A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

I’ve been asked about superstitions and symbolism of shoes (say that five times fast).   I just happen to know these little symbolic shoe bits because I’m a recovering shoe addict, and I thought (as I typically do) my shoe fetish had a deeper symbolic meaning, so several years ago I investigated various meanings of shoes. 

I was happy to share a few of the more colorful superstitions in my reply here:

Dear ShoeStrung,

Shoes have a wealth of superstitions attached to them.

In the Western world, tossing old boots in the wake of departing ships was thought to insure a sailor’s safe return home.

This tradition is carried out in modern times by tying shoes to the car bumpers after a wedding.  This action is said to:

• assure a happy home life,
• keep a husband from wandering,
• and all the roads a family takes will always lead back to the home.

Also in matters of love, if shoes are placed on the left side of the bed in the form of a “T” it is said that a vision of your love will come to call in your sleep.  A little rhyme goes with it to insure your dream lover will appear: 

“This night my true love will see,
I’ve placed my shoes in the form of a T,
now in my dreams come to me,
show yourself, my lover to be.”

Do not put your shoes souls up under your bed, as superstitions indicate this will cause nightmares and cramps.

Dreaming of shoes means something too; I’ve written a bit about it here:
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/dream-symbol-meaning.html (4th dream symbol from the bottom of the page).

Even the wear and tear of shoes has a bit of symbolic superstition behind them, as evident in this Irish rhyme:

“Worn at tip of toe, wearer sees woe,
Worn out at the side, wearer meets his bride,
Worn on the ball, best not to buy at all,
Worn at the heal, wearer makes a wise deal.”

Placing shoes caddywampus in your doorway is a good way to outsmart devils from entering your door.  Place one shoe with toes facing out the door, and the other shoe with toes facing in - this is said to confuse dense little demons and keep your home evil-free.

On a more somber note, placing shoes on top of a table is symbolic of death. The origin of this superstition comes from the times of hangings in which convicted prisoners were hanged with their shoes still on.  Upon letting loose of the noose, their shoes would tap on the surface - the association was translated to table tops.

As synchronicity would have it, I just stumbled across this post on superstitions surrounding shoes at weddings.

I hope you enjoyed these superstitions and symbolism of shoes. 

I received an email from a gentleman who asked for assistance in interpreting a symbolic fox sighting. 

He encountered the fox at noon while he was contemplating his future plans.  I respond with some ideas about his symbolic fox and direct him to more thoughts on my fox animal symbolism page.  Here is my response:

Dear ShadowFinder:

Indeed, fox are small, but they can project a very large presence.

They are the natural shape shifters of the animal kingdom, and their shifting powers are at their peak on prime clock-time points of noon and midnight…inherent times of transformation.

Fox have very clarified and pointed energy - they serve as index fingers pointing in specific directions….they are focused and driven.

They are also quite clever and can reveal resources or advantages to your soul that your mind might never conceive.

What does your experience mean?  Only you can determine that.  Sorry, no free rides in the realm of oracle interpretations. Personal soul-searching is a requirement if you need to know the keys that unlock your doors of mystery.

One thing is certain.  The fox does not idly choose who she reveals herself to.  This encounter is unique to you, it’s your responsibility to follow the energetic trail of the fox for clarification.

Read over what I’ve written here, as well as this page I’ve written about the animal symbolism of the fox:

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/fox-animal-symbolism.html

Ditch the stuff that does not jive with your soul.  Grab onto the threads that resonate truth. Keep pulling at these threads (researching, contemplating, meditating) until you reach a satisfactory end (a fitting answer to this phenomenon).

Further, call upon the energy of the fox.  Be honorable, and be like still water as you invoke.  The fox will come and will give you answers, just as long as you approach her as the noble she is.

Thanks for sharing your symbolic fox sighting. 

Love & blessings to you.

A.

I accidentally (honest!) hit the “delete” key on a comment expressing dismay on some of my symbolic interpretations. 

She went on to explain there are good and bad symbol interpretations and my writings tend to be one-sided.  Her comment is valid, and merits an answer, so here is my response:

Dear Demeter1000: 

This is the beauty of symbolism.  Each symbol interpretation is completely based upon the observer’s perspective.

