When I came home a few days ago, my daughter pointed out this rather large brown praying mantis above our front door. He was actually quite the looker for a scary insect. As I studied him, his head would move and study me. He seemed to be amused by my presence. I pondered for a moment… Exactly how many of these have I seen in my lifetime? The answer is just a handful of times, and here in California, it seems they are even more elusive… But there he was. I decided he was some sort of sign, but for what I could not tell. I went into the house and he was forgotten…
Fast forward this morning. I went to bed at nearly 4am, and forgot to set my alarm. I had a deep and dreamless sleep, and when I awoke the sun was beaming through my curtains. I awoke with a start. More than a few thoughts went through my head at that moment.. Was I late? Did I miss my alarm? Where was my clock? And in that instant my eyes focused on something that seemed to be wavering just inches from my face… The Praying Mantis was on my pillow!!!!
I nearly jumped out of my skin. It was reactionary fear of course. Normally, I love these guys… I’m not afraid of them in the least. But right there on my pillow? ON MY PILLOW??? I sat next to him, and he gave me that look, the same one (I know how that sounds) and I knew it was the same one. I picked up my red pillow and I set him loose on my porch. He stayed perfectly still right in front of the door. I bent down to the ground and got a really good look at him. He was beautiful, a perfect little slice of life in this great little world we call earth.
I went about my day, decided to see if I could find some lore on Mr. Brown Mantis and discovered the following:
The praying mantis has a great deal of myth and lore associated with it. Its name comes from the manner in which they hold up the forepart of the body, with its enormous front legs, as though in an attitude of prayer.
Martial art forms in China have adopted specific movements of the mantis into their practices. These movements help the student reconnect with their personal chi or energy. The discovery of how energy moves through our body, what it is projecting and where energy blocks are located can be a great aid in healing ourselves. Those with this totem would benefit from prayer, meditation and martial arts.
These amazing creatures serve the earth and her people in various ways. They consume large amounts of insects helping to maintain ecological balance. Excellent hunters with an efficient attack strategy the praying mantis always knows the right moment for attack and for retreat. Time in the linear sense is irrelevant to the mantis. They move according to their inner instincts and remind us to do the same. Moving effortlessly between worlds the mantis is associated with time travel. They help us break out of linear time and move according to our personal bio rhythms.
The praying mantis can remain motionless for an indefinite period. This ability helps them blend with their environment becoming invisible to predators. They hold the secrets of materialization and de-materialization and awaken this ability in people who hold this medicine. Perception through stillness is part of its teaching.
Patient, perceptive and focused this little totem holds a powerful message. When it appears in your life it is asking you to direct your energy, your thoughts or your actions in a different way. Asking the following questions can give you the insight necessary to motivate appropriate changes. Have I lost patience with a particular situation? Have I been too patient, and if so, has this had a detrimental affect on me? Is my perception correct regarding a situation? Have I become narrow minded? Am I focused on my objective?
So… What do you make of this?
— Claude S.
October 13, 2009 at 8:07 pm
at least it didn’t try to mate with you and then kill and eat you like they do in the wild
November 9, 2009 at 6:40 pm
hey claude ,in my life time i have kept and fed 3 praying mantis they are very special and frail and mighty,bugs do not stand a chance against them,in some places in the world they are so huge they can catch birds.all of what you saw just remides me that you are earthboy,enjoy the title
December 31, 2009 at 6:33 pm
hmmm… have you seen Pan’s Labyrinth?
December 31, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I had all but forgotten about the mantis. It was amagical day for sure… And yeah, I did see Pan’s Labyrinth!!! But in my case… It was real…
August 10, 2010 at 9:12 pm
I jus wanted to thank you Claude for posting this. I came home from a dr appt this morning to find a mantis on my front door. I went inside and took a nap, left a lil later and he is still there. I believed that this had some meaning to it. So, thank you for the info.
October 28, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I opened my front door and saw to my surprise a praying mantis. Is there any meaning to this why would the mantis be at my door even if I pushed it off my porch it returned but changed the area for which is stood. I removed it again hope it got the message.
