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Compiled by Judy Decker and
Vivian Komando from various sources on the Internet
You will find a lot of duplication of animals on the list - each
list is slightly different. My students came up with their own
symbolism for the animals they chose. This list just provided some
cultural ideas. Sources can not be verified as accurate. This page
is not intended to be used for research on this topic. Use more
authoritative sources when doing research.
"The dove is a universal
symbol of peace and innocence.
In ancient Greek myth it was a bird of Athena, which represented the
renewal of life.
In
the Bible it was a dove released from the Ark by Noah, which
returned with an
olive branch to show that the Biblical flood was over. Ever
since, the dove has symbolized deliverance
and God's forgiveness.
According
to legend the devil and witches can turn themselves into any bird
shape except the dove.
In
ancient Japan the dove was sacred to Hackiman the god of war, but it
was a dove with a sword that
announced the end to war."
(from
Thousands
Cranes for Peace Network)
Celtic Mythology
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~lars/rel375.html
Each animal is associated with a
different characteristic. Birds, fish, serpents, deer, cattle,
swine, and
so on all tend to be used as symbols. Boars, fishes, serpents,
birds, and herd animals are the most
frequently described.
Boars
- In addition to representing fertility and wealth, boars
symbolize courage and strong warriors. Great importance is
attached to the bristles of the boar.
Fish
- Fish, salmon in particular, are associated with knowledge.
Serpents
- Serpents and dragons symbolize trouble.
Whenever they appear, strife and infertility follow.
Birds
- Birds are usually used to represent prophetic
knowledge, bloodshed, and skill.
Herd
animals - Horses, cattle, and pigs represent fertility.
Animals
may have a positive symbolism in one culture yet have a negative
meaning in another. If you are
studying a specific culture – look up animal symbolism in that
culture.
Animals
that symbolize good:
The
Boar symbolizes courage and strong warriors.
Fish,
(salmon in particular) are associated with knowledge.
Birds
are usually used to represent prophetic knowledge and for warriors
they represents prowess.
Horses,
cattle, and pigs represent fertility.
Animals
that symbolize bad:
Serpents
and dragons symbolize trouble
The
dragon also symbolized infertility
Animal
Symbolism – A combination of cultures
Many
animals appear on all lists - meanings may be similar or different.
You may use the
meanings given or come up with your own personal meanings. Accuracy
of these lists
has not been verified.
Alligator
- Aggression, survival, adaptability. Cunning, deceptive.
Ant
- Group minded, perseverance, self-discipline, group effort,
teamwork, industriousness, orderliness,
virtue. Strength, stamina, honor.
Antelope
- Lunar animal, associated with the Mother. Grace, beauty.
Ape/Monkey
- Mischief, mimicry, cunning, benevolence. Humanity, nurture.
Baboon
- Hailer of the dawn.
Badger
- Supernatural power, mischief, playful. Other world, wisdom,
caring.
Bat
- Guardian of the night, cleaner, obscurity, messenger, double
nature, happiness, good luck, longevity, peace;
also - hypocrisy, melancholy, revenge, wisdom.
Bee
- Immortality, rebirth, industry, order, purity, soul, chastity,
messengers between worlds, secret
wisdom, Mother and priestesses. Community.
Birds
- The soul, transcendence, spirits of air, ascent, communication,
freedom, sight.
Bear
- Primal power, mother, cunning, healer, gentle strength, dreaming,
sovereignty, intuition married
with instinct. Nurturing, protective.
Bear
Paw - Power, direction, connection to creator.
Beaver
- Builder, gatherer.
Blackbird
- Enchantment, the Gateway, the inner call. Guide, illumination.
Boar
- The warrior spirit, leadership, direction, lust, gluttony,
fertility, prophecy, magic, protection,
hospitality.
Buffalo
- Sacredness, life builder. The buffalo provides all good things for
living, and bestows great curing
powers.
Bull
- Wealth, potency, beneficence, generative force, male
procreative strength, kingship, taming of the
masculine and animal nature. Destructive force.
Butterfly
- Metamorphosis, carefree, transformer, immortality, rebirth,
resurrection. Grace, light, soul.
Cat
- Guardianship, detachment, sensuality, stealth, desire, liberty,
pleasure, magic, lust, pride, vanity.
Cock
- Solar, courage, vigilance, supremacy, passion, pride, the
underworld.