All of the symbols on my main website, this blog, and my Tarot site can be construed one way or another, good or bad, fact or fiction.  It all depends on how the observer interprets the symbol - it’s all very personal.

Most of my pages encourage readers to explore their own thoughts about symbolism and let their own feelings be their guide to symbol meanings. 

Mine is only one perspective - most certainly not the only one.

It’s true, all of the information I publish leans to the positive aspects of a symbol.  I do this intentionally as I figure people have access to plenty of negativity already.  Why should I contribute to an unworthy cause?

Thank you for your very relevant & astute observation.

I received an email from a gentleman who wanted to know about interpreting oracles.  Specifically, he wanted to interpret an oracle in finding a deceased black bird on his front porch.  My response:

Dear Ornithological Ovate:

Like you, I also find symbolism in everything so there’s no need to feel akward about sending me your request for more information.  It is the most curious among us who find the brightest gifts of enlightenment.

Interpreting oracles in common (or uncommon) occurances in our lives is easier when we gather all the facts. 

Symoblic interpretation can be like unraveling a mystery - we observe, we look for clues, we contemplate, we experiement, we compare.  The more unorthodox and persistent we are in our research, the more profound our revelations.

In looking for clues we may consider a few of these factors (upon the time we encounter our oracle, in your case the black bird): 

• Specific breed of bird
• Cardinal direction (location)  
• Weather conditions
• Time of day
• Day of the week or year or season
• What was happening at the moment of the discovery?  What were you thinking? 

All of these little details (and more as you find your own) begin to add up to tell you a story.  You can then layer this story on top of your life situation like a template.  This allows you to see patterns in your life happenings against the template of this oracle. 

Ultimately, only you can determine the interpretation of your oracle because it came to you and only you.  I can give you a few ideas:

For example, if you are sure it is a black bird on your front porch, it is symbolic of your ability to find your voice in a crowd of others.  Black birds are song birds, and as such, they are symbolic of creativity, voice, and expression.  Here, the death of the bird may be symbolic of a tendency to stiffle or silence your creativity and/or freedom of creative speech.

If your bird is a crow or a magpie, we are dealing with symbolism of mystery and secrets.  Perhaps you’ve been given heavy information that must remain with you and only you.  Perhaps you’re struggling with that secret (or keeping it).  

If your bird is a raven, which is one of the Native American symbols for mystics or seers, it may be a message that an area of your spiritual realm may be coming to an end and another beginning is on the horizon.  The message here is “get ready” because the shifts in your spiritual perspective may be intense.

 Again, it’s important to take its location in consideration.  That you found it on your front porch may be indicative of:

• Facing forward
• New beginnings
• False pretenses
• External appearances
• Preparation for company (of any ilk)

Assuming your front porch has a door is another major consideration. 

Doors are symbolic of beginnings, but also openings, arrivals, gateways (portals).  Keep this in mind as you apply the various symbolism of this bird’s appearance to your own life situation.

At its simplest, your black bird may be an oracle of a balance between endings (symbolic of its death) and beginnings (the front door).  Or, it could also indicate a need for grounding.  Birds are air animals and deal with higher thought.  Your bird has landed (indefinately in a physical sense) and this may be a sign you may need to ground your thoughts or get a little more practical.

You can see the variables are endless.  This is why only you can crack the oracle code because the details will relate to your own life experience.

I would encourage you to call upon the spirit of the black bird for clarification.  Animal energy is infinite, and incredibly generous when we are willing to learn their language. 

Meditate, be still and calm - your black bird will come to you when you are open to receive her.   Express your gratitude - for both her physical presence as a sign in  your life, and for her spiritual guidance too. 

I’ve always marveled at the symbolic meaning of the uroboros (also spelled ourobouros or ouroboros) and have adopted it as a personal symbol - using it in meditations and incorporating its symbolic meaning into daily thought patterns where a shift is necessary.

I’ve written a bit on the uroboros on my symbolic Alchemy Animals page here, but was prompted to write more after seeing this post by Eksith Rodrigo who describes how to make your own Uroboros on this post.  

Using his instructions, I made my own uroboros (shown right).  I added a snaggle tooth & curly horns….I’ve got a thing for horns….but I digress..

