animal omens and auguries

Hello,
Is anyone farmiliar with the ancient animal auguries (either American Indian, Ancient Greek or whatever)? Do you know what Butterflies are supposed to symbolize? So many have flown into my head in the past few weeks I feel like I'm in a Marquez novel. One hit my cheek while I was walking today and I found myself saying,with irritation, "What do you want?"
Needless to say, there was no answer.
-Nina

Transformation

I dug out my Medicine Cards, and it was as I thought. The butterfly is transformation. Did you really stop to hear the answer or just say that and move on. The card says to see what the butterfly is teaching you, think about the stages in its life. Egg- thought or idea, larva- do I need to make a decision?, cocoon- am I developing my idea to make it a reality, and birth- am I sharing my idea. Sounds like you are moving too quickly thougth life, and if they are taking to dive bombing you, (LOL) I'd listen to their message.

i always think of butterflies as representing transformation and metamorphasis. as a reminder to make changes when you get the opportunity.

as you felt irritation at the butterfly hitting your cheek, their message might have been more of a reminder not to take things too seriously, and to be joyful. go ahead, dance and play! some even believe they are associated with the faerie folk.

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.