A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

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!

A reader of mine asked me about Shinto symbol meanings.  Specifically, had a piece of jewelry upon which a dragon and a shrine were impressed.  Below is my repsonse to his question about these Shinto symbol meanings:

Dear Seeker,

The native religion of Japan, Shinto translated means “the way of the gods.”   It is an ancient & complex religion, and as such, it should be resepected by devoting ample investigation into its complexities. 

Here I am giving you a brief explanation according to my personal understanding of Shintoism.  To really experience the richness of this faith, I would encourage you to examine Shintoism for yourself to provide more meaning within your own personal reality.

That said, at the center of the Shinto belief system are divine beings or forces in nature called “kami.”

According to Shinto belief, the universe is saturated with sacred spirits (called kami) - some of these even serve as Shinto deities.  The world of the kami may also have other inhabitants such as impressive natural objects (rocks, trees, waters), as well as creatures of nature, people and ancestors.

Great festivals are held in honor of various kami and all through Japan one will see countless shrines (structures called “torri” - image shown above) to honor and worship various kami.

Your piece of jewelry shows a Shinto dragon (a kami) on one side  and the symbol on the other side is a shrine (a torri) to honor the dragon kami.

The torri are thought of as gateways.  Torri symbolize a separation between the high-vibrational energy (sanctity) of the kami world and the lower vibration of the mundane world.

Each kami represents different attributes. 

Your dragon kami represents:

• power
• courage
• ferocity
• wisdom
• balance
• good judgment
• protection
• loyalty
• good luck

The torri on the other side of the ring symbolizes the gateway - the entrance into which you are capable of walking through in order to access the attributes of the noble dragon kami.

We enter the torri by first bowing in respect to the universal forces (the kami).  This sets our essence into a framework of honor, wonder and stillness as we begin to step into the realm of infinite possibilities.

The kami and torri are fantastic symbols that we can use to enhance our evolution and even aid us on the path of enlightenment.  The Shinto were very much aware of this, and as such, still incorporate such symbols in art and jewelry today.

 In closing - these are only my personal interpretations.  You must comit yourself to the study of this vastly colorful belief system yourself in order to derive your own more intimate understandings.

I recently got an email from an individual who continually saw twin dragons in her life.  I respond by citing points on dragon symbolism as well as elaborting on the message meaning of twin dragons:

Dear Dragon Lady:

The most symbolic trademarks of the Dragon is:

• strength
• creativity
• courage 
• passion
• fortitude
• mastery

Dragons are also messengers of balance, and magic.  They enccoure us to tap into our psychic nature and see the world through the eyes of mystery and wonder.

More specifically, Dragons are the embodiment of primordial power - the ultimate ruler of all the elements. This is because the Dragon is the master of all the elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind.   Specifically, many ancient Chinese dragons were established as symbols of these natural elements.

The Dragon serves as a powerful guardian and guide. Encourage communication with your Dragon, and acknowledge your Dragon’s presence as often as possible.

That you are seeing twin Dragons is a sign that all the wonderful attributes the Dragon carries are DOUBLED in your life.

Dragons are incredibly diverse, adaptable and intelligent.  Seeing two of them could also be a message that many opportunities are coming to you that will allow you to branch out in new, diverse directions.

When it comes to all the things we aspire to do, have and be in life - Dragons are powerful symbols because they represent the very best of all life has to offer us.

Asian culture is stuffed with symbolism geared to bolster the human condition. 

Ancient Chinese symbols and their meanings are a product of a very savvy people who understood the human need to progress in conjuction with their propensity to link positive change with visual/allegorical concepts. 

In other words,  the Asians keenly understood that the human mind easily grasps commands & concepts through the use of symbols and/or symbolic, “story” concepts.  

Chinese symbols, if kept foremost in our conscious awareness, can serve as powerful tools for enhancing our behaviour, our situations, our perception, and ultimately they can serve to change our lives. 

As with all symbols,  the following Asian/Chinese symbols and their meanings have the potential to positively impact our lives if we choose to consistently hold them in our awareness for a length of time so that these attributes become part of the fabric of our existence. 

The Five Happinesses:
These Chinese symbols are found in most ancient Chinese art and are considered to foretell good luck.
They are:

• Shou (longevity symbol)
• Ch’i Lin (chimera)
• Lung (dragon)
• Fen Huang (phoenix)
• Ju-I (scepter)

The Five Noble Strengths:
In many Asian martial art forms, students are required to learn the five noble animal forms representing nobility, strength, wisdom and responsibility.
They are (respectively):

• Crane
• Tiger
• Leopard
• Dragon
• Snake

Five Human Powers:
Also in the Asian tradition, the Buddhists refer to the five human powers.
They are:

• Effort
• Memory
• Faith
• Concentration
• Wisdom

Five Aspects of Enlightenment:
Also in the Buddhist tradition - mandalas are often incorporated in meditations. Within many of these mandalas are representations of the five states of enlightement. 
They are:

• Speech
• Mind
• Body
• Wisdom
• Bliss

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

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

Dear Hot 2 Handle:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I trust this information helps you on your journey.

Regards & blessings to you,
A. Venefica

A friend of mine asked if I could confirm whether or not the dragon is a Chinese symbol for strength, and if I knew of any more animal symbols representing strength. 

I reply:

Dear Dragon Lady :-),

Absolutely - on top of the list of Chinese animals that symbolize strength is the Dragon.

The Chinese dragon is symbolic of:

• power
• courage
• ferocity
• wisdom
• balance
• good judgment
• protection
• loyalty
• good luck

The Chinese have long honored the dragon for these attributes, and call upon various types of dragons to bolster strength when needed.

Although the dragon is a major power symbol, there are other Chinese animal symbols that represent strength are:

• Horse
• Crane
• Tiger
• Bear
• Fu Dogs

I hope this helps you on your journey,

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

A regular reader contacted me in special need of an emblem that would bolster his confidence.  He wanted a symbol for strength, courage and self-confidence as he was going through a difficult time - to which I responded:

 Dear Down-but-not-Out:

Some strong animal totems that boost confidence and facilitate strength and belief in yourself are:

• Bull
• Peacock
• Cougar
• Bear
• Eagle
• Tiger
• Lion
• Panther

The Dragon has always served me well as a symbol of self-confidence and courage.  Dragon totems - can make the heart beat stronger - instill fire within,  and may enable you to stand taller both physically & spiritually speaking.

Warriors often tattoo themselves with their family coat of arms (crest) to quicken their blood in battle, and give them courage to fight.  I’ve heard of warriors also tattooing shields and weaponry upon their bodies to symbolize great courage, honor and stamina in battle.

A crown is a symbol of strength, calm demeanor, maintaining control, and courage.  A crown indicates strength in knowledge rather than physical strength.  It is a symbol of keeping cool under pressure, and the ability to use self-control in times of anxiety.  It also symbolizes the ability of competent rulership/leadership.

Even the symbols of the Tarot can offer some ideas to enhance your level of assurance & courage.  Specifically, the Strength card has some great imagery you can draw upon for guidance.

In the flora genre, the mighty Oak tree is a powerful symbol of self-reliance, determination, strength in the face of adversity.  It stands steady and strong in the harshest conditions - a true testimony to self-belief.  The Ash tree also speaks of strenghth, but of the silent, expansive sturdy kind.  Both the Oak, Ash, and the Holly were considered strong rulers with the sacred Ogham knowledge base.

These are just a few symbols for strength and self-confidence that will ignite your imagination. As you begin to think about these qualities, and recognize your own internal strength, I believe you will find a symbol that is perfectly unique to you.