good luck.
Provide Comfort
Dragonflies, as spirit animals, help you stay tuned to your inner sense of peace. They remind you that you can find joy in any life circumstance. Further, they remind you to be grateful for all the positive aspects of your life.
If you’ve just lost a loved one, your dragonfly spirit guide will mourn with you and provide peace to your aching soul. They’ll also remind you that the pain you encounter will help you develop into the person you need to be. You’re growing into the strongest version of yourself.
Find the Right Path
Having a dragonfly as your spirit animal means you’ll have a companion to light your path and steer the way. Just as dragonfly eyes can see all angles, they’ll show you every angle and help you understand which one is correct. Further, they’ll help you stay true to yourself so you can focus on your purpose.
You may be distracted by a false romance, negative friends, or bad habits. However, follow your dragonfly spirit guide, and you’ll find the inner strength to overcome those challenges with grace. That way, you can return to the enlightened path you need to be on.
Open Opportunities
Sometimes, a ripe opportunity is right in front of you, but you don’t see it because you’re distracted. Well, that’s where a dragonfly spirit animal can help. Dragonflies enlighten you.
They help prepare you for romantic or financial opportunities and help you break free of distractions to take advantage of your prospects. The world around you is full of options that may be truly life-changing. Dragonflies will help you seize them.
Dragonfly As a Totem Animal
As dragonflies grow, they change color. This type of transformation is exactly what dragonflies represent as totem animals. They remind you to take action as necessary to propel yourself forward in life.
What’s more, they inspire you to creatively make decisions about your life. These decisions will foster growth, and the results will be phenomenal. You’ll witness the power of your totem dragonfly as you grow into the person you were born to be.
Dragonfly As a Power Animal
As a power animal, dragonflies represent the strength and courage it takes to mold your own life path. Dragonflies are role models for effortlessly gliding through life and achieving your true purpose. Any rebirth or growth is possible with the power animal of the dragonfly.
Dragonfly Symbolism: Tattoo
Dragonfly tattoos are not only a gorgeous choice for body art, but they will also represent growth, harmony, and good fortune. You may want to get a dragonfly tattoo during a time of celebration or a new, joyous change in your life to commemorate the moment. Additionally, you may want the dragonfly to symbolize your constant, unwavering goal of exploring the depths of your inner self.
In recent years, the strong symbolism of the dragonfly has boosted its popularity. The beauty of having a dragonfly tattoo is you can choose to embrace any of its profound meanings, from transformation to prosperity. Also, as your life changes over time, your dragonfly tattoo can take on different meanings.
Conclusion
Now, you can see why dragonflies have such a special and sacred meaning across world cultures. As symbols of transformation, joy, and prosperity, having one nearby in real life or in your dreams is a powerful sign. The next time you spot a dragonfly, remember these special meanings and take them to heart.
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