Dragonflies symbolize change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. They also signify new beginnings. These are just a few things I’ve noticed since a baby dragonfly landed on me in the summer of 2021. This encounter has also created a bit of an obsession with these beautiful creatures. Every time I see one, I know that spirit is providing me with guidance and validation.

The summer of 2021 was a pivotal one for me as a Reiki Master Teacher. It was the summer I took one of my big leaps of faith. I completed my training and officially became a Reiki Master Teacher in 2018. Since then, I had been searching for the ideal office location, at the best possible price, for my Reiki practice. While in search of this perfect space I was traveling to my clients locally as well as providing distance healing sessions to my out-of-state clients. This was working well, but then the pandemic hit. The pandemic had little effect on my distance healing clients, but it did impact my in-person clients, who were now more cautious about letting people into their homes. This was totally understandable, but frustrating just the same. Providing my Reiki services in-person became even more challenging. I needed an office location. I knew all too well that when it comes to manifesting, timing and patience is everything. I kept my thoughts and heart open to finding a space soon.

In late May of 2021 I saw a social media posting about a space for rent at a salon in Miller Place, NY. There were no pictures and no price was listed, just an announcement that there was room available for rent. I immediately replied to the post about renting the space. After a week of back-and-forth texting, I was finally able to schedule a time to see it. When my friend Tricia and I first looked at the space it was still under construction, so I had to visualize the potential this space offered. I had to see the possibilities. I felt both cautiously optimistic and elated at the same time. While I loved it, I wasn’t sure it was the space for me.

After seeing the space Tricia and I went to one of her favorite restaurants for drinks and appetizers. As I was contemplating renting the space a small, beautiful lilac dragonfly landed on my purse and stared right at me. It was mesmerizing. It had no fear. It just stared at me, and I just stared back in awe and excitement. I knew there was a message behind this little visit. I instinctively knew I needed to rent the space I had just seen. It was time to take the leap. Before we left the restaurant, I called the salon owner and let her know that I wanted the space.

Later that night I researched the spiritual meaning of dragonflies, and discovered that in addition to signifying change and transformation, they also signify swift action and intense focus. My little visitor had indeed inspired swift and transformative action in my being. That visit was not my only encounter, and over the course of that summer I’d see several dragonflies, and every encounter was magical. There were several occasions when I was walking or just out enjoying nature and suddenly I’d notice one, two or three at a time, as if by magic they had appeared out of thin air. It was amazing! Every time this happened, I’d be reminded of the growth I was experiencing, both physically and spiritually.

My favorite dragonfly encounters occurred when I dropped my son off at camp. As we walked to the drop off point I’d notice dragonflies resting still on the long grasses. I began taking pictures of my friends (much to my son’s chagrin). Ninety percent of the time the dragonflies would cooperate. They’d hold still for a minute or so and then fly away. However, one of my friends did something that made my heart smile. I was taking his picture and he started to lift off like he was going to fly away. But instead of flying away, he turned around so that I could take a picture of his face. I even got a little bit of a close up. It still makes me happy to think about that moment.

Being befriend by the dragonfly is an unexpected and magical spirit gift. Every time I see a dragonfly, in any form, I’m not only reminded that I’m in the midst of change and transformation, but also how more I can grow. What gift has spirit given you that has helped you grow?