A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

My friend Göran was curious about the sword symbolism as he begins pondering his next creative sculpted jewelry piece (click here to see his amazing sculpted jewelry art).

He’s done a lot of his own contemplation on the symbolic meaning of swords for his art work, and I thought I’d add to his thoughts by making this post.

Sword symbolism speaks of:

• Solidarity
• Defense
• Clarity
• Power
• Honor
• Force

Most perceptible is the symbolism of protection, honor and justice embodied in the blade of the sword. 

Metaphysically speaking the sword is symbolic of the penetrating power of the mind, and encourages the wielding of trained intellect to bring about the results we seek. 

The making of a sword incorporates all the elements: Earth, Fire, Air, Water.  This is a powerful point as it confirms the energetic pattern of the sword presents wholeness, balance, totality, and the unification of all resource to form a tightly focused beam of force (energy).

As an alchemical symbol aspects of the sword are representative of purification through the process of life and death.

Furthermore, Buddhism recognizes the sword as a metaphor in that the sword cuts through ignorance to reach to the truth in all things….“cutting through” wrong thought.

In Japan the sword is a symbol of courage and strength.  Here the sword is created by smithys in religious rituals.  Their swords are highly valued and serve as symbols of the warrior archetype.

As a Celtic symbol, the sword is connected to gain, wealth, honor, and establishment of hierarchy.  Often swords we be consider markers of familial ties, and indicate victories won for the purpose of insuring the survival of blood lineage.  Interestingly, swords were thought to be given as offerings by releasing them into the depths of the oceans.  I’ve written more about this and the sword’s connection with Nuada, here.

Mayans symbolism indicates the sword as the giver of life.  These people were intimate with the thin veil between physical life and spiritual life.  The sword serves as a gateway (when slain in battle or sacrifice) into spiritual life as the physical body passes and the spirit lifts into celestial unfolding.

As dream symbols, the sword is considered to hold meanings of intellect, seeking power, aggression, decision and action.  When we dream of swords our psyche is surfacing a message that it may be time for us to gain clarity about our position in life circumstances, take a stand and take action in a clear, discriminatory fashion. 

It may also hearken to our chivalrous archetypal nature.  Meaning, we may have an inclination to rescue someone (or ourselves).  Swords in dreams may also confirm our internal strength, that we are not prisoners of our circumstance, but we may cut away these limiting ties that bind us.

The symbolic meaning of the sword plays a large role in the language of the Tarot.  In  this esoteric light, a whole new realm of meaning about swords opens up to us.  I have written about the symbolic sword of the Tarot in depth here.

I’ve also written more in-depth thoughts on sword symbolism (including cultural perspectives) here.

Many of us are having more and more visions, and I often am asked to shed some light on the symbolism of visions.

Such is the case with one gentleman looking for a reading on the symbolic meanings of his vision.

This is his vision told in his words:

“In my morning meditation, somebody was suddenly right in front of my face. This person seemed to be shouting at me. Slowly, my vision expanded and I realized it was a native warrior, face painted, and a single feather rising from the back of his head. As the vision continued to expand, I could see we were in a forest clearing and it was a circle of warriors chanting and dancing around a fire. I watched them as they made one complete circle of the fire, and suddenly they were gone.

Now I realized that straight ahead of me, through an opening in the trees, something was flying towards me. As it came closer I thought it was a bald eagle. It was quite large, and I could see some white. Now it began descending. Closer and closer, lower and lower, and as I strained my neck to watch it fly directly over me, so close I thought I could almost reach out and touch it, I realized it was a pure white Raven.”

My reponse and impressions on this symbolic vision is as follows:

Dear David,

Thank you for indulging me the span of time it took to get in the groove of your vision.  sometimes impressions come in big, beautiful, fully-formed blocks of information. Other times, some stewing is required. After stewing in your visionary energies for over two weeks, these are the impressions that have come forward….I hope it’s worth the wait :-).

Before I begin, please keep in mind these impressions are coming through my own filter.  Meaning my own life experience will color the interpretations. That’s just the way it is.  I cannot separate my personality from what I am shown…and I tend to think that’s okay.

