A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

Symbolic Seven ’s are found throughout history and cultures.  To wit, here are a few symbolic associations with number seven to help us further grasp the symbolic meaning of seven:

In astronomy’s infancy there were initially seven planets identified:

• Sun
• Moon
• Venus
• Mercury
• Mars 
• Jupiter
• Saturn

In ancient Sumaria each of these planets were identified with seven gods which shared the same name:

• Sun = Shamash (the law giver)
• Moon = Nanna (lord of destiny)
• Venus = Ishtar (the pristine)
• Mercury =  Nabou (the jumper)
• Mars = Nergal (the smoulderer)
• Jupiter = Marduk (the one who glows)
• Saturn = Ninurta (the constant)

With each of these “planets” and gods, correlate seven days of the week (and each of these days are symbolic as you will see on my post here).

Seven musical notes and seven prismatic colors:

• Red
• Orange
• Yellow
• Green
• Blue
• Indigo
• Violet

Seven primary chakras (composing the chakra spine):

• Muladhara
• Swadhisthana
• Manipura
• Anahata
• Vishudha
• Ajna
• Sahasrara

In Christianity the Bible is rife with symbolic seven ’s - too many to mention, but here are a few:

• Seven pairs of clean animals & birds retained in the ark parable
• In the same parable seven marks the passage of time
• Seven virtues
• Seven sins
• Seven sacraments
• Seven joys
• Seven sorrows of the Virgin
• Seven seals
• God’s blessing on the seventh day 

In Judaism:

• Seven branches of the Menorah
• Seven heavens
• Seven feast, festivals and purifications
• Seven pillars of wisdom
• New year begins the seventh month
• Sabbath occurs every seventh year

In Buddhism:

• Seven heavens
• Seven emblems of Buddha

In Hinduism:

• Seven symbolic rays of the sun
• Seven symbolic faces in the world mountain

In Islam:

• Seven heavens
• Seven hells
• seven earths
• seven seas
• seven doorways to paradise
• seven ambulations around Ka’aba at pilgrimage

In ancient Egypt:

• Seven gods of light
• Seven gods of darkness

These are just a scant few references to symbolic seven. 

What other symbolic seven’s can you contribute to this post?

I am often asked about symbolic meanings for the purpose of tattoos.  One such request came last month from a gentleman who wanted symbolic suggestions for  remembrance tattoos to honor loved ones who have passed.  I respond:

My gut tells me to encourage you to recall those outstanding features your loved ones exude, and incorporate this into a personal symbol of your own.

It is the uniqueness in humanity that provides the most beautiful and profound symbolism.

When we wish to remember those we love, often it is the little things - a favorite song, favorite color, a beloved book - those things stand out to allow us to make a symbol of them for us to more clearly remember those we love.

But, you’ve asked me for a straight-forward, textbook symbol for a remembrance tattoo.  Here are some suggestions: 

Fire: A symbol of fire brings about the energy of ignition, creativity, and passion - it is among the four elements that increases its expanse by our attention to it.  What do I mean by this?  In the world of symbolism, each element represents a human trait. 

• Air represents thought,
• Fire represents spirit,
• Water represents emotion,
• and Earth represents physicality. 

When we apply Air (thought/remembrance/honor) to Fire (the passion/essence/spirit of a person) it is a symbolic action to honor a loved one.

Pansy (flower):  Pansies are flowers of remembrance of our loved ones - I’ve written a bit about this here (7th flower down): Symbolic Flowers and Their Meanings

Zodiac: Astrology is infinite in its uses and wisdom.  Perhaps you may use your loved one’s astrological sign as a symbol of remembrance.  You’re not limited to Western/Greek astrology either - you may use Native American, Celtic, Burmese, Chinese…here is a link to my zodiac signs: Astrology Signs and Meanings

Horse: The horse is a totem of remembrance, honor, love and is often portrayed in mythology as a vehicle for souls who have moved to another dimension of existence.  I’ve written about the horse here: Symbolic Meanings of the Horse

Trees:  The Celtic Ogham provides exquisite symbolic poetry.  Specific trees that are worshipped for their ability to honor our loved ones are the fir and apple.  You may read about them here:Symbolic Meaning of the Fir Tree  and Symbolic Meaning of Apple Tree

I trust this information will be helpful to you on your journey to capture your desire to remember those you love in a meaningful, profound way.

