Praying Mantis

mantis

I always get excited when I see a praying mantis. This one landed on my son Mike’s arm last evening (he was here overnight en route this morning to Mauritius for a working 2 weeks) and he transferred it to a geranium leaf. It was tiny … less than 1/2 inch maybe 4 cm. A baby …

Why do I get excited? Well, it is a symbol of much. The praying mantis was believed by the African Bushmen to be a symbol of God. They believed it was a manifestation of God, and when they saw one, they tried to discern its message. The word ‘mantis’ is a Greek word meaning ‘prophet’ and is a reference to mystical or spiritual powers.

The mantis comes to us when we need peace, quiet and calm in our lives. Usually the mantis makes an appearance when our lives and the world seem chaotic, so much so we can no longer hear the still, small voice within us because of the outer noise that surrounds us.

We’ve been living on a knife’s edge here in South Africa. We expected our Finance Minister Mr. Pravin Gordhan along with two colleagues to appear in the High Court tomorrow on fraud charges.  There were plans to get myself and a few friends off to Pretoria tomorrow to take part in the protests. The support for the Minister is very strong from all quarters, the public, government ministers, business, civil society – Min. Gordhan has commandeered us through some very tricky waters. The head of the National Prosecuting Authority, Adv. Shaun Abrahams has been after Mr Gordhan for a long while. Yesterday, at a press conference, Abrahams dropped charges against Mr Gordhan and his two co-accused and Abrahams has egg on his face. Now there are calls for Abrahams to fall on his sword, and he and his pathetic minions to disappear off the face of the earth.

We’re awaiting the release of the Public Protector’s report in which it is purported that our president has allowed our government to be captured by the Gupta Family (like the mafiosa), for nefarious reasons. There is every reason to believe so. Nuclear deal with the Russians for several billion rands, dollars, whatever currency? When we have the best wind and solar resources? And not that much money to spend on yet more state deals when for example our national air carrier is running into a few billion rands debt for the last few years running. Pres. Zuma and his cohorts are doing their best to not have it released. We’re undergoing our own Watergate – there are calls to have the president impeached.

mantissymbolism

After observing this creature for any length of time you can see why the symbolism of the praying mantis deals with stillness and patience. The mantis takes her time, and lives her life at her own silent pace. A reminder of the beauty of nature – its calm and storm – its unexpectedness –

I once had one on my desk. I’ve seen one once or twice on a plant just outside my study. I once saw one on the wall behind me when I was lounging outside on the deck at a game lodge.Their appearances are rare. When I see a lady bird, I also feel something within. A reminder of the beauty of nature and to bring that stilness within amidst the turmoil of the world.

It rained a bit last evening. And now as I write, it is raining. It is so much needed. It has cooled things down by a degree or two. We need the skies to fall and to cleanse this land we call home, to wash away the dust and grime that clings to us in so many ways.

The praying mantis gives me hope. 

Thank you for reading – may the Force be with you and us all –

 From whence arrived the praying man

From outer space, or lost Atlantis?

I glimpse the grim, green metal mug

That masks this pseudo-saintly bug,

Orthopterous, also carnivorous,

And faintly whisper, Lord deliver us.

— Ogden Nash

48 Comments on Praying Mantis

  1. I used to see a lot of praying mantises when I was a child – summer in Australia. We said they were Santa’s helpers, watching to see if we were behaving ourselves. It’s not far from the way you’ve described them. And boy, do we need their peace-giving, meditative qualities now – everywhere, all over the world. It is a long time since I have seen a praying mantis in the wild. Maybe that is telling me I need to slow down and look more closely. Thank you for the reminder. I wish you peace.

    • Thanks so much Norah for coming by! What a lovely image of Santa’s little helpers. Extraordinarily just two days ago there was a tiny praying mantis crawling around my computer. Peace to you too thank you for your wishes.

