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The magic and symbolism of animals
- Thread starter jw5
- Start date
Wolf
Few animals conjure up more symbolic meaning—for better or worse—than the wolf. Mysterious and intimidating, the wolf is a common motif in the mythologies and cosmologies of peoples throughout its historical range. The ancient Greeks associated wolves with Apollo, the god of light and order. The Romans connected the wolf with their god of war and agriculture, Mars. According to the writer and philosopher Dante Alighieri (c. 1265–1321), wolves were seducers, hypocrites, magicians, thieves, and liars. Native American culture is more complementary, citing the wolf as an animal of power. In fact, many tribes credit the actual creator of the earth to be a wolf. Whatever the belief, the wolf is well established for its sharp intelligence, self-reliance, and appetite for freedom.
Snake
In many cultures, the snake is a symbol of wisdom. In Greek mythology, snakes are the bringers of good luck. The Aztec's worshipped Quetzalcoatl, who was a large feathered serpent. Elsewhere, however, the snake gets a bad rap. In Nordic mythology, snakes are viewed as symbols of death, destruction, and pain; and the snake's association with evil and deceit has its origins in Christianity, where the snake is the animal who convinces Eve to take a bite out of the forbidden apple of knowledge. But it's not all bad. The snake today serves as a symbol of health and is present on the famous caduceus sign, which is a universal symbol of healthcare. The symbol originates from the story of Asclepius, who was revered by the ancient Greeks as a god of healing and whose cult involved the use of snakes. An example is the snake coiling round a staff in the World Health Organization logo.
Owl
Throughout history and across many cultures, people have regarded owls with fascination and awe. On the other hand, in some African cultures owls have often been considered birds of ill omen, the embodiment of evil spirits that lurk in dark places waiting for the moon to rise. Western culture generally equates the owl with knowledge, wisdom, and vigilance in the way ancient Greece did: Athena, Athens' patron goddess and the goddess of wisdom, had the owl as a symbol.
Tiger
The mighty tiger is symbolic of confidence and strength (personal and physical), and razor sharp instinct. More than just prized for its beauty and majesty, in Chinese culture tigers bear a greater symbolism—power and daring and a subject of awe and fear. Furthermore, this big cat is considered to be an embodiment of "yang," or positive energy. The tiger is a 'solar animal' in yin and yang philosophy, and associated with the sun, summer, and fire.
Wat about the Crane?
what about the “red lion”? oops i mean monkey.
Wheres the fox? One of the most intelligent animal that believes in not harming its own species...
Toad
For many cultures, such as ancient Egypt, toads represented fertility and renewal. Their close relationship to water also meant they were often regarded as a symbol of cleansing. As a spirit, they appear to us to heal our mind, body, and souls. However, in numerous fairy tales and in folklore, this amphibian is seen as a creature mainly used for witchcraft purposes, in sacrificial rituals or even as a source of dark black magic.
Bull
Bulls have long been important symbols in many cultures, commonly associated with strength, stamina, stability, confidence, and determination: we grab it by the horns to demonstrate our authority over situations! The bull, also known as Taurus in constellation form, has been celebrated in Paleolithic cave paintings and Bronze Age art. The bull plays an all-important role in Hindu philosophy as a sacred guardian. Similarly, in Sumerian and Hebrew culture the bull is seen as a symbol of protection.
Cat
While the cultural depiction of cats and their relationship to humans is old and stretches back over 9,500 years, the animal is regarded quite differently in cultures around the world. They can symbolize both good and bad luck. The ancient Egyptians, for example, believed cats were magical creatures, capable of bringing good luck to the people who housed them. Japan, on the other hand, has a long, often terrifying history of folklore involving monstrous supernatural cats. Historically, Western culture has also seen cats as bad luck symbols, with a black cat often associated with black magic. But these reclusive and evasive animals are generally perceived as lucky. After all, what other creature is granted nine lives?
Coyote
In some Native American coyote legends, this canine is a revered culture hero who creates, teaches, and helps humans. Indeed, it is the chief animal in the mythology and folklore of the North American Plains, California, and Southwest indigenous peoples. An enigmatic creature in many ways, the coyote symbolizes playfulness, trickery, and intelligence.
Deer
In many European mythologies, the deer was associated with woodland deities. For example, in Celtic religion the stag was a symbol for the god Cernunnos, "The Horned One." In English folklore, Herne the Hunter is a ghost with antlers growing from his head and who rides a horse, torments cattle, and rattles chains and tackle. William Shakespeare references Herne in his 1597 play 'The Merry Wives of Windsor.' Generally speaking, a deer symbolizes a beguiling mix of innocence, magic, fertility, luck, seduction, and curses.
Fox
As "cunning as a fox" is a well-oiled idiom used to describe an exceptionally shrewd, clever, and even devious character. Such is the fox, who in North American folklore is regarded as the trickster companion to the coyote. In Celtic mythology, the fox is wise and cunning, a shapeshifter who can switch between canine and human forms at will. Anyone possessed of a fox spirit is said to be quick-witted and quick-thinking.
Elephant
Their sheer size and grandeur has made one of the most ancient creatures on earth a truly symbolic animal in numerous cultures across Africa and Asia, where it is revered for its longevity, stamina, mental faculties, cooperative spirit, and loyalty. For centuries, India has regarded this majestic royal beast as its cultural symbol: Lord Ganesha is the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings, said be a remover of obstacles and a provider of fortune and good luck.
Frog
Frogs, like toads, symbolize transformation and fertility. This goggle-eyed amphibian has for centuries played a variety of roles in culture. Besides fertility, the ancient Greeks and Romans associated frogs with harmony and licentiousness. And it has always been seen as the connecting animal of the Water and Earth symbol, relocating as it does between the two habitats. In the Brothers Grimm 1812 fairy tale 'The Frog Prince,' a frog who is under a wicked fairy's spell magically transforms back into a handsome prince after being kissed by a princess—the ultimate symbol of transformation.
Monkey
Monkeys have been a part of popular culture for millennia, referenced in very early religions including Hinduism and Buddhism. The primate is symbolic of intelligence, grace, community, and charm. It's also seen as a symbol to ward off evil: the Japanese pictorial maxim "see no evil, speak no evil, and hear no evil" depicts three monkeys. Those who have the monkey as their spirit animal often display a playful and mischievous character, and also enjoy a balanced and sociable lifestyle.
Goat
Depicted as a symbol of fertility, abundance, aggression, and good luck in many ancient civilizations, the goat is also associated with the devil and demoniac goings-on. Indeed, the goat-devil features prominently in European iconography because of its horns and weird eyes. The animal has also been associated with predatory sexual potency and energy. Fortunately, the goat's hardy nature and supreme adaptability to harsh habitats endears itself to humanity as a creature that is inspired and determined, qualities that are often required in order to overcome some of life's most difficult obstacles.
We’re all animals in the animal kingdom
And I’m just an ordinary Sinkie sheep!
knn
And I am yours truly,
The Chao TURTLE
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