Spirit Lodge - Totem Animals - Page 49

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Bear Medicine	Birth Totems	Coyote Medicine	Dragon Ranks	Dragonfly Medicine	Eagle Medicine	Four Animal Helpers	Grey Wolf Medicine	Hawk
Heron Medicine	Horse	Magpie	Raccoon	Salmon Medicine	Spider Medicine	Swan Medicine	Thunder Being Medicine	Totem Loss Disc

DRAGONFLY MEDICINE
By CinnamonMoon

*Ted Andrews/Animal-Speak:
Keynote: The Power of Light

Dragonflies and Damselflies are very ancient with estimates of having been around for over 180
million years. They have beautiful, jewel-like coloring. The bright colors take time to develop,
reflecting the idea that with maturity our own true colors come forth. This is part of dragonfly
medicine.

For many it is difficult to tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly. Dragonflies
have broad bodies and enormous eyes. Damselflies are more slender and delicate. When
dragonflies are at rest, they hold their wings out like a glider. Damselflies will fold their wings
over their backs when at rest. Dragonflies will often eat while in flight, and damselflies will
always land before eating.

Both are known for their fast flight and their dazzling aerial feats, as if imitating how light itself
can be moved and directed. They twist, turn, change direction in an instant, hover, move up or
down, and even fly backwards. Dragonflies are sometimes known as mosquito hawks. Both the
damsels and the dragons are excellent hunters of flying insects. They can fly at speeds up to
30mph, and their eyes help spot flying insects. They can spot a movement 40ft. away. They use
their sharp, spiny legs and strong jaws to capture prey.

Dragonflies and damselflies inhabit two realms--water and air. The significance of these should
be examined. In their early life--as a nymph--they live within the water. As they mature and go
through their metamorphosis, they move to the realm of air. It is not unusual to find individuals
with dragonfly totems to be very emotional and passionate in the early years, but as they get
older, they learn to balance it with greater mental clarity and control. sometimes it can indicate
that the emotions have gotten shut down because of emotional issues in the early life. Remember
that the dragonfly and damselfly are always found around water. There must be expressions of
the emotional and the mental together.

If a dragonfly has shown up in your life, you may need some fresh air in regard to something
emotional. You may need to gain a new perspective or make a change. It may even indicate that
you are neglecting your emotions. Are you being too rational about everything? Are you not
keeping the color of emotions alive?

Dragonflies are very territorial. They will lay their eggs within their territory near the water. The
egg eventually develops into the nymph stage of metamorphosis in this insect, and remains as a
nymph for almost two years before it transforms into an adult dragonfly or damselfly. This can
reflect a number of possibilities for those with this totem. It can indicate that an approximate
two-year period of change is about to reach its culmination. It may reflect that you are coming
into a two-year period of transformation. It may even reflect a need to institute changes that may
culminate in the colorful transformations you desire within a two-year period. Only by
examining your life and activities will you begin to understand its specific role.

Just as light can bend and shift and be adapted in a variety of ways, so can the archetypal forces
associated with the dragonfly. It is one of the most adaptable of insects. It is why it has been able
to survive for so long. Dragonflies have two pairs of wings, but if need be, they can fly with one.
Their eyes are kept clean with special combs on their legs and by washing the eyes with water
drops collected in the mouth.

Their main predators are frogs and birds. Particularly the frog should be studied by those with
this totem. Their realm is the realm of light, and they are only out during the day, as they are
cold-blooded. Summer is their most powerful time, as they need the warmth and light of the sun.
for those with this totem, this will be important to consider. Spending tie outside in the sun near
fresh water sources will be beneficial for restoring and changing health conditions for the better
for those with this totem.

Although some have color pigments in their skin, for most the colors are caused almost the same
way rainbows form. Structures in their shell scatter and refract the light, making them look
iridescent green and blue. as they age, they may pass through several color changes. This ability
to reflect and refract light and color has caused it to be associated with many forms of magic and
mysticism--including color magic, illusion (causing others only to see what you wish), and more.
Dragonfly's magic is the power of light and all that has ever been associated with it.

Dragonflies and damselflies are often depicted in Japanese paintings, representing new light and
joy. To some Native Americans, they represent the souls of the dead. some stories speak of the
time in which they used to be real dragons. Often we assume that dragons have to be gigantic
beasts breathing fire, but the fantastic creatures of the Faerie Realm often come in many shapes
and sizes. Dragonflies because they are mythical relatives of the ancient dragons are wonderful
links to working with nature spirits. for more information on them, you may wish to refer to my
earlier work "Enchantment of the Faerie Realm."

The dragonfly and damselfly reflect the work with the sun and light. The light changes
throughout the day. The dragonfly and damselfly undergo their own transformations. If they
have shown up, look for changes to occur. Are you resisting change when you shouldn't?
Dragonflies remind us that we are light and can reflect the light in powerful ways if we choose to
do so. "Let there be light" is the divine prompting to use the creative imagination as a force
within your life. This is part of what dragonflies and damselflies teach us.