With light and blessings to you,

A.Venefica

This post has moved here.

This Chinese new year is the year of the rat.  Meanings dealing with this animal of the Chinese zodiac include:

• Industriousness
• Ingenuity
• Necessity
• Resourceful
• Production
• Foresight
• Luck

Rats cycle an appearance every 12 years.  Rats also occur on even-numbered years (1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, etc.). 

To begin interpreting the meaning or portents of this year within the context of its identification with the rat, we could begin by combining the above listed Chinese attributions with its numerological associations.

 For example even-numbered years are symbolic of :

• Balance
• Duality
• Compensation
• Partnerships
• Judgement
• Choice
• Planning
• Joining

 This year is about structure, and completion only for us to turn around and see something new pop out and surprise us.

This is the year to finish long term projects that have been hanging over our heads for far too long (years long even).  Whatever loose ends we have been slack in tying will be snipped this year if we don’t tend to their completions once and for all.

The message of this year is preparation.  The more prepared we are, the more able we are to roll with the flow this lunar year.  If you’ve had control issues, anxiety issues or a need for dominance, begin to slip out of these behavioral patterns as pedestal-toppling is likely this year.

 This is also evident in the leap year which we are now currently experiencing.  It’s only one extra day, but it’s vastly significant in the churn mill of consistent energy.  In other words, leap years are a bit like wild-cards. 

Leap years take place every 28 years. 

In numerology, we practice reduction of numbers to bring down a sequence to a single numeral (making it easier to handle). 

When we reduce the 28 year leap year cycle - 28 is reduced to number 1.  Similarly, 2008 is also reduced to a number 1.  This number is symbolic of new beginnings, and can be further interpreted from the Magician card in the Tarot deck.

What does this mean?  Just as we work to tie up those loose ends, something new is going to fall right into our laps.  The sky certainly isn’t falling chicken little - but there is a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on. 

Of course, that’s just my view - ultimately you are the only observer & therefor the only accurate interpreter. 

Do some research on the Chinese culture and how they interpret various symbols.  Do some reading on their concept of time, and their perspective on cycles. 

Meditate on the year, does it have a feeling to it?  Look at all the variables and subtle differences this subject presents - bring them all together and draw your own well-informed conclusion.

Native American symbolic full moon names (below listed) were established by eastern and northern tribes such as the Algonquin & the Iroquois Confederacy.  These remarkable people assigned attributes to each of the full moons according to the seasonal characteristics.   The symbolic Native American full moon names are as follows:

• Wolf Moon:  The full moon in January.  Said to be called the Wolf Moon because the wolves are out in the bright light this time of year - anxious and hot on the the trail for a feast to slake their hunger in the lean winter month. 
• Snow Moon:  The full moon of February.  At this time the northeastern regions can give up their most heaviest of snow falls.  This full moon is also called the hunger or hungry moon because the grips of winter can make it another lean month for the belly of both man and beast.
• Magpie Moon:  Or Crow Moon.  The symbolic full moon name for March.  Considered the last full moon of winter; the crow caws its farewell to the season.  Also known as the Worm Moon because they start to surface at this time, also signaling retreat of winter and the marching in of springtime.
• Egg Moon: The full moon of April.  Also known as the pink moon.  Both names indicate the sprouting of seed and the explosion of bright beauty found in the phlox (pink) and other flowers rising for the spring debut.
• Flower Moon: Full moon name of May.  Quite simply, May brings bright brushes to paint the earth canvas with infinite flowers.  In the full moon light of this month, the flowers are said to grow at night, and even dance in honor of the moon.
• Strawberry Moon: The symbolic full moon name for June.  This is also an easy one to understand.  June is the picking time for strawberries, when their at their ripest and fullest.  Picking by moonlight is said to honor the crops, and insure bigger bounty next picking season.
• Thunder Moon: Full moon of July.  For these tribes, it was observed that this month is notorious for big booms of thunder and storms.  Thus, the symbolic full moon name of “thunder moon.”  Also referred to as Buck moon because deer begin forming their antlers at this time of year.
• Red Moon: The full moon name for August.  Those lazy days of summer when the moon is watched in its fullness and widens herself to the admiring sun.  This is the month when summer kisses the moon most tender and we most often see a blush-colored or reddish hued moon.  To the tribes of the Great Lakes it is a Sturgeon moon because this is when they are caught most.
• Harvest Moon:Full moon of September.  The famous “harvest moon” represents the most adventageous time-frame in which we can pick (harvest) crops from the garden.  The Native Americans knew this - they knew they would have almost a half hour more time to harvest their bounty beneath the helpful luminosity of the moon.
• Hunters Moon:  The full moon of October.  This is another symbolic moon name that’s obvious.  This time represents the onset of prime hunting season.  Heavy foliage is drifting away as quick as the season, and deer are a bit buggy this time of year.  That means their easy to see clearly and easily downed for the First People’s purposes.
• Beaver Moon:  The full moon name for November.  As we’ve seen in the prior months, each symbolic name references a point within the epitome of the month.  Beavers are coming into their fullness in November.  So much so that the Natives knew to set traps early in the month because the beaver would be in her glory. 
• Cold Moon:  The symbolic full moon name for December.  Also known as the ”Long Night Moon.”   Coming full circle, we find ourselves again in the frigid realm of winter.  This is the month when some of the coldest and the longest nights live.  Hence the symbolic names for this full moon of December.