Cougar
- Leadership, courage, power, swiftness and balance.
Cow
- Nourishment, motherhood, power of Earth, plenty, procreation,
gentleness, nurturing.
Coyote
- Prankster, insight, playful. The coyote symbolizes duality and the
ability to present both sides of
an issue. Clowning and humor, perhaps sarcastic.
Crane
- Solitude, independence, messenger, communion, higher state of
consciousness, wisdom,
knowledge.
Crocodile
- Devourer, liberation, guardian, dual nature, conscious and
unconscious, fertility, brutality,
viciousness, deceit, treachery.
Crow
- Messenger, death, wisdom, communication, the underworld.
Deer
- Love, gentleness, kindness, gracefulness, sensitivity, purity of
purpose, walking in the light, swift,
nimble, meek, gentle, meditation, love, longevity, wealth.
Dog
- Guidance, protection, loyalty, fidelity, faithfulness,
watchfulness, the Hunt.
Dolphin
- Kindness, play, savior, guide, sea power, swift, intelligence,
communication, breath control,
awareness of tone.
Donkey
- Humility, patience, peace, stupidity, stubbornness, lewdness.
Dragon
- Power of Earth, combining bird and serpent as matter and spirit,
breath of life, supernatural
power, magic, strength, wisdom, knowledge, guardian.
Dragonfly
- Flighty, carefree, swift, activity, shamanistic, supernatural
powers.
Eagle
- Divine spirit, air, the sun, power in battle, protection from
evil, clear vision, success, prosperity,
wealth, intelligence, renewal, courage.
Elephant
- Strength, fidelity, memory, patience, wisdom, intelligence, power.
Elk
- Strength, agility, freedom, power, nobility.
Fox
- Cunning, provider, intelligence, feminine magic, diplomacy,
wildness.
Frog
- Power of water, sensitivity, medicine, hidden beauty, power.
Goat
- Vitality, fertility, creativity, virility, abundance, lust.
Goose
- Guardian, watchful, wind, the sun, war, inspiration, swift,
happiness, providence.
Grizzly
Bear - Mother, nature's pharmacist
Hare
- rebirth, rejuvenation, resurrection, intuition, balance,
fertility, fire, madness, transformation.
Hawk
- Nobility, recollection, cleansing, messenger, observer, Solar,
clarity, discrimination, inspiration,
the soul.
Heron
- Vigilance, quiet, power of water, the underworld, tact, delicacy,
renewal, life, transformation.
Horse
- Stamina, mobility, strength and power, coping under difficult
circumstances, love, devotion,
loyalty, the land, travel. Life and death symbol, intellect, wisdom,
power, nobility, energy, freedom,
wildness, divination, prophecy, fertility.
Hummingbird
- Messenger, stopper of time, optimism, sweetness.
Jackal
- Guide of souls, associated with cemeteries.
Jaguar
- Messenger, forest spirits, power.
Kingfisher
- Beauty, dignity, speed, calmness, serenity.
Leopard
- Ferocity, aggression, intrepid, Great Watcher, courage, activity,
speed.
Lion
- Solar, splendor, power, majesty, strength, courage, nobility.
Lizard
- Conservation, agility, promotes dreaming.
Moose
- Headstrong, unstoppable, longevity, value, integrity.
Octopus
- The spiral, water, unconscious.
Otter
- Laughter, curiosity, mischievous, feminine power, grace, empathy,
joy, play, helpfulness.
Owl
- Wisdom, truth, patience, darkness, a death messenger, divination,
solitude, detachment, wisdom,
change, totem of clairvoyants and mystics.
Python
- Darkness, feminine, power of Earth, wisdom.
Rabbit
- Alertness, nurturing.
Ram
- Sacrifice, breakthrough, achievement, virility, creativity, the
Sun, solar power.
Raven
- Trickster, teacher, hoarder, healing, initiation, protection,
shaman's power, transformation,
change in consciousness, mark of a shape shifter.
Salmon
- Instinct, persistence, determination, wisdom, inspiration,
rejuvenation.
Seahorse
- Confidence, grace.
Serpent
- Life, rebirth, resurrection, wisdom, passion, healing, poison,
preserver, destroyer, malice,
fertility.
Shark
- Hunter, survival, adaptability.
Snake
- Shrewdness, transformation, life, death and rebirth, rain,
fertility.