September 19, 2011 at 3:58 pm
I just saw a mantis on my back door and like you said whenever I moved he/she would follow me. It was a really pretty green, I just hope it come in to my room. Thanks
March 22, 2012 at 12:19 pm
I had a visit from a praying mantis on my fire escape, fourth floor, NYC. It stayed there for over an hour by the window, looking in. I often get visits from nature such as, hawks, blue jays, squirrels, etc. Is it just coincidence?
March 23, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Nothing in this life is a coincidence in my world.. :0
March 25, 2012 at 8:22 am
I have just come out a two and a half year relationship, my partner left me for someone else… Throughout the relationship I was constantly dissatisfied with life and felt disconnected with my partner and the people in my life. I was lost. Shortly before the relationship ended, while cleaning my kitchen I noticed a pray mantis near my back door, I did not think much of it, and tried to rid of it . After I did that I felt terrible because as a child I always felt them fascinating. Though I was just relived he was no longer in my kitchen. So ever since that day, everyday a new pray mantis would come into my house, mostly to my kitchen, I kept on removing them them and they kept on coming back! I kept thinking this must be a sign from above, but did not know why or how, so until today I have realized the meaning of a pray mantis, I currently have one in my kitchen and one in my bedroom. I believe they are some sign of guidance, comfort and peace, the one in the Kitchen is my reminder of “God” my connection with the source, my creativity, for cooking is my passion- I am a professional Chef, that is my career which I have neglected. and the one in my bedroom, well I believe it is for divine healing with regards to Love.
Thank you for your story
April 25, 2012 at 10:06 am
I received a visit from a tiny little mantis today. He or she hitched a ride inside on a sage plant that I brought in to protect from the cold snap we’re having in Atlanta. After a short iphone photoshoot I put him back outside as gently as he’d allow. Naturally, the next step was to upload one of the pics to Instagram.
Meanwhile, MC Hammer’s “Pray” had entered, and was taking root in, my mind.
Once I’d logged in and uploaded the snap I saw a post from a friend that read “Rule #1: Always say a prayer before going to bed.”
Okay then. Hint taken!
June 4, 2013 at 6:24 pm
In fact no matter if someone doesn’t know then its up to other viewers that they will assist, so here it takes place.
June 6, 2013 at 9:51 pm
I visit everyday a few web pages and information sites to read content, except this webpage
provides feature based articles.
October 5, 2013 at 6:20 am
If it was fall they came to die and find a place to lay thier eggs before winter..apparently they chose you lol. I have one that moved in on my back porch this fall..now i realize it came to die and looking for a good safe place to have thier babies.
October 5, 2013 at 6:23 am
we have come to love her…sucks she is going to die but such is life. Nice to walk out and talk to her everyday. Lot of studies show they even recognize certain people (very intelligent). Either way i will make sure her eggs are ok for her :) It is just the cycle of life.
October 5, 2013 at 6:27 am
thought about caging her..may or may not but does not seem right to me to interfere with the natural process ..and even if i could save her they eat thier males ..so would she just eat her babies..no idea..very deep lol
January 25, 2014 at 4:05 am
As I’m reading this I’m looking at a green with brown on,a praying mantis. Its on our kitchen curtain and its 5:30am. I can’t tell you how I’m feeling so emotional because I’ve been feeling so so down of late and to wake up to him/her..proud moment. He watches me wave my hand,he turns his head when I move..o man I’m so fascinateD by him just been here. Spider he just won’t eat tho lolz. Wish I could take it and put it on the table and enjoy some magical fun with it. Why are you here?
August 25, 2014 at 2:43 am
Well for me today I was visited by a mantis. I had one last section of roof to treat and I was tired so before I started I asked my Higher Power for help to finish the job. After the first half I had to go to the ground to refill the pump sprayer I was using. When I returned to the roof and walked to the peak the mantis was there. Sitting on the ridge right where I was to start work. I asked what he was doing there and why. He then struted along the ridge towards me and when he lined up with me he stopped and turned his head to look at me for a couple seconds. Then he proceeded his walk along the ridge. I resumed my work. After about 15 mins I looked for him and he was atop my weather vane. Just thought I’d share….
