Animal Medicine

The power that Butterfly brings to 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 self-transformation.

To use Butterfly medicine, you must astutely observe your position in the cycle of self-transformation. Like Butterfly, you are always at a certain station in your life activities. You may be at the egg stage, which is the beginning of all things. This is the stage at which an idea is born, but has not yet become a reality. The larva stage is the point at which you decide to create the idea in the physical world. The cocoon stage involves "going within": doing or developing your project, idea, or aspect of personality. the final stage of transformation is the leaving of the chrysalis and birth. This last step involves sharing the colors and joy of your creation with the world.

If you look closely at what Butterfly is trying to teach, you will realize that it is the never-ending cycle of self-transformation. The way to discern where you are in this cycle is to ask yourself:

1) Is this the egg stage: Is it just a thought or idea?

2) Is this the larva stage: Do I need to make a decision?

3) Is this the cocoon stage: Am I developing and doing something to make my idea a reality?

4) Is the the birth stage: Am I sharing my completed idea?

By asking yourself these questions, you will discover how Butterfly is relating to you at this moment. When you understand where you are, the symbol can teach you what to do next to continue in the cycle of self-transformation. If you have found the position through which you are cycling, you will see the creativity of Butterfly.

Using the air, or mental powers, of this medicine is done with ease. As an example, if you have been feeling exhausted and have asked how to heal your fatigue, take notice of the colors you hve been drawn to recently. Does your body feel better in green? Could this mean that you need to eat more green vegetables? This type of thinking is an inspiration from Butterfly medicine.

Butterfly can give clarity to your mental process, help you organize the project you are undertaking, and assist you in finding the next step for your personal life or career. The main message to be obtained from drawing this symbol is that you are ready to undergo some type of transformation.

As there are the many stages of development for the Butterfly to emerge, so are there many stages for your spirit to experience change and transformation. It may appear that you are struggling, crawling, surviving the many predators who want to gobble up your energy. Or perhaps you are feeling like wrapping yourself up in a blanket to hide and rest while you heal or regenerate and clarify the answer to: "Who am I?" or "What do I want?" Be assured that as the Butterfly shows us, you will emerge and fly.

Some people think that the Butterfly is a fragile and weak totem. However, know that the Monarch Butterfly has enormous strength, endurance and determination, flying thousands of miles, migrating from as far north as Canada to Central Mexico.