A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

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.

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. 

I’ve been asked on more than one occasion for a symbol representing the Celtic Tara landmark and/or a Celtic symbol for beauty held in this place.  The following is my response:

The area of Tara (shown upper left) that is commonly referred to as a symbol of Tara itself.  This lemniscate-like design is formed by trenches or moat-like formatations outlining the Hill of Tara. 

This landscape design can certainly be used to represent this place of power.  Other Celtic symbol sthat represents beauty pertaining to Tara are found below.

Celtic Tara is the place of great brilliance, wisdom, and power as it was the ancient home of the Celtic kings.  It was also thought to be a portal for cosmic forces - as such, the location itself represents vision and great strength.

This in mind, we can turn to two Celtic systems of symbolic language for symbolic representations:  The Ogham and Rune systems are quite helpful in lending symbolism to the phenomenon of Tara (and beauty).

 The Ogham can provide many symbolic images for us as we seek depth in our world.  As you may know, the Ogham is the ancient Celtic art of divination using the poetic language of trees.

The Luis (its Ogham symbol & natural likeness shown left) is a radiant representation of beauty and vision. The Luis (of the Rowan tree) produces the fruit of the Gods in Celtic legend, and emits a power of strength, courage, and protection to all who bear its symbol. Noble, sturdy and divine, the Luis is also symbolic of steady wisdom and honor.  It is also a symbol of classic, timeless beauty.  These qualities and it’s growth in the Tara region make the Luis an excellent symbolic conveyance. 

Next we can consider symbolism of the rune system.  Although Nordic in origin, many Celtic tribes adopted the runes in their symbolic language as well as used them in their divining needs.

The Ing rune (shown left) is the Accomplishment rune and is quite suitable for representation of Tara and/or beauty as it was a revered symbol among kings and queens alike.  This is due to the fact that this rune is/was seen as a symbol of good fortune it is also a symbol of wise judgements, turning points, patience, decisions, renewal, as well as nobility.  The Ing is also symbolic of meeting challenges (as Celtic warriors are apt to do) head-on, and dealing with these challenges with strength as well as diplomacy.  Foremost, it is a symbol of serenity and calm mind which and ultimately a symbol of quite force of beauty and strength…the very concepts that are the embodiment of Tara.

I recently had a reader ask me for specific symbols of Love that originated in ancient Germany, to which I respond: 

There are so many symbols for love - and many of these span across the borders of countries.  It’s no wonder that throughout time and culture various symbols for love have been shared - the concept of love is quite universal, with undeniable identification from all who have been blessed by its presence.

Further, there is not one single symbol for love designated per country. Even the Claddagh of which you speak is a local symbol of affinity according to legend…but it is not THE symbol of love for Ireland.

That said - I can give you a few specific symbols that originate from the ancient origins of German-European ancestral archives.  These symbols come from a time of mystery, when energy was honored and the essence of nature ruled the constructs of reality.

One such ancient belief system was the Ogham which is a form of divination derived from trees.  Originally from Central Europe the language of trees (Ogham) spread through out Europe including Germany during the 4th and 5th century, BC.  The Ogham are messages from trees - (trees at that time were believed to be of a more evolved status - containing infinite wisdom and messages to human).

We know early Germans used the Ogham because all 20 of the plants/trees used in the Ogham system of language are found in Germany, and Ogham symbols are found carved in ancient German relics.

The tree of the Ogham that symbolizes love is the Queirt which is the apple tree.  The symbol of love, union, beauty, fertility, harmonization and perfection.  The Ogham alphabet character for the Queirt is show here (at left).

Another form of divination where we can obtain some Germanic symbols is the Rune system.  Specifically the Futhark runes are another alphabet used by ancient Germans as well as Scandinavians and Anglo-Saxons up until they were banned in the 17th century by the church.

 The Geofu rune is the symbol for love, peace, generosity and romantic realms.  This rune represents sharing, devotion, union, and even marriage.  The image of this symbol is shown here (at left).

I’m not sure this information is what you were looking for - perhaps my love symbols pages might help you - as these are primarily universal symbol concepts of love and would pertain to Germany as well as the global concept of love:   common Love Symbols page    and you might also be interested in common Animals that symbolize love.

I trust this information helps you on your journey.