August 19, 2015 at 6:25 pm
I truly enjoyed this. I recently made a change that although difficult it was the best thing. I have in the last few weeks had encounters with a praying mantis. One someone picked up and brought to me and another seeing it on a tree. Last night it was by my front door on some plants. I was surprised I even noticed it as Dark as it was. Lately the words still or be still has been very noticeable even before these experiences with the praying mantis. Maybe must learn to be still and patient. On another note I have found myself having to be respectfully confrontive in a number of circumstances over the years. Something I am not used to. The praying mantis also represents the female warrior. It speaks to changes and growth in my life. Thank you for your blog. From a spiritual perspective it was very helpful.
September 11, 2015 at 4:47 pm
I have been visited by mantis a lot lately. The other evening as I opened the door one flew in and disappeared into the house or so I thought, as we sat down to dinner I realized the fellow had decided to sit with me almost on my shoulder. I thought nothing of this until last night I noticed a group of three mantis on my large bedroom window and as I looked more my window was covered with them! There must have been 20, maybe more. I checked the other smaller windows in the room and they were there too. I guess I can’t ignore their message now. I have been getting strong urges from spirit to meditate and work to raise my vibration. I found the practice hard and have wanted to give up but now I know I need to keep slowing my useless thoughts and find the stillness of praying mantis. Thank you for your post!
November 22, 2015 at 5:49 am
Reblogged this on strengthsessions.
January 11, 2016 at 1:25 pm
I get visited really often and find it really strange . I once noticed a mantis inside sitting on my laptop bag and like usual just look at them in awe . I went to bed and the next morning had to rush a bit while running a bit late . I was at my desk and noticed he is sitting on my divider and we were just looking at each other while my coworkers asked if he was my pet and everyone wanted to come and have a look . Yesterday working in the garden I just saw a glimpse of an insect flying out of bushes on my shoulder . I left him and he stayed on my shoulder the entire time . Sadly this morning I didn’t see him . I don’t know why but I feel a sense of peace whenever this happens
July 23, 2016 at 4:32 am
Its a summer day in Colorado all windows closed air on get home to one in my room don’t know how it could of got there until now thanks
September 3, 2016 at 11:24 am
Well, this past Tuesday had a visit from a mantis. Hubby & I sitting in our living room, I glanced out the window to the back patio and there she(he) was. She was just as still and at times rhythmically moving her extremities with occasional rocking motions. She stayed for about a 1/2 hour before she slowly worked her way up to the ceiling of the patio overhang. 1 hour later received a call from my husband’s doctor telling us that his biopsy was positive for cancer. I think she was sent to prepare us. Read up on their lore and now will be practicing more patience, calmness & stillness with my husband, as we face the unknown. Peace.
September 5, 2016 at 10:23 pm
A praying mantis is hanging out between the screen and window of one of our basement windows. The screen is damaged due to my husband’s attempts at edging the border of our house ( he’s gotten better!). This is the third in a week. The first was small and bright green. I helped her out to the grass. The second was a teen and brown. I helped him out also. The third is large. I have tried to show her the way out but she wishes to stay. Has been there for about 36 hours. I feel blessed.
September 10, 2016 at 4:30 pm
I have just had my 2nd encounter with a Praying Mantis at my front door. A couple of years ago I had a Mantis hang around for over a month, either above or around my front door. A couple of days ago, I notice a Mantis hanging around the door, and as of last night it was still there. Not sure why they find my place to be a good hangout, but I don’t mind them at all.
October 19, 2017 at 3:48 am
about 2 or 3 weeks ago my husband found a praying mantis on our front back since then the praying mantis has to be in her yard showing up in various places and it’s been here for two or three weeks I feel like he’s part of our family nowbut I can’t help but wonder why he has or she has adopted our yard is there a meaning behind this?
October 30, 2017 at 11:16 pm
My wife found a full size Praying Mantis in the house and put it outside.
The next day, she found what appears to be a baby and has stayed around in the dining room and kitchen for several days.
Our concern is the availability of food in the house for it. as far as we know, we dont have any other insects around for it to eat. It is below freezing outside so we are afraid to put it out….BTW, no bugs out there after the freeze either.
Will it starve?
September 5, 2018 at 2:36 pm
i was walking outside this morning when a mantis jumped on the back of my calf scared me to death but i knocked it off me and it just looked at me!!! what does this mean?