December 9, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie
On the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast
Exploring the Gulf Coast of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle is exciting. Not only have I been able to photograph the ocean and several water birds, but I have been seeing a lot of butterflies.
I’ve never seen this kind of butterfly before that I remember. The Gulf fritillary, also known as the passion butterfly, is quite common here.
I watched this pair for quite a while and took several photos.
Did you know that seeing a Gulf fritillary butterfly has spiritual significance for many cultures? It carries with it the spiritual significance of transformation and the resilience to overcome obstacles. It reminds us to have faith and focus on our dreams instead of our fears.
Gulf Fritillary Butterfly Spiritual Meaning: Transformation!
It is a beautiful creature with its bright orange color and black markings. I was mesmerized watching them flutter around.
The article above says that seeing this butterfly can be a sign from the universe urging us to welcome changes and evolve.
I wonder what the universe is trying to tell me.
* * * * *
We also saw several monarchs in the same area feeding on the small white daisies. I wasn’t able to get a photo with his wings fully opened.
This beautiful orange and black butterfly symbolizes hope, rebirth, and transformation.
The Monarch is in trouble. Its population has dropped significantly in the past decade. There are many concerns about its future.
“The monarch butterfly is considered to be the king of butterflies and the most beautiful of all butterflies in the world,” says Cristina Panescu, spiritual healer and psychic.
The Symbolic Meaning of Crossing Paths With a Monarch Butterfly
* * * * *
The third species of butterfly we saw today is a Common (or Gray) Buckeye.
I am not a professional so I don’t know for sure if this is a plain common buckeye or a common gray buckeye. I think there is a difference. At first, I thought this was a moth.
Two separate ones were flying around together. The second one appears to be a little darker than the first one. But it could be the lighting. Once again I watched them for a long time. Thank goodness Rich is patient.
This butterfly is also associated with transformation as well as endurance.
In various cultures and spiritual beliefs, the butterfly, including the Buckeye, is considered a powerful symbol of metamorphosis and transition.
I feel a change or transition is in my future. I have seen several of these three butterflies in the past week. With the new year just around the corner, I wonder what 2024 is going to bring.
What do you think?