A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cardinals deals with vibrancy and brilliance.

As we observe the cardinal - particularly against the backdrop of the stark winter months, we are reminded that even when things appear bleak or isolated, there is always the presence of beauty, hope, and love.

Cardinals encourage us to express our brilliance and reveal our truest selves.  Their radiant red is a symbol for us to recognize the gifts in our hearts that we have to give to others in love and friendship.

 Here is a quick summary of the attributes & symbolic meaning of cardinals:

• Sexuality
• Vibrancy
• Renewal
• Self-reflection
• Friendliness
• Vitality
• Goodwill
• Industry
• Brilliance

More on the symbolic meaning of cardinals can be found here.

I recently had a reader ask me for specific symbols of Love that originated in ancient Germany, to which I respond: 

There are so many symbols for love - and many of these span across the borders of countries.  It’s no wonder that throughout time and culture various symbols for love have been shared - the concept of love is quite universal, with undeniable identification from all who have been blessed by its presence.

Further, there is not one single symbol for love designated per country. Even the Claddagh of which you speak is a local symbol of affinity according to legend…but it is not THE symbol of love for Ireland.

That said - I can give you a few specific symbols that originate from the ancient origins of German-European ancestral archives.  These symbols come from a time of mystery, when energy was honored and the essence of nature ruled the constructs of reality.

One such ancient belief system was the Ogham which is a form of divination derived from trees.  Originally from Central Europe the language of trees (Ogham) spread through out Europe including Germany during the 4th and 5th century, BC.  The Ogham are messages from trees - (trees at that time were believed to be of a more evolved status - containing infinite wisdom and messages to human).

We know early Germans used the Ogham because all 20 of the plants/trees used in the Ogham system of language are found in Germany, and Ogham symbols are found carved in ancient German relics.

The tree of the Ogham that symbolizes love is the Queirt which is the apple tree.  The symbol of love, union, beauty, fertility, harmonization and perfection.  The Ogham alphabet character for the Queirt is show here (at left).

Another form of divination where we can obtain some Germanic symbols is the Rune system.  Specifically the Futhark runes are another alphabet used by ancient Germans as well as Scandinavians and Anglo-Saxons up until they were banned in the 17th century by the church.

 The Geofu rune is the symbol for love, peace, generosity and romantic realms.  This rune represents sharing, devotion, union, and even marriage.  The image of this symbol is shown here (at left).

I’m not sure this information is what you were looking for - perhaps my love symbols pages might help you - as these are primarily universal symbol concepts of love and would pertain to Germany as well as the global concept of love:   common Love Symbols page    and you might also be interested in common Animals that symbolize love.

I trust this information helps you on your journey.
 

In the ancient Orient, flowers constituted a language - each symbolizing a thought or emotion.  Lady Mary Wortley Montagu further developed the symbolic language of flowers by adding her additional interpretations, and she brought this vibrant language to the west in the 1600’s.

The secret language of flowers reached it’s highest peak in the west during the Victorian era, as people of this age were unable to always speak their minds clearly. 

The ancient Greeks held the lily as a symbol of high eroticism and sexuality (the long pistil of the flower suggesting a phallus and the pollen symbolizing fertility) and masculinity.

In Greek lore the lily was formed from the breast milk of Hera.  As the story goes, Zeus wanted Hercules (his son born from an extra-marital affair) to become a god.  One way of doing this was to have him suckle at the breast of his wife, Hera.  Zeus invoked the god of sleep, Somnus, to put Hera in a deep slumber while he enticed Hercules to suck at her bosom.  He did this so vigorously that the milk overflowed.  That which flowed heaven-wards became the Milky Way.  The milk that flowed to the earth became the white lily.

Old wives tales suggest telling the sex of an unborn child by using a rose and a lily.  All one need do is approach an expectant mother with a lily in one hand and a rose in the other.  If the mother choses the rose, it will be a girl.  If she picks the lily, it will be a boy (again, referencing the long pistil as a masculine feature).

Christians hold the lily as a symbol of chastity, innocence, purity and piety.  In early Christan art the white lily is referred to as the “Madonna” as the flower is associated with the virgin Mary.  It is typically depicted in a vase or held by Gabriel in Annunciation paintings.

The stem of the lily symbolizes Mary’s religious mind, the petals represent her virginity, the scent her divinity and the leaves signify her humility.

In Byzantium and France the lily is a symbol of royalty, prosperity and expanse. In fact, the Fleur-de-lys is sometimes thought of as a lily.

With its three petals, the lily is often considered a trinity symbol, holding the representation of three virtues: Charity, Hope & Faith.

In dreams the lily is a symbol of purity, virginity and innocence too.  If the dreamer is looking at a lily it is a message of encouragement & chance of success in an endeavor looks very good.  If one is dreaming of holding a lily, it indicates he/she is highly respected by others.  If the dreamer is throwing or tossing a lily aside, it is a message that he/she has been abusing his/her power.

When we dream of lilies it usually means that the time is right to act upon a long-thought plan.  Further, it indicates that we are coming into a fuller integration of ourselves and developing personal balance.  It is also a sign that we are seeking rest, peace and tranquility.

