Personal growth, especially spiritual. In classical Greek and Roman philosophy, the butterfly’s transformation mirrored that of the ever evolving soul.
Esotericallv: Reincarnation, which may be literal or figurative.
If you see yourself emerging from the cocoon, this speaks of a new, beautiful beginning, and astounding positive changes.
The question of personal identity and uniqueness. In China, there is a story of the sage Hsuang Chou who dreamt of being a butterfly. During the dream, he had no awareness of Hsuang Chou, only the butterfly. WTien he awoke, this experience left him wondering. Was he really Hsuang Chou, or actually a butterfly dreaming of being Hsuang Chou?
In China, the butterflv also symbolizes a happy union, usually a marriage.
An excellent portent for any type of partnership, especially if the butterfly is formed out of jade (See also: Gems, Jewelry, Stones).
Missives from beyond: The Hopi Indians believe that butterflies carry the souls of the departed.
Swallowing a butterfly: In Ireland and ancient Greece, this signified pregnancy.
The ability to rebound and rejuvenate after a major setback.
If seen in its caterpillar form, it means you’re entering a stage of positive transformation.
If the creature is flying, you may soon receive news from friends afar.
For a young woman, this foretells happy love. [1]
Chuang Chou, a Chinese thinker, raises an interesting philosophical question about a dream similar to this one. One night he dreamed he was a butterfly and the oneiric scene seemed so real that when he awoke he did not know if he was a man who had dreamed he was a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming he was a man. The Turks believe that the dead may return in the form of a butterfly and, therefore, are careful not to kill them. [2]
If you have recently been bereaved, you may have felt comforted by dream in which a butterfly flutters up into the sky; this may represent the soul of someone who has died, as the departing soul is traditionally said to assume the form of a butterfly. Your unconscious may have been signaling to you that your loved one’s spirit has been liberated. Remember, too, that a butterfly can represent your own soul and, if you are currently feeling overburdened in waking life, then this may be a wish-fulfillment dream. [3]
Vision: Catching a butterfly: while you are happy right now, it may be for only a short time. Seeing a butterfly: either your partner is unfaithful or a friend will become fickle.
Depth Psychology: The butterfly can be a sign that you are going through an inner change—like the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Make sure that the change is positive, even if the beginning (the caterpillar) was ugly. [4]
Carefree joy or freedom.
Spiritual maturity or self-actualization.
Perceived beauty or inner beauty.
The idea of flitting from one thing to the next, or a non-linear process.
Dreaming of this insect can represent too much or not enough of one of those qualities, or someone or something you associate with the quality.
Consider also the insect’s actions, context, and your feelings about it.
If the butterfly is in the egg stage, the coming change is still but an idea. In the larva stage, a decision needs to be made. In the cocoon stage, you are working to make your dreams a reality.
An adult butterfly flying in the air indicates sharing, or the need to share, your ideas with the world. [6]
The caterpillar relates to the binds and heaviness of a previous consciousness, whereas the butterfly embodies the freedom possible when we surrender to the unknown factors that precipitate change. When the butterfly appears in your dreams, you may be being asked to trust the changes that are happening, for freedom is just around the corner. [7]
It is possible that you are changing your attitude or beliefs towards a certain issue.
To see a beautiful colorful butterfly in your dream implies that you will have a constructive influence on others at an upcoming event. . [9]
2- Psychologically, the butterfly indicates a lack of ability to settle down or to undertake a protracted task.
3- When seen in dreams or even meditation, the butterfly represents the freed soul and immortalitv. There is no need for the soul to be trapped by the physical body. [11]
A white butterfly on the wing predicts much innocent pleasure with one of the opposite sex.
If the butterfly alights, even for a moment, it means that lasting love will be yours.
Butterflies of gorgeous colors indicate that someone you thought indifferent loves you deeply.
A black butterfly betokens inconstancy on the part of your sweetheart. [12]
The bigger and more beautiful the butterfly, the more of an impression you will make on society, or at a special function that you must attend. Use the other symbols in your dream to get you on the right track. [13]
The image of the butterfly is that of “spiritus,” the connection between mind and soul. In this sense, it is a symbol for enthusiasm and salvation / happiness. [15]
To see them flying about, denotes news from absent friends by letter, or from some one who has seen them.
To a young woman, a happy love, culminating in a life union. [17]
A butterfly spreading its wings may symbolize a nme of liberation of the soul from the karma of previous lifetimes. [19]
2. Reluctance to commit, settle down.
3. Creativity.
4. Frivolity.
5. Transformation, metamorphosis (shedding a chrysalis). [21]
c [31]
A butterfly in a dream also could signify love and sacrificing one’s life for others.
A butterfly in a dream also represents fire worshipers, fear, or a weak enemy who speaks big words.
If a farmer sees butterflies in his dream, it means hardships and lack of work, or consenting to evil by associating with evil companions, or befriending vile women.
A silkworm in a dream represents the best of people who spend in charity from their best and who curtail their evil, or it could represent children who live a short life in this world, or people who leave a sizeable estate for their posterity.
A silkworm, or a butterfly in a dream also could signify a short life, the nearend of one’s life, a miller, or it could represent a painter.
(Also seeMagician) [33]
beautifully colored, in the sunshine: happiness in love, but temporary.
becoming a: your metamorphosis wil blossom into beauty.
catching, a: from the unpromising and ugly emerges beauty.
chasing, a: are surrounded by unfortunate influences.
cocoon, being in a: feel burdened with life and want to escape.
emerging from: birth of new aspect of yourself to improve image.
flitting from flower to flower: flourishing prosperity through al of its journey.
around the light: a short-lived victory from which awareness wil emerge.
house, being in the: an inconsistency wil cause a slight trouble.
killing a: your relationship is stifling your transformation.
on a lover: fickleness on both sides.
young woman dreaming of: transformative healing needs a safe environment. [34]