So that is why I beat the drum of independent study so vehemently. You must invest the time to know yourself, and interpret these visions as they apply to you and your life experience. 

YOU are the visionary, and the energies you deal with communicate special enlightenment for only you. My interpretation will never be the correct answer for you, but it will be an aspect of truth, as we are all connected and each of us presents a slice of the whole pie of knowing.

Enough of my diatribe…now onto the your symbolism of vision:

You prefaced the description of you vision by saying “that I don’t think I really understand it and/or, what I should be getting out of it.”

However, your vision begins with a human face confronting you very directly. Eye-to-eye. Nose-to-nose. Direct challenge, direct confrontation.  This initial face-to-face impression in your vision flies in direct opposition of this statement.  Symbolic stand-off’s such as this indicate you DO know precisely the matter and message of this vision. You may be at a “face off” in which there is something you must face or deal with. There may be a part of you that does not want to face the issue – but you certainly know what it is.

Expanding the vision, we see it is a warrior facing you – complete with war paint.  Our energetic lineage retains rituals of our ancestors. As such, we know the painting of native bodies and faces was/is a ritualistic practice carried out with deep sobriety and somber respect for the intention. Meaning, application of markings and color to the body was done purposefully and with focus. So this intentional ritual of marking the body with intent to battle begs the questions: 

• Who or what are you at war with?
• You have taken steps, made action, gone through modern-day rituals yourself…but to what end?
• What is the motivation of your prime action?
• Where is your focus?

The warrior has one single feather erected from his crown chakra. You can read about my thoughts on the symbolism of feathers (on my symbols website) here, and then more on this subject on my blog here. Briefly, feathers deal with:

• Ascension
• Spirituality
• Clarity of thought

Combined with this feather’s location on the crown chakra the theme of the vision deals with very high ideals:

• matters of enlightenment,
• conscious evolution, and
• energetic advancement.

That there is only one feather calls attention to the symbolism of one:

• One path,
• one direction,
• action,
• beginnings,
• foundations,
• solidarity of thought,
• singleness of purpose,
• activity of focus.

When we combine these concepts with the heady aspects of feathers and the 7th chakra, we begin to ask questions such as:

• Is there one path to freedom?
• Am I aligned with that energetic channel that seeks the highest vibration?

The feather points up  in your vision – does it not? I would encourage you to meditate upon that image – the feather pointing up with its base nestled in your divine crown. It’s a powerful symbol, capable of launching you into intense epiphany.

Moving further into your vision we see a forest clearing. Trees hold symbolism  that goes way beyond  my capacity for words.  The outermost philosophical branches of trees express symbolism of:

• Life,
• strength,
• resource,
• evolution,
• knowledge,
• provision

Trees encompass such massive and diverse energy that pinning single meanings takes some deep (and personal) contemplation.

However, that there is fire within your visionary forest, this indicates you are using resources at hand. By burning of the wood, you are igniting creative fire in a controlled methodical, ritualistic fashion.

Indeed our cosmic energy reveals our ancestors burning wood in order to obtain the secrets pressed within the flesh of sacred trees. Our energetic ancestors recognized trees as esoteric tablets of wisdom – capable of expressing and transferring that wisdom to us when we activated the indwelling passion (igniting the fire).

Furthermore, fire is symbolic of:

• passion
• spirituality
• creativity
• desire
• action
• possession
• energy
• intensity

Within these analogies we may ask questions such as:

• What surrounds you that sparks your passion?
• Is there an equal balance between your cool forests and the burning fire you create?
• Are you “burning out” your resources?
• In your practices, are you extracting the knowledge and experience you seek?

We cannot ask “what is consuming you” because we see order within your imagery of fire. But we may be bold, and ask if you feel conflict or war is required in order to have peace?

This is asked when we see your warriors circling around your flame. Circles are symbolic of:

• connectivity
• infinity
• evolution
• cycles
• repetition
• union
• eternity

Can you see the theme of balance within your vision?  Throughout your vision we see contrast:

• Peace vs. aggression (feathers vs. war paint).
• Spirituality vs. physicality (Sahasrara chakra vs. human form),
• Passive vs. active (trees vs. bonfire).

