Week 3 ~ Bugs (19/365)

On the day this photo was taken, I had the incredible honor to hold sacred space for a friend while he had an emotional breakthrough.  That course of events was not on the agenda for the day (are they ever?), but it was what the stars had planned.

Tears were shed, truths shared, confessions uttered, and long-repressed emotional wounds purged.  It was a remarkable transformative experience for both of us.

We found ourselves sitting close together, my hand gently resting on his leg or back, while deep memories and perspectives shifted into the light of truth.  Healing was at hand.

After the tumult passed, we shared some more.  I spoke of the life/death/life cycle.  I remarked at how these episodes come in waves and cleanse us in ways we never knew were possible.  I explained my past experiences of raising my personal vibration (through yoga & a veg lifestyle) ~ and the inevitable demands of the detox process on physical/emotional/mental/spiritual levels.

It was such a miraculous, healing, cleansing, transformative experience that I marked it on my calendar in red ~ a day worth remembering.

During that afternoon, I kept hearing the sound of an insect nearby.  It sounded close, much closer than if it were outside.  Locust?  Cicada?  Cricket?   What WAS it???

I listened more intently.  It was coming from INSIDE my apartment!

I followed the sound until I had reached it source.  It was emanating from my linen closet!!

I opened the door, not knowing what precisely I was looking for ~ but expecting to find something small.  I searched the floor, the shelves....nothing.  (And my cats weren't even paying attention!)

Then....I saw it.  A LARGE, BRIGHT GREEN KATYDID on the side wall of the closet about four feet up.  I was BIG, perhaps the length of my index finger.  I was ASTONISHED!!!

After a momentary freak-out, I grabbed a clear glass and a piece of paper.  I placed the glass over the katydid and gently slid the paper between the wall and the cup.  I carried my capture outside and placed the glass on its side on top of the deck table, so the katydid could be gently released.

Confused, it remaining in the glass for a bit (I got a great view of its belly!) and then, righting itself, crawled out onto the table.

So as not to disturb it any further ~ and to return to my friend and our discussion ~ I went back inside.

Later, I emerged out onto the deck to check the katydid's whereabouts.  I was somewhat afraid I had harmed it or placed it in a location from which it could not escape.  Can they fly?  Jump?  Was it too far from its natural home?

The little green visitor had crawled up under the eaves of the building.  I stayed there the rest of the afternoon, just hanging out under the gutter.  That is where I was able to manage this photo.

Finally, when dusk came,  it disappeared from this temporary shelter and we heard it singing away in the nearest tree.  I was happy it was safe and letting us know it was back in a leafy camouflaged habitat.

Now, to the best of my recollection, I have *never* had a katydid in my home.  Therefore, I was certain it must have been a spirit message of great significance.

Imagine my/our amazement, awe and wonder at finding this description (sourced  here):

Katydid:

Katydid teaches attunement to new vibrations and will aid in heightening intuition, sensitivity and awareness. They teach transformation in five stages as part of the molting process. Is it time to shed old ideas to make way for the new? Expect changes and new developments that will bring growth through reflection and patience as the sensitivity to mental, emotional and physical challenges are coming are your way. Katydids also teach the art of camouflage and the ability to evolve and use many survival techniques. Are you adapting to your surroundings? Are you blending in or standing out? Katydid will aid in strengthening senses and perceptions of the seen and unseen so whatever transformation stage you are in will be a time to be aware; mentally and spiritually sharp.


To this day we continue to be astounded by this course of events!  Words truly cannot accurately describe the profound transformation we experienced ~ and the tremendous humility and awe we felt at having this little green sentinel bless us with its magical, powerful, witnessing presence.