Adam and Eve - North Thurston Public Schools
AcornAcorns hold signifigance as a Scandanavian and Celitc symbol for life, fertility, and immortality. For this reason it is often sacred to the god Thor, who is ruler of fire and fertility. When it is carried on the person, it can often preserve youthfulness. Commonly believed to be androgynous. Also acts as the symbol for strength. The acorn is also the seed of the OAK tree.Adam and EveThey are the Biblical progenitors of the human race, the original couple, and are often associated with their "Fall." They succumbed to the serpent and ate the forbidden fruit of the TREE of Knowledge, thus becoming a symbol for the loss of immortality through violation. "It is of critical importance for symbology, that Adam and Eve prefigure all of the humans that descend from them both in their free will and in their need for salvation after their sinful deviation from God's plan" (Bieder man, 3).Adam -- Name is derived from 'earth' and can be thought of as representative of universal power. Body created from 8 directions: water - blood, stones - bones, sun - eye, earth - flesh, roots - ligaments, wind - spirit, clouds - thoughts, fire - warmth. Is the name giver to all things. Is the father of all kings, who become his direct descendants.Eve -- Appears as the excision of Adam, often created from the rib closest to his heart. Plays the role of the persuader in the fall, as she eats the APPLE first and then tells Adam to do the same. Can be thought of as the first and easiest to fall, but in Milton is often thought of as the more tricked. Portrait of absolute beauty and innocence. Mother of all things.AnchorCan mean hope, steadfastness, salvation, stability, and/or tranquility. In sea-faring nations, the anchor is a symbol of good luck, of safety, and of security, and thus of trust and confidence. In the early Christian era, the anchor was used as a form of the CROSS, because of the physical resemblance. Often seen as SERPENT twined, with the crescent moon symbolizing female, vulva and the mast representing male, around which the serpent, fertility and life, is wrapped.AngelsAngels are a manifestation of the traditional belief that there are spiritual creatures superior to man. "Creation was thought of as a ladder, with its top rung occupied by angels, immaterial beings made of pure spirit, whereas man consisted of both matter and spirit, a body and a soul"; (Julien, 15). They are the messengers of God, liasons between heaven and Earth, they are enlightenment. Angelic symbols include: flaming swords, trumpets, sceptres, musical instruments, lilies. Gothic art tends to express the protective and sublime aspects of the angel, while the Romanesque stresses its other-worldly nature.AntThe ant is consistently a symbol of diligence and industriousness. In Indian myth, however, they show the fragility of all living creatures. Often the ant is also associated with prudence and forethought, as even though they are not strong they gather food for winter. The multiplicity surrounding ants gives it unfavorable symbolism, sometimes compared with swarming humanity, and a sudden great increase in ants can spell war.ApeApes are almost universally negative images in Western culture, although they were often revered in the Indian, Egyptian, and Chinese traditions. In Christian symbology, however, they have long been considered a symbol of malice and physical ugliness, as a pejoritive epithet dating back to the ancient world. An ape with an APPLE in its mouth typically depicts the fall. They stand for uninhibited, filthy humans; in dreams, they are "that which is like the human without being human but which seeks to attain humanity" (Biederman, 16). With relation to humans, they can represent mimicry and also stages of development towards man. In psychology, they are the symbols of insecurity and doubt about one's own position or role.Appleleft0It is a complex symbol, with a variety of meanings and incorporated in a variety of contexts. It can mean love, knowledge, wisdom, joy, death, and/or luxury. The apple could be an erotic association with a woman's BREASTS, with the core sliced in half representing the vulva. In Greek mythology, the apple appears repeatedly; Hera received an apple as a symbol of fertility upon her engagement to Zeus. The apple of the Garden of Eden, is the symbol of temptation and of original sin. In secular terms, the apple functions as a symbol for the cosmos or totality, due to its nearly perfect spherical shape.ArchThe arch can be construed as the vault of the SKY. Various cultures link the arch to victory; Rome and France (L'arc de Triomphe) being two of the most prominent. Passing through an arch is the symbolic act of rebirth, of leaving the old behind and entering the new. They often mark access into holy places. Adopted by the Muslims as an emblem of faith. It also has a link to heaven, sanctuary and a secret place.ArrowThe arrow is a highly phallic image, evoking notions of piercing, penetrating masculinity, becoming the predominant symbol of the holy Father and of fathers in general. Related to this are the arrows of Cupid, the sharp ones of gold represent love, and the blunt ones of lead represent the dispelling of love. It is also associated with the rays of the sun, and with hunting. As the weapon of Apollo, it signifies the light of supreme power. Often paired with the HEART, and when it pierces through it is thought of as a symbol of conjunction. Has many other combinations: arrow with cross (affliction), horse-shoe (androgyne), fire (Christ).AssThis beast of burden is the epitome of humility, patience, and stupidity. It is obstinant yet persistent, and often represents the poor. In Christian tradition, the ass had many meanings, among them are: the naitivity and Satan. In dreams, the ass is usually a messenger of death or as the destroyer of a life-span.AxeThe axe is one of the oldest tools developed by humans; since the Neolithic age, it has been a symbol of battle and work. All ancient traditions associated the axe with lightning, water, and fertility, and attributed to it the power of making or stopping rain. It is a symbol of spiritual penetration and fertilization, as it opens the ground. The twin-bladed axe is often associated with the Hindu thunderbolt, so it is a symbol of celestial illumination. Related to the ox because of its shape, and can be a general talisman of strength.BatIt has qualities of both the bird and the mouse, rendering this animal a symbol of ANDROGYNE; it also has strong associations with darkness and obscurity, as a creature of the night. In Christian terms, the bat is viewed as "the bird of the devil" ( Cooper, 18), an incarnation of the Prince of Darkness. Although harmless, their close association with the blood-sucking vampire has given bats a terrifying connotation; they are a highly prevalent symbol in Western literature.High relation to black magic and witchcraft because it is visible at the critical period when day turns to night. Can pose as a symbol for terror, misfortune and even death - In Dante, Satan has bat's wings in 'deepest freezing Hell'. Supposedly when they fly upwards and then come down again swiftly, the witches' hour is upon.It is seen by some as a contradictory symbol, emblematic of happiness and long life in China while possessing a meaning not far removed from that of the dragon and the hermaphrodite in Western ALCHEMY.The bat is a symbol for death, superstition, fear, night, and cult and it is often linked to witchcraft and occults in the folktales form the West. On the contrary, the Chinese believe that it is a sign of happiness and good fortune and the Africans and ancient Greece believe it is a symbol of articulacy. The bat symbol is considered to be the most sinister and frightening of all the symbols. It is regarded as a sign of darkness and death due to the Western myths which tends to associate it with un-cleanliness. Due to these legends, the bat has been portrayed by the Western civilization as a form of devil and vampire particularly by Bram Stoker (1897) in his book “Dracula”. It brought out the bat to represent the evil creature.Even though some of these myths may be based on truth, others may not because most bats feed only on fruits and bugs but a few others feed on blood. Those that feed on blood drink the blood of cows and because they have an anticoagulant in their saliva, they can feed of these cows for about 20-30 minutes. Those that feed on blood are around three species of about 900 bat species around the world the rest that feed on fruits and bugs are not frightening after all. On the other hand, they are regarded as evil because they shun daylights and thus are night creatures that even tend to avoid bright moonlight.Bat has a surprising history because in the early Christian art, angels were depicted as having birdlike wings while the demons were having bat like wings similarly in the writings of St. Paul, women’s hair were said to attract demons and that is why they were supposed to be covered when they were in church. This lead to a tradition that allowed women to cover their hair by wearing hats to church and also because they believed that bats could fly directly into the hair. These legends therefore will associate a bat tattoo with images of night creatures, bloodsuckers and other scary interpretations according to one’s culture.On the contrary, when you come from China things would be different because the bat is seen here as a symbol of good fortune and happiness. Any image which contains five bats arranged in any pattern would represent these five types of happiness: love, love of virtue, riches, long life, happy death and peace. But the Native American legends tends to dispute this because they associate the bat with death because it flies at night and as a sign of rebirth because these bats always sleep with heads down. The face down act is associated to the position of the baby before birth. In the society of Shamans, the bat represents the desire to die a ritual death before one is able to develop into a new being. It is therefore an animal which represented initiations. ?BearThe bear is a symbol for strength, courage and tenacity. The bear also represent a gentle friendship and a docile follower in camouflage but its love for honey adds up an amusing element in the symbol of power and dignity.Being a unique animal and off wide rage, bear symbol is extremely popular in legends of many cultures around the world including those of Asian myths, North American and European. The animal is an omnivorous creature like human beings because it eats roots, nuts, honey, berries, bird’s eggs and grasses. The bear hunts for fish and both small and large game. The bear occupies the same ecological niche with man and competed for shelter in caves making the bear similar with the early man. The similarity also comes because the bears tend to stand on their hind legs like man when aggressive or when threatened.The early man started identifying with the bear for several reasons because from the early times when men were hunters and gatherers, they respected and feared the bear and at times even worshiped it because despite being a predator, it had power, strength and was furious. In many indigenous stories, the animal was seen as a transformed human that was a close intimate of humans. The Shamans and animist believe that bear is a powerful totem or spirit and when seen in people’s dreams, the animals are seen to be the guides from the spirits. People tend to emulate the virtue of the female bear because it is admirable seeing her protect her cub and their claws and teeth are used as amulets, decorations and talismans so as to stir up the powers of the bear. Bear symbols and tattoos also tend to serve similar functions.In addition to this, bear is a symbol of wisdom for the Lakota Sioux, spirit keeper for the Chippewa and introspection and strength. The bear has been associated with ferocity, diplomacy and healing powers. The Haida associate bear to an elder kinsman and when killed it is believed to be a high ranking guest. Many believe that as a wise creature, it gains wisdom through its winter incubation and it bears a symbol of maternal protection. It is still seen as a great warrior and the male is associated with King Arthur, it symbolizes great power under control, with claws significantly displayed on crests or on shields.left0The bear is a creature of contrasts, as it possesses enormous strenth and yet generally thrives on fruit and honey. Because of their habit of hibernation during winter months, bears can stand for ressurection. It was the emblem for the kingdoms of Persia and Russia. For the Celts, it is a symbol of the warrior, and in Christian symbolism we encounter the fable of the she-bear who gives birth to shapeless offspring and must lick them to give them form. Similarly, we are ignorant creatures who find our way only through spiritual knowledge. In Jungian psychology, the bear represents danger caused by the uncontrollable contents of the unconscious, and with this is often associated as an attribute of the man who is cruel and crude. The word 'berserk' most likely means 'bear-coat' and refers to a Norse warrior who morphs into a furious bear.Bee"Few creatures are as important in symbology as this insect and the life of its colonies. Virtually as soon as there were humans they began gathering wild honey. The bee has a certain association with professional advancement, [but] otherwise the bee was less the symbol of diligence than of a suitor with an eager fondness for the flower of womanhood" (Biederman, 35). In dreams, the bee represents approaching death: one's soul is buzzing off. They have often been viewed as brave, industrious, clean , politically harmonious, and