Dragonfly Summer

As the summer is moving into being, we are witnessing the awakening of the life that we invited during the slower months. The flowers are bursting all around us and the addition of the element of water in this dry land is beginning to show its value. There are lots of little ripples in the pond that show that life is moving in. We found the larvae of a drone fly wiggling around and researched it to find that it looks similar to a bee in its full form and is a beneficial pollinator. What an amazing discovery!

 

 

 

The change from full spring blooms to the slow transition into summer, brings an energy that is hearty and full. The abundance of the native volunteers, both plants and insect life, opens the heart and creates a feeling of gratitude. That feeling is reflected as we observe each new plant blooming and every new buzzing insect that is working for us to fill the garden with food.

The sound of water trickling through the various fountains, dripping down the rocks and dropping over the edge is music that inspires us all day long. In the dusk of evening, when we linger after a meal on the patio, we are able to enjoy the yellow-bellied finches tasting the early sunflowers, as the hummingbirds flit over to say “Hello”!

 

One of our most exciting discoveries recently was the appearance of a large red dragonfly. At first we only saw it once in a while. Now, we see it every day and there have even been sightings of more than one. The favorite landing sight is a golden, dried up California poppy that I hadn’t taken out of the ground yet.

It is interesting to note that though there are a large variety of plants near the water, with flowers, without flowers, green and tall, short and dry…the dragonfly repeatedly chooses the dry California poppy. It’s satisfaction with this perch allowed for a photo session as it posed for me.

 

 

 

 

 

The symbolism of the dragonfly is steeped deeply in a variety of traditions. Especially visible in Japanese and Native American lore, the dragonfly is a representation of the unconscious, the illusions that exist in life. Both wind and water are elements that are associated with dragonfly as it soars on the wind and listens for deeper meaning. Through water the dragonfly is born with the ability to perceive the underlying messages of the unconscious.

The dragonfly is often seen as an agent of change and the awakening from illusions. Adaptability, wisdom and transformation are essential qualities of the dragonfly, along with prosperity and good luck. So, dragonfly summer is a great time to tap into the potential that this totem represents. Take a moment when you are here to take a look around the pond and absorb some of the dragonfly’s energy for yourself!