Butterfly Spirit Animal & Totem
Author: Elena Harris
Butterfly Symbolism
What is the meaning of the butterfly? This animal totem is primarily associated with symbolism of change and transformation.
- Powerful transformation, metamorphosis in your life, personality
- Moving through different life cycles
- Renewal, rebirth
- Lightness of being, playfulness
- Elevation from earthly matters, tuning into emotional or spiritual
- The world of the soul, the psyche
A secondary meaning of the butterfly is about finding joy in life and lightness of being.
Butterfly totem and transformation
The butterfly is a symbol of powerful transformations. By analogy to the development of this animal, the meaning associated with the butterfly emphasizes the ability to move from one state, perspective, lifestyle to another.
When the butterfly comes into your life as spirit guide, you may be going through or expect important changes in your life. More than changes in your environment, the transformation the butterfly totem points to are more internal: They could be related to your own perspective on a subject, aspects of your personality, or personal habits. Personal transformation is emblematic of the butterfly symbolism.
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Butterfly totem symbol of joy and lightness of being
When the butterfly shows up in your life as a spirit animal or totem, it might indicate the need to look at a conflicting situation with more lightness and different perspective. This totem animal is symbolic of lightness of being and elevation from the heaviness of tensions.
This power animal invites those who have a connection with it to bring joy and bliss into their lives. Butterflies often have bright colors. By extension, they are associated with aliveness and brightness. The message of this totem animal is to lighten up and add more color to your life. Perhaps it’s time to express yourself more fully and show your colorful personality.
The Butterfly and the world of the Soul
In many traditions around the world, the butterfly is a symbol of the soul or soul world. For example, in Chinese symbology, it can represent immortality. For the Japanese, a white butterfly symbolizes the soul the departed ones.
In Ancient Greece, butterflies represent the psyche or soul, and its attribute of immortality.
Calling the butterfly totem for support
The butterfly is a powerful animal to call when you need support in times of transition, whether it’s at work, in a relationship, or when you’re doing inner work. Great ally during intense periods of personal transformation, it will add ease and lightness to the process.
This power animal is a good inspiration for adding more color into your life and self-expression. Those who have the butterfly as a totem animal may be naturally inclined to express themselves openly, to reflect their colors into their environment.
Dreaming About Butterflies
Dreams are our subconscious minds communicating to us using the language of symbols. The classic interpretation of a butterfly in your dreams is that of transformation. Did the dream start with a caterpillar, cocoon or butterfly? The key to its meaning of transformation depends on where in the life cycle the butterfly is. Associated with the idea of transformation is also rebirth and transmutation of energy. The butterfly can also symbolize freedom, expansion and full self expression. Lastly, the butterfly may symbolize social success.
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ODD! But then again, maybe not so odd. For the past two weeks when I’ve been to visit my aunt I’ve seen multiple yellow butterflies. I thought about that right before taking this quiz. What do you know, I’m a butterfly! It certainly agrees with my life situation as I’m undergoing a massive upheaval and transformation in my life. Everything is being uprooted and it seems my life may be taking any number of new courses. Coincidental:no. Interesting:yes!
I found a dead buttery last weekend at a family get to together. What could this possibly mean? The odd thing is that the other day I was brought joy from a butterfly. Moments before it appeared I was dwelling on the assumption that the kids I was walking with were making fun of me. I lost all energy to dwell on it any longer once I saw a yellow butterfly. Both experiences are so strikingly different. It’s a bit weird to me.
Today Sept 9 2015.I burried my son today,and there was two butterflies flying together .Came from my back and flew right towards his tombstone flew really close to it then flew away. It was very pretty .My sister in law told me it means something . Does anyone know what it means ?
Dear Pauline, this was a very meaningful and beautiful thing you saw. Your son’s at peace and wants you to know he is well now. You should take this as his way of letting you know all is well, don’t cry, he is ok. I’m really sorry for your loss. But please know in your heart he isn’t truly gone, he’s simply in a different place and you only can’t see him with your eyes. But you’ll always be together. I’m sending you love and good vibrations. Please remember always the good things about him, the love, the joy… and smile. He would’ve wanted you to smile. Much love x
Very sorry for your loss. Butterflies, in particular white ones, are symbols of past spirits of family members. They were people who were close to you and/or your son who are gone who want you to know that your son will be cared for at this stage.
or Elana, I am sorry I did not realize there were two of you answering.
this morning there was a black and blue butterfly on the back porch for the longest time, I am talking over 30 minutes, I was watching it as I was doing dishes, I asked a question and it would close it’s wings, then open them, over and over again…………..any words of wisdom Max?
