Butterflies

Butterflies are insects in the macrolepidopteran clade Rhopalocera from the order Lepidoptera, which also includes moths. Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight.

There's something magical about the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly, making these beautiful winged insects a favorite of many. As you can imagine, their metamorphosis is a metaphor for rebirth, but depending on who you ask, their spiritual symbolism runs deeper than that.

Symbolism

Butterflies represent transformation on all levels, ecotherapist and co-author of Sacred Medicine of Bee, Butterfly, Earthworm, and Spider Anna Cariad-Barrett, DMin, M.S., MFT, tells mbg. "Butterflies show us how we can go within ourselves to dissolve old forms and morph, rebuilding and evolving ourselves," she explains, noting that they show us the importance of surrender and trust "as part of the essential process of growth and renewal."

From the ancient Celts to Indigenous Native Americans, cultures throughout history have fixated on the butterfly and its more spiritual meaning.

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Coded by Katherine Guerrero