  2. Lovely, Susan–and a wonderful balance to political violence wherever it appears. I understand your love for the Praying Mantis. I have the same response to a rare sighting. They are contemplative, slow, quiet–which makes their aggressive mating ritual quite a contrast. My experience is with the stillness. Plus the rain and changing leaves and animal tracks in the forest. I’m tied in knots about politics, but working toward surrender to what is. There is no other way. When I read what you’re going through in South Africa or what others are going through in even wilder places in this world. I know I am not alone.

    • Thanks Elaine so much! I guess that it’s a rare sighting makes it extra special besides the symbolism of it … and makes us sit up and take notice.

      I feel for the USA and Tuesday – my goodness what on earth will happen. And the Dakota pipeline. Surrender, such a lovely word. Most times, the only and most valuable thing one can do.

      No, you’re not alone. Interestingly, here in SA the awful stuff is out in the open now, people’s voices and opposition to all that is ugly, is being heard loud and clear. Justice is prevailing. We will not let the president and his cabal get away with it. There are so many in govt who are excellent – so many who are rotten to the core. We will see –

  3. The whole world seems to be struggling more than usual. Ours in the USA is this crazy election. It’s gotten everyone wound up too tight. I love your symbol of the Praying Mantis, the calm of nature, and your sharing it with us. Peace to you.
    Mary at Play off the Page

    • Thanks Mary so much. Yes, a very anxious making time for you all – not just POTUS, I imagine the Dakota pipeline as well. May the outcome be a fair one. I agree the whole world seems to be struggling. Hopefully the struggle with be worthwhile – Peace and calm to you Mary …

  4. Great post, Susan.
    That is interesting about the praying mantis. One of my daughters is terrified of them (like a phobia, she knows they won’t hurt her).

    I will hope for good things to come to your country–and to mine! Just a few more days here till Election Day.

    • Thanks Merril. Hopefully she doesn’t see too many of them – they’re pretty rare here. Or the sighting of them is!

      I know things are troubling re the election of POTUS on Tuesday. We watch with great interest – CNN, BBC, Sky News and of course there’s some on our local TV stations. And MUCH on FB posts. May there be good outcome in all of this. I like what Elaine in post above says – to surrender to whatever happens –

  5. Your praying mantis has inspired me to go to the St. Peregrine Chapel in the Abbey Church here in Collegeville, light a candle, and pray for the peace of South Africa, the U. S., and the world. Thank you, Susan.

    • Thank you Shirley. Much is happening here but justice seems to be prevailing. These last few days have shown that. I too will light a candle for peace for the world over – have just done so –

  7. Loved reading your post susan, and also learnt about the praying mantis, Its so nice to read your posts, they are so full of insights and very enlightening, I pray for peace and thanks for sharing.

    • So good to see you here Genevieve thank you for coming by. I hope you’re getting better – have a restful and peaceful weekend…

    • Thanks Mike – on Monday the mantis on your arm and now some swimming with dolphins in Mauritius inter alia working 🙂 Great to see you on Monday too – most special.

  9. This made for an insightful reading. Was not aware of the symbolism associated with Praying Mantis. It’s wonderful that you got to enjoy the beauty of this rare visitor. I’ll be looking out for one now too!

  10. A wonderful post, Susan. I needed to read something like this about peace and love. Sorry about the turmoil in your country. We’re bombarded with nothing but negativity here in the U.S. at the moment. I long for calmer days everywhere.
    Amazingly unique creature, the praying mantis. Hugs.

    • Thanks so much Silvia! Today the Gupta Gate report was released and it is incriminating indeed of those in power. And it rained so much this afternoon with lightning and thunder. Already I think we’re all collectively feeling so much better – justice is taking place. There’s something in the air I think. May the symbolism of the praying mantis reach all the way over to the US. I know these last several months have been especially tense … Hugs to you 🙂

  11. I knew none of this about the symbolism of the praying mantis or the details of South African politics. I’ll be more aware of both, especially the praying mantis as I work out in our flower garden. Such a powerful symbol of exactly what the world needs now, if we all are to remain safe.