aesthetically gifted; these qualities provide extensive fodder for symbolic representation. The bee represents perfect community, and although it is weak in body, it is strong in spirit and wisdom. "In Christian tradition , [the bee] is the emblem of Christ, of his forgiveness (through analogy with the sweetness of his honey), with his justice (through its sting), and Christian virtues (because of the exemplary way worker bees behave towards their queen" (Julien, 35).In Egyptian culture, associated with royal hierarchy because of their monarchic organization, industry, creative activity and wealth. In Paradise they were the 'little winged servents of God' only changing to brown after the fall, and, with EAGLES are the only animals that have access to heaven. They can detect inchastity, and a test of a girl's virginity is to throw her to the bees and see if they attack her.BellBells are commonly representative of joy and freedom, as with the American Liberty Bell. The shape of the bell is closely related to the vault of HEAVEN. A bell's pendulous motion can represent the extremes of good and evil; death and immortality. They are also integral to rituals of exorcism and excommunication, and they are a widspread mechanism for summoning (often even a call of Christ). Its sound is a symbol of creative power, but can also be a call to arms. Is also phallic in some senses, a bell and handle = a vulva and a phallus, the same with a bell and a tongue. Leads to embodiment of virginity, unmarried women adorn themselves with bells.BirdsIn most traditions, birds have a predominantly positive connotation. Said St. Hildegard of Bingen in her Liber de Subtilitatum, "Birds symbolize the power that helps people to speak reflectively and leads them to think out many things in advance before they take action. Just as birds are lifted up into the air by their FEATHERS and can remain wherever they wish, the soul in the body is elevated by thought and spreads its wings everywhere." They represent the human desire to escape gravity, to reach the level of the angel. The bird is often the disembodied human soul, free of its physical constrictions. In Egypt, birds with human heads are dominant characters and they are seen leaving the mouths of the dying. In FAIRY TALES, those who understand the language of the bird are often able to attain special knowledge, and people are often transformed into birds. They are thought and imagination, transcendence and divinity, freedom from materialism. May also stand for the metamorphosis of a lover. When connected with the TREE, shares something of the Phoenix: the male tree, in which the burning female nests. Natural enemies with the SERPENT and the tortoise (haste versus slowness). Flocks of birds may be negative.Bird Symbol Bird is a symbol of human soul and it represents goodness, joy, wisdom and intelligence. For other groups like the Western art it symbolizes air and touch and throughout the life time, the bird flight is the symbol our soul journeying to the future. Additionally birds on flight represent the light of the spirit for hope, beauty and transcendence.Birds are powerful symbol metaphors for human moods and a range of emotions and beauty. The gentle Dove represents a feeling of devotion and divine, the crow refers to the nagging old woman, the flirtatious Partridge while the proud Cockerel represents amorous gentlemen. The Rooster represents a countries heritage, the vulture represents an extremely masculine symbol of a man who runs after all girls, the conjugal bliss are associated with mates for life, the little Mexican parrot for affection and are called love birds while others are associated with the feminine. In rural Africa the hen is associated to a motherly woman while in Britain, the chick and the birds are synonyms for girlfriend.Parrots are in most cases featured in Nautical Tattooing while swallows and bluebirds are associated with the sea and sailors. The bird’s beaks and feathers and all their wings have provided human imagination symbols that stand as history and show the human journey from birth until his soul leaves the earth to the ancestral lands. Egyptians god Atum chose a bird to represent the moment of creation while birds of prey were symbols of victorious conquest for the Vikings and Goths. Ravens were seen as wise and clever by the Odin and Norse Gods and ravens and crows were seen as tricksters, shape-shifters and are associated with Shamans and Medicine Men in North America. Other people from Hilda of the Pacific Northwest belong to the Eagle or the Raven Clan since Raven is seen as the creator of the world since it stole the sun from where it was hidden and allowed it to shine.The Bible referred to the Rooster because it has the habit of calling his flock to eat before he eats, the crane is with happiness in China, the Swallow, often known as the Bluebird is known for a good omen, hope and for sailors it is a sign of close land while the Owl is associated with all magical and mysterious and mysterious things because it is a feared night hunter, its unique ability to fly silently and see and hear well in the dark. ?BlackBlack represents a lack of color, the primordial void, emptiness. It can also mean sorrow or mourning, in the Christian tradition of wearing black to funerals. In this respect it can also symbolize death. Black is also linked to witchcraft (Black Magic), evil, and the unknown, as the predominant color worn by "evil witches" in colonial America. The stock market crash of 1929, dubbed "Black Tuesday" further links the color with loss, depression, and despair.BloodBlood globally represents life itself, as the element of divine life that functions within the human body. It is repeatedly referred to as having magic powers and as the only food for the supernatural beings, and it is also associated with "a variety of non-rational notions, includ[ing] blood brotherhood, blood vengeance, blood baptism. Since it corresponds so readily with the color red, it represents the end of a series which begins with sunlight (yellow) and follows intermediately with vegetable life (green). Closely tied with passion, but also with death, war, sacrifice (specifically sheep, hog, bull and man) and the warding off of malicious powers -- 'blood has flowed, the danger is past' (Arabic saying). Close ties to guilt, especially as bloodstains.In Hitler's vocabulary, blood meant "race," heritage, genetic information. In the classical theory of procreation, menstrual blood is one of the two components from which new life comes about..."(Biederman, 43). Fertility.Blood and WINE are interchangeable symbols; in Chinese symbolism, blood and WATER are associated as complementaries, as THE YIN AND THE YANG. The term cold blood refers to unfeeling. When used in reference to Christ, represents atoning for all humanity -- 'See, see where Christ's blood streams in the firmament!' (Marlowe, Doctor Faustus, 16).BlueBlue is the color most often associated with issues of the spirit and intellect. It is the color of SKY and HEAVEN, also having strong connections with nearly all forms of WATER; for this reason it can have feminine, cool, and reflective qualities. Its link to the sky also connotes eternity and immensity, time and space. Blue may be truth (no clouds to hide it) and transparency; it is linked to loyalty, fidelity, constancy, and chastity. Many babies are born with blue eyes, thus innocence and purity can be attributed to the color. With relation to MOON, can represent tender love, passive qualities, and deep wisdom. Also witchcraft; when lights burn blue there are ghosts about. According to Jung, is the opposite of red, enlarges a room but adds coldness.BoatThe boat represents a journey, a crossing, adventure, and exploration.? It is also the femininity and "sheltering aspect of the Great Mother" (Cooper, 1978). Reference in literature as the cradle rediscovered (the mother's womb).Crossing the SEA can be viewed as being symbolic of making the journey across life; therefore, a boat can be seen as that which enables us to make such a journey, whether it be faith, education, desire, curiosity, or any other such motivation. In a general sense, a vehicle.BonesThey are the last earthly traces of the dead, and seem to last forever: bones symbolize the indestructible life (it represents ressurection in Jewish tradition), yet also may represent mortality and the transitory. Flesh and bones can symbolize the earth. In general speech, can connote lack of flattery or the truth.In William Blake it refers to the past, tradition that often has to be broken. In T.S. Eliot, thoughts of something beyond the flesh, historical knowledge or memory.Bookleft0?The book is the material incarnation of knowledge and wisdom. It contains the central doctrine of nearly every existing religion: in holy scriptures, it contains the Word, the divine message. It is the container of intellect; open books depict the book of life, learning, and the spirit of wisdom. It is truth and mercy. Closed book is in the hands of God, Divine Mystery. One of the eight Chinese emblems with the power to ward off evil spirits. Also related to weaving.Closely tied to symbol of SWORD, specifically related to a double-edge sword in the mouth showing the book is written 'inside and outside', or esoteric and exoteric knowledge.BridgeThe bridge is inherently symbolic of communication and union, whether it be between heaven and earth or two distinct realms. For this reason it can be seen as the connection between God and Man. It may be the passage to reality, or merely a symbol for travel and crossing. In dreams, a bridge symbolizes the passage from one state to another, higher one, like an ascension; it is the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. In many cultures it is the link between what can be perceived and what is beyond perception, or at least a change or desire for change. Can be a test to see who is brave (who will cross).BrownBrown is often associated with the EARTH. In a Christian context, it can mean spiritual death, or a segregation or ?death? to the world because some groups of monks, friars, etc... wear brown. Hindu belief links this color to the northern region. Often related to autumn, melancholy. As a Victorian symbol, shows lack of emotion. Sorrow, barrenness. Characteristics of those inclined to brown are calmness, passivity, conservative, dependable, practical and earthly.BullThe bull is usually related, in its solar sense, to the masculine, strength, the SUN, and KINGLY power. Horns are seen as the sun-bow, shooting its ray-arrows. Is a God to a great many ancient cultures.But the bull can also be a lunar symbol, when ridden by a MOON goddess. In this context the bull usually has the meaning of the taming of masculine and animal nature. Its horn, in this case, are seen as a moon-shape. It is connected with humidity and rain. In Egypt, it is a passive power as opposed to the active LION. Together with the solar connotation, represents earth and the underworld, fertility and reincarnation, often connected with the wandering souls of the dead.In general, shows fecundity, protector qualities, sacrifice, chastity and patience. Many of its body parts, especially the tail, foot and hide, are also symbolic of special powers, fertility and land respectively. In the zodiac, the sign of Taurus represents the sun and the spring. Bull Symbol The bull symbolizes fighting ability and male fertility while the symbol of the bull stands for valor and magnanimity ever since the prehistoric times.The bull symbol represents heaven in Babylonia and Syria with the god of storm riding on its back. In Egypt it is a symbol of royalty and is sacrificed in religious rituals for millennia, associated with the sun, fire, resurrection, earth, water, night and even death. Since its blood is used in sacrifices, it is associated with the death of winter and the return of spring; they are emblems of death, tyranny, ferocity, brutality, stubbornness, lust, and the Devil. The jumping of man over bulls shows the mans superiority over animals as is seen in Ancient Crete but on the contrary leading a bull to the arena sometimes symbolizes when Christ was led to the cross.Since the bull has different colors, black bulls were associated with death as in Egypt where god Osiris' body was borne on the back of a black bull while In Indonesia and India bodies of princes were cremated in coffins baring shapes of bulls. The wild nature of the bulls, its roar, the windy breath and the sound of his hooves were associated to tempests, thunder, wind and ocean respectively. This made them be seen as sea gods like Poseidon, Adad, Thor, and Ishkur who were depicted as riding bulls.Bull symbolizes strength and fertility in Hinduism. The cow here represents a fruitful earth while the bull is the fertile sky. The Rig-Veda associated the bull to a heavenly creature that fertilized the earth with his sperm. This bull was known as bull Rudra. They called their god Agni mighty bull while the bull-god Vrishabha was known to be responsible for the spinning of the cosmic wheel. The Nandi bull symbolizes sexual energy when ridden by Shiva but this energy is transformed at times to spiritual energy. In India Shiva's white bull stands for cosmic order, strength and justice. In some cultures the violent earthquakes are caused since celestial bull is believed to carry the world upon its horns and at times gets rowdy.ButterflyButterfly Symbol Butterfly symbol represents the soul and resurrection in several parts of the world. The butterfly in itself represents life and its cycle.The butterfly has a short life cycle and thus many ancient peoples saw it as representative of the impermanent. Its physical beauty and its nature of moving from flower to flower seeking