Dragonfly totem appears on the American Flag

American Flag Dragonfly Totem 2009

For a Native American, Shaman or Aborigine, messages from the natural world are a normal part of their daily interaction with this reality. Within these culture’s belief structures the natural world communicates, responds, warns and reveals. There are many stories in our modern world of frogs and birds warning us of earthquakes, and there isn’t a dog or cat owner that doesn’t have a story about their pet’s extraordinary abilities.

Within Native American culture, seeing an animal, either in a dream or within one’s waking reality, makes this animal a person’s Totem. A Totem either comes into one’s life to transfer its natural abilities or to bring a message.

The United States of America just had its 233rd birthday on the 4th of July, 2009. At a celebration which honored two Medal of Honor recipients and the planting of a Liberty Tree; there was an antique car decorated for the occasion. 

This is the photo:

If we zoom into this photo, we observe the car is decorated with five small American flags.

If we zoom in further, and look closely, the natural world has left its mark.

A dragonfly sits directly on the center flag and spreads its wings in its full glory.

The dragonfly appearing on this very special day, the beginning of a new cycle of the sun, reveals a message for the rest of the year.

Dragonflies are very versatile. They can fly in any direction at a speed of up to 30 mph. They can hover on one spot, twist and turn and spot prey from 40 feet away. They are incredible predators and have keen eyesight.

Its interesting to note that they are usually found in areas where the ecosystem is balanced and has a large variety of species and habitats.

They are capable of living in the water and in the air and can fly across an entire ocean.

The larvae molt 10-30 times over 3 months to 6-10 years.

If the dragonfly is the symbol for the United States this year, then we are meant transform into a mature, incredibly powerful force. The dragonfly in the photo is an adult dragonfly. If as a nation, we can embody the dragonfly’s incredible maneuvers; if we can molt and change, live in the sea and air, cross oceans, spot our prey from miles away, reflect the light on our wings to blind the predators, and create a balanced and harmonious ecosystem, this message from the dragonfly foretells an amazing year ahead.

Healing Totem Pole at the Bronx Zoo in New York City

The Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo in New York City has dedicated a special 23 foot high "Healing Totem" to commemorate the tragedy of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

On September 5, the Bronx Zoo hosted the dedication of the totem pole, created by disadvantaged youth from Monterey, California, and donated to New York City.

The Totem was made from an ancient cedar log from Port Chicago, California.

Resources:

Odonata

Dragonfly

Dragonfly Medicine

Photos: Olivia C. Bronx Zoo, Totem Photo (reuse photo wallyg)