Today, on the eve of Father’s Day, I had a sacred encounter. A Common Whitetail Dragonfly (Plathemis lydia) came to visit me — an adult male, with his snow-white tail and checkered, smoky wings. His presence was so deliberate, so still, so otherworldly, that I knew it wasn’t just a passing moment in nature. It was a message, whispering secrets of the universe and prompting reflections on life’s deeper meanings.

The Common Whitetail, also called the Long-tailed Skimmer, is one of the most recognizable dragonflies across North America. Males are striking: compact, with a brilliant white body roughly 2 inches long and bold, dark bands on their otherwise translucent wings. They almost appear painted by hand, like miniature works of art fluttering through the air. Their flight is characterized by a graceful, buoyant style, often darting between sunlit patches in a meadow, a performance showcasing nature’s elegance. Females, on the other hand, are more subtly beautiful — brown-bodied with wing spots that resemble those of the Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella), yet smaller in size. Their distinct white zigzag stripes down their abdomen stand in contrast to the yellow straight ones of their lookalike, offering a softer yet equally mesmerizing sight when observed.

This species isn’t just eye-catching — it’s deeply symbolic. In many cultures, dragonflies represent change, transformation, and self-realization. Their life cycle, beginning as aquatic nymphs and metamorphosing into stunning aerial adults, embodies the beauty of growth and evolution. The appearance of a Common Whitetail might serve as a reminder to reflect on our own transformations, urging us to embrace the cycles of change that life presents. The dragonfly’s presence encourages us to shed our past, adapt to new circumstances, and celebrate our journeys — just as I was reminded of the intricate ties we hold with our fathers and the timeless lessons they impart. This ethereal creature illuminated the connections of ancestry and legacy on this poignant occasion, inviting a moment of gratitude and reverence.

And this wasn’t the first time he came to me today — no, it was the third.
Three separate visits. Three times he flew in, circled me, and made himself known.
Each time, he danced in the air, pausing just long enough to be unmistakable — a persistent, gentle knocking at the door of my soul. This was not coincidence. This was sacred.

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🜃 Spiritual Significance of the Whitetail Dragonfly

Dragonflies are often seen as messengers from the spirit world — especially from ancestors and departed loved ones. They symbolize transformation, clarity, light, and renewal. When one appears around significant dates — like Father’s Day — it’s more than a coincidence. It’s a reminder. A whisper from beyond, connecting the realms of the living and the spiritual.

In this case, I believe this white-tailed beauty came bearing a message from one of my male ancestors — maybe my Dad, maybe my Papa, both long passed, still deeply missed. Their timing was unmistakable, as if the universe conspired to bridge the gap between our worlds. The appearance of this dragonfly felt like a gentle nudge, a sign that they are still watching over me, guiding me from afar.

This delicate creature, with its luminescent wings reflecting the sunlight, symbolizes not only the fleeting nature of life but also the enduring love that transcends the physical plane. Each flap of its wings seemed to echo the lessons they imparted during their time on earth — resilience, love, and the importance of cherishing every moment. It serves as a poignant reminder that while they may no longer be physically present, their spirits live on within the memories we hold dear, whispering messages of comfort and encouragement as we navigate our lives.

But I also felt another energy… one ancient, rooted, and vast. It could very well have been a message from Jord, the Earth Mother herself — offering me comfort, grounding, and love on a day she knows I struggle with. Her presence comes in subtle signs — a gentle wind, the whisper of leaves, and yes, even the flight of a dragonfly. She holds space for our sorrow, reminding us that even in grief, we are not alone.

🔺 The Sacred Symbolism of Three

What makes this moment even more meaningful is that the dragonfly didn’t visit me just once — but three times. In spiritual traditions around the world, the number three holds incredible power.

• It represents birth, life, and death
• The mind, body, and spirit
• The maiden, mother, and crone
• Past, present, and future

To me personally, the number three is sacred — one of my spiritual touchstones, a number that shows up in my life when something divine is aligning. It is often a cosmic confirmation that I am being seen, protected, and called to pay attention. When messages come in threes, I know I must listen.

So when this dragonfly appeared not once, not twice, but three separate times — each with the same exact dance — I knew the veil was thin, and the message was real.

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✦ What It Means When a Whitetail Visits You

🌀 Circling Your Head
This is a sign that a message is being delivered directly into your spiritual awareness. It is a sacred loop — a blessing, a connection, a reminder to listen to your intuition and to the subtle whispers of the beyond.

🪶 Landing in Front of You
This is often seen as a confirmation. The message has been heard. You are seen. You are loved. It’s also a cue to be still and present — a moment of awe and remembrance.

🕊️ Landing on Your Shoulder
A powerful gesture — the dragonfly has chosen you. This is a sign of protection, guidance, and spiritual closeness. Someone from the other side wants you to know they are near, watching over you, wrapping you in gentle light.

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🜄 Which Deities Are Tied to Dragonflies?

While dragonflies aren’t tied to one specific deity, they are often considered messengers or signs from gods and spirits associated with transformation and the liminal:

• Freyr or Freyja (Norse) – Gods tied to nature, life cycles, and fertility. Dragonflies may come as a sign of blessing or presence.
• The Morrígan (Celtic) – As a shapeshifter and guide between worlds, she may send dragonflies to communicate through veils.
• Anubis (Egyptian) – Guardian of the afterlife; signs like dragonflies may be sent by or through him as reassurance from passed loved ones.
• Ancient Native Traditions – Many Indigenous cultures across North America see dragonflies as symbols of renewal, change, and ancestral visitation.
• Jord (Norse) – The great Earth Mother, embodiment of nature and grounding. A dragonfly might be her way of gently cradling your heart and reminding you that you are supported, even when grief rises like a wave.

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🕯 How to Honor the Visit and Its Message

🌿 Offerings: A small bowl of fresh water by your garden altar, a white flower, or lighting a candle in remembrance of your loved ones.

📜 Reflection: Journal what was happening the moment the dragonfly appeared. What were you feeling, thinking, doing?

🌾 Gratitude Ritual: Leave out a symbolic token of thanks — a feather, a pinch of sugar, or a wildflower — for the spirit that came to comfort you.

🗣 Speak Their Name: Say aloud the name of the loved one you believe may have sent the message. “I see you. I hear you. Thank you for coming.”

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On this Father’s Day Eve, I felt my ancestors near in the beating of wings and the glint of sunlight off a dragonfly’s tail. Whether it was my Dad or my Papa, or maybe both, I know they came to check in… to tell me they are still watching over us.

May you, too, find messages in nature.
And may you always know that love — real love — transcends time.

Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B 🖤🕊️🌿