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.

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

The symbolic meaning of the rose is known by almost everyone on some level - otherwise it wouldn’t be the most popularly sent flower on Valentine’s Day (I know, I’m 2 weeks too late here).

The rose is associated with Aphrodite (Greek) goddess of love who was often depicted adorned with roses around her head, feet and or neck.  In myth we track down this association when we discover that a rose bush grew within the pool of blood spilled from Aphrodite’s slain lover (Adonis).  We can interpret the symbolism here several ways.  The most common interpretation is that the rose symbolizes an immortal love or a union that will never fade - even through time or death. 

Similarly in Christian lore, a rose bush was said to have grown at the site of Christ’s death.  His blood serving as the association with a red rose, combined with its thorns is thus symbolized the ultimate sacrifice. 

In addition to being a symbol of love, the rose is also representative of secrets or tacit understanding.  The term “sub rosa” means under the rose and comes from the practice of Romans hanging roses above meeting tables.  Here it was understood that anything said at this table, beneath the hanging roses, was forbidden to be repeated elsewhere. 

Seeking symbolic meaning of the rose from an esoteric perspective, we can look at the Tarot,  in which the rose is considered a symbol of balance.  Here the beauty of the rose expresses promise, new beginnings, hope.  This beauty is contrasted with its thorns which represents defense, physicality, loss, thoughtlessness.  The rose is seen in the major arcana as: Magician, Strength, Death and Fool cards.  All of these cards hold strong meanings of balance and equilibrium.

The color of the rose is symbolic as well: (flower color meanings can be found here in flower meanings in general can be found here ).

• Yellow Rose: Joy, Protection against envious lovers, Mature love
• White Rose:  Purity, Sanctity, Secret admirer, Mysticism
• Red Rose: Sacrifice, Immortal love, Health, Memorial, Passion
• Pink Rose: First love, Innocence, Healing 

Click here for more symbolic meaning of the rose, and other flowers

Now that we know a little history and symbolism of the rose, our giving of them to the ones we love can be more profound and rich in meaning.

Symbolic meaning of the crab deals with:

• cycles
• regeneration
• protection

These creatures are lunar symbols, as indicated in the Tarot where a crab (or sometimes a lobster or crayfish) is indicated on the Moon card and enhances the overall symbolism this card represents.

Crabs cast off their shells for new ones, and this is where the rebirth/cycling association plays its part.

The protective symbolism is evident in the hard, spiny exo-skeleton found with these creatures.

When the crab crawls into our consciousness we’re reminded of the cyclical nature in our lives and what protection we may need for the path on which we embark.

The Crab signifies prosperity, success and high status in Chinese symbolism because the Chinese word referring to its shell is a pun on the term used for the highest score a candidate can make on the Chinese Imperial Examinations (first, or jia). Two crabs represent the first and second scores of the Examinations.

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.

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.

Symbolic meaning of number thirteen is surrounded with controversy.  Is it lucky?  Unlucky?  Only you can decide for yourself this post and my other more detailed page on thirteen may help you with your decision.

For those of you who want fast, quick references, the following attributes have been associated with the number thirteen:

• Completion
• Magic
• Intuition
• Psyche
• Warning
• Power
• Creativity
• Betrayal

This snapshot of meanings comes from a variety of different sources.

Its primary claim to foreboding fame is the number thirteen’s association with the Last Supper in Christian history.  There were thirteen people present at this gathering, the Christ and his twelve disciples. 

In France the number thirteen referred to as le point de Judas, to mark Judas’s betrayal of Christ.  This term also suggests an omen as Judas was the first to leave the table at the Last Supper, and also the first to die.  Also in France it is still the practice to hire a quartorzieme, or a fourteenth guest to a dinner party if only thirteen were in the original total.  This is said to assure a problem-free event.

The letter “m” is the thirteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and was said to bring bad luck because it is the beginning and end of the word mem which means death.

Interestingly, the number thirteen is assigned to the Death card in the Tarot deck.  Here the number takes on a meaning of transition, surrender, and recycling.  More information on this can be found on the number thirteen death card page.

On a more positive note, the number thirteen is sacred and honored in ritualistic practices in many Native American tribes. 

The Aztecs also hold the number thirteen sacred and divided their week into thirteen days.  Each day is ruled by a god.  The thirteenth day is ruled by Tezcatlipoca, who represents: Mystery, Psyche, Illusion and Magic.

Similarly, within ancient European cultures as well as earth-based religions it is well known there are thirteen moons in a year.  Here the thirteen is aligned with all the associations of the moon:  Emotion, Cycles, Intuition, Mystery, Devotion, and Influence.

It is also seen as a sign of good fortune in ancient Greece where it is associated with the Zeus because he is the thirteenth and most powerful of Greek gods.

For more information, visit my full-detail page on the Symbolic Meaning of Number Thirteen.

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.

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.