The Raven in your vision is replete with transformational symbolism, as it is typically black yet your vision indicates the Raven as white in color.  This offers further validation to the balance-seeking theme of the vision.

In other words, we see catharsis, release, and transformation as your deeper self propels the traditional imagery of the Raven, which is black, into a pristine white symbol.

Air animals are archetypes of living our lives in higher realms. Birds are symbols of:

• higher thought,
• higher intelligence and
• higher ideals

This is because birds are (metaphorically and mythologically speaking), situated in proximity to the higher energies of the Universe.

Ravens are no exception to this underlying symbolism of air totems. However, Ravens are special among their airy clan as they are the symbolic containers of:

• mystery,
• magic,
• secrets, and
• even deception.

As I mentioned in an earlier email to you, Ravens do not give up their secrets easily.  They love to watch us marvel over their messages.  Ravens demand our commitment to learning their wisdom, and do not reveal their meanings unless they are convinced we’ve devoted ourselves completely to the path of understanding (both dark and light sides of) energy.

However, your vision demonstrates the most fundamental concept of alchemy which is: Transition and Transformation.

What is dark (traditional black Raven) becomes light as we see in your white Raven. We may interpret this into an alchemical formula: “With balanced mixing of appropriate energies, dark unknowns (black Raven) become known (white Raven).”

In other words, through the consistent unveiling of your inner depths, and the positive/active utilization of these inner impulses the esoteric secrets become exposed to the light of your own consciousness.

Are these interpretations deep? By gosh yes, they are deep. It’s a deep vision you’ve had.

It is no simple mind that summons the Raven. That is why I disagree with your earlier statement that you don’t think you understand the vision. This is poppycock (and I mean that lovingly).

The Raven will never come to a person who is not advanced enough to read the deeper meanings behind its presence. Ravens are cunning, selective creatures – if you did not already know the answers, you would have never had the vision.

David, I’ve laid a lot on your proverbial table here. It’s time for you to further prepare your table and feast on the wealth of knowledge that is before & within you. Seat yourself in the center of your own internal abundance. Know that your life experience is a grand banquet, and celebrate your own absolute knowing that is infused in every fiber of your being.

Thank you for sharing your vision. Moreover, thanks for indulging me this time of philosophical waxing and honoring my perspective (even if somewhat eccentric).

Namaste & brightest blessings to you,
A.

As part of our current synchroblog topic, I chose the number 11 as a symbolic concept of duality.

Seeing number 11 is not an uncommon phenomenon.  Indeed, I get many emails from folks who see the number eleven consistently, and in response, I’ve written about the symbolism of number eleven on this blog here, and on my website here.

As you will see on these posts, I propose the symbolism of number eleven deals with:

• Congruency
• Opening
• Balance

We garner these meanings through an understanding of numerology (both in the traditional Pythagorean sense, as well as an intuitive/interpretive psychic sense). 

We glean information on the number eleven by investigating its numeric master, which is number one.   The meaning of number one  speaks of:

• Beginnings
• Action 
• Focus
• Union

However, reduced the number eleven morphs into the vibrational resonance of number two (1+1=2). The meaning of number two deals with:

• Decision
• Polarity
• Reproduction
• Balance

But what does this have to do with duality?  Everything, when we dance in the peripheries of symbolism.

Investigating the numerical significances of number eleven gives us gossamer glimpses into the meaning of the number.   

On the one hand we march in time with
structure, stability, consistency and sure-footing (number one). 

On the second hand we dance the two-step with
choice, duplicity, option (free will) and diversity (number two).

After years of number eleven presenting itself to my attention at every turn (on clocks, dates, money, tickets, seats, rooms, pages, totals - you name it), I’ve had countless opportunities to meditate on its presence, and ask myself the questions: Why am I seeing number 11 everywhere?  What does it mean? etc.

After exhausting numerological possibilities, my dissatisfaction lingered.  These surface meanings never slaked my need for further clarification.  There must be more depth to match the breadth of 11’s constant appearance in my life.

As is often the case, when we cock our philosophical heads to the side to take an unorthodox view of a thing, we begin to gain profound clarity of its meaning.  And so, after using visualization techniques with the number eleven, its meaning began to come more alive in my understanding.