nectar has made people to associate it with unstable and superficial aspects of the human soul. Butterfly is looked as a symbol of transformation, regeneration and flight because human souls were carried by the Butterfly from earth to heaven. In Minoan Crete and Toltec Mexico butterflies personified deities and therefore the deities were regarded as symbols of beauty, love, flowers, and the spirits of the dead. The group form Popolucas sported the Butterfly as a motif on their breastplates while in Rome it was the personal symbol of The Roman Emperor, Augustus. In Japan, after flying from the cocoon and spreading its brand new wings it is symbol of young girls which represents emerging beauty and grace, the change is regarded as joyful and not traumatic. Their favorite symbol is that of warlords.In its metamorphosis from the common, colorless caterpillar to the exquisite winged creature of delicate beauty, the butterfly has become a metaphor for transformation and hope; across cultures, it has become a symbol for rebirth and resurrection, for the triumph of the spirit and the soul over the physical prison, the material world. Among the ancients, is an emblem of the soul and of unconscious attraction towards light. It is the soul as the opposite of the worm. In Western culture, the butterfly represents lightness and fickleness. Note Owen Warland's spiritual progression in Nathaniel Hawthorne's Artist of the Beautiful as it parallels the development of the butterfly which he struggles to mechanically recreate. In China, secondary meanings of joy and bliss. Is very closely related to love, especially with wings and when being burned in Cupid's hand that is not holding the bow. Wantonness, especially in Shakespeare. In Yeats, the opposite of the hawk, intuition as opposed to logic.CandleThe candle symbolizes light in the darkness of life especially individual life, illlumination; it is the symbol of holy illumination of the spirit of truth. Lit in times of death, they signify the light in the next world, and they represent Christ as the light. Purification and cleansing closely related. Festive in nature; in Judaism the holiday Hanukah is the 'Festival of Lights', and a candle is lit for each of the 8 nights. Used to ward off evil spirits, life safe as long as candle burns; in relation to Halloween, candles were carried from eleven til midnight, if the candle went out it was an evil omen, if it didn't it meant one year free from witchcraft.Its components also have great meaning: wax - pure flesh or humanity, wick - soul, light - love, divinity, flame - godhead, fire - obedience, heat - humility.Cat Symbol Cat is a symbol for spiritual power, freedom, love of liberty and bad luck in Japan. On the contrary the black cat is linked to evil cunning in the Celtic world and with harmful djins in Islamic world.A cat is an independent, recovers quickly and has freedom of thought. The cat is famed for agility for having nine lives. It has appeared in folklores as a symbol of good and bad luck and has been revered as sacred animal, god and at times despised as an agent of evil. In Ancient Egypt it represents a powerful animal totem and a feminine principle where it stands for fertility, motherhood is also associated with the Moon. In the Book of the Dead it is a defeater of the evil Apep but many Egyptian deities were depicted as cats and therefore exporting the animal was forbidden and its killing was punishable by death. In Thailand, the 'Siamese' cat was the sacred temple cat and with its keen senses of sight, smell, hearing and touch, the cat is a hunting animal that is why it was accepted by man as a symbol of beauty and grace and even as a protector of the household where it gets rid of the popular disease carrying rodents. In Europe, the cat is honored as an exalted soul and at other times it is associated with witches and the occult (especially the black cat). ?It is therefore seen as a symbol of superstition and bad luck. For sailors it was a symbol of good luck. The British on the other hand during the World Wars used the cat because it is highly sensitive to radar system, it could detect poisonous gas before humans could. ?ChainChains are the physical constraints of bondage and slavery; it is not surprising, therefore, that they have naturally come to symbolize these concepts. Chains also represent communication and marriage, a powerful and lasting unity between two entities. Of power and spirituality, Louis XI of France - "thou are so ferocious in battle that thou must be chained up, for I do not wish to lose thee lest I need thy help once more." In Egypt, can also stand for dual streams, involution and evolution, of the universe. In Greek mythology, can be a ladder to heaven, Zeus pulls it up. Chain of gold shows merit. CircleThe circle is a universal symbol with extensive meaning. It represents the notions of totality, wholeness, original perfection, the Self, the infinite, eternity, timelessness, all cyclic movement, God ('God is a circle whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere' (Hermes Trismegistus)). As the sun, it is masculine power; as the soul and as encircling waters, it is the feminine maternal principle. "It implies an idea of movement, and symbolizes the cycle of time, the per petual motion of everything that moves, the planets' journey around the sun (the circle of the zodiac), the great rhythm of the universe. The circle is also zero in our system of numbering, and symbolizes potential, or the embryo. It has a magical value as a protective agent, ... and indicates the end of the process of individuation, of striving towards a psychic wholeness and self-realization" (Julien, 71).With the number ten, symbolizes heaven and perfection as well as eternity. In Jung, the antithesis of the square (lowest state of man who has not achieved inner perfection), standing for the ultimate state of Oneness, with octagon in between. Circle of Necessity: birth, growth, decline, death. Defense against chaos, formlessness. Related to YIN YANG. CrabCrabs can be most closely related to the zodiacal sign of Cancer and the shortening of days after the peak of summer, thus related to death with the Summer-solstice and the death of the Sun-hero through Cancer. The movement of the SUN (what causes the diminution of daylight) connects the crab with dishonesty and unreliability. Most crabs, being crustaceans, have hard shells like ARMOR. Crabs are found either on land or in WATER, suggesting a dual nature that crabs may represent. Associatied with bad-temperedness, aggressiveness. Claws gripping, especially in dreams related to lobster, means sexual relations one wants to be free from. Also in dreams, morally repressed sex, the orgasm, a gripping sensation in the abdomen. Cross"It is a world centre and therefore a point of communication between heaven and earth and a cosmic axis, thus sharing the symbolism of the cosmic tree, mountain, etc. The cross represents the Tree of Life and the Tree of Nourishment; it is also a symbol of universal, archetypal man, capable of infinite and harmonious expansion on both the horizontal and vertical planes; the vertical line is the celestial, spiritual and intellectual, positive, active and male, while the horizontal is the earthly, rational, passive, and negative and female, the whole cross forming the primordial ANDROGYNE. [In Christian terms], it is the salvation through Christ's sacrifice; redemption; atonement; suffering; faith. The cross also signifies acceptance of death or suffering and sacrifice" (Cooper, 46). Crossroads are often thought of as symbolizing points of intersection between the paths of living and the dead;and as a framework for coordinates, the cross gives people the ability to orient themselves within space and time. Acts as an amulet against danger, weapon against monster, even devil.Many crosses besides the normally thought of Christian one: Simple (orientation on a plane surface), St. Andrew's (union of the Upper and Lower worlds), Arrow-head (centrifugal/away from the center forces), doubled (parallel forces), Maltese (centripetal forces), Templars (forces around a circumference), Teutonic (four triangles, centripetal tendency), Ovals (continuous movement), Knobbed extremeties (four Cardinal Points of space).DogThe dog is the first domesticated animal, and is symbolically associated with loyalty and vigilance, often acting as guardian and protector. Dogs are portrayed as guides and companions, hence the notion of "man's best friend." Often associated with art and cunning, as it can be trained to do the greatest variety of jobs.While rarely negative symbols, they do have some unfavorable characteristics. Can be a depraved animal, cursed their enemies. 'Sick as a dog' came from the notion that they return to their vomit. Hated (with a few exceptions) at the end of the Bible: 'dogs, and sorcery, and whoremongers' outside New Jerusalem. Also a scavenger, envy, flattery, fury, war, greed, pitiless, bragging and folly. Shakespeare often linked them negatively with kites.Dog Symbol Dog is a symbol for companion and guardian. In a positive light they are a symbol of loyal, faithful, honesty and willing to fight injustice.The dog is seen as a powerful symbol of loyalty, intelligence and vigilance. As a descendant from the Asiatic Wolf man’s relationships with dogs goes back over 40,000 years and then it was the 11th sign of the Zodiac where it represented symbols both positive and negative. In some ancient civilizations the Dog was a symbol of the underworld. In Egypt, the guardian of the dead was Anubis who was a dog-headed god. The jackal portrayed as black was the symbol of both death and regeneration. The Dog’s quality made it associated to a guardian and therefore the protector of souls that entered the underworld. Its ability see well in the dark makes it a symbol of instinctive knowledge and the Greeks, North American Indians and Romans were said to associate Anubis with a star (Sirius) and called it a dog star. Additionally, in ancient Mexico, the dog was buried with human sacrifice so that it could guide it to the hereafter while in ancient Scottish legend the green dog of the faerie world was believed to drive nursing mothers into the hills so as to provide milk for the fairy creatures. In the recent world, a dog is a beloved human companion and friend because of its fidelity, loyalty, and affection. Despite this some cultures it is considered unclean.Dolphin Symbol The dolphin is a symbol for salvation, transformation and love. Dolphin symbol is popular and can be traced back to a long standing understanding between man and Dolphin. The animal carries a divine spark that is different from those of other animals and that is why the early man was fascinated by it intelligence and their ability to herd schools of fish in order to make easy prey.To the ancient Greeks and Romans sailors, dolphins were a symbol of divine protection and guidance because they aided the sailors by surfing the bow wave of ships at sea. They were seen to be messengers for the gods and were therefore associated with the Nereids, Poseidon's daughters, the heroine Galatea, the goddess of love Aphrodite and the music-loving sun god (Apollo). While in Sumeria, they were connected to the goddess Isis in Egypt, Ea-Oannes and to the deity of the sea.The Celts associated it with the healing power of water and some Australian tribes claim to be direct descendants of dolphins who they regarded as guardian spirits. They tend to think that dolphins sometimes represent bad lucky because they may tempt unknowing men and women into the water where they would be taken to Encante which is an underwater world of no return. In European heraldry it is an important symbol and often features on Heraldic coats-of-arms to represent diligence, salvation, charity and love. Others still believe that dolphins serve as human connection and the underwater world of the sea. ?Eagle Symbol The eagle is a symbol for power, action, speed and perception, it has powers of intuition, creativity and can balance power with grace all these because the eagle has sharp vision which gives it the ability to see hidden truths and spiritual principles. Around the world, the eagle has been adopted as an emblem.As an ancient symbol the eagle is associated to solar and the Greeks regarded it as the sacred emblem of Zeus and as the highest god by the Druids. For those fighting for freedom, the Eagle's ability to fly high to the tops of mountains and silently into valleys, makes it associated to a free spirit. In myth and legend, the Eagle represents the Sun God who symbolizes light and power fire and water as its elements. It is also a symbol of spiritual power and courage because it does not fear thunder and lightning. When the eagle symbol is shown in imagery with the snake, it stands for conflict. Often perceived as supreme in the air just like lion is lord of the land, it has widely been used as a symbol of leadership, emperors and warriors. It represents all that is majestic and noble because of its alertness, epitome of speed, power and light. In Norse legend, the bird is associated with the god, Odin because of its wisdom and light. The Greeks and Persians on the other hand consecrated the Eagle to the Sun while the Mexicans saw the eagle symbol as the god of vegetation. The Native American culture represented the eagle with the thunderbird and believed that its feathers are believed to carry prayers to the sun. EagleWith its acute eyesight, the eagle has come to embody an all-seeing EYE. The eagle is often a solar symbol, and can be linked to all sky gods. It signifies inspiration, release from bondage, victory, longevity, speed, pride, father and royalty; it is often an emblem for powerful nations. The