The moth and the butterfly both have their start in life as caterpillars that spun cocoons in which to transform into beautiful flying insects that grace the earth. The moth, when fully formed inhabits the night navigating by the distant light of the moon for very long distances. The butterfly, all grown up, flits in the light of day sucking nectar form exotic flowers and pollinating some into fruits to be enjoyed by other life forms. These two seeming distant brothers are the exact mirror of the two basic types of humans alive on the earth today. Their life cycles display the two diverging sides of humanity. They show that although some humans may seem to be a nuisance, not contributing much to the general good, they are absolutely necessary for the balance and wholeness of the planet.
As we examine the life of a moth we find what is termed beneficial moths such as the silk worm, which has been cultivated for over five thousand years as providers of exquisite fabrics worn by kings and peasants alike. Although some moths may eventually eat your finest garment, if not stored properly, others are essential to the farmers in the nearby town. Thus moths provide a service and help the planet produce what is needed to sustain life upon it.
The butterfly, on the other hand, does not appear to be a farm worker or a manufacturer as the moth. However, children would lose an important part of their lives if there were no butterfly to chase on a warm summer’s day. The peals of laughter coming from the throats of children chasing butterflies, they have no hope of catching, is a memory and unending source of joy, never to be forgotten by any who have experienced it.
Both of these insects are beneficial to humanity; the moth to our physical existence and the butterfly to our spiritual success. The butterfly lifts the spirits of children and adults alike, and the moth causes concern to stored garments. So too are the humans you are so provocative we would prefer them to go away completely; and the humans we so love, we would keep around forever if we could. The first type tries our patience and gives us the opportunity to become more accepting; and the other takes us to lofty places of beauty, grace and joy. We do not have to choose between them but we can learn from the night dweller and the day stalker that the Universe is a balanced place; and our individual place in that Universe is the perfect place to be. Namaste!