In my personal experience I’ve concluded the number eleven represents a metaphorical gateway, whose entrance beckons the integration of the duality or opposition inherent in human nature (consider the image in the upper right - do you see the 11 in the form of pillars to an entryway?).

Delving further into the metaphor, my mind turned to the symbolism of the Tarot in which the Priestess card as well as the Justice card resonate with the number eleven.  Both cards depict two pillars on either side of the archetype.  Essentially, a number 11.

The Priestess is traditionally seated in the center of the symbolic pillars of Boaz and Jachin representing foundational strength (physical) and intentional directed energy (spiritual).  These pillars of the High Priestess card illustrate duality through long twisty roots running through the most esoteric layers of knowledge.

Further, her equal-armed cross signifies an ability to balance between the gateway of duality.  For eons, ancient wisdom has driven this point home:  Equalibrium is available within the center of perceived opposition.

This concept is a rhythmic theme drummed into every line of alchemical texts:  Humankind must appropriately and mindfully mix the elements of duality together to conjure the elixir of enlightenment.

The meaning of eleven, in this visual sense, illustrates this profound potential: We reach our zenith by seating ourselves in the midst of duality (just as the Priestess is purposefully poised between the pillars of Boaz and Jachin).  

So rather than tip the scale, choose a side, or invite imbalance - the great wisdom teachings of our kind (in all manner of metaphor) beckon us to settle BETWEEN the dualities. 

Essentially, we have the ability to levitate between an elegently slender gap,  gracefully slipping betwix such starknesses as:

• Black - White
• Day - Night
• Elation - Depression
• Introversion - Extroversion
• Physical - Spiritual
• Action - Rest

As our energetic ancestors have always known, it is in this subtle space we find our true home.

This is what years of seeing number 11 have brought to bear in my own understanding.  What has it revealed to you?

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Duality Synchroblog.  There are some incredibly passionate and insightful posts on the topic.  I would encourage you to read them all:

 
• Between Old and New Moons
• Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism
• Goddess in a Teapot
• The Aquila ka Hecate
• Full Circle Earthwise News
• Mythprint (all the myth that’s fit to print)
• Stone Circle
• Women and Spirituality
• Frontiers of Wonder
• ReligionThink
• Paleothea - Sing, Goddess
• Quaker Pagan Reflections
• Heart of Flame
• Pitch 313
• Executive Pagan
• Druid’s Apprentice
• The Druid Journal
• Manzanita, Redwoods and Laurel
• Dream Builders: A Figment of Imagination
• When Isis Rises: Archetypes in Duality
• Bubo’s Blog - Duality Entry

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!

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As I continue to prepare for a new phase of numerological meanings on my Tarot site, I find myself turning again and again to the wisdom of Pythagoras. 

The following ten (originally 39 in total) sayings of Pythagoras are highly symbolic and noteworthy.  I keep these tacked to my philosophical cork board - they’re phenomenal keystones - central supporting themes which provide remarkable foundational support in life. 

Symbolic aphorisms of Pythagoras (with explanations for each in my own words) are as follows:

1. Decline from public ways, walk in unfrequented paths:
   Wisdom comes from solitude. The evolution of ingenuity is not found on the path of conformity or commonplace.
2. Govern your tongue before all other things, following the gods:
   Be mindful of the words you speak (or write, for that matter).  They cannot be retracted.  When in doubt, be silent.
3. The wind blowing, adore the sound:
   Nature’s symbolic language is the back of all wisdom, ergo wisdom is everywhere - if only you opt to hear it.
4. Assist a man in raising a burden, but do not assist him in laying it down:
   Help in a manner that prolongs the gift of assistance. Do not help in a fashion that makes others dependent wholly upon you.  Help others to help themselves.
5. Speak not about Pythagoric concerns without light:
   Knowledge (both having and sharing) is a deep responsibility. Spiritual and intellectual clarity are essential prior to speaking about the mysteries of the universe. 
6. Having departed from your house, turn not back for the furies will be your attendants:
   Once you start on the path of spiritual unfolding, turning back to unconsciousness is not an option.  Regression is the path to pain and sorrow is its final destination.
7. Nourish a cock but sacrifice it not, for it is sacred to the sun and moon:
   To take life is to admonish the divine in all things including yourself. Rather, embrace the holiness found in all life, and you embrace the holiness within yourself.
8. Receive not a swallow in your house:
   Still the mind and the body.  Do not chase after random beliefs, idle thoughts, or flippant fads.
9. Offer not your right hand easily to anyone:
   Cramming the truth down the throat only leads to choking. Live in truth and it will be available to all without your having to offer it. 
10. When rising from your bedclothes, roll them together and obliterate the impression of your body:
    Live in the now. Once awakened, remain so by staying present in each moment.