In mystery (occult) teachings, we see the lily as a symbol of development, growth, progress, freedom, and also purity.  Specifically, we see the lily in several Tarot cards, namely: The Magician card, Temperance card, and the Ace of Pentacles card.

In the language of the Tarot, the lily also holds symbolism of purity, innocence and fertility. Additionally, the lily symbolizes vulnerability, and the freedom to be ourselves, as well as allowing others to be as they are too. The lily is a symbolic flower of health and provision. In a reading, the lily can signal growth, development, and a quality of innocence in our lives. Depending on the surrounding cards, the lily may also indicate new relationships and births.

For a class project, a student requested some common symbols for “man” or “male” to which I respond: 

The most universal sign of Male-ness is Mars (symbol shown left).

Mars alchemy planet symbols are shared with the sign of iron, and it is also noteworthy that this is the same sign for man or maleness. As such, alchemical Mars rules physical strength, and symbolizes predominantly male energy. Philosophically, Mars represents a need to temper primal urges while at the same to embracing the fire within.

Other symbols that commonly represent Man or Male-ness are as follows:

• Lightening
• Fire
• Ram
• Bull
• Oak Tree
• Sun
• Falcon
• Torch
• Sword
• The number Five

Also other symbols that deal with Male-ness are those connected with the phallus such as:

• Maypole
• Pillar
• Rod or Wands
• Spade
• Obelisk
• Lance
• Cone
• Arrow
• Lingam

I hope this information is helpful with your class project as you continue to explore the symbolism behind the power of Male

One of my readers wanted to know about solar animals. These are creatures that correspond with the sun - also known as fire sign animals. 

The list of solar animals is seemingly infinite (as is the lunar animal list).  However, I gave her a few common fire sign animals and their various descriptions below.

Dear Hot 2 Handle:

In most cultures Lions represent courage, wisdom, royalty, justice and protection.  The Lion embodies other attributes such as loyalty, perseverance, ferocity, bravery, and victory.  The Lion may also speak to your softer side as it also embodies compassion.  Interestingly, the Lion is also depicted on the Strength card of the Tarot, and as such, represents the quality of strength in an interpretation.

Alchemically, the Lion is held in the highest regards of the tradition. So much so that it symbolizes gold or the sun – the very highest characteristics of ascension and enlightenment. Furthermore, due to its virility, strength, and perceived courage, the lion was seen as the ultimate protector of alchemical secrets, as well as keeper of the underworld.

Another powerful creature that comes to mind is the Salamander.  In Greek and Roman myth the Salamander lived in the very heart of all fire (and as such, took on the representation of fire itself).  Pliny believed that the Salamander survived fire by quenching it with its cold body with is a symbol of keen intellect. As such, it is considered a powerful alchemical symbol.

Salamanders also symbolizes purity, faith, heraldry, and the fire of passion that is ignited in the heart of the courageous.  The salamander or lizard symbol is also depicted on several cards in the suit of wands of the Tarot deck in which it signifies creative sparks.

The Ram is another tremendously strong symbol of solar energy.  Rams signify impetuous ardour, virility and hot-headedness.  But with the heat of passion the Ram also brings calculating tendencies, and is also a sign indicating creativity.

In iconography the Ram stands as a symbol for many potent gods including Baal, Zeus, Ea, Apollo and Indra.

Certainly another symbol of greatness is the Cock (Rooster).  These creatures represent watchfulness, courage, virility, fighting spirit, reliability.  The Cock is also linked with solar energy - a symbol of dawn, illumination and the sun in Celtic and Nordic myth.

Roosters are sacred animals in Japan where they run free among the Shinto temples. Legend has it they are found on weather-vanes (in Western culture) because they serve as an emblem against evil.  In Ancient Greece, the Cock was hailed for its pluckiness (pardon the pun) - it’s fighting spirit & determination.

Then, there is always the Dragon.  Chinese Dragons can easily encapsulate all of your dualities - as it is the ultimate solar power symbol while still known as being a beneficent being.

Dragons historically capture the very essence of action, motion, vigor, protection.  Dragons ask no permission - the wield authority easily.  They are the master of all domains.  Naturally perceptive - Dragons easily assess all situations, adapt, and prevail.  Success, good luck, warmth, admiration, wealth - all of these belong to the realm of the Dragon.

I trust this information helps you on your journey.

Regards & blessings to you,
A. Venefica

Looking for assistance in preparing his wedding vows,  a young man contacted me asking for various symbols representing “woman” and/or “wife” to which I responded:

Dear Husband-To-Be: 

Various common symbols of woman include:

• Trees
• Fruit
• Inverted triangle
• Moon
• Seed
• Water

Symbolism for wife in the form of union or marriage are all of these listed above as well as:

• Conjoined circles
• Infinity symbol
• Joined hands
• Tied Knots (silk)

One specific symbolic image that comes to mind when discussing the symbolism of woman as wife is the rib.  As the traditional Christian story tells, God took the extra rib from man and made woman.

There is some debate in the history books as to which side of Adam’s rib cage a rib was taken to make Eve.  Most scholars tend to believe it was the left side and to this day the woman normally stands on the left side of the man during wedding ceremonies.

I trust this helps you on your journey.  Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

Regards & blessings to you both,
A. Venefica