Life is never quite the way it appears, but it is always filled with light and color. Dragonfly can
help you to see through your illusions and thus allow your own light to shine forth. Dragonfly
brings the brightness of transformation and the wonder of colorful new vision.

*Jamie Sams & David Carson/Medicine Cards:
Illusion. Dragonfly medicine is of the dreamtime and the illusionary facade we accept as the
physical reality. The iridescence of Dragonfly's wings reminds us of colors not found in our
everyday experience. Dragonfly's shifting of color, energy, form, and movement explodes into
the mind of the observer, bringing vague memories of a time or place where magic reigned.

Some legends say that the Dragonfly was once Dragon, and that Dragon had scales like
Dragonfly's wings. Dragon was full of wisdom, and flew through the night bringing light with its
fiery breath. The breath of Dragon brought forth the art of magic and the illusion of changing
form. Then Dragon got caught in its own facade. Coyote tricked Dragon into changing form, and
the shape of its new body became like the Dragonfly's. In accepting the challenge to prove its
power and magical prowess, Dragon lost its power.

Dragonfly is the essence of the winds of change, the messages of wisdom and enlightenment,
and the communications from the elemental world. This elemental world is made up of the tiny
spirits of plants, and of the elements air, earth, fire, and water. In essence, this world is full of
nature spirits.

If Dragonfly has flowing into your cards today, you may have forgotten to water your plants. On
another level, you may need to give thanks to the foods you eat for sustaining your body. On the
psychological level, it may be time to break down the illusions you have held that restrict your
actions or ideas.

Dragonfly medicine always beckons you to seek out the parts of your habits which you need to
change. Have you put on too much weight, or have you started to look like a scarecrow? Have
you tended to the changes you have wanted to make in your life? If you feel the need for change,
call on Dragonfly to guide you through the mists of illusion to the pathway of transformation.
See how you can apply the art of illusion to your present question or situation, and remember
that things are never completely as they seem.

Contrary: Are you trying to prove to yourself or someone else that you have power? Are you
caught in an illusion that weakens your true feelings or minimizes your abilities? If so, you may
have contracted "Dragonfly dive-bombing." Is this the final "crash and burn" for some pipedream
that had no real purpose? Look within and feel the sense-of-self energy within yourself.
Notice if it is ebbing, and find the point in time when you were deluded into believing that you
would be happier if you changed because someone else wanted you to. Misery is a prime clue
that you lost your will and personal validity when you bought into someone else's idea of who or
what you should be. The illusion was that you would be happier if you did it their way. In
forfeiting what you know is right and true for you personally, you give away your power. Is it
time for you to take it back.

Follow Dragonfly to the place inside your body where magic is still alive, and drink deeply of its
power. This strength belongs to you. It is the power of becoming the illusion. This ability is ever
changing, and contains within it the knowledge that you are creating it all.
*Dragonfly is the guardian and protector of Quetzalcoatl.

*Patricia Telesco/The Language of Dreams:
If hovering near water, this represents the cooperation between your mental/conscious self and
your emotional nature. Dragonflies are very adaptable, but also territorial. Have you been
hovering around your domain too much? Or perhaps you've been too flexible in a specific
situation. Dragonflies need warmth and sunlight. On the dream plane, this may represent a
similar physical need that manifests as depression or restlessness. Alternatively, it may
symbolize the need to be more aware of the conscious, masculine, solar self. In Japan, these are
emblems of happiness and good fortune. Among Native Americans, the souls of the departed
may reside in these creatures. As such, they may be messengers from other realms
communicating through your dream.

*Mary Summer Rain/On Dreams:
Dragonfly denotes a strong, positive spiritual force or aspect.

*D.J. Conway/Animal Magick:
There are about a thousand different kinds of this insect. They all have large heads, composed of
mostly eyes. Its two huge compound eyes give an exotic appearance. The dragonfly has a long,
slender body and four large, strong wings.

The dragonfly is also called the Devil's Darning Needle, the Bee Butcher, and the Mosquito
Hawk. It is one of the most beautiful of all insects and harmless to humans and animals,
regardless of some of the gruesome folklore connected with it. However, it does eat large
quantities of insects, particularly mosquitoes, both as an adult and as a nymph. It doesn't sting or
attack horses.

The dragonfly shares much of the same symbolism as that of the butterfly. it is the national
emblem of Japan, which i sometimes called the Island of the Dragonfly, Akitsu-shima. Japanese
art and poetry make frequent use of this insect. However, it can also represent irresponsibility
and unreliability. The Chinese say that the dragonfly symbolizes Summer, weakness, and
instability.

There are Native American legends that say the dragonfly was once a dragon and had scales like
those on the dragonfie's wings. However, Coyote tricked it into changing its form, and it couldn't
change back. They say it represents swiftness, illusion, and change.

Superstitions: Dragonflies are believed to sew together the lips of people who sleep outside at
night. They are said to attack snakes and sting horses. If a dragonfly hovers over a fisherman, he
will have good fishing luck.