Spider
- Creative, pattern of life, connects the past with the future,
creating possibilities.
Stag
- Pride, independence, purification.
Swan
- Grace, balance, innocence, faithfulness, solitude, retreat,
poetry, sincerity.
Tiger
- Creator, destroyer, strength, ferocity, power, anger, power of
Earth.
Turtle
- Self contained, creative source, Earth, informed decisions,
planning, adaptability.
Unicorn
- Chastity, purity, dreams, virtue, strength, integrity, magic,
healing, freedom.
Whale
- Power of Water, regeneration, death, rebirth.
Wolf
- Loyalty, success, perseverance, stability, thought, pathfinder,
teacher, intuition, learning, the
shadow.
Wolf
Print - Tracking, movement.
Woodpecker
- Prophecy, magic, power, guardian of trees, Heralds rain and
storms.
Wren
- Spirit, witchcraft, the Oak King.
Native
American Animal Symbolism
Dog
- Loyalty,
Companionship
Dolphin
- Joy,
Harmony, Connection with self
Dragonfly
- Skill,
Refinement, Relentlessness
Eagle
- Potency,
Healing, Power, Illumination
Elk
- Pride,
Power, Majesty
Feather
- Spirit
Firefly
- Communication,
Illumination
Fox
- Cleverness,
Subtlety, Discretion
Frog
- Cleansing,
Peace, Emotional Healing
Goat
- Tenacity,
Diligence
Goose
- Safe
return, Love of home
Hawk
- Awareness,
Truth
Hedgehog
- Self-preservation
Horse
- Freedom,
Power, Save movement
Hummingbird
- Beauty,
Wonder, Agility
Kokepeli
- Joy,
Fertility
Ladybug
- Delight,
Trust
Lizard
- Letting
go, Illusiveness
Loon
- Communication,
Serenity
Moose
- Unpredictability,
Spontaneity
Mouse
- Illusion,
Charm
Otter
- Joy,
Laughter, Lightness
Owl
- Wisdom,
Vision, Insight
Peacock
- Recognition,
Self-Assurance
Pelican
- Abundance,
Plenty
Pheasant
- Warning,
Concealment
Porcupine
- Innocence,
Humility
Quail
- Protectiveness,
Group harmony
Rabbit
- Conquering
fear, Safety
Raccoon
- Curiosity,
Inquisitiveness
Ram
- Strength,
Determination
Raven
- Mystery,
Exploration of the unknown
Roadrunner
- Speed,
Agility
Salmon
- Determination,
Persistence
Sandpiper
- Quickness,
Foraging, Scavenging
Scorpion
- Defense,
Self-protection
Seagull
- Carefree
attitude, Versatility, Freedom
Seahorse
- Nourishing,
Fathering
Seal
- Contentment
Skunk
- Perseverance,
Determination
Snake
- Power,
Life force, Sexual potency
Spider
- The
Web of life, Interconnectedness, Industry
Squirrel
- Trust,
Thrift
Swan
- Elegance,
Nurturing
Turtle
- Love
& Protection, Healing, Knowledge
Whale
- Creativity,
Intuition
Wolf
- Teaching
skill, Loyalty, Interdependence
Woodpecker
- Change,
Persistence
Additional
Native American Symbolism (many duplicates):
Alligator--Aggression,
survival, adaptability.
Ant--The
ant represents self-discipline and a group effort or teamwork.
Bat--The
bat is the guardian of the night, cleaner.
Bear--Power,
mother cunning, healer, gentle strength, dreaming.
Bear
Paw--Power,
direction, connection to creator.
Beaver--The
beaver is a builder or gatherer.
Buffalo--Sacredness,
life builder. The buffalo provides all good things for living, and
bestows great curing
powers.
Butterfly--Metamorphosis,
carefree, transformer.
Cougar--Leadership,
courage, power, swiftness and balance.
Coyote--Prankster,
insight, playful. The coyote symbolizes duality and the ability to
present both sides of
an issue. Clowning and humor, perhaps sarcastic.
Crane--Solitude,
independence.
Deer--Love,
gentleness, kindness, gracefulness and sensitivity. Deer carries the
message of purity of
purpose, and of walking in the light.
Dolphin--Kindness,
play, bridge man to ocean. Dolphin brings us teachings from the
water. Breath
control and the awareness of tone is also Dolphin power.
