Until now I did not know anything about animal totems or animal spirit guides. Through a recent course of events and what I have read about totems so far I believe the moth is mine or at least one of mine. I believe this started when I began following the phases of the moon, this is new to me. A moth showed up one day in my home, hung around for a couple of days, flew into my face one night waking me from a dream, and since then for about a month has continued to present herself to me in various ways both physical and in pictures. I believe the moths message to me was to be more open to my self transformation. To accept the differences within me and know that this is what makes me unique and valuable. For many years I have pushed this side of me away and out thinking it was strange or not accepted. How more strange could it be not to be who I truly I am, what I truly am?
The following is from whatsyoursign.com and it talks about moth symbolism and meaning. So much of this applies to the stage I am right now in my life journey, thank you Avia Venefica!
Moth Symbolism and Meaning
Moths have similar animal symbolism as butterflies, but have a few distinguishing characteristics that set it far apart from its winged relative.
Namely, the moth is a nocturnal creature, whereas the butterfly is diurnal.
Nocturnal creatures have philosophical symbolism such as:
Dreams
Shadows
Otherworldliness
Secret knowledge
Psychic awareness
We gather these symbolic attributes because night creatures conduct their life-sustaining activities in complete darkness.
As humans, we may translate this as symbolic of living our lives by intuitive feeling rather than physical sensory perception.
Philosophically speaking, night creatures do not tumble in the dark, and neither do humans. We use our dreams, our awareness, and our deeper, inner knowing to navigate through the darkest hours of our lives.
Faith is another tool we use to move through shadowy times of uncertainty, and the moth also shares this aspect. The moth never questions provision. She has complete faith that all of her needs will be meet each night.
A quick-list of animal symbolism of moths:
Vulnerability
Determination
Concealment
Attraction
Subtlety
Intuition
Faith
Even in navigation, when we observe the moth to fly into artificial light or flames, the moth demonstrates its faith and determination.
It is still unproven as to why the moth is driven to light; but the best hypothesis is that the moth navigates by lunar light. In the absence of moonlight, the moth moves to the next best thing: man-made light.
Even at the risk of loosing its life, the moth is ever-vigilant in following its path of light. This may also serve as a moral to us to keep our own vigilance, but not fall victim of blind faith.
Here we see a fragile vulnerability in the moth. The moon is her mother, and she will follow her course at all cost. This makes her open to distraction, vulnerable to harm. Here we may find another message to adjust our course as our path indicates rather than drive forward without heeding important signs along the way.
As a creature of the night, and by her navigational devices, we see the moth is highly influenced by the power of the moon. This aspect ties in with animal symbolism of intuition, and psychic awareness.
Indeed, those with the moth totem will find this creature a magnificent assistant in developing higher awareness, and psychic enhancement.
However, with higher perception we sometimes overstep into the realm of confusion. It is important to seat ourselves in grounding foundations when we step in-tune with the lunar aspects of the moth. In other words, fly high with the moth; but always have a clear runway for happy, safe landings.
The moth continues to be under the influence in matters of love. She emits pheromones that are powerfully strong, attracting her male counterpart through the dark nights. These scented trails can be followed for remarkable distances. Here we see animal symbolism of:
Suggestion
Attraction
Allure
The female moth is subtle in her scent, wafting out like a loving tendril pulling in her mate. She has no doubt about her ability to attract her lover (those pheromones are powerfully effective!). Us humans would do well to follow the same cue. We do not have to be overt in our advances to attract our mates. Rather, the art of subtle allure can be learned from the moth.
A master of disguise, the moth can blend in to the point of invisibility. This is a metaphor for us to use our environment to our advantage, blend in when necessary, adjust and adapt when the situation requires it.
Avia Venefica