Roman, French, Austrian, German, and American peoples have all adopted this image as their symbol. Hence, a two-headed eagle has come to often mean the union of two nations, but it also means creative power. In psychological symbology, the eagle is viewed as "a mightily winged creature in the heavens of the mind" (Biederman, 110). Since it lives in full light of the sun, it is considered luminous and shares characteristics with air and fire. Through its detachment from earth it represents spirit and soul. Dante has called the eagle of 'bird of God', while Jung defines it merely as height.The eagle is often depicted in combat with other animals; when seen in combat with a bull or lion, it represents the spirit or the intellect in conflict with the physical. When shown with a SERPENT in its talons, the two represent the struggle and unity of LIGHT and DARKNESS; good and evil. In this context the eagle depicts LIGHT and good, while the serpent represents evil and DARKNESS. Often its opposite is the owl -- the bird of darkness and death.Elephant Symbol In China, India and Africa, the elephant is a symbol for power, dignity, intelligence and peace.The elephant is generally considered a symbol of good luck and the animal is a symbol of good fortune. Elephants in Asia are symbolizing a kind of divinity and benevolence and that is why in the recent Asia there are still religious ceremonies where offering is made to the elephants, they wash them and anoint them with special oils and pigments so that the community be blessed with good will. They also symbolize wisdom, loyalty, strength, fidelity and longevity.As a symbol of wisdom, the elephant is said to attain old age and with all its wisdom. The animal is highly revered for its strength and power. With different species, the white elephant having been chosen by Buddha was because he wanted to use it for his many incarnations. The white elephant is a rare animal and their appearance today will still be considered a phenomenon of the gods. It is the most positive animal symbol known with no negative consequence. There are several lessons we can learn from the elephant and these too are used as its symbol: strength, wisdom, solitude, strong sense of loyalty to the family and intelligence. Other communities still consider the Elephant to be a strong symbol of luck. And thus the saying goes keep a lucky elephant at the door to your house so that you can get protection from bad luck. ?FeatherThe feather is absolute lightness, flight, the element of WIND and AIR. To wear feathers is to assume the powers of the bird, and thus puts the wearer in touch with the knowledge of the BIRD. Can also mean emptiness, dryness, height, flight, soul/heart, charity, faith and justice. Three feathers often connotes power, divinity and Light. Crimson feathers are normally associated with fairies. A feather crown is a halo.Fireleft0??????????????? Fire consumes, warms, and illuminates, but can also bring pain and death; thus, its symbolic meaning varies wildly, depending upon the context of its use. It is often the symbol of inspiration, and yet it is also the predominant symbol of HELL; fire is the only one of the "FOUR ELEMENTS" that humans can produce themselves, so it bridges the connection between mortals and gods. Rituals often involve an eternal flame, and kindling a fire is equated with birth and resurrection. Can be spiritual enlightenment, sexuality - "light my fire" and fertility.Fire can also be seen as a force of purification (Cooper, 1978).? In a more modern context, forest fires, while looked upon as destructive and costly by modern society (and especially by the various media), are actually, from a scientific and ecological point of view quite positive as a mode of purification -- old growth that is burned away makes way for new growth to begin, and the entire ecosystem is rejuvenated. Fire is viewed by Christians, the Chinese, and the Hebrews as being a symbol of divinity (Cooper, 1978).? In Christianity, fire can also be symbolic of religious zeal and martyrdom. In Egypt it represents a sense of superiority and control. Many cultures view fire as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. FishThe symbolic nature of fish is as inseparable from that of WATER as the two are connected in life. In psychology, water symbolizes the depths of the unconscious, and fish are the "live material from the depths of the personality, relating to fertility and the life-giving powers of the maternal realms within us" (Biederman, 131). Fish can also be symbolic of the faithful submerged in the waters of life. Yet fish are also cold-blooded, not driven by passion, and often represent such emotionless entities. In latin Christian symbology, the fish is related to Christ. Jesus told Peter (the first apostle), a fisherman by trade, that he would become a "fisher of men" if he were to follow Christ. For its connection with Christ it has also come to embody resurrection and immortality, as well as the savior. Often with ICTHS - Jesus Christ, son of god, savior.Its character can be considered two-fold: by shape it becomes a bird of the nether regions, sacrifice between heaven and earth; and by its plethora of eggs it represents fecundity. Can be sexual (male) in a phallic sense with a frog (female). Can also be seen as wisdom, faith, freedom, wholeness and purity. Two fishes can be marriage, while three is baptism.FlowerThe flower and the blossom are both universal symbols of young life. Flowers are associated with the SUN, because the arrangement of its petals is reminiscent of the shape of a STAR; they may be innocent representatives of spring, or they may designate lust and the realm of the erotic. They are transitory, evoking a certain "joie de vivre," or an understanding of the fragile quality of childhood. The flower is often a representative of beauty. The color of the flower often has a great deal to do with the symbolism it carries; red is love and passion, white is innocence and blamelessness.Virtue, goodness and purity are three widely associated traits. However, it can be temptation as well: proverb "Look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under't." Love, especially feminine, with the vulva and virginity - a girl is deflowered when she loses her virginity. Scattered flowers often mean joy, especially in context with rosebearers of a wedding.FootUsually ambivalent. Direct contact with mother earth. Is phallic with the shoe as the vulva and the foot itself as a euphemism for genitals. Can connote dying, passing on as well as slow wandering. Bare feet is a sign of mourning and respect. Footprints have high relation to black magic - fairies have no footprints. Can also bring luck and prosperity."In old customs an in art, footprints and worn-out shoes smbolized real presence. [The foot] is also an infantile phallic symbol: in the story of Cinderella, the slipper is a female symbol and the foot a phallic one. Feet are points of contact with the ground, good conductors of the magical or spiritual fluid with which a holy man is charged and which would disappear if in contact iwth the ground" (Julien, 163). Fox Symbol The fox is a symbol for intelligence, cunning and slyness. In the medieval period, it appeared as a symbol of the devil but in China and Japan fox is brings wealth.The fox is a symbol of a cunning predator, intelligent, agile and charming which makes it possible for its small size to hunt. The traits above makes it became a symbol of wildness and diplomacy. The fox entered myth and folklore because some communities say it is a messenger of the gods and communicates between souls of the living and the dead. It is therefore go-between and intermediary. In the contrary throughout the ancient world, the fox was associated with supernatural powers that made the humans to seek for its help in seeking favors from the gods. For the fox deities, it symbolizes power and stealth.In pre-Christian Europe, the fox was a symbol for the gods of the forest, mountain and vegetation, people made sacrifices to the fox because it also stood for fertility. The folktales brought about the intelligence of the fox but because of its nocturnal adventures it was identified with evil, death, and the night. From some myths in China, the shape-shifter fox which could various colors during winter and summer made it to be associated to dangerous seductress. On the contrary, the Japan reverted fox as a messenger of rice deities (Shinto). They also regarded it as a symbol of transformation. On the contrary, there is a saying that beautiful women are known as 'foxy' because they are lithe, lean and with some danger about them. This is a positive character attributed to human.?GoldGold is illuminating, sacred, durable; it is precious. It is almost universally associated with the SUN, or the highest stage in spiritual development. The first is black - sin and penitence; then white - remission and innocence; then red - sublimation and passion. It is heralded as embodying the powers of the EARTH, and it is light. It is the heart of the earth, so it is symbolic of superiority. Has many symbols of fertility, the Tree of Life supposedly had gold roots, plus wealth and abundance. Its immunity from rust brings it connotations of immortality and incorruptibility. It is an amulet for wounded people. Along with being the heart of the earth, gold represents heart, love and blood. In Melville's Moby Dick, sun, blood and gold are together. Combinations: a golden apple is immortality, ball is wisdom, sun, chain is honor, dignity, respect and wealth.GrayGray is often seen as neutral, depression, and humility. Ashes are usually grey in color, and therefore a natural correlation exists between the two. Christianity commonly views grey as symbolic of death of the body while the sould remains eternal. Hebrew tradition relates the color grey to wisdom.GreenGreen is a dualistic color. It can represent envy, evil, and trickery, and/or growth, renewal, and life, as lush vegetation. In Arthurian legend the green knight slew all who attempted to cross his bridge, until he was killed by Arthur. In this respect green can be seen as death's unbiased nature and the slaying of the naive. Vegetation, earthly, growing things. Fertility, Mother Earth, life, nature. Resurrection, permanence, and love, which was the color of Aphrodite, Greek love goddess, born from the green sea. It is usually a feminine color, but is also one of neutrality, passivity and indecision. In most Shakespeare the sea is green, and is often related to memory.A sign of freshness and youth along with virtue and peace. Hospitality and knowledge also follow. Can be thought of as expectation in relation to spring hopes. As the national color of Ireland it is supposed to bring luck, especially on St. Patrick's Day.In psychology, related to sensations, persons liking green are often defensive and withdrawn or cold.HaloThe halo links individuals with divine power. It commonly emphasizes wisdom and life force emanating from the head, and it usually tied with the notion of the supernatural. They originate from the power and luminosity of the SUN. In art is often an expression of a man's destiny; the cage within which every man can move about his own predetermined being. Also sometimes associated with the MOON.Hammerleft0The hammer is essentially a masculine force, and when striking or crushing it represents justice and revenge. The hammer is not only a tool; it represents might. When paired with an anvil, represents ANDROGYNE, and with that often fertility and creation. The hammer is the thought while the anvil is the brain.It is used often by the gods; it is Thor's most valued (but often lost) possession. They use it for destruction, protection and fertilization, but it also symbolizes immortality. Destiny is linked with the hammer too, as well as violence and manual labor.HeartThe heart is the locus of physical and spiritual being, and represents the "central wisdom of feeling as opposed to the head-wisdom of reason" (Cooper, 82). It is compassion and understanding, life-giving and complex. It is a symbol for love. Often known as the seat of emotions, the heart is synonymous with affection. In Egypt, represented life-essence, as the mummified had their heart preserved, first part of man to live, last to die. Hearts also carry senses of intellect and understanding, as well as connotations of the soul, along with come will and courage. Is the central point (with the brain and sexual organs being the endpoints) of the vertical scheme of the human.Horse Symbol The horse is a symbol for velocity, vitality and beauty and it represent power like that of the wind, storm, fire and waves.People often revered the horse for its strength, speed and stamina. In addition to these qualities, it is reared because of its beauty and grace that is why it is considered an important animal totem in many cultures. Others associate the horse with power and wealth thus it is always associated with Kings, upper classes, emperors, the Nobility and aristocracy.Horse in ancient Greece was given not only wings but immortality because it is able to recognize its owner and appears to return their love for it. It has then been a symbol of mutual respect. Symbol of friendship comes from its ability to love running wild, trustworthiness, stamina and power. The qualities express the victory over hardship or oppression and in Europe it is a religious symbol for the warrior. In addition, the famous White Horse of Uffington was the tribal symbol of local chieftains. Its color was also of great significance during those times because it was the emblem of peace. The war horse on the other hand was red while a black horse was the symbol of mourning.In Chinese mythology, the Horse was related to the Dragon