Reblogged in part from http://www.Sunsigns.org
About 4 days ago, I went out on my porch, and there was the most gorgeous orange praying mantis on the gate above the stairs. I couldn’t stop looking at her (I was certain it was a female from the body shape and size). I have always had a curiosity and love for almost every insect that comes to our garden or outside areas. Last winter I rescued a hive of bees disguised as a birdhouse. Some fellows had an ad in Craigslist asking someone to come and save the bees roosting in their birdhouse by their front door before they had to do something drastic to protect themselves.
I had joyfully read about bee keeping over the years, and had a good idea of at least some things I needed to do, so I called the gentlemen and told them I would be there and get the bees. I waited until nightfall, for it makes sense as they are not buzzing around outside at night, so would be calm until I got them home. My “beekeeping outfit consisted of a jeans shirt with long sleeves, jeans, boots, gloves and a hat with a “veil” I made from some netting I had.
Off I went to bring the bees’ location, and when I got there it was much larger than I anticipated, but I was not about to lose them. I put a big plastic bag over the birdhouse and put it on the seat next to me to drive home. When I got home safely with them, I uncovered the hive and put it on a stand I had in the back yard. I was so happy. I discovered that the reason that the beehive was so large was that it was made from a real beehive with slats in it, etc. In the morning when I checked the bees, they were busy looking around for flowers, etc. It was particularly hot that summer, so I needed to give them sugar water. I went inside and prepared it in a low level long container. I was used to making sugar water for the hummingbirds, so I measured it pretty much the same. I brought it back to them, and did not get a single sting. They knew I was feeding them and I did not represent any kind of threat.
So I kept my bees as long as I could, but I DO live in a mobile home park, so ultimately had to take them to another rescue place, which turned out to be two blocks from where I got them originally. So I was sad for awhile, but it seems that every year, some insect or insects that become my “science project” come to visit or stay for awhile.
If you know anything about the praying mantis, it will come as no shock that this insect is the paramount spiritual symbol of stillness and patience. She stayed and stayed, and all day I returned to look for her and she was still there, so I named her Ginger. Even if she does not stay long, she has brought a wonderful message to me. I made sure she had something to eat the first day, catching a couple of bugs for her in a way that they were not dead when I put them near her one by one. I saw her catch and eat the first one, and I am sure she ate the other one too.
The praying mantis takes its time in all that it does. It takes care to pay diligent attention to its surroundings, and moving through life at its own pace. It demonstrates the ultimate power of stillness. It serves as a reminder for humans to slow down in our chaotic, fast-paced lives.
The praying mantis animal totem also teaches us how to still our bodies and go within our own mind. By doing this, we can connect with ourselves, drawing up greater physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual power. This stillness and concentration is a form of meditation, a practice that the mantis places much importance in.
Praying Mantis Insect Associated Traits
Patience, Stability, Meditation, Peaceful, Quietness
Symbolic Meaning Of Praying Mantis
Wisdom emerges when we are still and quiet, sensing and feeling rather than thinking critically. It comes with experience, age, and being, rather than traditional schooling. It cannot be obtained through arrogance.
Accordingly, the praying mantis symbol chooses to present itself to individuals when they have allowed their busy schedules to overrun their intuition, silencing their internal voice and throwing their equilibrium out of balance. The praying mantis always comes to us when we are internally craving peace, quiet, and calm in our lives.
The praying mantis meaning has a variety of traits: temperance, quietness, awareness, calmness, clairvoyance, patience, mindfulness and innovation. These insects are well known for their pre-strike pose, which is a popular symbol of balance and patience in and of itself.
In fact, the Chinese honor the praying mantis for its elegant, mindful, and contemplative movements. By reminding ourselves to have patience with ourselves in our own movement, we, like the mantis, can grow in our wisdom. They remind us to have patience in acquiring the things we want and to remain balanced throughout the duration of the wait.
If a praying mantis strikes too soon, its prey gets away. Because of this, it has evolved to be patient: so patient, in fact, that it will not budge unless it is 100% positive that it is the correct thing to do. This acts as a direct message to us, reminding us to contemplate our movements just as carefully and precisely.
When our timing is off, we may generate an unnecessary (and unpleasant) struggle or blow an opportunity entirely. Through stillness, awareness, and balance, we can hear and recognize the perfect moment. We must listen to the voice that speaks to us with openness, not fear. If we have patience and wait before striking, the right moment will come, and we will succeed.
The praying mantis will become your animal totem once you have learned to take your time and live your life at a silent and reflective pace. You should make all choices with a sincere commitment to careful thought and contemplation.
By being mindful of this, you will enable yourself to know exactly where you are going and when you will get there. Calmness and serenity are crucial to living like the praying mantis.
But you should also be capable of being decisive and ready to take action when opportunities present themselves. For example, healers often cite the mantis as their inspiration when channeling their healing power.
The praying mantis symbolism might also creep into your subconscious while you sleep. To dream of the praying mantis means that your intuition is actively trying to guide you at this very moment. Perhaps you have overlooked the the signs and symbols in your conscious day time hours and now the messages are speaking to your restful mind.
All of the instincts and gut feelings you have been experiencing lately are attempting to tell you something about the situation you are currently in. Do not allow your judgement to be clouded, your concentration to be broken, or yourself to be distracted from the end goal.
Trust the feelings that you have, both when awake and in slumber, and act on them appropriately. If you listen to yourself truly and honestly, you will succeed.
Footnote: The night before last, the orange Praying Mantis went off the porch and onto one of my rose bushes out front. I presumed she was hungry and looking for a meal. Later when I went to look before going off to bed, she was nowhere to be found. I can only assume that she has moved on. I am sad that she left, but at the same time, I am very grateful for the timely message. Thank you my friend, and you are always welcome back to my home and my heart!
All in a Day's Breath 
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