Magickal attributes: Dreams, illusions. Mystic messages of enlightenment from spirit. Breaking
down illusions in order to transform your life. Change is coming. Understanding dreams.
Opening yourself to messages from the gods. Seeing the truth in any situation or person.

*Zolar/Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens, and Superstitions:

Catch one and you are sure to marry within the year. Dragonflies are also said to come to
fishermen's aid by hovering over fish. Dragonfly represents illusion, dreams, messages, and
enlightenment.

Dragonfly is the Keeper of Illusion that teaches you to see through it and bring about
transformation in your life. She teaches the truth of matters and to recognize that change is in the
air. reflecting luminous color and light on her gossamer wings, she speaks of the glory in change
and the beauty of life itself through the experience of the transformative process. Because she is
a creature of Water and Air, she demonstrates how the emotions can flow with your thoughts or
cloud them. Her erratic flight patterns teach perspective; while her love of the sun and bright
colors demonstrates the healing qualities of both. As Dragonfly dances on the wind or skims the
water's surface she demonstrates changes and the shattering of illusions.

Linked to nature spirits, she speaks of Otherworlds, other dimensions, and those that inhabit
them. This creature-teacher encourages the creativity of your own imagination as a powerful tool
in letting your own gifts shimmer in the light of a new day. Hers is the Medicine of the Dream
Lodge; it tempts you to go beyond mundane or superficial appearances and into the explosive
colors of your own mind. She urges you to explore other possibilities--always with a promise of
enlightenment. Encouraging you to shed negative attitudes or old habits, she nudges you to
emerge from your cocoon and dance among the early dawn mists of the still pools.

Dragonfly will show you the illusion and ask you to discover your own; she will teach you to
apply it to your own life. She urges you to follow your dreams and not those of others; to reach
for the gentle breezes and dance among them--to shimmer and shine with your own light
reflecting the light of Spirit in the process. Through these teachings she demonstrates the magic
that is alive and well in life and creates a spectacular theater in which to stage a show of your
own. Through your willingness to see from various perspectives and change as the situation calls
for it, you learn to let your own creativity dictate how far you can go. In the world of illusion the
possibilities are endless.

Mouse:
DRAGON FLY = ILLUSION and the Power of Light

Past: Have you recently had a "wake up call?" Welcome back to planet earth. But, hey, it could
have been one of your more memorable and colorful experiences. Look to your creative side to
manifest your dreams.

Dragonfly has touched your spirit. The power of illusion can bring the most wonderful rays of
light into your life. If you stay too long, your feet won't touch the ground. While sometimes this is
nice and even fun for some, it usually doesn't help us in a material world.

Present: It's time to check and see what point you are in life. After that assessment check and see
what destination you wish to arrive and what time you wish to get there.

To many irons in the fire or distractions may blind you from your true objective. Use inspiration,
or the mystical and magical powers of life and illusion to aid, stimulate and direct the muse of
your creativity to its highest dreams. It's time to dress and impress and let your own light shine.
If your confused, just look within for the answer. You have the answers yourself, so be quite and
listen to yourself. Don't follow someone else's reality. "Rather live in your world of illusion and
delusion than live in the world of another." UNKNOWN

Future: The power of illusion can bring wonderful rays of light into our lives. Prepare yourself
for a magical time of creativity and for your enjoyment in the dance and song of life. Keep your
feet on the ground long enough to function in the world, but never let your vision falter from
your most distant star.

Dragonfly-Damselfly: Lightness of body, expression of emotional and mental aspects, fresh air
and a new perspective will come soon, allows our inner light to shine through. Teaches a
mastery of moving quickly with precision, breaks down illusions, heightens visual depth and aids
in changes that are swift with emphasis on the emotions and un/subconscious. Are you seeking
out pieces of your life that need changing? Dragonfly will aid in this search.

From Animal Spirits website on Geocities:
Damselfly/Dragonfly's Wisdom Includes:
Mastery of life on the wing Power of flight
Power to escape a blow
Understanding dreams Power of light
Breaking down illusions
Seeing the truth in situations
Swiftness
Change
Connection to Dragon

Dragonfly:
When I was given my Spirit name by Native healer David Wingedstone back in the early 1980's, he told me that many people
would like to be called by a large animal's name as they thinkk they are more powerful, but said David, that is not true, a small creature
has as much power as the largest creature. He said he gave me the name Dragonfly because this small darting winged
one can flit from dimension to dimension in the flick of an eye, and it doesn't get caught there. (At that time he didn't
know that I did readings by travelling thru dimensions!)

Through the years dragonfly has stayed around me, at one point saving my son from being hurt, often coming and sitting on my hand.
Sun Bear once said to me, 'Keep em dancing Dragonfly!' and he didn't know that was my name, he only knew me as Gloria!

I have been given other Spirit names since I was gifted Dragonfly. I tried using the other names but none fitted me as well as Dragonfly.

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