"As one meditates, so one becomes": The Medicine of a Moth

As one meditates, so one becomes.

Each morning I arise to spend time in meditation, followed by a morning fire to watch the sun rise in the sky.  It is my gift to myself; a time to reflect upon the day ahead, to ask for guidance, and give thanks for the moment of breath. Many times whispers in the winds are heard to share direction for the day.  Then there are days when a more subtle message is gifted.  This morning was one of those mornings. 


As I was reflecting upon the day that was before me, I kept feeling something brush my hair.  Yet, each time I turned I could see no “guest”.  I finished my morning coffee and was walking into the house when the brush against the back of my head became more insistent.  There is always that moment when a bit of fear stumbles in as you feel something in your hair.  This time something was physically felt.  When I turned to look a rather large moth fluttered to the floor of the carport.  Beautiful creature; wings spread out with a reddish tint and large eyes gazing up at me as though to say “about time”.  We spent time just connecting with one another, sharing a moment before she fluttered her wings and took flight.

I am often asked about animal meanings; while I am not an animal guide expert, preferring to receive messages for the moment than a generic message of the symbolic meaning, I always find the appearance of animal spirits intriguing. 


So what about a moth?  We look to their nature for clues.  They are nocturnal.  They fly by the moonlight.  A moth is attracted to the light.  When the moonlight is no longer available, they find man’s light or even the flames of a fire.  She is determined and vigilant to follow the light.  She is fragile, even perhaps vulnerable.  Even as the man’s light or the flames may result in her own death, she stays true to her own path towards the light.  Authentic in nature to the point that she is blinded her own truth.  The message here:  stay authentic in your own truth but do not become blinded by the light?  Perhaps.


As we go deeper into her nature we know that as a moon creature she is influenced by the moons movement.  This weekend happens to be a solar eclipse and while it will not be visible here, the ring of fire that will be visible in some locations is experienced energetically by all.  Her appearance today, perhaps a message to adjust the direction headed by first looking to what is visible only in an “eclipse” such as this – the “ring of fire”?  Perhaps.


We know that a female moth influences her partner through the essence of her aroma.  Her scent can be powerful and be followed great distances because it is influenced by the powerful energy of love.  The message here – when the essence within is pure love, the energetic signatures will travel great distances?  Perhaps.


A moth can easily disguise itself by blending into its surroundings.  It took some time for me to really discover the nature of something brushing my hair even.  This is her natural defense against predators.  Looking at the message here, there are times when one must adjust and adapt in order to overcome the natural vulnerability of following ones truths?  Perhaps.

The personal messages for me were quite evident.  Every animal relation that crosses our paths can gift us a message to guide and direct us if we pause long enough to listen to them.  A simple moth can reveal profound meaning to the day.  Just look into their eyes and become silent.