since it took its place in the folktales but still it was an emblem of power and virtue. All in all a horse remains the symbol of the free spirit and its intuitive intelligence. ?KnifeIt is a tool with loaded symbolic meaning; the knife signifies severence, death, sacrifice, division, or liberation. In Buddhism, cutting with a knife represents deliverance, as in cutting the bonds of ignorance. In Christianity, it represents martyrdom. A base, secret weapon. Connotes revenge and sudden defense, often hidden, concealed. Psychology refers to it as the instinctive forces of man. Often related to TEETH in literature.LambIn Christianity, the lamb represents Christ as both suffering and triumphant; it is typically a sacrificial animal, and may also symbolize gentleness, innocence, and purity. When depicted with the LION, the pair can mean a state of paradise. In addition, the lamb symbolizes sweetness, forgiveness and meekness. Relations to the month March. A BLACK lamb has certain significance - a flock cannot prosper without one yet more than one is bad luck. Can represent pure thoughts of a just man.LeafWhile GREEN leaves depict hope, renewal, and revival, dead leaves represent decay and sadness. In general, leaves are symbolic of fertility and growth, and in the Chinese tradition the leaves of the Cosmic Tree represent all of the beings in the universe. Leaves also connote people by way of their vast number, and relate back to dress in context with Adam, who covered himself with a leaf after first learning the shame of human nakedness. They often give a scary feeling, as the rustling of nearby leaves can mean evil is lurking near. The term 'turning over a new leaf' is a Western idiom offering people a chance to start anew and amend their past mistakes. However, this term does not exist in cultures that do not isolate time and space, such as the Hopi Indians; to these people, the self is the culmination of a person's past, and therefore the two cannot be disconnected.LightningThe bolt of lightning is a traditional symbol of sudden illumination and the destruction of ignorance; it also represents a punishment of humans by the gods from the skies, most commonly attributed to Zeus, king of the gods. In dreams, the lightning bolt is an image of sudden and terrible events and a symbol of intuition. Although it can carry negative connotation, lightning is also a form of divine message, honoring those chosen. Its shape allows phallic relations, and Jung sees lightning as liberating the soul.LionThe lion is a very diverse symbol. Its most common traits are: majesty, strength, courage, justice, and military might. It can be both solar and lunar. Commonly reffered to as "the KING of the beasts," it is a symbol of Kingly power and might, but as the lioness it is commonly related to the Great Mother and protection. In a Christian context, the lion can be the power and might of Christ, or the open maw of Satan. Greek myth links this beast to Heracles and his epic wrestling match with a supernatural lion, which no earthly weapon could harm. In this context the lion is death, beaten by the solar hero. After killing the lion with his bare HANDS, Heracles wore its skin as a sort of ARMOR. As the opposite of the EAGLE, the lion can represent earth, as the presider over many floods he can represent fertility, and as a hellish beast he can represent the underworld. Relates to almost any proud, courageous characteristic. In psychology, the wild lion is the type of the latent passions, the dangers of the Unconscious. The parts of the lion carry different symbolism as well: carcase - connected with honey; head - care and vigilance; tooth - eternal and indestructable, Yeats; winged - fire.Lion Symbol The lion is a symbol for deathless courage, strength, fearlessness, bravery and royalty. Its body has been used in mythological creatures and in most cases when composing the body of the sphinx in Egyptian community.Seen as the lord of the land, the lion is compared to the Eagle which is supreme in the air. Lion is one of the favorite symbols of leadership, warriors and emperors. It is not only seen as a leader on earth but also in the spiritual realms. The lion has speed, is alert and has power, this represents all that is majestic. Just like the eagle, Kings and emperors have long included it on their coat of arms to symbolize supreme strength. Lion as a symbol of power, courage and strength was seen by Egyptians to represent wealth. They used the lion on tribe banners at the time when Moses took the Israelites out of Egypt. In today’s world since the roar of the animal is strong, it is often associated with fearlessness. The lion has captured imagination of human beings for many centuries as a sign of majesty. When the animal is carved on statues they are commonly found guarding palaces, bridges, temples and tombs. Its strength and courage have made it to be associated with power as well as grandeur. This animal knows how to get what he wants since they have the ability to knock off balance the life of the enemy or prey. Because of its noble character, strength and courage, the lion’s totem represents great power humans may have like self-control and balance of life which leads to own personal power. The lion has many valuable lessons to teach us and these lessons remain the symbols that they are associated with: self control, personal strength and courage and balance.Monkey Symbol The monkey is a symbol meaning fun, activity, charm and an energetic nature. It is one of the signs of the Chinese zodiac which shows a person who has many friends. It is a sign of natural curiosity, but can show self-indulgence and rebellion.The monkey is loyal, witty, playful and intelligent and the character has made it be adopted into religion, folklore, myth and astrology. As a tattoo symbol, Chinese kanji is depicted to leap over various parts of the anatomy while the Chinese zodiac is super-quick and multi-talented and opportunistic. In Hindu, it is a god called the Hanuman who is believed to be the reincarnation of Shiva their god. The monkey god is heroic and dedicated to justice while in Japan the monkey was the messenger of the gods. It was seen as a symbol of a harmonious marriage, safe childbirth, fertility and a protector against disease and demons.A famous folklore tells of the monkey who accompanied a monk who carried the holy Buddhist teachings, on his journey from India to China. The monkey was chosen because it was smart and courageous and could protect the monk from demons and evil spirits. In Mexico, the Mayans glorified the monkey as a patron of the arts and was a symbol of knowledge and prophecy and it was also associated with the sun by the ancient Aztecs.Oak?Oak is usually thought of as masculine, strength, protection, durability, and/or the human body. It is commonly associated with thunder gods (Thor in Norse mythology, Zeus/Jupiter in Greek/Roman myth, etc...) and thus is often symbolic of THUNDER and LIGHTNING. Christian tradition links the oak to Christ, as epitomizing his strength and resilliency. It is also connected with the CROSS, along with Holly and Aspen.OrangeLike many fruits, the orange has become predominantly a symbol of fertility; if it is depicted in Paradise, it is the fruit of the Fall, occasionally replacing the APPLE as the Forbidden fruit. As a color, orange is most often linked to FLAME and FIRE, conveying thier qualities. Orange can also mean luxury.Owl Symbol The owl is a symbol for vigilance, acute wit and has been associated with spirits. It is a guide in the underworld but an effective hunter and the Celtic symbolizes it with wisdom, keen sight, and patience.As birds of the night and prey, the owl symbol has been associated with psychic powers, the angel of death and the goddess of night. Owls represent spiritual influence, wisdom and knowledge in Greece, Rome, and in Celtic mythology while in Africa the owl is associated with witchcraft, wizards and sorcery. In Eastern Africa, the owl is seen to bring illness to children while Zulus in southern Africa sees the owl as a bird of sorcerers. Others consider it a messenger of wizards and witches and it always gathers witches and dances on the graves of the dead. As a nocturnal creature this bird symbolizes inner-knowing, psychic ability, and intuition, it is considered by many cultures as a messenger between earth and the heavenly spirit.The owl is still considered a witch's companion because they share unique spiritual communication, the same secret powers of the night and witches use them when calling other witches. In the recent world, the owl symbol is used to symbolize education and it is often graduation mascot. Many cultures associated owl with the following: intelligence, brilliance, wisdom, power and knowledge. This bird has a gift of heightened senses which enables it see through deception, illusion, external appearances and to find hidden truths.People who have drawn owls symbols are said to have the same ability to uncover secrets. People will tend to be uneasy around you because they assume that you are able to see through them. The bird teaches us to accept the dark side of our personality and that we can always find food in the darkness.Phoenix...Another symbol for rebirth or transformation but in an immortal/never-ending sort of way. A continuous process (like the rising of the sun). The Phoenix burns to ashes and then is reborn complete and whole. This transformation isn't so much a transformation into something new or different (like with a BUTTERFLY) but more of bringing a life or energy full circle, back to the original purpose/energy and starting over (again).PurplePurple is derived from the combination of RED and BLUE, it unites red's fiery masculinity with blue's cool femininity. Purple is often used to represent royalty, imperial power, justice, and/or truth. Christian references to the color link it with God the Father and royal power. Dried blood has a purple hue to it, and bruises on the flesh are often purple, in this respect it can be a sign of physical injury.RabbitThe rabbit is associated with such lunar figures as the MOON Goddesses and the Earth Mother. Because of its rapid reproduction rate it often symbolizes fertility and lust.RainbowTo observe a rainbow is to bear witness to a spectacle of heavenly glory, of celestial wonder. The rainbow often symbolizes transfiguration, and behaves as a bridge between EARTH and Paradise. For the Chinese, the rainbow was viewed as a symbol of the yin and the yang; it is typically perceived as an act of divine benevolence, its colors reflecting divine qualities. RedIs an emotionally charged color. It is associated with the sun and all gods of war, anger, blood-lust, vengance, FIRE, and the masculine. It can also mean love, passion, health, and/or sexual arousal.RiverIn their endless flow, rivers have evolved into symbols of life itself, they are "The flux of the world in manifestation, the macrocosm" (Cooper, 139), and the crossingof a river from one bank to the other indicates that a rite of passage has just been completed. The MOUTH of the river shares meaning with the GATE and the DOOR as a passage to another world.Roseleft0In mythology, the first red roses are said to have arisen from the BLOOD of Adonis for the love of Aphrodite; thus, they have become symbolic of love, and often resurrection. In Christian symbolism, the RED rose stands for the blood shed by Jesus on the CROSS; it has also become a symbol for earthly love, a tradition which continues today. The rose may represent the Virgin Mary, and thus virginity, or fertility and passion. It is beauty and perfection, happiness and grace, yet it is also sensuality and seduction.Serpent? The serpent is a universal and complex symbol. It can represent death, destruction, evil, a penetrating legless essence, and/or poison. In the Christian tradition, Satan (in the guise of the serpent) instigated the fall by tricking Eve into breaking God?s command. Thus the serpent can represent temptation, the devil, and deceit. The snake is phallic, but also can be seen as androgynous. The snake can have positive implications, too; when intertwined with the tree of life (Christian) it represents good, and it can also be associated with healing and/or rebirth; as it sheds its skin.Snake Symbol The snake is a symbol for charm, danger and sexual energy.The snake is one of the oldest symbols that appear repeatedly in the Bible and in the Egyptian iconography. In China it is one of the astrological symbols and they believe that people born under the snake sign would lead charmed lives and would gain and inherit wealth. These people also tend to be seductive and are often attractive to others. Its phallic shape makes it be associated with fertility and because during mating seasons many species of snakes mate in large balls of intertwined individuals but their young ones normally emerge from eggs. In different regions and cultures, the snake is seen as a foe or friend.People have respected the snake because of its widespread distribution of poison and that is why in many myths, when the snake bites, its venom represents life and death. This has therefore made them a symbol of the Underworld, or Underground. Other communities represent the snake with wisdom and knowledge. In Greek serpent was associated with the goddess of the moon and as a female it was believed to bring knowledge to mankind. Other communities portrayed it as a goddess of mystery birth and death and in India cults worshipped this goddess because it represented fertility and prophecy. On the other hand the Kundalini of Yoga says that the serpent has energy coiled at the base of its spine. This energy is ready to rise from the snake’s sex centre. Many myths are based on the idea that many snakes