I held my other hand up to the butterfly and it moved from my finger to my open palm--there it sat, still spread-winged and still, as we walked together for a little over 1/2 mile while I talked to it. It made no attempt to fly off and didn't move except to rotate itself a bit when I held it up to the sun for warmth. We came to a butterfly bush, and as I held it up to a pink flower with sun shining on it, the insect crawled off of my hand onto the flower. I said goodbye to it, thanking it for its companionship and hoped it would be ok, and walked on up the trail. When I came back the same way about 1/2 hour later, the butterfly was still there, looking as if it hadn't moved at all.
This is the 3rd encounter with a Giant Swallowtail that I've had in my life--the first was August 26, 2007--a Giant Swallowtail sat still for me as I got within one foot of it, taking numerous photos, and it proceeded to stay, immobile, on the succulent on which it sat for a good 4 to 5 hours before flying off. The second encounter was during the wildfires in Southern California on October 21,2007 when one flew into my house. I wrote about both of these encounters.
I'm not at all sure what this means, if anything. I can only refer to what the folks say butterflies mean from an animal totem standpoint:
"The Butterfly
Throughout history the butterfly has been admired for their delicate beauty. Most adult butterflies live just one or two weeks except for the monarch and angel wing which can live for six months or more. This is very symbolic. It suggests that a person with this medicine will experience tremendous soul growth in their earlier years. A difficult childhood is common. Life lessons are revealed to the consciousness while in the womb of the mother - the cocoon stage - and are completed when the caterpillar emerges into the butterfly and takes flight. Butterflies are symbols of freedom and creativity. They hold the gift of transformation and soul evolution.
Butterflies have a pair of large compound oval eyes made up of thousands of individual lenses. They can see a single image clearly and are able to perceive ultraviolet wavelengths of light. This suggests clairvoyant abilities for those that hold this totem.
The antennae of the butterfly has small knobs on each end which is said to play a role in orientation. When one antennae is missing the butterfly will fly in circles unable to find its way. Those with this medicine need to stay consciously connected to spirit at all times in order to arrive at their desired destination.
The butterfly represents the process of transformation and shape shifting. When butterfly shows up, make note of the most important issues confronting you at the moment. What state of change are you at in regard to them?
To the Native Americans the butterfly is a symbol of joy. They remind us not to take life so seriously. They feed on flowers that they help pollinate, thereby further spreading beauty. They represent the element of air, quickly changing and ever moving, so gracefully. Butterflies are messengers of the moment. They come in a variety of colors. To understand the message that the butterfly holds for you a study of its colors can be helpful.
Whenever an eco system is damaged, butterfly is usually the first to leave. They are especially sensitive to the harmony of earth. If butterfly comes to you in a hurt, trapped or ill way, you are being asked to stop disturbing the natural design of life and to flow with events in a more gentle, natural way...
Mother nature, our provider, is going through a cycle of change. Humanity, her caretakers, are experiencing the effects of that change. As disruption occurs a ceremony begins. The primary source of a person's ill health is not in the body. It is due to a fundamental imbalance in the spirit. Mother nature, our mirror, is inviting us to step inside the circle and experience the ceremonial dance of reunion. The choice is yours.
When I was a child my father, a Cherokee Indian, often took me into the woods so I could discover the many little sounds of life awakening. This gift from my father opened my heart to the birds, plants, rocks and animals, which have become my allies. Sharing simple pleasures is a part of the Indian way. I would now like to share a small gift with you.
Each day upon arising step into nature, physically or mentally. The first thing you see, become it. Take on its characteristics for a few moments. Breathe into it and allow it to become a part of you. In this way a deeper insight about yourself is gained, as you discover the heartbeat of life awakening. "
From Cycle of Power Animal Totems
http://www.sayahda.com/cycle.htm
Butterfly Bush photo from Long Beach Natural Areas:
http://longbeachnaturalareas.blogspot.com/2007/07/west-san-gabriel-river-park...
Related Blogs:
Photos of Giant Swallowtail:
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=976588#i
Butterfly Visitor:
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1026541
Cockroach Totem:
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1009485
Bee Totem:
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=976559
Spider Totem:
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1193658