The symbolic meaning of the uroboros is replete with concepts such as:

• Cycles
• Eternity
• Rebirth
• Potential
• Perpetuity
• Actualization

The alchemists illustrate this serpent wrapped around the cosmic egg, signifying the life span of the universe.  Furthermore, the center opening shown in typical uroboros illustrations may also symbolize the egg which speaks of :

• Inceptions
• Beginnings
• Openings
• Latent power
• Limitless potential

This opening upon which the serpent is clenched is also symbolic of the number zero and all it implies.

The serpent itself is symbolic of regeneration and the cycle of time as we observe in the shedding of a snake’s skin.

The eating of it’s own tail declares the statement “The end is the beginning”  and reminds us of the eternal nature of energy which cannot be destroyed, only transformed. 

I rather like the implication that only by devouring ourselves can we find our true nature.  To further this point, I think of the constrictive nature of the snakes feeding pattern; its inner muscles press upon prey (in this case, itself).

This makes me think of the birthing  process of diamonds.  It takes a lot of pressure to make a diamond from coal.  Likewise, it takes a lot of constriction for our best selves to be squeezed out of our false identities.

The uroboros makes its appearance in several cultural myths.  Quickie symbolism of the uroboros in cultural myth:

• Egyptian: Symbolic of the sun - it’s rising and setting signifying the cycle of the day
• Gnostic: Oneness of all life, the constant process of re-recreation and the unity behind all duality
• Roman: Eternity, time and associated with Janus the god of the new year
• Greece: Death and rebirth as illustrated in the Orphic creation myth - another reference to the cosmic egg symbolism
• African: Here it is known as the “rainbow serpent” or Aido Hwedo and is an emblem of sustaining life, protection and creation

The overwhelming message the uroboros provides is “all is one” - the concept of connection and the totality of all.  Other thoughts that come to mind with the uroboros include:

• Beginnings, endings, and all that’s in-betwix
• Life, death and what we do with ourselves in between
• Reintegration, disintegration and the phases each of these processes undergoes

No doubt, this symbol is a powerful one - we can easily see how all of its symbolic implications can reap a dramatic effect on our thoughts.  I invite you to settle in with your own personal concepts of the uroboros, and see what kind of transformations come up for you!

Some attributes and symbolism of the pheasant include:

• Solar/Sun/Energy
• Refinement
• Sexuality
• Nobility
• Virtue

The pheasant is a native bird of China where it is revered for its beauty, and thought of as a solar animal.  Indeed, the Golden pheasant’s body is a shock of flaming red; its head a ruddy yellow.  So intense are these solar colors that there is some debate as to whether or not the Golden pheasant (image shown right) may be linked to the legendary phoenix.

Whatever the case, the pheasant represents yang energy and so it carries attributes of fire, life, summer, male, and action to name a few.

Also in China the pheasant is a symbol of nobility, and is associated with high-rank in political office and civil service. 

In Japan the pheasant is a divine messenger for Amaterasu, the great sun goddess.  Amaterasu is a focal point of the Shinto pantheon.  She is the ruler of the heavens, so her association with the pheasant made this creature an important symbol of power, abundance and promise.

Native American lore considered the pheasant a symbol of protection and concealment.  Presumably because regardless of their airborne capabilities, they prefer most of their time hunkered down in tall grass, concealed from sight.  Further, unlike most winged creatures, the pheasant nests on the ground rather than trees. 

Pheasants are considered symbols of sexuality because of the amazingly attractive male.  Furthermore, the male’s appearance is quite effective, and often wins him a harem of females. 

Lastly, the pheasant is a cousin of the peacock, and its symbolic attributes are similar to those of the peacock which can be found here.

Pheasants make excellent animal totems for many reasons.  Their energy stimulates sexuality, encourages creativity, and enhances energy.  I’ve gone into more detail about the symbolism of the pheasant  (including the types of people who attract pheasants as an animal air totem) here.

Post Script: Thank you Petra for this magnificent photo!
 

The symbolic meaning of the dragonfly deals with:

• Mind 
• Dreams
• Balance 
• Thoughts
• Awareness
• Living to the fullest

Because of it is a creature of water (which symbolically deals with thoughts, dreams and intuition), the dragonfly is a symbol of our thoughts.  We can use it as an emblem of balanced mind because the dragonfly represents the two realms of thought. 