hibernate underground and seem to renew themselves by shedding their skins on a regular basis.The act of sloughing off its skin makes different communities associate it with rebirth and immortality. According to the Aboriginals of Australian, the giant rainbow serpent is a symbol of creation, and in Africa the rock python sacred. In the Old Testament, however, the snake that was in the Garden of Eden was defeated by God making people believe it is an eternal trouble- maker for man.In many communities, the rattlesnake and the cobra which are the most poisonous snakes are seen to be the most sacred with cobra seen as the largest venomous snake in the world. In India the cobra is held sacred and a totem for the indigenous people. It is a symbol of power and many myths tells of it sheltering god Buddha from the sun when he slept. In Egypt, the cobra represented several ancient deities and Cleopatra is associated to it but it is said that she used the venom of the cobra to end her life. A cobra found in the tomb of Tutankhamen was believed to be a protector. In American, the rattlesnake which known as the 'rattler is a symbol of potency and fertility. With its strike which is as fast as lightning, it has been associated with rain because rain enters the earth and bringing forth life. The rattle is a symbol of death and transformation since its venom can turn one nearing death to life.As a tattoo therefore, it symbolizes power for the natural and supernatural. It represents fertility, regeneration and wisdom. In other instances the snake represents temptation, feminine sexual power. Snake tattoos are also popular because they can easily combine with other tattoo symbols.SharkSharks can be symbolic of persistence and perseverance. In the novel A Canticle for Leibowitz, for example, a shark is shown as one of the few surviving life forms after the second nuclear holocaust, and it is made clear that it will survive and continue to exist even beyond this disaster. In a more modern context sharks remain essentially unchanged since they evolved over 350 million years ago.Shark Symbol The shark is symbol meaning terror and violence, in the West, it is the world's greatest predator, and therefore symbolizes power and fearlessness.Sailors have had a long tradition of putting shark tattoo symbol to prove that they are not afraid of death at sea and also for protection by the shark. But they believed if a shark followed ones ship, then one of them was about to die. As a sacred animal, its power and strength were respected but not feared. It was a totem in first Nations in North America and it represented a hunter because it had the ability to adapt and survive various environments.In Australia, the shark is respected and is considered a sacred symbol of the connection between the sea and land. The shark hunters recognize when a shark was ready for catching and believed there were variety of sharks for the nourishment of man. As a sacred animal in Polynesian, the shark tattoo symbol protected them from the enemies. In Hawaii, there is a protective power of the aumakua, which is a row of tattooed dots found on the ankle. The dots were supposed to keep sharks at bay during the time of fishing and that is why they developed a myth about a woman swimming in the ocean and when attacked by a shark, the shark saw the tattoo symbol it let go the woman. ?However, when humans look at shark even in drawings, it tends to be a sleek beautiful creature but we cannot deny the fact that its one of the most feared and respected creatures on earth.ShipShip are generally larger than boats, but share many of the same meanings. They can be solar or lunar, carrying these two celestial bodies across the seas. With their close connection to WATER, ships often bear signifigance as fertility symbols, and are linked to the Great Mother. The Christian church is sometimes referred to as a ship or the ARK, with the mast of the ship being the CROSS.ShoeShoes might represent the lowly and the humble, or authority and power, depending upon the context. Since slaves went barefoot, they might represent liberty.SilverWhen opposed with GOLD (masculine), Silver is usually feminine. Silver often represents the moon, virginity, purity, the QUEEN. The culmination of these symbols can be seen in the Greek goddess Artemis, twin sister of Apollo, the SUN God. She was one of the few virgin goddesses, the moon was her symbol, and she hunted with silver bow and arrows.?Spider Symbol The spider symbol meaning creativity and it often believed to link the past and the future. Many traditions consider the spider as the weaver of the fabric of life where they introduce both writing and the making in clothes. All over the world few cultures do not have mythical stories about spiders this is because the spiders can be found nearly everywhere in the planet. This can be as far as even on far-off islands. The spiders can travel long vast distances using their webs which are fascinating. The fascination is also eminent in the web’s ability to capture prey. In America storytellers composed myths of a spider woman who was present at the dawn of creation before humans were created. The spider woman taught people how top weave. In the recent world it is a symbol of fertility? harmony and balance. The spider in the Native American clay carvings which was drawn with a cross carved on its back symbolized the centre of the earth with its four cardinal directions. The Spider symbol is associated to creativity and cunning always seen when the spider is dangling at the end of its thread. The symbol here will therefore be a sign of good luck because different communities think that it is bringing down joy from heaven. Amongst weavers it is a symbol of their craft. Spider is associated negatively in Europe because it is associated to hangover from the days of the Plague where it was thought to have spread the disease.Spiderleft0"The spider's symbolism is partly related to the Greek myth of Arachne, who challenged Athene, Zeus' daughter, to a weaving contest, and hanged herself when the goddess destroyed her WEB. Athene then changed her into a spider, condemned for eternity to hang at the end of her THREAD: an example of the danger of excessive ambition. The Jungian interpretation of the spider, motionless in the centre of its web and repellant to most people, is that it is a symbol of anguish and associated with narcissism" (Julien, 396). The spider can also be linked to warious MOON goddesses and the Great MOTHER in the fact that they are all weavers and creators.Star? The star is the "presence of the divinity" (Cooper, 159); it is hope, the EYES of the NIGHT. It is a symbol of constancy.Sunleft0?The sun is the absolute cosmic power; it is the universal FATHER, while the MOON is the universal MOTHER; it is often symbolized by the WHEEL or the disk, a CIRCLE or a BALL; it is the center of being and intuition, it is knowledge and warmth, glory and splendour. SwordThe sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage; metaphysically, it represents discrimination and the penetrating power of the intellect. The sword is phallic, with the sheath being yonic. It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry. The flaming sword of the Christian ethos seperates man from Eden. Many swords have magical properties and are given to heroes for the advancement of justice; Excalibur was given to Arthur by the lady of the lake, The Greek gods gave Perseus a sword that could cleave stone to defeat Medusa.Tiger Symbol The tiger is a symbol for power and energy all over the world. It is featured prominently in Chinese mythology and is the second best behind the lion in the badge of military ranking.The tiger is a potent symbol across Asia and in many cultures. It has since been a fixture of tattooing in especially in India, Malaysia, Burma, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and Cambodia. The tiger symbol is associated with power, passion, ferocity and sensuality. In addition to these it represents beauty and speed, cruelty and wrath and its appearance in dream is usually a sign of new power or passion that has awakened within an individual. In Asia the tiger is associated with power and mightiness of kings. This position is similar to those of Lions found in the Middle East and Europe. Koreans on the other hand named the tiger the King of the Animals. In India, god Shiva was seen in the aspect of the destroyer and was always depicted as wearing a tiger skin and riding on a tiger. Universally, the tiger is a symbol of power and strength and can also be a power of destruction and violence. The Chinese have images of tiger in their charms when casting away evil spirit.ToadToads are traditionally negative symbols: they are commonly viewed as demonic creatures, often magical yet evil. In many legends, toads figure as the guardian of TREASURES; its transformation from tadpole to maturity renders the toad a frequent symbol of resurrection and rebirth.TreeThe tree is dynamic life itself, the result of HEAVEN, EARTH, and WATER; it is the feminine, nourishing, sheltering image of the Great MOTHER, rooted in the earth and reaching toward the heavens, evocative of eternity. An evergreen symbolizes immortality, and the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge are both in Paradise.UmbrellaThe umbrella usually symbolizes the canopy of the heavens, shelter, and protection. The parasol is a symbol of the SUN, and an umbrella is a symbol of the shade. It is often an emblem of power and dignity.UnicornThe unicorn is a fabled creature, a HORSE with a spiraled horn. It can be lunar, femime when opposed to the masculine LION. In Greek history, that horn was said to have healing powers; the unicorn became a symbol of purity and strength, and it could be caught only with the aid of a VIRGIN. It is an emblem of moral virtues.WaterWater popularly represents life. It can be associated with birth, fertility, and refreshment. In a Christian context, water has many correlations. Christ walked on water, and transmuted it into WINE, thus these acts can be seen as a transcendence of the earthly condition. Christians are baptized with or in water, symbolizing a purification of the soul, and an admission into the faith. However, water can also be destructive (as in the biblical flood which only Noah and his family escaped); water drowns and erodes, wearing away even the densest of stones given enough time. Water is also one of the FOUR ELEMENTS essential to life in traditional western philosophy; In this form it is represented by undulating lines, or a triangle pointing down. Colors commonly associated with it are BLUE and GREEN. Its qualities are fluidity and cohesiveness. Flowing water usually represents change and the passage of time.WebThe spider web, and webs in general, indicate the intricate network of space and time, the cosmic plan. In Christianity, the web is an earthly snare, denoting human frailty.WhiteWhite may be defined either as the absence of all color or the presence of all colors of the light spectrum, and can represent either innocence or the ultimate goal of purification. White is often the heavenly, while BLACK is the underworld. It is LIGHT, AIR, life, holiness, love, redemption. The white flag is a symbol of surrender or friendship.WingsWings carry a number of associations: they may accompany images of Christian ANGELS, fairies, spirits, and demons. They not only represent the ability to fly, but also suggest the improvement of the subject. Winged creatures are often messengers of the gods, and they are a symbol of freedom and spirituality. In dreams, wings represent the release of creative energy.Wolf Symbol The wolf is a symbol for cruelty, cunning and greed in some cultures but others admires it because it represents courage and victory. Wolf is a symbol for companion and guardian. In a positive light they are a symbol of loyal, faithful, honesty and willing to fight injustice.It is seen as a powerful symbol of loyalty, intelligence and vigilance. As a descendant from the Asiatic Wolf man’s relationships with wolfs goes back over 40,000 years and then it was the 11th sign of the Zodiac where it represented symbols both positive and negative. In some ancient civilizations the Wolf was a symbol of the underworld. In Egypt, the guardian of the dead was Anubis who was a wolf-headed god. The jackal portrayed as black was the symbol of both death and regeneration. The Wolf’s quality made it associated to a guardian and therefore the protector of souls that entered the underworld. Its ability see well in the dark makes it a symbol of instinctive knowledge and the Greeks, North American Indians and Romans were said to associate Anubis with a star (Sirius) and called it a wolf star. Additionally, in ancient Mexico, the wolf was buried with human sacrifice so that it could guide it to the hereafter while in ancient Scottish legend the green wolf of the faerie world was believed to drive nursing mothers into the hills so as to provide milk for the fairy creatures. In the recent world, a wolf is a beloved human companion and friend because of its fidelity, loyalty, and affection. Despite this some cultures it is considered unclean.WolfThe wolf figures frequently in FAIRY TALES as the symbol of the enemy, of the menacing animal. It is evil, the devouring, fierce creature which haunts and stalks. Wolves are crafty, and in the Christian faith they are considered the spoilers of the flock (Cooper, 194). In psychology, the wolf represents untamed energies.WoodIn Catholicism, wood is most frequently associated with the CROSS; otherwise, it may represent the totality of paradise, shelter, the cradle or the coffin. The carpenter uses tools symbolic of the divine power of bringing order out of chaos (Cooper, 194).YELLOWYellow often stands for light, the SUN's rays, intellect, faith, and/or goodness. However, yellow can also be a sign of cowardice, betrayal, and/or jealousy. Insects that bear yellow and BLACK stripes are often poisonous, or attempting to mimic another poisonous insect, and in this respect yellow can be seen as a warning, and/or protection for it's bearer. In medical terms, a yellow flag means quarantine.Western world:Traffic lights: Red means stop, yellow means caution, and green means go. Yellow signs also warn drivers of upcoming curves, pedestrian crossings, and a animal crossings.Patriotism: Most, if not all countries have a flag. The colors of each flag are usually seen as patriotic. Red, white, and blue symbolizes patriotism in the U.S.A. Holidays: Red and green are favorite Christmas colours. Colors of Autumn such as orange, brown, yellow and red are associated with Thanksgiving with black and orange associated with Halloween. Pastel colors are used for Easter. Color Symbolism Chart?Excitement, energy, passion, love, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence, all things intense and passionate.?Pink symbolizes love and romance, caring, tenderness, acceptance and calm.?Beige and ivory symbolize unification. Ivory symbolizes quiet and pleasantness. Beige symbolizes calm and simplicity.?Joy, happiness, betrayal, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard and friendship.?Peace, tranquility, cold, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, technology, depression, appetite suppressant.?Turquoise symbolizes calm. Teal symbolizes sophistication. Aquamarine symbolizes water. Lighter turquoise has a feminine appeal.?Royalty, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning.?Lavender symbolizes femininity, grace and elegance.?Energy, balance, enthusiasm, warmth, vibrant, expansive, flamboyant, demanding of attention.?Nature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, spring, generosity, fertility, jealousy, inexperience, envy, misfortune, vigor.?Earth, stability, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, simplicity, and comfort.?Security, reliability, intelligence, staid, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative, practical, old age, sadness, boring. Silver symbolizes calm.?Reverence, purity, birth, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern cultures), cold, clinical.?Power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, anonymity, underground, good technical color, mourning, death (Western cultures).Eastern World:Marriage: White and pink are favorite just as in the western world. Green: Eternity, family, harmony, health, peace, posterityHappiness: RedHelpful: Gray Wealth: Blue, gold and purpleWhite: Children, helpful people, marriage,mourning, peace, purity, travelGold: Strength, wealthEvil or sadness- Just like in the western world- black.Emotions: Blue is seen as conservative. Red is power and aggression. Brighter color such as yellow and orange represent warmth not only with emotions but also with temperature. Cool colors are blue, green, black or any color with a dark shade.Ecology: Obviously green is the major color symbolizing ecology. The new phrase for people or companies who find ways to cut back on electricity, fuel, or things that damage the environment is "going green." Religion:Colours are also used in religious ceremonies or represent aspects of religion. Native American include colors in religious ceremonies. The Navajo Nation considers four colors to be important: Turquoise, white, yellow, and black. These colors represent four sacred mountains. The Apache Nation also considers four colors to be important: Green, white, yellow and black. These are sacred colors of the white mountain and are also used in government. The Iowa Nation also considers four colors to be sacred: Black, yellow, red and white. They represent direction, their flag, and what they consider to be four races of man. [1]Use in Therapy:Colors are sometimes used in therapy. Colors have a huge effect on people who have brain disorders or who are emotionally troubled. The color blue has a calming effect on many people and lowers respiration and blood pressure. Red has the opposite effect. Some therapists use green to sooth and relax emotionally disturbed people who suffer from anxiety or depression. Some claim that the color violet is good for migraines but I doubt that claim because it would be used more extensively in the medical field. Yellow helps energize people and relieves depression.Color in World CultureColor means many different things to different people and cultures. We all have our own favorite colors. People like different colors like they like different foods. Color also represents feelings, people, countries, cultures, and color symbolism. In the western world, the color red is seen frequently of symbolizing anger or aggression. Some car insurance companies charge more for red cars because some of the owners of red cars are more aggressive or take more risks. Books about colorBlack: The History of a Color - Black--favorite color of priests and penitents, artists and ascetics, fashion designers and fascists- has always stood for powerfully opposed ideas: authority and humility, sin and holiness, rebellion and conformity, wealth and poverty, good and bad. In this illustrated book, the acclaimed author of "Blue" now tells the fascinating social history of the color black in Europe.Color and Meaning: Art, Science, and Symbolism - Does color have an effect on our feelings? The phenomenon of color is examined in new ways in John Gage's latest book. His study is informed by the conviction that color is a contingent, historical occurrence whose meaning, like language, lies in the particular contexts in which it is experienced and interpreted.Veiled Brightness: A History of Ancient Maya Color - Veiled Brightness reconstructs what color meant to the ancient Maya, a set of linked peoples and societies who flourished in and around the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and Central America. By using insights from archaeology, linguistics, art history, and conservation, the book charts over two millennia of color use in a region celebrated for its aesthetic refinement and high degree of craftsmanship.Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color - This authoritative guide presents hundreds of color combinations and color principles needed to create effective designs. Every lesson is demonstrated by example, enabling designers of all specialties and levels of experience to make the best color choices for every type of design. are some of the meanings of colors and the energies contained in their corresponding stones.Red - Pink - Brown - Orange - Gold - YellowGreen - Blue - Purple - Indigo - White - Black - Gray Red symbolizes: action, confidence, courage, vitality?Red is the color most chosen by...(more) Red gemstones Pink symbolizes: love, beauty?The quality of pink energy is determined by...(more) Pink gemstones Brown symbolizes: earth, order, convention?The red in brown gives this color...(more) Brown gemstones Orange symbolizes: vitality with endurance?Orange increases the craving for...(more) Orange gemstones Gold symbolizes: Wealth, prosperity, wisdom?People who favor gold are...(more) Gold gemstones Yellow symbolizes: wisdom, joy, happiness, intellectual energy?The shade of yellow determines...(more) Yellow gemstones Green symbolizes: life, nature, fertility, well beingWear green when you want to overcome...(more) Green gemstones Blue symbolizes: youth, spirituality, truth, peace?Artists use blue to show perspective...(more) Blue gemstones Purple symbolizes: Royalty, magic, mystery?Purple is the color of people who seek...(more) Purple gemstones Indigo symbolizes: intuition, meditation, deep contemplation?Indigo can have a negative effect when used during...(more) Indigo gemstones White symbolizes: Purity, Cleanliness?White has vibrations that can be used to...(more) White gemstones Black symbolizes: Death, earth, stability?While white reveals, black conceals...(more) Black gemstones Gray symbolizes: Sorrow, security, maturityGray is the color of sorrow. People who favor gray can be the lone wolf type or narrow-minded. Gray with more silver in it can be a very active color. Native Americans associate gray with friendship. Gray is the symbol for security, maturity and dependability. It connotes responsibility and conservative practicality. Gray EnergyGray is the true neutral color. Its energy imparts void, emptiness, lack of movement, emotion, warmth and identifying characteristics. Because of this, gray can be restful. It has a detached and isolated feeling. Gray can have a cooling effect when placed next to other more vibrant colors. It has a stabilizing effect, making vibrant colors stand out while muting their vibration.Put some gray in your life when you want: to emphasize your willingness to comply a neutral, non-invasive feeling to reduce the intense energy of another color to feel detached or isolated Gray gem stone propertiesGray gemstones are healing stones and can assist in improving relationships toward more stability. Symbolism ChartColorSymbolism?RedExcitement, energy, passion, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, love, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence, aggression, all things intense and passionate.?YellowJoy, happiness, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, betrayal, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard.?BluePeace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, cold, technology, depression, appetite suppressant.?OrangeEnergy, balance, warmth, enthusiasm, vibrant, expansive, flamboyant, demanding of attention.?GreenNature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, vigor, spring, generosity, fertility, jealousy, inexperience, envy, misfortune.?PurpleRoyalty, spirituality, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning.?GraySecurity, reliability, intelligence, staid, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative, practical, old age, sadness, boring?BrownEarth, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, stability, simplicity, and comfort. ?WhiteReverence, purity, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, birth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern cultures), cold, clinical, sterile.?BlackPower, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, anonymity, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, underground, good technical color, mourning, death (Western cultures).Top of FormBottom of Form has evolved over the centuries a complex, yet discernable scheme of symbolism which has found adequate expression in Buddhist art. Undoubtedly, the most popular of such symbols is the group of eight, known in Sanskrit as 'Ashtamangala,' ashta meaning eight and mangala meaning auspicious. Each of these symbols is also individually associated with the physical form of the Buddha.These eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism (Tib. bkra shis rtags brgyad) are:1). A Conch Shell 2). A Lotus3). A Wheel4). A Parasol (Umbrella)5). An Endless Knot6). A Pair of Golden Fishes7). A Banner Proclaiming Victory8). A Treasure VaseThe Conch Shell (Skt. shankha; Tib. dung dkar):The conch shell has survived as the original horn trumpet since time immemorial. Ancient Indian epics describe how each hero of mythical warfare carried a mighty white conch shell, which often bore a personal name. It is one of the main emblems of Vishnu, and his conch bears the name of Panchajanya, meaning 'having control over the five classes of beings.' Arjuna's (hero of the Mahabharata) mighty conch was known as Devadatta, whose triumphant blast brought terror to the enemy. As a proclaiming battle horn, the conch is akin to the bugle. It is an emblem of power, authority and sovereignty whose blast is believed to banish evil spirits, avert natural disasters, and scare away poisonous creatures. Today, in its greatly tamed avatar, the conch is used in Tibetan Buddhism to call together religious assemblies. During the actual practise of rituals, it is used both as a musical instrument and as a container for holy water.Ancient Indian belief classifies the conch into male and female varieties. The thicker-shelled bulbous one is thought to be the male (purusha), and the thin-shelled slender conch to be the female (shankhini).The fourfold caste division is also applied as follows:a). The smooth white conch represents the Brahmin casteb). The red conch the kshatriyas (warriors)c). The yellow conch the vaishyas (merchants)d). The grey conch the shudras (labourers)Additionally, there is a fundamental classification of conch shells occurring in nature: those that turn to the left and those which turn to the right.The Left Turning ConchThe Right Turning ConchShells which spiral to the right in a clockwise direction are a rarity and are considered especially sacred. The right-spiralling movement of such a conch is believed to echo the celestial motion of the sun, moon, planets and stars across the heavens. The hair whorls on Buddha's head spiral to the right, as do his fine body hairs, the long curl between his eyebrows (urna), and also the conch-like swirl of his navel.left0??Vajrayana Buddhism absorbed the conch as a symbol which fearlessly proclaimed the truth of the dharma. Among the eight symbols, it stands for the fame of the Buddha's teaching, which spreads in all directions like the sound of the conch trumpet.In addition to Buddha's throat, the conch also appears as an auspicious mark on the soles, palms, limbs, breast or forehead of a divinely endowed being.? ???The Lotus (Skt. padma; Tib. pad ma):right0The lotus does not grow in Tibet and so Tibetan art has only stylized versions of it. Nevertheless, it is one of Buddhism's best recognized motifs since every important deity is associated in some manner with the lotus, either being seated upon it or holding one in their hands.The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment. Though there are other water plants that bloom above the water, it is only the lotus which, owing to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve inches above the surface.Thus says the Lalitavistara, 'the spirit of the best of men is spotless, like the lotus in the muddy water which does not adhere to it.' According to another scholar, 'in esoteric Buddhism, the heart of the beings is like an unopened lotus: when the virtues of the Buddha develop therein, the lotus blossoms; that is why the Buddha sits on a lotus bloom.' Significantly, the color of the lotus too has an important bearing on the symbology associated with it:1). White Lotus (Skt. pundarika; Tib. pad ma dkar po): This represents the state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity (bodhi). It is associated with the White Tara and proclaims her perfect nature, a quality which is reinforced by the color of her body.2). Red Lotus (Skt. kamala; Tib: pad ma chu skyes): This signifies the original nature and purity of the heart (hrdya). It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion and all other qualities of the heart. It is the flower of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. 