Part of the Sky Above Earth Below Oracle Deck I created in 2014. Mixed Media

Dragonfly (Agility, Illusion)
Dragonfly hovers in the air. Dragonfly is an agile flier capable of flying backwards and even changing direction in mid-air. This gracefulness in the air gives a better understanding of how dragonfly became synonymous with agility. The iridescent quality of dragonfly’s appearance gave rise to the belief that dragonfly had the scales of a dragon, giving it its name. Dragonflies serve an important purpose ecologically, feeding on mosquitoes, flies, and even wasps. Despite its well-honed hunting qualities, dragonflies are hunted by larger animals such as frogs and birds; making it both predator and prey. Dragonflies will lay their eggs in the water but once matured will spend most of their life in the air. The aquatic immature dragonfly is called a naiad, or nymph. These immature young will eat insect eggs, such as mosquito, and frog eggs. Naiads can live for several years but once it leaves the water it will typically live for only a few months to breed and lay eggs. Similar in appearance and ecology is the damselfly, the primary difference being the way the wings are held; historically these were often seen as the same animal.

In Japanese art dragonflies are often representative of light and joy. Dragonflies feature often in haiku’s. They are generally seen as symbols of courage, happiness, and even strength. Some Native American tribes see dragonfly as representing the souls of the dead. In Europe dragonflies were often seen as sinister, using their illusionist power to assist the devil. The idea that dragonfly has links to such a powerful mythological creature as a dragon may have helped given rise to their reputation as an illusionist. The ability of dragonfly to reflect and refract light has caused it to be linked with the power of light itself, and the world of magic. In some parts of the world dragonflies are eaten as a delicacy. The fact that dragonfly is held by us to be beautiful but is actually an accomplished predator is further representative of illusion.

When dragonfly hovers into a reading it may be time to examine illusions. Is it time to break down the illusions that have restricted your ideas and actions? Are you seeing the world as illusion, or as reality? Are you gracefully moving through life, able to easily go back or change directions if needed? Dragonfly is associated with air and water. These elements, as well as the biome of wetlands, might provide further insight.

Stars and Constellations
Mesmerize, Illuminate, Lightness, Piloting Panache, Truth