Dragonfly--Flighty,
carefree. Dragonflies symbolize whirlwind, swiftness and activity.
The dragonfly is
an important insect in Zuni legend, where they are shamanistic
creatures with supernatural powers.
In Hopi rock art, the dragonfly is symbolized by a vertical line
with two or sometimes one, horizontal
cross line.
Eagle--Divine
spirit, chief of all the creatures in the air, the primary servant
of the sun. Powerful in battle,
the eagle protects the people from evil. Eagle medicine attributes
include clear vision and soaring spirit.
The eagle is associated with success, prosperity and wealth. In the
Zuni Tradition, the Eagle symbolizes
the direction Up.
Elk--Strength,
agility, freedom, power and nobility.
Fox--Cunning,
provider, intelligence. Fox represents twilight and feminine magic.
Frog--Connection
with water element.
Grizzly
Bear--Mother,
nature's pharmacist.
Hawk--Messenger
of the sky, observer.
Horse--Stamina,
mobility, strength and power. The horse was introduced to the plains
tribes by the
Spanish. Shamans are often pictured flying on mythical horses.
Horses can symbolize coping under
difficult circumstances. Horse is love and devotion, loyalty.
Hummingbird--Messenger,
stopper of time. Hummingbird represents optimism and sweetness.
Being
able to roll with the punches is an attribute of Hummingbird.
Lizard--Conservation,
agility. Lizard promotes dreaming.
Moose--Headstrong,
unstoppable longevity. Moose represents value and integrity.
Otter--Laughter,
curiosity, mischievous. Otter is a feminine power, and the symbol of
grace and empathy.
Owl--Wisdom,
truth, patience. The Mescalero believe that Owl carries the souls of
the recently deceased, a death
messenger. Owl is the totem of clairvoyants and mystics.
Rabbit--Alertness,
nurturing.
Raven--Trickster,
teacher, hoarder. To Pacific Northwest Coast tribes, Raven
represented the shaman's
powers and a belief in transformation between human and animal
spirits. Raven symbolizes change in consciousness and is the mark of
a shape shifter.
Salmon--Instinct,
persistence, determination.
Seahorse--Confidence,
grace.
Shark--Hunter,
survival, adaptability.
Snake--Shrewdness,
transformation. Life, death and rebirth are represented by the
shedding of skin.
Among the Pueblo Indians snakes and lightning are equated with rain
and fertility.
Spider--Creative,
pattern of life. Spider connects the past with the future, creating
possibilities.
Spider-woman is a major Pueblo goddess.
Swan--Grace,
balance, innocence.
Turtle--Self
contained, creative source. Turtle represents Mother Earth. Informed
decisions, planning
and adaptability are attributes of Turtle.
Wolf--Loyalty,
success, perseverance, stability and thought. Wolves are also
regarded as pathfinders
and teachers. Wolf is represented by the constellation Sirius, the
Dog. In the Zuni tradition the Wolf
symbolizes the direction East.
Wolf
Print--Tracking,
movement.
Various
Native American Cultures
Many of these overlap. There is not one list that fits all Native
Cultures. These were copied from Indian
Sun and will be removed at their request.