3). Blue Lotus (Skt. utpala; Tib. ut pa la): This is a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. Not surprisingly, it is the preferred flower of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.4). Pink Lotus (Skt. padma; Tib. pad ma dmar po): This the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity. Thus naturally it is associated with the Great Buddha himself.The Wheel (Skt. chakra; Tib. 'khor lo):The Eight-Spoked Dharma WheelThe wheel consists of three basic parts: the hub, the rim, and spokes (generally eight in number). Its underlying form is that of a circle, which is recognized across all traditions as a shape that is complete and perfect in itself, qualities which inform the teachings of the Buddha too.Individually, the rim represents the element of limitation, the hub is the axis of the world, and the eight spokes denote the Eightfold Path set down by the Buddha, which leads to the cessation of all suffering.A further esoteric interpretation makes reference to the three trainings which form an integral part of Buddhist meditative practice, associating each of the three parts of the wheel with one such practice. This symbolism is as follows:a). The hub stands for training in moral discipline. Through this practise the mind is supported and stabilized. Thus it is the practise of moral discipline that upholds our meditation, just like the supporting axis of the world.b). The spokes stand for the correct application of wisdom, which cuts off ignorance and ends suffering.c). The rim denotes concentration, which holds the entire meditative practise together, just as the wheel of life is held together by its rim.The wheel evolved as a symbol of the Buddha's teachings and as an emblem of the Chakravartin or 'wheel turner,' identifying the wheel as the Dharmachakra or 'wheel of law.' The Tibetan term for Dharmachakra (chos kyi'khor lo) literally means 'the wheel of transformation.' The wheel's swift motion serves as an apt metaphor for the rapid spiritual change engendered by the teachings of the Buddha. Hence, Buddha's first discourse at the Deer Park in Sarnath is known as the 'first turning of the wheel of dharma.' Likewise, his subsequent discourses at Rajgir and Shravasti are known as the 'second and third turnings of the wheel of dharma.'The Parasol (Skt. chattra; Tib. gdugs):The Tibetan ParasolAbove the mountain is the dome of the sky. This is symbolized by the umbrella, whose important function is to cast a shadow, the shadow of protection. The dictionary defines a parasol as an umbrella used for protection from the sun. Thus its function is to protect exclusively from the heat rather than the rain - as the word 'parasol,' meaning 'to hold off the sun,' and 'umbrella,' meaning 'little shade,' similarly imply. The Sanskrit term 'chattra,' also means 'mushroom,' in an obvious reference to its shape.The parasol or umbrella is a traditional Indian symbol of both protection and royalty. The ability to protect oneself against inclement weather has always, in all cultures, been a status symbol. In Europe, until a few decades ago, a sunshade was a status symbol for society ladies. In Oriental thought, the fact that it protected the bearer from the scorching heat of the sun was transferred into the religious sphere as a "protection against the heat of defilements." Thus the coolness of its shade symbolizes protection from the heat of suffering, desire, and other spiritually harmful forces.left0??The dome of the umbrella is held aloft by a vertical handle (just like the mountain upholds the sky), which is identified with the 'axis mundi,' or the central axis upholding the world. The umbrella is carried above an important dignitary or the image of a deity, to indicate that the person or symbol below the umbrella is in fact the center of the universe, and also its spiritual support. Umbrellas seem to be especially important in processional rites, being like mobile temples. Thus, depictions of the Buddha often display an elaborate and large umbrella above his head.?HYPERLINK ""right0??As it is held above the head it naturally symbolizes honor and respect. In Vajrayana Buddhism, this large umbrella (atapatra) was even deified into the thousand-armed, -footed goddess Sitapatra, whose name literally means 'the white umbrella.'In Tibet, depending on their status, various dignitaries were entitled to different parasols, with religious heads being entitled to a silk one and secular rulers to a parasol with embroidered peacock feathers. Exalted personalities such as the Dalai Lama are entitled to both, and in processions, first a peacock parasol and then a silk one is carried after him.?????The Tibetan version of the parasol was adopted from its royal Indian and Chinese prototypes, and fashioned from a wooden, spoked frame with a domed silk cover and hanging silk pendants making up an overhanging skirt.The dome symbolizes wisdom, and the hanging skirt, compassion. Thus the composite form of the parasol signifies the union of these dual elements.Octagonal and square parasols are also common, representing the Noble Eightfold Path and the four directional quarters respectively.???The Endless Knot (Skt. shrivatsa; Tib. dpal be'u):The endless knot is a closed, graphic ornament composed of right-angled, intertwined lines. It is conjectured that it may have evolved from an ancient naga symbol with two stylized snakes.This latter image signifies the dramatic interplay and interaction of the opposing forces in the dualistic world of manifestation, leading to their union, and ultimately to harmony in the universe. This fact is amply reflected in the symmetrical and regular form of the endless knot.right0The intertwining of lines reminds us how all phenomena are conjoined and yoked together as a closed cycle of cause and effect. Thus the whole composition is a pattern that is closed on in itself with no gaps, leading to a representational form of great simplicity and fully balanced harmony. Since all phenomena are interrelated, the placing of the endless knot on a gift or greeting card is understood to establish an auspicious connection between the giver and the recipient. At the same time, the recipient is goaded to righteous karma, being reminded that future positive effects have their roots in the causes of the present. This is because the knot represents a connection, a link with our fates, binding us to our karmic destiny. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most favorite symbols in Tibetan Buddhism, and often occurs independently on its own.Since the knot has no beginning or end it also symbolizes the infinite wisdom of the Buddha.?The Golden Fishes (Skt. suvarnamatsya; Tib. gser nya):left0?This symbol consists of two fishes, which usually appear standing vertically with heads turned inwards towards each other.The pair of fishes originated as an ancient pre-Buddhist symbol of the two sacred rivers of India, Ganga and Yamuna. Symbolically, these two rivers represent the lunar and solar channels, which originate in the nostrils and carry the alternating rhythms of breath or prana. In Buddhism, the golden fishes symbolize happiness, as they have complete freedom in water. They represent fertility and abundance as they multiply very rapidly. Fish often swim in pairs, and in China they represented conjugal unity and fidelity, where a pair of fishes would often be given as a wedding present. Both Jesus Christ and Buddha are known as 'fisher of men,' because they save mortals from the ocean of suffering.??The Victory Banner (Skt. dhvaja; Tib. rgyal mtshan):In Sanskrit, the banner or sign of victory is known as the dhvaja, meaning standard, flag or ensign. Originally, the victory banner was a military standard carried in ancient Indian warfare, and bore the specific insignia of its champion. For example in the Mahabharata, Krishna's chariot was adorned with a banner showing the image of the monkey-god Hanuman.The victory banner was adopted by early Buddhism as an emblem of the Buddha's enlightenment, heralding the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. It is said to have been placed on the summit of Mt. Meru by Buddha himself, symbolizing his victory over the entire universe. Again, Mount Meru here is believed to be the central axis supporting the world.The flag of victory also denotes Buddha's triumph over Mara, who personifies hindrances on the path to spiritual realization. Specifically, there are said to be four types of Maras, each one representing an individual hurdle on the path to spiritual progress. These are: 1). The Mara of Emotional Defilement2). Mara of Passion3). Mara of the Fear of Death4). Mara of Pride and Lust?It was only after conquering these four negative traits that Buddha could proclaim victory over ignorance, and achieve nirvana.Cylindrical victory banners made of beaten copper are traditionally placed at the four corners of monastery and temple roofs. These signify the Buddha's victorious dharma radiating to the four directions and also his triumph over the four Maras mentioned above.??The Treasure Vase (Skt. nidhana kumbha; Tib. gter gyi bum pa):The Vase of Inexhaustable TreasuresThe vase is a fat-bellied vessel with a short, slim neck. On top, at the opening, there is a large jewel indicating that it is a treasure vase.Its symbolic meaning was almost always associated with the ideas of storage and the satisfaction of material desires. In the sagas and fairytales of many different cultures, for example, there is the recurring idea of an inexhaustible vessel. Physically, the 'vase of inexhaustible treasures' is modelled on the traditional Indian clay water pot or kumbha with a flat base, round body, narrow neck and fluted upper rim. However much is removed from it, this vase remains perpetually full. Wealth vases, sealed with precious and sacred substances, are commonly placed upon altars and on mountain passes, or buried at water springs, where their presence is believed to attract wealth and bring harmony to the environment. In relation to Buddhism it specifically means the spiritual abundance of the Buddha, a treasure that did not diminish, however much of it he gave away.The question still remains of the association of these eight symbols with the Buddha's actual physical body. An ancient text called the Heap of Good Fortune Sutra (Aryamangalakutanama-mahayanasutra), while addressing the Buddha, has this to say on the issue:Veneration to you with your head like a protecting parasol,With eyes like the precious golden fishes (even today a woman with beautiful eyes is known as 'minakshi,' meaning one with fish-like eyes)With neck like a precious, adorned vase of good fortune,With speech like a right-turning Dharma shell,With a mind infinite with wisdom like the never ending knot,With a tongue open like the auspicious pink lotus,With a body proclaiming triumph over the attacking armies of Mara,With feet that tread the path of dharma like the auspicious wheel.right0?Artistically, these motifs may be depicted individually, in pairs, in fours, or as a composite group of eight. Designs of these eight symbols adorn all manner of sacred and secular Buddhist objects, such as carved wooden furniture, metalwork, wall panels, carpets and silk brocades.They are also frequently drawn on the ground in sprinkled flour or colored powders to welcome visiting religious dignitaries. Indeed, no Tibetan ceremony, be it religious or secular (for e.g. a marriage), is complete without some depiction of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, which are believed to propitiate the environment and grant protection to the activity being undertaken.? (Horn of plenty, Horn of Amalthea)The Cornucopia (Latin, ‘horn of plenty’), a spiraling, woven basket overflowing with an abundance of produce, is an ever-present symbol of harvest prosperity. The symbol dates back to an ancient tale of the Nymph Amalthea,* who, as a reward from the infant Zeus for a meal of Goat’s milk, was given an enchanted goat’s horn which gave whatever one wished for.** The cornucopia became a ubiquitous symbol of fortune and plenty, and was associated with many Goddesses, including Fortuna, the goddess of good fortune, and Ceres, Goddess of agriculture. ................
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