4 Cultural Meanings Of The Dragonfly + Why To Pay Attention To This Critter

Do you see dragonflies all the time? They could be offering you messages about change, transformation, and new beginnings. Here's what to know about dragonfly spiritual meanings and what it may signify if the critter keeps showing up for you—either in real life or in your dreams.

The dragonfly is an important symbol in many countries with its significance ranging from representing change, rebirth, happiness, good luck, and financial gain as well as insight.

According to Maggie Wilson, an animal psychic medium and metaphysical expert who was trained by Indigenous leaders, "To some Native Americans, dragonflies represent the souls of those who have passed into the realm of the nonphysical." 

Charlotte Kirsten, M.A., a cultural symbolism expert and founder of Typically Topical, explains, "In Japanese culture, the dragonfly is considered a positive symbol of courage, happiness, and rebirth." 

There's a tie to feng shui too. "It's believed placing a dragonfly painting or statue in your home or workplace brings about happiness and prosperous new beginnings," Kristen explains.

Meanwhile, dragonflies in Indian culture are associated with vision and intuition. According to Kirsten, "In India, it's long been said that dragonflies enable us to receive intuitive guidance from our Higher Self." 

Born in the water as eggs, dragonflies transform into larvae (commonly referred to as a nymph) before turning into flying insects. How's that for symbolism? According to Amanda Shuman, the owner of Spiral Embrace, transformation is represented as "shedding an old version of yourself to make room for the new."

According to Alyson Charles, author of the Animal Power book and deck, dragonflies encourage us to move in the direction of our soul's calling. If you see one, "You may feel a temporary stretch as you expand outside your comfort zone, but dragonfly will help you release rigidity so that you can be more flexible, open, and adaptable," she writes in her deck.

The dragonfly may also be encouraging you to say yes to opportunities. "Spiritually, the dragonfly encourages you to jump on any promising opportunity that comes your way, as it might not come around again," explains Kirsten. "The spiritual message here is to seize the day, be grateful for what you have, and take that all-important leap of faith when you feel the calling to do so."

"Dragonfly symbolizes a change in your scene—like you need some fresh air in regards to something that is emotionally triggering you," says Wilson. "They can also tell you whether you're neglecting your emotions."

She suggests jotting down notes when you see dragonflies to help you better understand what they may mean.

Another dragonfly spiritual meaning is about illusion and what we perceive to be true. "Life is never as it appears, and dragonfly symbolism can help us remember to see through the illusions/colors and let our own light shine forward," says Wilson.

To help with dream interpretation, Shuman poses some questions to reflect on: "Is it a 'normal' color for a dragonfly, or is it odd or strange? Does it bring up a feeling? The relationship of the color to the dragonfly will help you understand the symbol at a deeper level." 

If dragonfly symbolism resonates with you, Charles also offers up a chant to say aloud the next time you see this critter, "Dear dragonfly, I call on you to reveal whether a new direction is best. I will heed your guidance, and I ask that you empower me with graceful adaptability so that I may step into my truth with ease." 

Animals and insects can come into our lives as a way to share messages or wisdom. Like butterflies, dragonflies help guide us in finding comfort in discomfort, navigating transformation, and seizing opportunities that could prove life-changing.