The Obsidian Butterfly
Itzpapalotl, the Obsidian Butterfly
The Myth
In Aztec mythology, Itzpapalotl is a fearsome warrior goddess who rules over the paradise realm of Tamoanchan, the final destination for souls who die a nonviolent death, particularly women who die in childbirth.
This formidable goddess, whose name means "Obsidian Butterfly" or “Clawed Butterfly,” is a total badass, most often depicted as a skeletal figure adorned with butterfly wings and a skirt made of razor-sharp shells.
With claws like obsidian daggers, she stalks her prey in the dead of night. By the time you hear the clinking of her shell skirt, it’s too late to run.
Metamorphosis
Despite her terrifying appearance and association with stalking and violent death, Itzpapalotl is a goddess of duality, ruling over the natural cycle of life, death and rebirth as symbolized by the butterfly.
She is not only a fierce hunter but a symbol of metamorphosis and regeneration. Her claws and skeletal visage remind us of the natural order of predator and prey, while her wings signify the fragility and mutability of all life.
In the Aztec cosmology, as in many ancient traditions, butterflies represent the transcendence of the boundary between life and death.
In its transformation from one form to another, the caterpillar is a unique creature. It’s born from an egg and lives in a larval state, shedding its skin like a snake several times as it grows. It then weaves a deathlike cocoon, self-entombed in a chrysalis where its body breaks down entirely and becomes fuel to create a wholly new form of life.
The butterfly that emerges is unrecognizable from the caterpillar it once was.
Monarch Dream
Butterfly Season
In some parts of the world, spring is butterfly season, with certain species appearing as early as March or April when the weather begins to warm. Most butterflies are only seen in the summer. Monarchs, the most recognizable of all species, typically don’t arrive on the scene until May or June.
Regardless, it’s tempting to associate spring with butterflies as we find ourselves slowly emerging from the long, cold, wet winter. In Vancouver, the prospect of warm, sunny days always sparks the hope of rebirth and renewal.
Cherry Centennial
It’s also cherry blossom season in Vancouver, an unequivocal harbinger of spring and a time for celebration, gratitude and the appreciation of all things beautiful and fleeting in nature. Vancouverites have an entire months-long festival dedicated to honoring these fluffy pink blossoms.
Not native to Vancouver, our cherry trees were a gift from the mayors of Kobe and Yokahama way back in 1925, in honor of Japanese Canadian veterans of WWI. Five hundred trees were originally planted in Vancouver’s Stanley Park and since then, thousands more were donated.
They can be seen all over the city now, a timeless symbol of our historic relationship with Japan and a powerful symbol of Vancouver’s unique climate and ecosystem.
The arboreal landscape is as rich and varied as our diverse population. Where else can you find cherry trees living alongside maples, evergreens, and even palm trees?
Cherry Tree with Christmas Lights
Selfie Season
Walk, bike or skate anywhere in Vancouver this time of year and you’re bound to see throngs of people paying homage to the cherry blossoms. As a good friend once said to me, “if you’re not posting cherry blossom selfies, are you even on Instagram?”
The photo above was taken by my partner Rodger in our courtyard, where the cherry trees are decked out with red Christmas lights all year round. In Vancouver, we like our metaphors like we like our cocktails...
Badass Goddess Art
You can find Itzpapalotl in my RedBubble shop on clothing, coasters, phone cases, shower curtains (right?!), postcards, notebooks and more.
Order my self-published Amazon book, Badass Goddesses in paperback, hard cover or Kindle format.
As always, if you’re interested in astrology and lively conversation, please listen and subscribe to the Starzology Podcast, featuring my good friend Alison Price and yours truly. New episodes drop every Sunday!
Thanks for reading, everyone!