I recently had an email from a woman, whom after a great many years, discovered the octopus was her totem or guide.  She asked for the symbolism of the octopus, and I respond:

Dear Cuttley: 

Identifying the symbolism of the octopus can be daunting  & not for reasons you’d think.  

Namely because the octopus participates in the universe on many different levels.  As such, it’s symbolism is vast and related discussions could potentially last forever.

As if the massive depth of the symbolism wasn’t overwhelming enough - try to getting past the visual effect the octopus has on us. 

We look at the octopus and it draws us in wholly.  Mesmerizing & chilling, it’s motions are hypnotizing.  So I’ll start there, the symbolism of the octopus born from it’s sheer physical presence.  The more ethereal symbolism’s deserve an entire book for room to expound, but I have written more about this amazing creature here.

 Of its many aspects, here are just a few symbolic meanings of the octopus:

• Complexity
• Diversity
• Variability
• Intelligence
• Insight
• Vision
• Mystery
• Illusion

With eight arms, the octopus shares some symbolic meanings with the spider as well as the meanings of number eight. 

Observed these eight arms circle out in motion - calling to mind the concept of spiral - this forms a symbolic bond between the octopus and the meanings of the spiral or whirlpool.

Being a creature of the sea, the octopus also shares commonalities with and symbolic meaning of fish.

Adornments like octopus medallions were worn by sailors to ward off evil.  Seamen understood the eerie magic of the octopus.  It’s black ink-jet expulsions and other-worldly appearance struck awe (and terror) in the observer.  Hence, it makes an incredibly powerful totem, carrying great status - a symbol of protection and good luck.

Minoan art depicts the octopus (particularly on bowls or vases) unfurling.  This is thought to be symbolic of the creating and the expanding of the universe.

Other associations of the octopus include:

• Moon
• Zodiac sign of Cancer
• Rain
• Thunder
• Spiral
• Eight

As a side-note, the octopus is also associated with the Priestess and Moon card in the Tarot deck.

Take the time to research more about the octopus - it will be worth the investment of your time.  Meditate upon the octopus - focus your awareness on this amazing creature.  You will find it an empowering agent for your growth.  Consider yourself blessed.

More information on the animal symbolism of the octopus can be found on this page.

Here are some hard, fast, quick-facts on the symbolic meaning of Birch:

Birch is symbolic of beginnings, renewal & starting over.  The Birch is in the primary position within the Ogham.

Ancient Siberians hailed it as sacred - calling it the ladder that spanned the gap between heaven & earth.

Used by the Native American Indians as the center pole in yurts & tee pees.   This was symbolic of new beginning - the center must start fresh the process of gathering, shelter, and all other representations of home.