A few symbolic interpretations of Pythagoras’ aphorisms :

1. “Public ways,” and “paths” may represent the way of wisdom - essentially, beliefs, spirituality, and thought itself.
2. “Tongue” is akin to speech.
3. “Wind” is symbolic of God or, if you like, energy - better yet - the divine harmony in back of all existence.
4. “Burden” here refers to demons of thought rather than physical burdens.
5. “Pythagoric concerns” indicate cosmic, esoteric matters - mysteries of life & universe.
6. “House” is symbolic of mental/spiritual foundation - that which is grounded.  “Furies” is a symbolic form of torment, discomfort.
7. “Cock” is symbolic of the human body.  “Sun” and “Moon” are known alchemical symbols for God and Nature (respectively).
8. “Swallow” is symbolic of drifting thoughts, passing fancies.  “House” represents the mind, body, and foundational beliefs.
9. “Right hand” was a common symbol for truth or sacred wisdom in Pythagoras’ day.
10. “Rising from bedclothes” may be translated to mean “awaken from sleep” and this is symbolic of awake from unconsciousness into enlightenment.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these interpretations of the symbolic aphorisms of Pythagoras.  Perhaps his keynotes might serve as inspiration and guidance on your path as they do for me.

Some prevelant symbolism of the salamander include:

• Energy 
• Courage
• Renewal
• Determination
• Resurrection
• Balance
• Adaptation
• Spirituality 

The salamander gets it solar animal status from several sources. Primarily, we see this aspect in ancient alchemical illustrations where the salamander is depicted in flames. Alchemists held the salamander to be a fire-eater and able to quench fire with its cool, moist body. In the alchemical philosophy, anything that had the power to transform something into something else was hugely important.

If salamanders are considered water creatures and why are they considered  solar animals? Mostly because of its bright colors, ranging from fire reds, amber oranges and glowy yellows.

Another source for solar symbolism: salamanders live in moist logs and ancient peoples may have observed that throwing a log on the fire causes salamanders to scurry out from the logs. Some of our more naive ancestors may have attributed the fire as giving birth to this amazing creature (instead of running to save their sweet little skins!).

Furthermore, early Christianity held the salamander as a symbol of spiritual integrity, chastity, and righteousness. The sign of the salamander indicated true faith, and the ability to survive the “fire of temptation.”

Medieval and heraldic art depicted the salamander as a symbol for bravery. It was often painted in the background of heroic portraits to indicate the mark of courage.

More on the symbolism of the salamander can be found here.

Post script: Thanks Kachine for catching this sally for me!

I’ve had a request for upside down trinity knot meaning.  I respond to this question here:

Dear Thrice Topsided:

The first (and least imaginative) upside down trinity knot meaning is that it represents the opposite of all the attributes the right-side-up trinity knot stands for.  In this case we see an aversion to what is natural - the flow of knowledge or divinity tipped and reversed - stifling its expression.

Other perspectives (mostly mine) state that the reversed placement of the knot is a representation of source power.  Meaning, visually the point of balance is at the tip facing down as the foundation.  From this foundational “source-point” stems duality (the other two points).  This is symbolic of source energy (”from the one comes the many“).

As most of us now know (particularly with the advent of movies such as the DaVinci code) the inverted triangle is an esoteric symbol of the divine feminine, or feminine power in general.  The upside down trinity knot meaning would fall nicely in-line with this philosophy as the trinity is an aspect of the feminine energy (mother, maiden, crone).

