Spiritual Meaning of Black and Yellow Butterfly

Okay, so you have seen a black and yellow butterfly and you are wondering what it means. You can see in my picture above the butterfly generally has many dots, these dots spiritually mean that you need to open your eyes to this message. Well, a black and yellow butterfly is officially known as the Tiger Swallowtail. If you have seen this butterfly near you, land on you, enter your home, in the nectar of the wild, or along meadow paths then it means something. Firstly, the yellow and black butterfly (yes I am going to refer this to as the Tiger Swallowtail) is a sign of light and dark. Much like a Ying Yang ring. You know, the ones that were popular in the 1990s along with the mood ring. 

With its amazing yellow and black colors I feel, that seeing this butterfly, spiritually represents light and dark. This is a massive reminder to balance. Like the butterfly's wings which are symmetrical but opposite, our lives need harmony between opposing forces. Light & dark, joy, sorrow, strength and vulnerability - and seeing this butterfly is all about our internal spiritual experiences.

What does it mean to see a black and yellow butterfly?

Like all butterflies, I am sure you know seeing one represents transformation. Like, the caterpillar becomes a butterfly. This mirrors our own personal growth and self-discovery processes. Tiger Swallowtail teaches us to accept change and trust in life cycles. I’m sure you have read that amazing children’s book with this theme in "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. This is similar to the real-life of butterfly transformation - a cycle of growth and renewal is soon to come if you see a yellow and black butterfly.

I have a few books on my bookshelf, including a Native American book about “spiritual signs”, and seeing butterflies as messengers from spirit. If you see a Tiger Swallowtail within your home (maybe it flies in) is a sign from your ancestors or from your spiritual guides. In Indian culture, this particular butterfly is considered to bring luck and positive energy. As the wingspan is 5.5 - inches. this can be a sign that you need to look at your day-to-day life and “go” that extra mile without being super overwhelmed.

What does it mean for a black and yellow butterfly to land on you?

​​So we can conclude that many butterflies signify change and beauty. One thing for sure they are delicate with bright wings. In particular, the black and yellow spots on the wings reveals the physical as well as the spiritual worlds. One of my favorite parts of the garden is seeing the butterflies fly by and this is about dreaming big dreams and making sure your beauty is bought into your own life.

The pupa stage (where the caterpillar almost disappears inside the chrysalis) reinforces your own dramatic change can happen internally unseen. Maybe you need to ask yourself what happiness looks like to you? 

• Having a meal with someone close to you?
• Rolling about with your dogs in the garden?
• Taking that morning bike ride?
• Delicious food on the table?
• Having a steaming bath - don’t forget the candles.

Bottom line - this symbol is about making sure you take care of yourself. The opposite colors black and yellow show that even in darkness we need time to shine our light — and make sure our light shines. Hence black represents mystery, something hidden and the unknown whereas yellow represents pleasure, enlightenment, and clarity. Together they signify dark and light, happiness and sorrow, seen and unseen. Such a balance is needed in spiritual growth and understanding: we need both.

What does it mean for a black and yellow butterfly to enter your house?

Our house is our Haven. therefore, to see a beautiful black and yellow butterfly to enter your home is a true sign that great things are coming for you. Tiger Swallowtails may spend the winter in that pupa stage - in the chyrysalis, and in the long run, this is about making sure you “heal” in life. If you see the butterfly land on you this means complete resilience — and not forgetting that spiritually important - to make sure you have real endurance through hard times. Think of that black and yellow butterfly surviving that harsh (and cold) winter, like the butterfly you can grow stronger through hardship and reflection.

What is the spiritual meaning of a black and yellow butterfly?

In early Greek culture, the butterfly was associated with the human soul, they believed that butterflies are spiritual messengers of the immortal soul and the eternal nature of spiritual journeys. A black and yellow butterfly may therefore (from a biblical context) be a message from God or a memorial to a relative who died.

Male Tiger Swallowtails sometimes have red spots on the hind wings as do some females (but mainly males). This “red” if you see this on the black and yellow butterfly show the real difference of energies within us. There are more than 115 species of butterflies, which is quite a bit. which areas of your life are evolving, which might use some balancing, or where you might draw on your inner strength. Use this experience as a spiritual reconnect with yourself and the universe.

In every job I have had I've seen people wanting more, wanting to do and be better. And sharing my stories, mistakes, and big lessons has strengthened my own resolve to live more fully. What I most wanted to give I have received. To see other people take the reins of their lives and control them is what makes me happy - and what I adore most.

Summary of a black and yellow butterfly spiritual meaning

Seeing any butterfly no matter in what context in my opinion is a fantastic omen. I've covered quite a bit in the article above. the key takeaway is that a butterfly represents transformation of some description. In every day life, we get overwhelmed with everyday responsibilities and challenges. The biggies include caring for our children, older parents and keeping that house clean (it takes me hours). It really is a constant struggle to have time to give to everybody who needs you and to have time for yourself.

Summary of black and yellow butterfly

But in the end, you can only survive without burnout and resentment by caring for yourself, and to welcome change. Seeing the black and yellow butterfly is about giving yourself beauty, joy, long walks in the park, music, laughter, nature, a hot soaking bath and of course silence. Whatever form that takes for you.