It’s hard to tell, but it sounds like the butterfly was trying to communicate with you. This could have been a messenger from the elemental or angelic realm. Usually they come to us in forms that we are familiar with so that it is easiest for them to be seen. If they came to us in their ascended/progressed form it would only serve us and them if our spiritual eyes were open and had adapted to their energetic vibration that their form resonated. If not then you wouldn’t see them because your eyes wouldn’t be transformed and progressed to that level of sight. The blue in the butterfly could back up the idea that it was trying to communicate because blue is connected to the 5th (throat) chakra. The black could represent that the knowledge coming forth is from the depths of the unknown (to you). It also represents a death and rebirth and might denote that you are obtaining new gifts, transforming, or experiencing opportunities to grow.
I hope these thoughts might help bring insight and clarity.
Love and peace my friend,
Max
To Elana or Max (who seems to have knowledgable answere):
2.5 months ago, my 18-yr-old son was killed in an accident when his vehicle was hit from behind. It was 4 days after his high school graduation, he’d been accepted into a prestigious college, & he had no drugs/alcohol in his system. Of course my husband & I, as well as his 2 younger brothers, are devastated.
People keep telling me to watch for recurring symbols, or signs that can bring me comfort. I don’t know if I believe. I would LOVE for him to come talk to me in a dream, but that hasn’t happened yet.
HOWEVER, in the lad 3 days, I have seen 3 white butterflies in my backyard, every day. I have a very large yard, & they don’t get close enough to me to determine if they are butterflies or moths. This has typically happened in late morning or early afternoon & I feel that they are bigger than moths, & VERY white.
Of course at this point, I realize that I WANT to believe in something.
I’m interested in your thoughts. Thank you.
Sorry for the typos! To ELENA, & to Max who has good ANSWERS :)
*last 3 days, good grief
3 days and 3 butterfly’s per day. That is a very powerful omen. 333 is actually one of my favorite angel numbers and it speaks to me deeply. It is a symbol that Ascended Masters are present and guiding the flow of the present. The white within the butterflys would represent purity and a new beginning. I see it as a representation that your beautiful child is working with Ascended Masters to do a “greater” work. He was obviously more then qualified to reach great heights within this physical realm, however, I feel that he was needed within the spiritual realm, where he is without the limits of the physical body. I feel that he wishes to extend his love for you and your family and you will feel his presence (maybe eventual experience him in other forms, but first feel him and it will be easier to recognize when he is present in other forms). I hope this helps bring peace to your heart. If I may be of service in any other ways or if you have other questions or thoughts I welcome them.
Love and peace my friend,
– Max
I could use some guidance. I have lived pretty much the same routine for a while. Lately, the last month or so, every time I bring my daughter outside to play, she’s almost 2, there are AT LEAST 3 butterflies around us. A lot of them are black and orange, not big enough to be Monarchs, others have been black and yellow or, even just yellow. Any idea what this could mean?
With your daughter about to turn two, it may just be a loving reminder to charish the moments together because she is rapidly growing up and transforming right before your eyes. The colors seem to follow the chakra progression connecting to the energy centers in the body… Black = Root (1st) Chakra, Orange = Sacral (2nd) Chakra, Yellow = Solar Plexas (3rd)Chakra. This progression is the progression of yourself being reflected through your child. She is grounded (probably start to walk or walking), beginning to find her creativity (probably expressing herself a lot at this time), and she is finding her power (as she learns grows and transforms)… Her next phase is finding her passions and expressing her love (through action and word). This is also the cycle that you’ve been experiencing as well… You said you have been on the same routine, so that would make me think that 1. You’re grounded in who you are, 2. You are allowing yourself to express your creativity as you follow you’re energy (with the help of your routine) rather then forcing energy (which weakens a person), 3. You’re finding your power as a person as you progress and transform (which is empowering), and now 4. You’re moving into your heart space and moving with the energy of your heart and allowing yourself to love life and it’s wonderful gifts… Sounds to me that you’re progressing and transforming. ;)
I hope this finds your well,
Namaste my friend,
Max
Max, thank you. That makes perfect sense. I guess in a way, this is the world’s way of saying that our lives are just beginning. My little caterpillar (my daughter) won’t be that way for long, and do need to enjoy the little things more. Life is a journey that we all must make, but to enjoy it is so much more. :)
Exactly. You’re most welcome. I’m happy and humbled to be able to see through the lines and be an instrument of help. You’re at such a beautiful time in your life… To see your child’s and your own growth is a magical experience. May you have a wonderful day my friend.
