We're in the month of February and kind of in the height of summer moving into autumn. It's about this time of the year when the cicadas come out in full force. The Māori word for Cicada is Kihikihi or Tātarakihikihi.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the sounds and vibrations of the cicada that is surrounding us right now, and reflect on the spiritual significance they hold for us.
The kihikihi can spend several years underground in its nymph stage, and when it finally surfaces, it emerges as a winged adult. Upon reaching the surface, it also sheds its old skin. The spiritual symbolism of the cicada represents rebirth, renewal, and transformation. It signifies the journey of rising from the underground, emerging in a new form with wings to soar. This process is a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual transformation and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of embracing a new vibration of oneself and fully stepping into that elevated state.
The sound you hear originates from their puku (stomach). This hollow vessel resonates, creating the beautiful vibrations that reach your ears right now. The dominant sound you perceive comes from the male cicada, but if you listen closely, you can also detect a clicking noise produced by the female cicada. The male cicada emits this sound in a bid to attract a mate. Once they come together, they will produce offspring, which will then burrow underground for several years before emerging as winged adults ready to fly. When cicadas surface, they only inhabit Te Ao Marama, or this physical world, for a few weeks. In Aotearoa, they spend about three years underground, whereas in other regions, they may remain buried for up to 17 years.
How can we harness this beautiful vibration (symbol or sign) while it is present with us? We have a limited opportunity, just a few weeks, to engage with this fascinating mauri. It is a privilege to have it around. How can we work with this vibration to help us spread our wings and elevate ourselves to the next level we aspire to reach?
The next stage involves embracing a new vibration, a heightened frequency. To elevate our spiritual consciousness and undergo transformation, we must cultivate the space necessary to perceive this sound and maintain it. This sound represents a vibration that we might overlook if we haven't created the environment to sustain it.
We can connect with the sacred codes of the cicadas by simply sitting in our surroundings and tuning in to their sounds. As we breathe in these sounds, we invite them into our bodies, allowing us to embody their frequencies. This process enables the vibrations to wiri (agitate) and mirimiri (massage), helping to shift and transform any lower vibrations within us.
Typically, one may notice the continuous sound of the male cicada, but if you listen closely, you can also hear the distinct clicking of the female cicada. The male serves as the foundation or support, while the female's clicks represent creativity, transformation, and transition. Her sound is so delicate that it can easily go unnoticed, as she operates on a different vibration with subtle frequencies. She carries the sacred codes of sound, which can only be perceived when we are attuned to that frequency. This is why clearing our vessel is essential; it allows us to resonate with the sacred sounds of te taiao, or the environment. It signifies honouring the kihikihi and the tohu— the symbols and signs present in our surroundings. This is the exquisite beauty of our world and nature. It holds immense power, but we must recognise and respect it to truly appreciate its beauty and magic.
Feel free to watch the complete video below, where I share kōrero on the cicada and includes a Guided Meditation for The Sacred Codes of the Cicada. The meditation is designed to assist individuals who are transitioning to a higher level of consciousness and stepping into a new frequency.
Ngā mihinui
Joanne Hakaraia-Olson xx
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