Marvels

'Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished' - Lao Tzu

Once they hatch, dragonfly nymphs live for most of their lives on the bottom of rivers and ponds. This stage can last up to five years, with the nymph breathing through gills. When the larval dragonfly nymph is ready, it climbs up a reed or other water-dwelling plant and as soon as it reaches air, begins to breathe. 

The skin splits and the dragonfly emerges, stretching its wings and taking to the air, with the ability to propel itself in six directions - up, down, forwards, backwards and side to side - at speeds up to 30 miles per hour and spot movement from 40 feet away.

In the air, their wings refract and reflect light, enabling them to shine with an array of  luminescent colours. This wondrous creature symbolises the ability to see things from a different angle, embrace change and transformation and acknowledge the fact that life, like light, offers many illusions. 

Mother Nature at her most marvellous.