In most cases, the spiritual meaning of butterflies centers around their astonishing life cycle. The butterfly's metamorphosis from drab caterpillar to beautiful winged creature makes it an obvious metaphor for transformation. Butterflies breaking out of their cocoons to start a new adventure is a symbolic transformation almost everyone can relate to. And the often bright colors and fluttering movements also see butterflies associated with beauty, vibrancy and joy.  In spiritual terms, of course, death is viewed as a form of transformation. While one phase is ending, it opens the way for a new phase to begin.