Why do I feel guilty after scaring a cicada away from my window?

missmetropolis

I keep seeing this cicada outside my window, and I’m not sure what to make of it. I live on the seventh floor, so it’s a surprise every time—how does it even get up here? Usually, insects really bother me, but there’s something about this one. It has these big black eyes and a light brownish-gray body that looks almost soft. I guess I find it kind of cute, which is a strange thing to admit.

I was nervous, though. I didn’t want it to tear the screen or find a way inside. So, I grabbed a pen and very gently poked at it through the mesh, just trying to encourage it to leave. It took about fifteen little prods before it finally buzzed off. I felt relieved, but also… weird.

The moment it flew away, I got this strong feeling, like a wave of powerful negative energy coming from it. That sounds silly, I know. But it felt real. Was it just my imagination, or could the cicada actually be that spiritually strong? Maybe I offended it. Now I’m left wondering if I should feel bad for poking it, or if I’m just overthinking a simple encounter with a bug.

MoonlitRaze

Do you think you'd be okay, or even happy, if a person kept poking you repeatedly—say, around fifteen times in a row—just to get your attention, or would it feel annoying and invasive?

MoonlitRaze

I did a quick search for you, and while there are likely several variations, here’s a common phrasing:

“Cicadas aid in your emergence of You and understanding who you are by uncovering hidden truths and secrets that have been long forgotten.”

The metaphor suggests that, like the insect shedding its shell, we too can break through the layers of our past, revealing insights that were once buried deep within our psyche, guiding us toward greater self‑awareness and a renewed sense of purpose.