What Do Monarch Butterflies Represent Spiritually?

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Do these orange-winged insects represent more than the eye can see?

Co-authored by Joanna Gerard and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 7, 2024 Fact Checked

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What does a monarch butterfly symbolize?

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Spiritual Meanings

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What to Do When You See a Monarch Butterfly

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What does it mean when you see a dead butterfly?

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Video

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Expert Interview

Monarch butterflies are known for their vibrant colors, but did you know that they’re more than a beautiful insect? These delicate creatures have taken on many motifs and representations throughout the years. Thanks to their transformative life cycle, they’ve become symbols that mean much more than beauty. So, what does a monarch butterfly symbolize? Keep reading to find out!

Things You Should Know

Monarch butterflies are symbols of change, transformation, and hope.
In some cultures, butterflies represent the souls of deceased loved ones.
Seeing a monarch butterfly could mean it’s time to do something different and consider what you want to change in your life.

Section 1 of 4:

What does a monarch butterfly symbolize?

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Monarch butterflies are symbols of hope, rebirth, and transformation. The beautifully winged creatures start as nothing more than a caterpillar—small and ordinary. But then they fold themselves into a chrysalis and start to change. With great effort, they crawl out of their “shell” to flap their new wings and fly.^{[1]
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Research source} There are many odds against a butterfly in all its forms, yet it still prevails to become the beautiful creature it was born to be.
- The natural perseverance of a butterfly is an embodiment of hope. Even when it's trapped in a chrysalis, this insect can dig itself out.
- The change from a caterpillar to a butterfly represents rebirth and transformation as this insect moves from one stage of life to the next.

Section 2 of 4:

Spiritual Meanings

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A monarch butterfly represents strength and endurance. Despite being small, frail creatures, butterflies are mighty. These insects transform from caterpillars to butterflies and withstand the meanest predators and harshest conditions. A monarch butterfly endures the world cruelties and still becomes the most beautiful version of itself—so why can’t you?^{[2]
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- In Chinese and Japanese culture, monarch butterflies are signs of a long and healthy life.
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Monarch butterflies are signs of spiritual change. Being a symbol of hope and transformation, a monarch butterfly is often a sign of evolution. Some believe that seeing a monarch butterfly means you’re on the cusp of a spiritual awakening, enlightenment, or self-discovery.^{[3]
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- Perhaps you’re entering a new phase of your life or gaining a new perspective. Either way, the monarch butterfly is there to let you know you’re on the right path.
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Monarch butterflies represent the souls of ancestors. For over 2 millennia, butterflies have been a symbol of souls. The Aztecs saw butterflies as the souls of slain warriors, and the butterflies’ migration symbolized the return of the greatest warriors. Today, Mexico’s Day of the Dead falls around the butterflies’ yearly journey to celebrate loved ones coming home.^{[4]
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- Monarch butterflies migrate in large numbers and millions can be seen at once. For Mexicans, this represents family unity and expresses the notion that we’re all family in the afterlife.
- This meaning is also prevalent in Greek mythology and Egyptian, Indian, Russian, and Irish culture.

Section 3 of 4:

What to Do When You See a Monarch Butterfly

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Make a change. If you see a monarch butterfly or one lands on you, it may be a sign from a higher power telling you to change things up. Perhaps you’ve been feeling stuck or unmotivated. Try making one small change to start a ripple effect of good. Here are some small lifestyle changes you can try to become more in tune with yourself:
- Swap 1 hour of screen time with 1 hour of reading time.
- Take 1 less bite of “junk food” a day.
- Tell yourself something positive in the mirror every morning.
- Get up and move in a way that feels good for 5 minutes every hour.
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Follow your inner compass. When you spot a monarch butterfly, take a moment to pause and ask yourself, “Is this what I want?” Butterflies are symbols of rebirth and transformation, and they may appear in your life because you’re craving change.^{[5]
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Research source} Think about what you want deep down, and ask yourself these questions:
- Are you actively chasing your hopes and dreams?
- Is there something or someone you feel gravitated towards?
- Do you feel fulfilled?
- Are you happy with where you are right now?
If your life feels like it’s on the right track, take a butterfly landing on you as a sign it is. You’re growing into the best and most beautiful version of yourself. Just like a butterfly, you’ve endured hardships, but you’ve persevered. Keep spreading your wings and cultivate the life you want to live.

Section 4 of 4:

What does it mean when you see a dead butterfly?

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You’re starting a new chapter of your life (whether you know it or not). Just like a monarch butterfly, you’ve grown out of one phase and into the next. Perhaps you’ve ended a relationship, met someone new, or started a new job. No matter the situation, the passing of this delicate creature is your sign that everything will be okay.