Pathway of Transformation

I am no mystic. Although, I also do not discount symbolic representations. Perhaps I tread a gray line, especially when combined with theological principles. Yet, in my experiences, God uses symbolic and parabolic lesson to impart truths to me. Especially as they relate to transformations. 

In many faiths, or cultures there is a type of animal analogy or totem bestowed on individuals to highlight character strengths and weaknesses. My brothers received an animal in conjunction with their treks in the Anasazi desert. Each which typifies and exemplifies a kind of personification of the traits from the creature in which they were presented. The artist in me unearths symbols and when a particular presence acquaints itself unto me in an otherwise unorthodox proximity, I choose to delve a little deeper into its symbolism. The dragonfly has apprised itself in this particular sort of emergence in my own personal experience. 

Dragonflies are a common theme in Texas. It is even a hobby pastime, like that of bird identification, called oding. On one occasion, in my backyard, the actions of one dragonfly in particular were apparent and personal. It was a black and white dragonfly which would flutter from fence to fence while intermittently landing. During the points where it would stay still, it was black and white, whereas when it buzzed and fluttered it would appear in various shades of gray. If this wasn't a similitude of my essence, I don't know what is. I too flutter between the whites and blacks of the world and never quite know what hue of gray I am exhibiting. I have an incredibly difficult time putting off one and adopting the other. I flit between the grit and the virtue, and don't know quite where I land. When I consider this in the biblical context my mind is drawn to the prophet Elijah and his standoff with the priests of Baal. In 1 Kings 18:21 it reads...

 

"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." 

The standoff ensues. Elijah asks the priests to prepare a sacrifice and call on their god Baal to ignite it. Nothing happens. Elijah prepares the same sacrifice, except first dousing it in barrels upon barrels of water, which would essentially inhibit any ignition. Yet when he calls upon God, a fire appears and consumes the sacrifice of Elijah. Something happens.

A couple years back I completed a series of 3-D collage paintings which included two dragonflies, and two Indian Paintbrush flower depictions. All of them have been sold except one of the dragonflies which was the most imperfect of the set. It is almost grotesque, yet realistic, when looked at up close.

I now have it hanging in my bathroom and realize it was always meant to be mine. 

The definition of the the dragonfly in relation to its spiritual aspects and elements is conveyed in the following definition: 

If Dragonfly has zipped into your life:

"They are asking that you pay attention to your deeper desires and be mindful of the outcome we wish to have. There are lessons to be learned and you are reminded that “what you think” is directly proportionate to what you “see on the surface”. In other words your thoughts are responsible for your physical surroundings.
Dragonfly is also letting you know to live your life to the fullest with what you have. It also beckons you to seek out the parts of your habits that need changing. Use the Dragonfly to guide you through the mists of illusion to the pathway of transformation. It will bring you the light and color of transformation into your life."

In July when we were at the beach a dragonfly came and fluttered around me for over an hour. Landing, hovering, and essentially warming me to its desire to retain my company and presence. It is no wonder to me that my own pathway of light and transformation is available by changing my habits, and guiding me through the mists of my own illusions. 

These two photos are in similitude of the white and black within myself, essentially within each of us. Both photos were taken on the same day, within hours of one another.

The fluctuation, and mists of gray illusions make me recall the prophet Elijah's words once more...

"Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again."