What could the universe be telling us when certain animal totems or nature signs present themselves? I will be sharing with you others’ experiences and what they mean. If you have any experiences you’d like to share and learn the meaning, please write me and I will feature your experience in my monthly column, Nature Signs. Simply email me at braveheartbutterfly@gmail.com.
Like many of you, I have been going through some of my own transitions and growth on my personal journey. I find it only fitting to feature the “butterfly” this month as an animal totem.
The butterfly’s connection with the soul is rather fitting. We are all on a long journey of the soul. On this journey we encounter endless turns, shifts, and conditions that cause us to morph into ever-finer beings. At our soul-journey’s end we are inevitably changed – not at all the same as when we started on the path. ~ Janét Bowerman aka Braveheart Butterfly
The power that the butterfly brings us is akin to the air. It is the mind, and the ability to know the mind or to change it. It is the art of transformation.
To use the Butterfly medicine, you must be very observant of your position in the cycle of self-transformation. Like Butterfly, you are always at a certain place in your life. You may be in the egg stage, which is the beginning – this is the point in which an idea is born but hasn’t yet come to reality.
You may be at the larva stage, the point in which you decide to create your idea in the physical. You may be at the cocoon stage which involves ‘going within’ or developing your idea or aspect of personality. Or, you may be in the final stage of transformation – the birth of self.
If we look closely at what the butterfly is trying to teach, we will realize it is the never-ending cycle of self-transformation.
One way to discern where you are in this cycle is to ask yourself –
- Is this a thought or idea;
- Do I need to make a decision;
- Am I developing and doing something to make my idea a reality; or
- Am I sharing a completed idea
Question:
My husband and two daughters are walking a 500 mile pilgrimage in Spain. They are continually seeing storks which are roosting at the top of church roofs. I was wondering what possible significance that may mean. They have walked close to 300 miles already. Thank you Barbara
Dear Barbara,
Thank you for writing! The Stork is an air totem and bringer of new energies and are also symbols of strength (both mentally and physically). Very important traits when we are experiencing new traditions or new surroundings. – Which would make perfect sense as to why the stork is presenting itself to your family during their pilgrimage in Spain.
They are there to remind them to stay encouraged and to boost their spirits with confidence and the ultimate power is within this present, unseen moment. It is believed that air totems are a sign of acknowledgement from God that one is on the right path.
Stork aids in new beginnings as there is a spiritual and/or physical birthing taking place. He will aid in carrying the new birthing of ideas, thoughts and new ventures to where they need to be for Spirit’s plan. It is time for action in areas in your life as Stork teaches to move in air (mind) and land (body) with a balance of relaxation. He instills a sense of calm and peace through the process. Stork helps in solidifying and strengthening the domestic fronts as well. Take notice of communication abilities and the attitudes and emotions that your words hold. Stork will show how to carry your new peace into all areas of your life.
Some symbolic meanings for the stork are: Fidelity, Renewal, Provision, Creativity, New birth, Prosperity, Longevity, Protection, and Good luck.
I hope this helps – Peace, Love & Light
Question:
I’m wondering if you can give me some insight on the significance of a Crane. I have lived in my state for 50 years, my entire life, and I have NEVER seen a Crane. Neither has my husband. Today we were returning from my Father-In-Laws funeral service where my husband was named executor of his father’s estate. My Father-In-Law oddly enough was also an avid bird watcher. We pulled into a restaurant before starting our 3 hour journey home when standing before us were 2 beautiful Cranes. We circled around and came back with our camera and they almost seemed to pose for us going up on one leg and didn’t seem to be frightened by us in any way. We were both amazed and at first glance weren’t even sure they were real since we had never seen one, let alone two before. Do you think seeing these two amazing creatures at this point in our lives and on this day has any significance or meaning? Thank you, Cheri
Dear Cheri,
Cranes have long been associated with royalty, balance, grace, and longevity. The crane is a prehistoric animal and looks like one, yet is also very beautiful and graceful.
Cranes will often be seen standing in shallow water on one leg, and their beautiful dancing also speaks to their incredible sense of balance and grace. When a crane comes into your life as a spirit teacher or totem you are being asked to use your past as a source of strength in the present.
Cranes appear in the lives of people who are well served by some degree of secrecy in their lives. The crane teaches keeping your own counsel, protection of family, and balance in life above all else.
A crane totem is also a harbinger of long life and success.
People with crane medicine are more revered by others than they imagine, and have long, successful lives. They are protective, wise, and gracious. They choose their battles carefully, choosing quiet wisdom and privacy over aggression.
An encounter with a crane is a powerful experience. You are being asked to look inward, show fairness to all persons, and protect your wisdom while sharing it in appropriate ways. In short, you are being shown the way to balance and good fortune as well as a sign your father-in-law is protecting his family in spirit.
I hope this helps, Peace, Love & Light – Janét]]>
