Dragonflies & Mothers – Our Guardians

Eveything is Energy and Energy is Everything

March 5, 2019

Is Healing Really Worth It?

June 30, 2019

Published by Jo Kahotea at March 13, 2019

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Josette Kahotea - Healer & Mentor

Today my sister and I discussed our late mamas upcoming unveiling and my job was to find some dragonflies that we liked so she could design one for the headstone.

As we were growing up, Mum would explain to us our whakapapa and pass down customs and stories from our ancestors. She would tell us about the Kapowai - the dragonflies. They are the loyal Kaitiaki (Guardians) of our people, the descendants of Rakeiao.

Today as I searched through countless dragonfly images and read the spiritual significance of them, it made me smile inside. A beautiful smile for my beautiful mother who left us way too early but left us in the care of her beautiful Kapowai, the Dragonflies 💚

A summary of the story - Rakeiao me ona kapowai (Rakeiao and his dragonflies)

There was once a young chief named Rakeiao, the eldest son of Rangitihi and Manawakotokoto who was famed for never losing a battle. He developed a kinship with the Kapowai (Dragonflies of Lake Rotoiti) that would deepen their bond; the Kapowai dedicating themselves as Rakeiao’s loyal warriors for all eternity. Rakeiao never lost a battle. It was impossible to do so, when he had his fearsome warriors who would come in droves to save their chief and leader.The Kapowai are still seen, even today. When there are special functions on at the Marae, the Kapowai will appear again. Whenever they appear (only at Rakeiao), the elders speak to them still, as descendants of Rakeiao, telling them everything is okay. Their lingering can also come as a warning for them to question the reason they are appearing, to question the intentions of those who have come. This is the power of the alliance between the descendants of Rakeiao and his ever-loyal Kapowai.

In other definitions, Dragonflies are seen as the keepers of dreams, the energy within that sees all of our true potential and ability. Dragonflies inspire spirituality and creativity, helping us on the path of discovery and enlightenment. They remind us that anything is possible.

As i reflect on this meaning i see my story as if it was written for me. I am not at war but the kapowai for me are a constant reminder of the inner battle i have endured, the war between my beliefs and those that were socially acceptable. The ones of the collective consciousness that breed fear and doubt to keep us trapped in the past, unable to recall who we are and the mana that we carry within us.

It serves as inspiration for myself, my family and my people that anything is possible and that we can call on support when needed. That our journey is unique to each of us and that we can be guided by our guardians. Much like parents who watch our children grow, protecting and guiding them to discover their creativity and passion in life.

Today i challenge you to look within for your truth. Look to the past, for the lessons passed down to you. Be, on the edge of transformation and allow yourself to float on the wind like the Kapowai, free of your worries.

Thank you mum for teaching me what it means to reach for the stars, knowing that it's my birthright to be unique and understanding the connection i have to the universe. Much like the Kapowai are loyal to Rakeiao's descendents, my intuition is to me. It is what guides me when working with myself and others. It is the knowing beyond the knowing.

Read the full story of Rakeiao and his Kapowai as told by my Koro, Sir Toby Curtis.

Be Irie x