Alligator
- Stealth, Survival
Ant - Patience, Diligence and Work
Antelope -Taking Action
Armadillo -Boundaries, Self Protection
Badger -Aggressiveness, Passion and Drive
Bat -Death and Rebirth on Personal, Spiritual Level
Bear -Gentle Strength, Introspection and Dreaming
Beaver -Building, Accomplishing Goals
Bee -Service, Gathering, Community
Bird -Unity, Freedom, Community
Buffalo -Abundance, Survival Needs Met, Good Fortune, Healing
Butterfly-Self Transformation, Balance, Grace
Bumblebee-Honesty, Pure Thinking, Willingness and Drive
Caribou-Travel and Mobility
Cougar- Power, Swiftness, Balance
Coyote- "The Trickster" , Humor, Charm, Folly of
Self-Deception and Survival
Crane-Water, End of Summer, Migration
Cricket-Singing, Spring, Fertility
Crow-Sacred Law, Gateway To Supernatural, Shape Shifting,
Illusion
Deer-Gentleness, Compassion and Kindness
Dog-Protection and Loyalty
Dolphin-Joy, Harmony, Intelligence, Self Connection
Dove-Love, Gentleness and Kindness
Dragonfly-Dreamtime, Illusion, Spring, Water
Dolphin-Life Force, Rhythm and Breath
Eagle-Spirit Connection to Higher Realms, Courage
Elk-Stamina, Pride, Power, Majesty
Feather-Spirit
Firefly-Communication, Illumination
Fish-Water, Current, Flow of Life From the Earth
Fox-Camouflage, Adaptability and Integration
Frog-Fluidity, Water and Rain, Cleansing and Tears
Goat-Tenacity, Diligence
Goose-Safe Return, Love of Home
Hawk-Strength, Foresight, Truth
Hedgehog-Self Preservation
Heron-Patience, Grace
Horse-Physical and Spiritual Power, Carrier Of Burdens
Hummingbird-Pure Love and Joy, Celebration of Life
Ladybug-Delight, Trust
Lion-Pride, Nobility, Cunning, Courage
Lizard-Dreaming, Foresight, Ancient Secrets
Loon-Peace, Tranquility, Generosity
Lynx-Keeper of Mystical Secrets
Moose-Self Esteem, Assertiveness
Mountain Lion-Wisdom and Balance in Leadership
Mouse-Scrutiny, Attention to Detail
Opossum -Strategy and Diversion
Otter-Earth and Water, Balanced Feminine Energy
Owl-Clairvoyance, Magic, Astral Projection
Parrot Feather-Bringer of Essential Rain and Seed
Peacock-Recognition, Self Assurance, Pride
Pelican-Abundance, Plenty
Pheasant-Warning, Concealment
Porcupine-Gentle Innocence and Trust
Quail-Protectiveness, Group Harmony
Rabbit-Fear, Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
Raccoon-Curiosity, Inquisitiveness
Ram-Strength, Determination
Raven-Bringer of Magic and Light, Creation and Knowledge
Roadrunner-Speed, Agility
Salmon-Dependability and Renewal
Sandpiper-Foraging, Scavenging, Quickness
Scorpion-Defense, Self Protection, Biting Truth
Seagull-Carefree Attitude, Versatility, Freedom
Seal-Inquisitiveness, Organization, Contentment
Snake-Transmutation, Life Cycles
Skunk-Reputation, Respect, Caution
Snail-Perseverance, Determination
Snake-Power, Life Force, Sexual Potency
Spider-Weaving, Symbolism
Squirrel-Gathering, Preparation, Thrift
Swan-Grace, Surrender to the Universal Plan
Tadpole-Fertility and Renewal, Transformation
Turkey-Give Away, Sacrifice of Self and Others
Turtle-Mother Earth, Protection
Weasel-Stealth, Information Gathering
Whale-Historical Record Keeper, Traveler, Guardian
Wolf-Teacher of New Ideas and Wisdom, Intense Loyalty with Balance
of Independence
Woodpecker-Change, Persistance
Symbols of the Chinese
Horoscope Cycle
The Twelve Earthly
Branches and Their Attributes
RAT:
intelligent, enterprising, has devotion to purpose, but can be
devious and scheming at times.
OX:
strong, steadfast and dependable, but not necessarily stupid;
faithful to the end, slow to anger, but can be very forceful.
TIGER:
loyal, courageous, energetic, strong, cunning. The tigress tends to
be shrewish.
RABBIT:
modest, fast mover, has delicate senses, and is a good listener.
DRAGON:
benign, embodies wisdom, strength and goodness. Protector of the
weak.
SNAKE:
observant, quick to anger, usually possesses great physical
beauty and is not necessarily venomous except when protecting the
family.
HORSE:
strong and powerful, usually vain if a woman, warlike and
chivalrous.
SHEEP:
proud, domineering, strive to help and guard their fellows, and
are sometimes excellent doctors.
MONKEYS:
quick and keen of wit, highly observant, curious, loving, a good
parent, and excellent in small enterprises.
ROOSTER:
quick to fight, single-purposed and persistent.
DOG:
loyal, steadfast, persistent in adversity. Sensitive to
feelings.
PIG:
highly intelligent, scholarly, easily angered, easily swayed and
affected by emotions.
Publication
of this list to this web site is not intended to violate any
copyright laws. If anyone recognizes
any part of this list to be their original intellectual material, I
will give due credit (Judy
Decker)
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