The dragonfly skitters across the surface of the water which is symbolic of our “top thoughts” the daily, surface thoughts that primarily keep us in auto-pilot. 

But the dragonfly knows she is standing on the vast watery depth of endlessly profound and potentially life-altering thoughts: The murky mass of thoughts that represent our primordial divinity - a virtual powder-keg of expansive expression.

And so, the dragonfly is the fulcrum between mundane and mystical.  She is the balance keeper between the “little me” and the “God self.”  This is why the dragonfly is a perfect tool for meditation, and is often used by spiritual practitioners in meditation practices (an example of using the dragonfly in a meditation can be found here).

Additionally, as creature aof the wind, the dragonfly totem represents change. It’s iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows - lest we run into stormy weather.

The Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. This lesson is huge for each of us. When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.

Dragonfly Totems Facilitate:

• Greater attention to the nuances and subtleties around us
• Awareness & gratitude of inner beauty
• Awareness of outer beauty, and ability to share it modestly with the world
• Knowledge of life’s brevity, and understanding the importance of making every minute special

It should be clear this insect totem has endless potential in changing our perspective, and enhancing our life experiences.  Take the time to connect with this and other insect totems and you will be amazed at the doors they can open for you.

The meaning of raven calls were interpreted by ancient Celtic people as a type of guidance or foretelling tool.

The ancient Celts were intimately connected to their environment. They understood the murmurings of green leaves as their own language. Likewise, each of the beasts in the wood had their own language too and the Celts were able to interpret these into meaningful cosmic messages.

Some of the Celtic meaning of raven calls were recorded in various medieval manuscripts. Translations and opinions abound, but here some understandings of the raven communications:

• If a raven caws above your head - you will have company
• If she says GRAW!” it will be unexpected company
• If she says “GEEWAN!” it will be unwelcome company
• If she says “BEECAH!” it will be a lover come to call
• If she says “GRACE!” it will be someone coming to collect a debt

Additionally, the raven’s flight direction was considered a portent or warning. The direction in which a raven spoke indicated what an action, expectation or preparation to take. To illustrate:

• If a raven calls to the East: You will be getting news you’ve been waiting for
• If a raven calls to the North: Better attend to matters of your household
• If a raven calls to the South: Bring your loved ones close to you
• If a raven calls to the West: Prepare for a shift in your life

Were the Celts superstitious? Perhaps. But the raven meant big juju for the ancient Celts - not to be trifled with or second-guessed.

However, these people were so enmeshed with nature, beautifully entangled to the extent that there was no separation between man and beast. Who of us is to say that the ravens weren’t actually speaking to them and the Celts were accurately interpreting their messages?

I would encourage you to observe the ravens (crows, or magpies too) in your own life. Invest the time to really focus upon these darkly powerful birds. Over time, you will develop your own understanding of their language. Make note of this language and incorporate it into your life. See what happens. Don’t get crazy about it - just be in touch with yourself and the natural world. Astonishing discoveries are available to you when you do.

If you found this interesting, you might also want to check these other pages:

• Air Animal Totem Meanings
• The Raven in Native American Indian Lore
• Symbolic Meanings of the Magpie
• Lynx and Crow - Symbols of Seers

A few symbolic meanings of the Beaver include:

• Industry
• Community
• Goals
• Determination
• Accomplishment
• Resourcefulness
• Community

Ingenious builders and also creatures of water, Beavers represent the architecture (development) of our subconscious thoughts (dreams). Beavers are diligent workers and attune with their environment, and thus serve as a model for us to set goals while still maintaining flexibility.

Beaver Animal Totems Facilitate:

• Clearer understanding of our subconscious thoughts and dreams
• Ability to mold our thoughts more constructively to suit our needs
• Determination to follow our dreams
• Diligence to keep and reach our goals
• Balance and flexibility concerning ourselves and our expectations

As a dream animal, the Beaver is a message to get busy, and start accomplishing those goals you’ve only been thinking (or dreaming) about until now.  You’ve thought about it long enough, and now is the time to get to work!

More information on the symbolic meaning of the beaver can be found here.

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