The Dance of the Butterfly
The Trees, The Leaves, The Wind, The Sea, My Breath... Align (I Sway, Enchantedly)
Butterflies possess an incredible grace as they flutter and soar, their delicate movements reflecting their nervous energy in the breeze. Everybody notices their presence. They are also swift, vanishing quickly, leaving their indelible mark ingrained in our eyes and memory.
According to Irish folklore, it is believed that butterflies are the spirits of departed loved ones, coming back to convey their love to those they left behind. In Native American mythology, butterflies are seen as divine messengers, carrying wishes to the Great Spirit. In many other cultures, these magical creatures symbolize transformation, hope, freedom, and rebirth.
The butterfly is one of nature’s most elegant and complex examples of change and growth. Its metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and finally to butterfly is extraordinary. While most butterflies only live for a few weeks, some can hibernate and survive for up to a year.
The migration of the Monarch butterfly is another incredible phenomenon. Those living east of the Rockies migrate to Mexico, while those on the west migrate to California. These remarkable creatures can travel 50-100 miles daily and may spend several weeks on their migration path. Due to their short lifespan, this behavior is not learned, it is completely programmed into their genes.
People also experience a series of changes, transformations, and migrations in their lifetime. Humans, much like the butterfly, are complex creatures, and a multitude of factors help mold and form our identities. As we navigate life, our path toward personal growth and greater self-awareness helps play a pivotal role in shaping who we become. Every step taken on this transformative journey brings us closer to our own profound metamorphosis, helping reveal our authentic selves.
Likufanele, likufanele
Igama obizwa ngala
Obizwa ngala
Philani, likufanele
Zero 7, is an English duo whose music evokes the delicate beauty of butterflies. Their sound is ethereal, soothing, and tranquil. It effortlessly blends an element of ambient, downtempo, jazz, and electronica into a chill and sublime melody. They frequently collaborate with extraordinary vocalists who lend their voices and infuse their unique style and artistic vision into each song. If I had to describe the euphoric sound of their music it would be similar to the sensation of true love. It surrounds your heart with a radiating and intoxicating warmth. Their gorgeous albums effortlessly ebb and flow, repeatedly drawing me back to them.
'Likufanele' is the closing track on Zero 7's stunning first album, Simple Things (2001). The first time I heard it, I was mesmerized by the enchanting female vocals, the rhythmic percussive pulsations resembling a heartbeat, and the elegant instrumentation that feels weightless and graceful, dancing like a butterfly in a gentle breeze. The overall vibe is dreamy, reminiscent of a calm sunny summer morning or an idyllic evening during golden hour. When the drum beat kicks in, it's like the fragile flutter of a butterfly's wings as it emerges from its cocoon. The soothing accent of horns and violin, combined with the serene melodies of keyboards create a warm glow of reassurance.
The singing women chant a Zulu hymn traditionally sung by Philani Mothers. The Philani Mentor Mother Programme and its Trust are dedicated to promoting sustainable community health for mothers and children in South Africa.
Likufanele, likufanele
Igama obizwa ngala,
Obizwa ngala.
Philani, likufanele
Its rough English translation is:
It’s worth it, It’s worth it
This is the name you are called
The one called this
It suits you, it suits us
Live, you deserve it
Toward the end of the song, reflective voices speaking in English are heard:
We got up in the morning, feeling tired
Sometimes we feel good, sometimes we feel bad
But we gonna do it with feelin'
From the root to the fruit, that's where everything starts
What you say to you?
Don't stop!
It’s an exquisite song with a powerful, uplifting message of hope, positivity, and freedom.
To my dear daughter - You are a creative, radiant soul, full of intelligence & beauty and a wonderful zest for life. Your star shines bright and your presence is seen. As you continue your metamorphosis, embrace your love for life, yourself, and your trans community. Let that love inspire and empower you on your personal migration journey. Ignore, but be wary of those whose blind hatred and intolerance try to silence you. Spread your wings and live your life from the root to the fruit. Do it with feeling and don’t ever stop being YOU. ❤️
Hi Michael. Great to catch up with your writing again after being away from home/Substack for a couple of weeks. Really enjoyed the bringing together of the different threads here. Your painting is excellent. A colleague of mine, Rob Mackay, has been tracking and making music around the migration routes of Monarchs for some time as well as recording the sound of the butterflies. He's recently been in Mexico again to follow up on some of the projects he's involved with there and in the US. There are some updates at his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robmackay73/.
So much to love here, the mythology, the music, your painting, which I'd like to hear more about. I love the title too. What medium were you using to create it? What inspired it?