We are deep in the hot, sweaty, and buggy time of year. It’s summer and millions and billions of insects have appeared to put a damper on what would otherwise be a perfect summer day. But what if I told you that these insects are not just nuisances? Following the human compulsion of giving non-humans human traits (anthropomorphism), it has been said that insects send us spiritual messages. Sometimes they have direct messages, but mostly the messages are sent in symbolism. For many people, this may be hard to swallow but I ask you to suspend your doubts and check out the following examples:
It is somehow easier to believe that the pretty and non-dangerous insects have spiritual qualities, and the butterfly is the perfect example. The transformation that they go through from an often ugly and cumbersome caterpillar to a light and beautiful butterfly has been an inspiration for millennia. They are seen as symbols of transformation, hope and resilience. And if one lands on you, it’s a message of encouragement and assurance that something better is on the horizon.
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| A ghostly moth |
Although these insects can be a big problem if they have infested your yard, their diligence and devotion to their colony is remarkable. For ther positive traits, ants are seen as symbols of patience, the value of laboring for the future, industriousness, and commitment to community. Many Native American tribes have long elevated ants to be an important part of their cultures due to their numerous positive attributes (learn more here).
This is an insect that has a surprisingly benign reputation, given its true nature as a ruthless killer. Its quizzical expression makes it endearing to many, but it’s the way that a mantis moves that inspires people. They move with intention and forethought. This behavior inspired the development of Praying Mantis Kung Fu and is also the key to their spiritual symbolism. They remind us to slow down, embrace patience, to think before acting, and to act with deliberate intention.
The Cicada
When this noisy insect comes around, it is hard to ignore and that is where its symbolism kicks in – a cicada is a strong message for you get to work on yourself and to let that process be as creative and messy as it needs to be. Additionally, it is perfectly fine to stay out of sight while you do the work. When you are ready to emerge as a new you, make clear communication with the people in your life a priority. While this is all excellent advice, I don’t think you need to disappear as long as cicadas do (13-17 years).
As a pollinator, the bee is an essential part of our ecosystem, and it is their instinctual commitment to that role that creates their spiritual symbolism. Bees show us that the sweetness of life can be found through diligence, commitment to community, and teamwork. They also show us how an individual can enjoy the fruits of their labor and how satisfying it can be when a community can share that enjoyment.
As children, my brother and I were fascinated and grossed out by these insects. We would search for and kill them. We were not killers of other creatures, so I’m not sure what it was about these insects that merited such violence. The silverfish population was not at all affected by our reign of terror, of course. As one of the oldest insect species still in existence, they are truly survivors. And as a spiritual symbol they represent the art of survival and the ability to thrive in difficult and hidden places. If you’d like to know more about silverfish, or would like to dispose of some of them, we have that information here.
Take Care,
Pam
