Many ancient cultures have attached meaning to this transformation from cocoon to butterfly. The symbol represents the impermanence and instability of earthly life and as such represents the process of a soul's journey living in the cocoon from an earthly body to a heavenly body once in the butterfly form. I really like and connect with this association.
I do not believe in superstitions, however, I do believe in timing. Allow me to share an experience with you so that you can see why I have such a strong connection to the symbolism of Butterflies. About six years ago I recieved a call to do a painting of butterflies and sunflowers on a glass window above her front door. Just as I was finishing the final brushstroke, I had received a call informing me that my neighbor across the street had passed. That window painting (seen below) became a beautiful representation to me of that transformation, and knowing this, it gave me peace about his passing. Two weekends ago today, I received a phone call to do another painting of sunflowers and butterflies, but this time on her slider. Three days later, I learn of my father's passing. Keep in mind, I had not spoken to this woman since I left her house with the completed butterfly and sunflower painting.
Although every once in a while I have my moments of thinking about Dad, I actually am not mourning him. Because of "Timing" and my personal significance to these Butterfly window paintings, I actually feel transformed from within, and truly believe, as the ancient cultures did, that Dad has left his earthly body (in the cocoon) and has transformed into a beautiful butterfly (the heavenly body).
This morning when I walked into work, it was nice to see that confirmation. There was yellowish white monarch like butterfly on the outside of a window pane. I went up to check it out...and it flew away.