Max
I am going through a point in my life where I don’t know which path to take. It made sense to me when I started seeing more butterflies because for one ot is summer but I also believe in the powerful message they represent. Today was a very bad day for me but I still saw the butterflies flying around me and across my path, until I was driving down the road and at the stop sign at the end of my road I saw a huge beautiful Monarch DEAD. I was already upset, I threw the car in park and went and scooped it up it broke my heart. I don’t know what significance this may have for me. Any ideas anyone?
I am at the same point in my life…trying to find out what to do, where to move,ect. Having a crappy time. I started to see the yellow and black butterflies lately. On one day I open my twitter timeline to one of my followers tweeting about helping a limp butterfly. The next day I saw another one. Recently a coworker was suddenly killed in a hit and run. Very sad time. The day before yesterday I saw the orange and black one. I am praying for direction and that I make the right decisions. Life is short just like the butterfly, need Wisdom and courage to change and to move forward.
Orange is in connection with our sexuality, which is out direct connection for the transforming of oneself… It’s refers to the expansion of your truth, that you are a creative being.
The black within the butterfly might refer to the unknown, death of ego, exploration into our “darkness”, which is giving our light definition and room to expand and grow. I see it as a prompting to spend time searching inwardly (mediate)… Allow yourself to not judge your darkness but allow yourself to light a candle so that you can examine the nature of yourself and your need for balance.
This might be a time to examine how you are using your energy… Are you releasing it (as someone would release their sexual energy) or are you building it and allowing it to make you stronger? This is a time to examine your body, mind, and spirit and ask yourself how you wish to transform. Visualizing this and feeling it with positive emotions (or being present and facing positively the emotions that you are presented with) will allow you to manifest change and to let go of the caccon that you are in.
You can do it… And you will see that when you believe that you can you empower yourself and give yourself wings to fly.
Love and peace my friend,
Max
All things are a reflection of our internal state (our vibration). Within us all we have a infinite universe and we are intricately connected. The butterfly is attracted to the vibration of energy that you are in tune with. As you are going through life you may feel that you are reaching a lot of “deadends” and not reaching through to your highest potential of transformation/progression. I see it as a message to examine yourself and ask what is not serving you anymore. When we are struggling in some aspect within, it becomes reflected into our reality. I see it as a time of rebirth, a time to release “deadends” that are causing your to feel numb and or “dead”.
You are being watched over for sure… Butterflies are symbolic of the angelic realm and represent allowing oneself to explore new creative ideas. It’s a powerful symbol of creation and a reminder that what we think we are we become… It took a caterpillar saying “I am… I am… I am a butterfly” and knowing it. The knowing is what made the alchemical process of transformation possible. Remember your truth; that you are love and light and with that truth you can do anything.
Love and peace,
Namaste my friend,
Max
i need more explanation
I was sitting on the ground and saw a butterfly flying around. It flew towards me and i touched it. Instead of running away it came closer.
dude thats cool as fult
Story #3
One day I was sitting on our porch steps and a black butterfly with shimmery blue on the outer wings shows up. I see lots of butterflies so I thought I was just an ordinary butterfly. A few minuets later it shows up again it flies closer and closer soon it lands at my feet for about a minute and flies off.
Story #2
This happens to me at lest every other day. A black swallow tail flies next to me as I am walking. What does it mean?!?!?!?
The fact that you were being followed by a bird doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Being followed by birds it’s not uncommon. You probably smell. The smell could be appealing or really bad. The bird probably was just checking out where the smell was coming from. Or… You could have been wearing colors that were appealing to the bird. It’s a science.