Dragonfly Symbolism and Meaning (Transformation & Change)

The dragonfly symbolizes transformation and change. It is an ancient animal that has undergone special transformation in its lifetime. Its ancestors come all the way back from 325 million years ago, although they have molded into a completely different creature today.

Dragonfly symbolism also reminds you to connect with the outer world and nature around you. They have a fairy-like quality about them, acting as a constant reminder that you should not neglect the spiritual part of you.

But you should also never forget to appreciate the power of choice and the number of options you have in order to achieve personal authenticity. Almost each dragonfly has its own set of colors painted on its body, which can help you to start appreciating authenticity and staying true to yourself.

Go More Specific: Blue Dragonfly Symbolism, Green Dragonfly Symbolism or Red Dragonfly Symbolism

Dragonfly Symbolism and Meanings

What does the dragonfly symbolize?

1. Transformation and Change

The dragonfly is a symbol of transformation and change. It’s one of the oldest species on Earth – well, at least when it comes to its ancestors. The tree line connected with the dragonfly dates millions of years back. In fact, they are believed to be the first insects to evolve, while some scientists have dated back its origins to up to 300 million years ago.

Fossil dragonflies were much larger than today’s dragonflies, though. This just goes to show how each species changes as time progresses. Everything changes in nature, and it’s a part of the world and how it works.

On a more individual level, each dragonfly goes through a very specific period of transformation, too. They are first developed as larvae, and they go through a series of incomplete metamorphosis. These animals will change 6-15 times as they grow up, which makes them a strong symbol of change and transformation.

> See Also: Beetle Symbolism

2. Connection to Nature

Those who feel they are connected to nature itself, they should have a strong bond with the dragonfly spirit animal. Dragonflies have a fairy-like nature about them, which can encourage you to think more about your spirituality and the meaning of life. 

It makes you a bit more acceptable and connected to the nature around you. You become enchanted by its beauty and its magical appearance that you start to appreciate the magical processes that happen in the world. 

3. Authenticity

No two dragonflies are the same. Almost every dragonfly has its own appearance, as they are often these mixtures of impressive and beautiful colors and interesting body design. That’s why this animal is often connected to the meaning of authenticity, individuality, as well as personal expression.

It’s easy to lose this feeling of authenticity today in a world where we’re expected to comply with certain rules. But the dragonfly symbolism reminds you not to forget your true self and always try and express it.

Also, it encourages you to show your true colors and shine. Just like each dragonfly manages to show its true colors, you should be able to do that when you feel you want to.

See Also: Locust Bug Symbolism

4. Lightness

If you want to experience a true lightness of living, then you should tap into the dragonfly symbolism and explore it more. Because it encourages you to start enjoying life more and live on a more light note instead of taking everything too seriously.

When you see a dragonfly fly around, you’ll see that it moves with a certain level of lightness. When you see it, you will be inspired to take things more lightly and make life easier for yourself. 

Dragonfly symbolism also encourages you to enjoy life more and it can be a powerful emotional symbol when you want more emotional freedom. It allows you to get creative and become truly free of limiting beliefs.

Read More: Animals That Represent Happiness

5. Adaptability

Normally, dragonflies will adapt to their surroundings. This is seen by the fact that they will molt several times in their lives. These changes are necessary for them to survive, as they develop mechanisms and defense systems that help them survive and thrive.

That’s why dragonflies are often seen as symbols of change and accepting change as a part of your life. It inspires you to explore new opportunities in life and accept changes that might come in your life.

And this mechanism is extremely important to dragonflies as a species on a whole. Because of it, they have been able to survive for millions of years, and they are one of the oldest species on the planet.

6. Illusion

When you see a dragonfly, you’re almost immediately attracted by it. They are somewhat magical in their appearance, as they portray different colors at the same time. You may start to experience the symbolism of magic with the dragonfly symbolism.

At the same time, the dragonfly symbolism encourages you to steer away and break free from your illusions. This might be important to some people that are too often caught in the magical world and their illusions.

Dragonfly Symbolism in the Bible

When we observe the dragonfly symbolism in the Bible, we need to think about the general symbolic meaning of this animal. They normally represent light and how they are almost magical when they are shone on by the Sun.

The same can be applied to the symbolism of dragonflies in the Bible. It is often present as this symbol of the light of the God, which shines through the dragonfly and exposes all of its magic.

For example, the following passage shows that in Matthew 5:14-16:

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and hide it under the bowl.
Instead, they put it on a stand so its light can be shone upon everybody so that the light can shine and illuminate everyone.
In the same way, let your light shine upon men. Let them see and praise your good deeds. You, in turn, praise the Father in heaven.”

What does the Dragonfly Spirit Animal Mean?

What does the dragonfly spirit animal represent to you?

Firstly, the dragonfly spirit animal encourages you to take things more lightly and live your life with a certain lightness in your step. This symbolic meaning of the dragonfly spirit animal is helpful when you find it tough to live in the world and have difficulties relaxing. It’s important to do that when things get a bit heavy, and those with the dragonfly spirit animal know how to do it.

But at the same time, it acts as a reminder to express your true self. Even though that might be hard to do at times, you’ll still achieve better results and be more satisfied when you show your true colors. 

Lastly, the dragonfly spirit animal encourages you to embrace change and accept it as a part of your life. We all change in life, and change is an important factor in life that will always be necessary to help us grow. Dragonflies as a species have changed throughout their entire lifetime, and will also do so when they develop individually.

Dragonfly Totem Animal

As a totem animal, the dragonfly can have some important meanings. Those who have it know how to take things lightly and relax when they think it’s beneficial to them.

Also, they’re not afraid to show their true colors and express their true meanings. This is what the dragonfly totem animal encourages you to do, and it makes it easier for those with this totem animal to create a personal style.

Those with the dragonfly totem animal also know that it’s important to adapt to their surroundings at times. This can help them overcome difficult situations and change as a result of this adaptation.

Dragonfly Dream Meanings

If you have recently dreamt about dragonflies, then you are probably undergoing change or transformation in your life. But there are also some other meanings about these dreams.

• A dragonfly appearing in your dreams means that change is coming to your life, and that you’re going to transform in one way or another. This might be useful to some people that want to become something better and achieve different things, although change is an important part of that.
• Alternatively, it can express your desire for more freedom, which you value highly. This can be in terms of your personal life or your professional life, too.
• If you’re attacked by a dragonfly in dreams, it means that you’ve been disappointed or even attacked by someone you thought was close to you previously.

Dreams about dragonflies can, many times, mean change is coming to your life. So it’s time to start preparing for it, as you never know when it might be coming.

Conclusion

Dragonfly symbolism is closely tied to transformation that these animals undergo and their overall look and character. They’re almost magical in their character, which makes them an important symbol if you’re looking for more personal freedom and creativity.