A glorious Spirit of Transformation.
Like the life stages of a butterfly, we move through the metamorphosis of maturity and spiritual growth.
First, our caterpillar phase; like a lowly grub we crawl through life, ravenously consuming with care for little else. Then we wrap ourselves in a chrysalis; turning inward to explore the potential within. Finally, we emerge as radiant beings, soaring aloft on graceful wings of serenity.
The West African adinkra symbol "sesa wo suban", (at center top), represents self-directed transformation.
The word "metamorphosis" is derived from the Greek words "meta", or "change", and "morphe", "form".
It is used in biology to describe the literal, often dramatic, physical changes that take place during the developmental cycles of many life forms.
It is also a term used in myth to describe the (often temporary) transformations of gods, sorcerers or other magical beings into alternate forms.
It can also be used symbolically to refer to profound internal, spiritual change - a transformation of perspective, attitude and understanding.
It is generally defined as: "A marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function."*
It's antonym is stagnation.
"It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not."
~ James Gordon
For most people, change can be a scary thing. We are comforted by the familiar. But change is necessary for growth and improvement. We must learn to transform ourselves from within, and develop the flexibility to flow with changes that we cannot control.
Follow this link for more information of the symbolism of the butterfly.
"Metamorphosis" is part of my "Shakti" series, featuring female figures and symbolic elements that express a particular theme.
Color fine art prints are available here: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/metamorphosis-cristina-mcallister.htmlhttp://fineartamerica.com/featured/metamorphosis-cristina-mcallister.html
* definition from: http://ahdictionary.com/
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