Although not a trinity knot, we see an inverted triangle as a focal point in the center of the Muladhara, or root chakra.  Here this emblem signifies the tap root of primal power, sexual power.  At this one (inverted) point ignites the spark that surges heat up the rest of the chakra spine.   Outlining inverted triangles are also seen in the solar plexus (Manipura), heart (Anahata), throat (Vishudha) and third eye (Ajna) chakras.

Again, although not technically a trinity knot, we can still turn the alchemists for symbolic meaning. In this sense, an inverted triangle represents the element of water.  Esoterically speaking, water is symbolic of intuition, motion, emotion, psychic perception and transition among other meanings.

Furthermore the upside down trinity knot meaning deals with love symbolism.   Inverted, the trinity or triangle represents a vessel in which love is poured out, contained or carried.  No accident that when you doodle a curvey line on top of that inverted triangle and you get the image of a heart. 

Thrice Topsided, I trust this bit on trinity upside down meanings points you in the right direction on your path.  These are just various perspectives, to get you thinking.  I know you will further contemplate the intricacies your question represents.  Thank you for the question.

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An interesting request from one of my readers…she wanted a symbol for divine, or divinity symbols to which I respond: 

Dear Symbol Seeker,

The Divine is a broad subject, but below are a few symbols that represent Divine, or Divinity.

In Alchemy - the human body is considered a symbol of the divine

In Native American symbology (specifically plains tribes) a large, equilateral triangle pointing downard represents trust in divine guidance. It is a symbol of our ability to join with the divine and have a divine perspective.  Further in this genre, an equilateral triangle pointing heavenwards represents the divine point, the highest point of knowledge (cosmic awareness or higher spirit if you will).

In most cultures, a crown is a symbol of not only royalty and nobility - but also divinity.  For example deities and Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt wore double crowns to signify their divine stature as well as mark their endowment of divine power.  In some religions, including Christianity, the crown represents divine glory and crowns were placed on the heads of newly deceased as a sign of their union with God upon their passing.  In Eastern religions the crown worn is a sign of spiritual evolution - one step closer to divinity.

In the animal kingdom we find more symbols of the divine…

In Christian traditions, the dove is a symbol of divinity as it is the representation of the Christ.

Further, the starfish is considered a representation of the Virgin Mary in Christian iconography and as such is a symbol of the keeper of divine wisdom.

The dolphin is considered a divine messenger of the sea by some Native American cultures.

In the Orient as well as Celt, Norse and Greco-Roman mythologies the horse is thought of as a divine messenger too - a carrier of high divine insight for the Gods & Goddesses it serves.

In various cultural & mythological realms (Christian, Greco-Roman, Native American, Byzantine) the eagle is considered a divine creature of the air and held firm as a symbol of the divine.

In other areas of nature such as the plant world, we find more symbols of divinity.

The peach has long been symbolic of divinity as well as longevity, good fortune and paradise to the Chinese and Japanese.

The pine cone is a symbol of immortality and the divine in earth-based religions (i.e. paganism) as it is an evergreen.

Another earth-based symbol of the divine long honored by the ancient Celts and Norse is the acorn.  Druids swallowed the acorns whole in order to touch the divine mind.   They were sacred to the god Thor, and in Norse mythology the Tree of Life was an oak (from which the acorn springs forth).

The number ten is symbolic of spiritual achievement and return to unity.  Consequently, many systems of thought treat this numeral as a symbol of the divine. Specifically, the sephirotic Tree of Life of the Kabbalah is made of ten sephira - as such it represents unity, spiritual attainment, and divine accomplishment.

The Tarot holds infinite symbols for divinity.  The Hierophant is a symbol of uniformed or contained divinity where the human may pour out the prescribed nature of divine to the public.  Also in the Tarot, the Moon is a symbol for the divine.

As you can see, symbols of the divine are numerous.  Even in our day-to-day lives we can find symbols that vibrate with the divine.  Even candles -long thought of as carriers of divine light in places of worship and occasion of ritual.

In considering symbols for the divine, I would encourage you to find elements in your life that focus upon your own unique perspective of what is divine for you.  Meditate upon divinity itself, and your own special symbols will come to you from your effort.