Ancient Europeans also hold the Birch as a symbol of hearth & home.  Bringing in twigs inside the home is a physical intention of invoking protection.

Further, the best brooms are considered to have Birch branches at the end as they are thought to “sweep away” negative energy.

Symbolic meaning of Birch continues with the Gauls who used Birch twigs in marriage ceremonies.  Traditionally, branches would be lit during marriage as a sign of good luck and an omen for a long, happy marriage.

It was also considered a sacred tree to the Germanic gods Freya, Thor & Donar.

As a Chinese symbol, Birch is honored for its attributes of protection, communication, & rejuvenation.

Click here for more on the Birch and other trees from the Celtic symbolic Ogham perspective. 

We’ve all heard of the Monday’s Child nursery rhyme:

• Monday’s child is fair of face
• Tuesday’s child is full of grace
• Wednesday’s child is full of woe
• Thursday’s child has far to go
• Friday’s child is one of giving
• Saturday’s child works for a living
• And the child born on the Sabbath day (Sunday)
  is bonny, blithe, good & gay

Where do these days of the week symbolic meanings come from? 

The following are a few correspondences to the days of the week that may lend more clarity to the week-day symbolism.

Planetary correspondece with the days of week:

• Monday = Moon
• Tuesday = Mars
• Wednesday = Mercury
• Thursday = Jupiter
• Friday = Venus
• Saturday = Saturn
• Sunday = Sun

Each planet has a character to it.  These planetary characteristics are shown below (and see how they compare to the age-old nursery rhyme!).

• Monday/Moon = Moods & Emotion
• Tuesday/Mars = Aggression & Achievement
• Wednesday/Mercury = Strategy & Purpose
• Thursday/Jupiter = Power & Expansion
• Friday/Venus = Love & Beauty
• Saturday/Saturn = Suspension & Prevention
• Sunday/Sun = Expression & Confidence

Symbolic numbers assigned to the days (planetary correspondences):

• Monday = 7
• Tuesday = 9
• Wednesday = 5
• Thursday = 3
• Friday = 6
• Saturday = 8
• Sunday = 4

Got a hot date? Click here for number meanings for each day of the week - great tool for determining premium days for your plans.

Alchemical elements corresponding to the days of the week:

• Monday = Silver
• Tuesday = Iron
• Wednesday = Mercury
• Thursday = Tin
• Friday = Copper
• Saturday = Lead
• Sunday = Gold

Astrologically, we can use the Myanmar-Burmese Zodiac animal signs to bring color and character to our weekdays:

• Monday = Tiger
• Tuesday = Lion
• Wednesday = Elephant
• Thursday = Rat
• Friday = Guinea Pig
• Saturday = Dragon
• Sunday = Garuda the Bird King

Click here for more on Burmese Astrology and find out which animal sign you are according to the day you were born.

The old Monday’s Child nursery rhyme was instrumental in teaching youngsters the days of the week, but when we delve deeper into the week day meanings & origins, we can incorporate these meanings in our every day life.

If we follow the belief that each day is ruled by a specific planet, we understand that each day holds a specific vibrational frequency.  To take this a step further, we may be able to enhance our days by taking specific actions on appropriately aligned days. 

To demonstrate, here are a few things we can do on certain days of the week to enhance our everyday living.

• Monday’s:  Get in touch with your feelings, be mindful of your moods, purify your surroundings, show compassion
• Tuesday’s:  Express your passion, get some exercise, release pent up frustration/energy
• Wednesday’s:  Study, travel, research, meditate
• Thursday’s:  Donate to a charity or worthy cause, make an investment, show your appreciation
• Friday’s:  Appreciate the people in your life, go on a date, show your love, recognize beauty, make new friends
• Saturday’s:  Clean your house, take a break, finish a project, meet a deadline
• Sunday’s:  Take time for you, take a nature walk, get in touch with your spirit, meditate

I hope you have enjoyed this bit on symbolic meaning of days.

One of my readers asked me about the deeper meaning of the four directions (north, south, east, west).  Specifically, she was given a powerful mandala, and wanted to know in which direction would be most auspicious to hang the mandala.  My response follows:

Dear Coordinated Coordinates: 

This is an excellent observation you’ve made.

