Dragonfly, Pagan Symbol of Illusion
Various Positive and Negative Symbolism in Different Cultures
Oct 18, 2009
Dragonflies are in the Odonata family. They have big multifaceted eyes, two pairs of transparent wings, an elongated body and can’t walk. They eat mosquitoes, flies, ants, bees and butterflies. Their habitats are places near lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands. These insects can be confused with damselflies because of their similar appearance. Unlike dragonflies, damselflies hold their wings in a different position and their eyes don’t touch as dragonflies’ do.
AmerIndian Dragonfly Symbolism
For the AmerIndians, dragonflies are symbols of change, communication from the elemental world and messages of enlightenment and wisdom.
The dragonfly’s lessons are to give thanks for food, discard illusions that prevent people from restricted ideas and actions and changing negative habits into positive ones. Some tribes believe dragonflies are the souls of the dead.
Dragonfly and Coyote Legend
Some AmerIndian folklore maintains that Dragonfly had been Dragon with shimmering scales. Dragon had great wisdom and flew in nighttime, creating light with his fiery breath. This evoked magick and the illusion of shapeshifting until he was caught in his own façade.
Coyote tricked him into changing his form to resemble Dragonfly’s. Dragon lost his power when he abused his magickal skills and strength and he remained in the form of the dragonfly.
Cross-Cultural Dragonfly Positive Symbolism and Lore
The primary symbolisms of the dragonfly are powerful force, renewal and the power of life. He is a symbol of the sense of self that arrives with maturity. As a creature of the wind, he represents change. One of his lessons is to live life to the fullest because his own is brief.
Symbolism in various cultures include new light, joy, good luck, prosperity, swiftness, purity, harmony, strength, happiness, courage, subconscious thoughts, new beginnings, hope, change, love, wealth and beauty. Some believe two dragonflies paired as a couple represent maturity and love.
Negative Dragonfly Lore
It appears that every positive has its downside which is true about the dragonfly.
- The English associate them with evil or injury and calls them the devil’s darning needle and ear cutter.
- People in Wales associated dragonflies with snakes, calling them the adder’s servant.
- Romania has a folktale that states the dragonfly was a horse who was possessed by the devil.
- Swedish folklore is that the devil uses the dragonfly to weigh people's souls. Another legend is trolls using them as spindles when they weave their clothing and use them to poke out enemies’ eyes.
- In Norway, they are called "eye pokers."
- The Portuguese call them "eye snatchers."
- Lithuanians call them the "evil old hag’s horses."
- The Dutch know them as "horse biters."
- In some South American countries, they are dubbed horse killers or the devil’s little horse because they’re viewed as harmful.
Dragonfly Myths Unmasked
Some call dragonflies "snake doctors" because they believe dragonflies can bring dead snakes back to life. Adults used to tell naughty children that dragonflies would sew their mouths together while they slept in order to scare them into behaving. This is why the insects were called "devil’s darning needles" and some people still refer to them as darning needles.
Dragonflies have large stingers and some people are allergic to their toxin, which could be fatal. Generally, the insects don’t sting humans.
Articles Related to Dragonfly Symbolism
People who enjoyed this article might be interested in reading:
- Coyote, the Pagan Symbol Trickster who is believed to be the Keeper of Magick and User of Folly by AmerIndians.
- Deer, the Pagan Symbol of Gentleness, like Swan, journeyed into another world and found lessons to teach humans.
- Swan, the Pagan Symbol of Love, Grace, Soul and Beauty is about her legends, lore, works of art and both positive and negative symbolism.
Sources:
- Animal Magick, D. J. Conway, (Llewellyn Publications, 1996).
- Animal Speak, Ted Andrews, (Llewellyn Publications, 2002).
- Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams & David Carson, (Bear & Company, 1988).
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