The butterfly's three steps of metamorphosis (caterpillar, pupa and winged insect) are a symbol of regeneration and transformation of the soul: of rebirth and renewal. Butterflies been celebrated as such all over the world and there are many legends connected to the butterfly.

The Gaelic word for butterfly (dealan-dhe) is used to refer to the soul and its ability to cross into the otherworld. Dealan-dhe is also used to refer to the lightning of the Gods or as the name for the burning stick which is shaken to create the needfire (a ceremonial fire kindled at dawn on major Wiccan holidays). Another term for butterflies is tiene-dhe, meaning butterfly or fire of the Gods.

The butterfly was a goddess symbol for many ancient cultures. For the Aztecs Itzpapalotl (Obsidian Butterfly) was a fierce goddess of the night. She is the goddess of agriculture and can appear in her form as mother goddess or female warrior goddess.

The Butterfly Maiden is a Native American Spirit Woman who symbolizes the impermanence of life. According to a Papago legend, the Creator made butterflies to gladden his heart by combining the blackness the maiden's hair with sunlight, some blue from the sky, the whiteness of cornmeal, , the green of pine needles, and the red, purple, and orange of flowers. He put them in a bag which he gave to the children. When the children opened the bag, thousands of multi-colored butterflies danced about them, lighting upon their skin.