    • Thanks for coming by Ally Bean. Here’s hoping you find that little creature. Or a lady bird! Or just simply enjoying gardening – 🙂

  12. there are so many countries that seem to be ‘through the looking glass’–everything is as it never should be. I’m disgusted with it all. But where do we move???

  13. Wow, Susan, this is quite an informative post. I loved the history behind the Praying Mantis as I didn’t know any of it. I truly hope the mantis protects you and your country from the political goings on there. Actually, can you loan us some Praying Mantis’ too as we have a lot of shenanigans going on in this country too. God Help Us All!! Lovely post, Susan. I truly enjoyed it.

  14. I’ve got to look at the photo again. My old eyes and poor light have hidden the precious praying mantis. There seems to be turmoil everywhere, along with wrongdoing in high places. How we long for honorable leaders! I pray for your peace and well-being.

    • Hi Anne, don’t strain your eyes, it is barely discernible, the better of the 2 I took. Thank you for coming by – yes, turmoil everywhere, here’s hoping for good outcome next week Tuesday!

  15. There is so much turmoil around the globe. I hope that peace and calm comes soon. It’s illegal to kill a praying mantis in the states. I was going through a gardening magazine you can buy butterflies to pollinate and praying mantis to eat bugs. I always liked praying mantis and I was considering ordering some just to live in the yard. It’s been a while since I ‘ve seen one.

    • May peace and calm come soon I agree Kimberly! I didn’t know that it’s illegal to kill a praying mantis in the US. I wonder why. I may investigate. Maybe because it’s a powerful symbol especially among certain indigenous peoples – Thank you for coming by.

  16. A blessing to have such a rare visitor. You need some calm and good luck during these political storms. Love the beautiful heart-shaped head of the mantis.

  17. I’m going to be an honest and admit I’ve never seen one, but I’m glad that you posted a photo. What a beautiful image and beautiful meaning. I pray for you and better times for all of us.

    • Thanks Debi! I know that I’ve got other photos of these rare little creatures, but I suspect on my old phone. I’ll try to find one and post it at some stage .. here’s to prayers for us all 🙂 Already the news on the radio today is that our president’s wish to stop a particular report has NOT been granted! It’s the Gupta gate report … our own watergate ..

  18. I remember the first time my elementary school teacher showed me the praying mantis. My first thought: How can the insect maneuver to get its gangly “hands” to pray?

    The praying mantis: a great metaphor for these troubled times.

  19. Hi Susan – yes we need a few more Praying Mantises to be around for us all on a few continents … I have yet to have a long natter with my SA friend .. but she’ll ring soon – just getting through her tests and results etc …

    So many challenges for us all to face – mindless words, vitriolic spurts of rage, bribes and favouritism in all directions …

    Let it rain and take all the poison with it … I’d rather it didn’t here but for another reason.

    With thoughts – and such a wonderful post … and let’s hope someone gets their comeuppance … with thoughts – Hilary

    • Hi Hilary, I hope the tests your friend is undergoing will yield good results.

      Yes, much that is poisonous and venomous in this world needs an effective serum for the good of us all.

      All good thoughts and wishes to you, and thanks for coming by. Susan.

    • Thanks Didi .. I looked at a few of my Mantis journals to see if there were pictures of the mantis on the cover, but in fact there weren’t. I THINK on our coat of arms there is one .. I will check 🙂

  22. I used to love seeing a praying mantis and watching in contemplation. Such amazing little creatures. Haven’t seen one in many years. They are probably rare to non-existent in Los Angeles.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

  23. Such a beautiful image of peace and mindfulness. I’m so sorry for the storms raging in your country. And I thank you for this lovely reminder of the need to remain true to the Self in the midst of the storm.

    • Thanks Jeanie … I’d like a jolly good thunderstorm, with natural rumblings and lightning, and the build up of the ions in the atmosphere and for the rain to fall in buckets, not for the political storms raging here in our land. I guess you must feel the same about the political storms in the US. The best we can be is true to our Self. Thank you Jeanie.

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