We can honor and enhance the attributes of something (such as your mandala gift) by placing it in an area that is aligned with appropriate energy.

Different cultures have assigned different meanings of cardinal directions.  Here are a few brief samples of directional energies and what they represent to various cultures:

In Chinese Feng Shui, each direction correlates to the Chinese zodiac animals:

• North =  Rat, enchances areas of: Adaptability, charm, creativity, sociability, wit.
• East = Rabbit, enchances areas of: Trust, sincerity, love, compassion.
• South = Horse, enchances areas of: Physical strength, health, adventure, loyalty.
• West = Rooster, enhances areas of: Confidence, business, energy, persistence.

In ancient Celtic symbolism and tradition, the cardinal directions were acknowledged in several ceremonies and festivals.  Handfasting ceremonies and other earth-based belief systems (pagan) still honor the directions today.  Here is a brief outline of these directional representations:

• East = air, communication, new beginnings, new growth
• South = fire, energy, passion, creativity
• West = water, emotion, psyche, movement
• North = earth, home, security, fertility

In certain divinatory practices the directions represent time phases:

• North = Infinite Possibility (no-time)
• South = Present - Now
• West = Past
• East = Future

Native Americans have their own meanings of cardinal directions.  The Lakota, for example hold to the following guideline:

• North = wisdom/thought
• East = salvation/spirit
• South = beginnings/purity
• West = conclusions/fullness

I’ve written a feature post on Navajo and their meaning of the four directions here:
http://avenefica.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/navajo-medicine-wheel-a-powerful-native-american-symbol/

The astrological zodiac provides yet another aspect of the four directions and their symbolism:

• East = Earth corresponding with Taurus
• South = Fire corresponding with Leo
• West = Water corresponding with Scorpio
• North = Air corresponding with Aquarius

In conclusion, I would encourage you to meditate upon your purpose with the placement of your special gift.  Ask yourself “what are my intentions?”  Invest the time to determine what you truly wish to accomplish.

I’ve only given you a brief background on multiple resources.  Ultimately only you can decide what is meaningful you in the symbolism of the compass and only you can determine your own personal meaning of the four directions.  Trust in your own knowledge & you will know where to put your mandala in order to achieve the results you are wanting.

I trust this information helps you on your path.

My highest regards & blessings to you,

A.Venefica

www.Whats-Your-Sign.com
A Guide to Symbols and Signs

www.TarotTeachings.com
A Guide to the Tarot

“You are your own finest design and made more brilliant by engaging in the art of self-expression.”  ~Me.

“There is only one guaranteed, no-risk, high-yield investment and that is SELF-investment.” ~Me.

I’ve gotten a few questions surrounding the symbolic meaning of the penny, specifically the symbolic meaning of finding pennies on our paths.  I respond thusly:

Dear Heads or Tails:

Consider the penny as a symbol of beginnings as it holds the vibration of number One. 

The meaning of One primarily deals with strong will, positivity, pure energy.  The number One reflects new beginnings, and purity. The symbolic meaning of the penny (number One) is further clarified when we understand that One represents both kinds of action, physical and mental.

This combined with the One’s urgency for new beginnings, we intuit number One to mean it is time to exert our natural forces, take action, and start a new venture. Numeral One gives us encouragement that our actions will be rewarded in kind.

Appropriate to the theme of new beginnings, we see Abraham Lincoln depicted on this currency.  This is symbolic of founding fathers concept, and deals with foundational thoughts & constructs.  Pulled more deeply in the meaning, we can say that seeing pennies (particularly heads-up) is a message for us to re-evaluate our founding beliefs.  We may ask ourselves what core beliefs do we have, and are they serving us appropriately?

Copper also holds a symbolic resonance (at least when they were primarily made of copper prior to 1982) with the astrological signs of Sagittarius and Taurus - you can investigate the attributes of these signs for further symbolism here.

Copper is also considered a solar emblem, and corresponds with the radiant features of the sun.  This combined with a myriad of other meanings, the symbolic meaning of the penny deals with bright ideas, fresh perspectives, and incorporating these new thoughts with our existing framework.  By combining the old with the new we find our lives expanded and new directions to our path.