A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

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

The symbolic meaning of clover got its most popular reputation in Ireland around the fifth century.  During this time Saint Patrick was going about the business of introducing and establishing Christianity among the people.

Nature has a way of revealing deep symbolism on a simplified level.  St. Patrick must have understood this as legend indicates he utilized the three leafed clover as an illustration of the Christian holy trinity.  Each leaf representing:

• Father
• Son
• Holy Ghost

Apparently, this spiritual teaching tool caught on and spread amongst the community because to this day the symbolic shamrock is considered an emblem of St. Patrick and his spiritual passion.

The symbolic meaning of clover may deal with spiritual development, but the use of the clover’s trefoil growth might not have been original to Saint Patrick.

Ancient Celts revered the clover because of the trinity of its leaves too.  These people had a deep understanding of their connection with nature, and had a myriad of powerful beliefs based on triads, as we see in the triskelion, triquetra, triple spiral, Druid marks, and various knot-work illustrated by the artists of the time.  The occurrence of three’s, depending on how they were depicted, indicated aspects of goddesses, gods, time, and balance of energies pertaining to the triple mark.

On a more mundane level, the clover was seen as a substantial food source for livestock which lent attributes of abundance, provision, and nurturing to the list of symbolic meaning of clover.

Furthering the symbolism of abundance, clover growth is prolific with very little provocation.  This would have indicated stability, expanse and fecundity to the Celts and their ilk.

The notorious four-leaf clover is still considered a good luck symbol today because of its rarity.  Each leaf symbolizes a different lucky characteristic:

1. Fame
2. Wealth
3. Love
4. Health  

From a spiritual perspective, the four-leaf clover may represent the same divine triune as the one prescribed by Saint Patrick: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost with the four leaf symbolizing man or humanity.  Therefore the presence of this fourth leaf (mankind) signifies redemption.

Meaning of clover and shamrocks in symbolic dreams deals with growth, financial gain, success, good health and achievement.  This is largely due to its color, as green is typically a brain trigger for refinement, wellness and satisfaction.  Also, the smell of clover is sweet, and studies have shown it induces a feeling of calm - this is also adds to the symbolism of attainment and contentment associated with dreaming of shamrocks.

Take the time to contemplate these symbolic meanings of the shamrock and add your own meanings as you go.  This year you’ll be celebrating Saint Patrick’s day (March 17) in grand symbolic style!

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.

Information on familial indicators such as symbols for twins, symbols for mother or sisters are common requests.  I’ve yet to publish a page on symbols for brothers.  Here is a quick-reference on a few common symbols for brothers:

• Double thunderbolt (German)
• Handshake (Western)
• Bears (Native American)
• Crossed broadswords (Celtic)
• Copper (Alchemy)
• Two torches diagonally crossed (Roman)

Quick look at the symbolic meaings of the cat:

• Astute
• Clever
• Secretive
• Mysterious
• Supernatural
• Watchfulness
• Transformation

Click here for full article on the symbolic meanings of the cat.

You may also be interested in symbolic cat prints here.

The following is a response to a question from an gentleman who wanted advice on reading numbers.  He consistently encountered the number 1052 and wanted the symbolic meaning of the number as well as tips on reading numbers and numerology.

Dear Number Newcomer: 

Reduced, the number 1052 is an Eight which is a numerical symbolic representation of business, success, and wealth.

This is largely due to the fact that Eight represents:

• Continuation
• Repetition
• Cycles

Such elements are seen in arenas where success is obtained simply because of dogged determination and repitition by the practitioner. Also, matters of business and wealth largely depend on cycles to fulfill their manifestation. It’s like the snowball analogy: As it continues to roll, in gets bigger and bigger with each revolution.

Long sequence number interpretation of the 1052 deals with being satisfied with the way things are - being content even when the road is rocky, and having a sense of stability even in times when your relationships and circumstances may seem shakey.  1052 is about living out loud, coming into your own groove, and being aware of the fullness of your own personality and potential.

The fact that this number repeats itself to you is a message that you tend to be a stable person, even though sometimes you put yourself in unstable situations.  In fact, unstable (sometimes chaotic) people and events seem to just “find” you without you prompting - this is because you have a natural balancing effect on people & circumstances.  This happens when people and things need to be equalized…they habitually seek out others who can balance the equation.

I would encourage you to do some research on numerology and play with all the numbers in your special sequence.   Don’t feel limited to this number sequence.  Rather, play with the numerological meaning of your name, as well as the deeper number meaning of your birth date. 

Almost any system that has a specific set or number of symbols can be used as a telling device for more insight on your number sequence.

For example, you could utilize the Tarot to find meaning to your numbers.  For example, the number Eight as noted earlier in this message corresponds with the Strength card in the Tarot.   You may also want to investigate all of the eights within each Tarot suits of the deck.

Animals totems may serve as an oracle for you too.  Animals with the energy of Eight include:

• Spider
• Octopus
• Hummingbird

Even the Ogham can assist you in gaining a deeper meaning.  The sacred trees of Druids are in numeric sequence so you can look up meaning associated with each tree.  For example:

• 1 = Birch
• 5 = Ash
• 2 = Rowan

Learn the meanings of each number in your long sequence inidividually and then begin to put them together.  It is like putting a number puzzle together - put them in different sequences and play with the meanings together - you will be amazed at the knowledge of numbers hold for you.

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.

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. 

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 often get the question: “how do I go about finding my animal totem?” or “what is my animal sign?” 

The answers are as many as the number of paths we take to find ourselves, but the following is my response to finding your animal totem … it might narrow down the search .

There are many ways to identify ourselves with specific totems, and most people want the quick/easy way.  Here are a few:

Most obvious ways to obtain our animal totems are to consult various zodiac sources.  The Chinese have their own animals for the zodiac.  Click here for Chinese zodiac animal information. 

Or, we may also consult the common Native American zodiac   for determining our animal totems.

Legend has it that the ancient Celts would adopt animals according to the season in which he/she was born (this was particularly useful in indicating newborn male children predispositioned to be warriors). 

The Bull is the sign of Summer.
The Cat the sign of Winter.
The Dog is the sign of Spring. 
The Goose the sign of Fall. 

You can discover these and Celtic animal symbol meaning on my symbols website. 

These are quick/easy ways of finding animal energy that resonates with your own. 

However,  I would encourage you to open communication with the animal realm.  Invest the time to meditate and contemplate, and really reach out to the realm of animal spirit.  You will find that these animals are quite willing to communicate with and, and their knowledge is profound.  It’s worth the time you invest.

Furthermore, we find that animals are willing to share their attributes and wisdom with us out of an innate knowledge that this will both benefit ourselves, and will benefit the animal kingdom. 

We take take all these paths and more to determine our animal totems.  Ultimately, however it is up to us to open ourselves to the natural realm.  Finding our animal totem is a mutual process between you and the animal/natural world.  It takes time, meditation, soul-searching, and a clear understanding who we are in relation to our planet. 

Yes, it is a big deal.  Taking up union with an animal energy is something quite larger than just flippantly claiming an elephant as one’s totem.  It is about honor, awareness and devotion to both self & the natural world.

Find more information on identifying animal totems here.

I hope this helps you in your search to obtain that which you seek.