Where do the mole squirrel and hedgehog live. What do moles eat in the garden and at their summer cottage, in the forest and in the meadow. Moles in the garden

Animals like ancient symbol symbolize instinctive life; fertility and abundance; instinctive and emotional impulses that must be curbed before entering into the realm of the spiritual; passive participation and animal nature people: “it is impossible to find an animal that would not have at least some resemblance to a person.”

Animals as an ancient symbol

In accordance with the three-term division of the World Tree, animals are distributed vertically.

  1. Birds are associated with the top, especially often an eagle, often some fantastic bird (sometimes there are two birds symmetrically on top of a tree, as if duplicating the sun and the moon).
  2. Ungulates (horses, bulls, cows, deer, elks, antelopes, sheep, goats, etc.), sometimes bees, correlate with the middle; ungulates are arranged symmetrically along the sides of the tree, often forming a sequence of animals, hierarchically organized and horizontally (eg, horses, cows, sheep, etc.).
  3. Snakes, frogs, mice, fish, beavers, otters, sometimes bears or monsters of the chthonic type are associated with the bottom of the tree (its roots).

Similar descriptions (both verbal and fine arts) of the World Tree with the distribution of animals are known in abundance in the ancient Near Eastern traditions, in India, Iran and China, in the Siberian shamanistic traditions, partly among the American Indians, in the old Indo-European cultures, including the Slavic.

The wolf is a symbol of the brave


Traditionally, the wolf is an ancient symbol of viciousness, gluttony, devouring passion and rage. Wolves and ravens are often close friends of the primitive gods of the dead.

The ideas of the peoples of Europe about lycanthropy and werewolf are associated with wolves. The notion of lycanthropy put the wolf on the level of man. It was an equal, friend or foe.

There were two types of werewolves: on the one hand, the sorcerer could turn the objectionable into a wolf, on the other hand, he could turn into a wolf himself. At the same time, it was believed that it was possible to regain a human form.

The custom has been preserved to leave the bones of a dead wolf to influence the enemy, the thief: a spell was pronounced, certain parts of the bones were broken and burned. It was believed that in this case, the enemy (thief) would dry up or hurt the corresponding parts of the body.

"Wolf holidays" were celebrated in the spring, during spring equinox, on the day of St. George on April 23 (old style). They are ritually associated with the cult of cranes as solar birds.

And, perhaps, because in the tales associated with the search for the Firebird, the wolf acts as a magical assistant ("Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf").

St. George in Rus' was called the wolf shepherd: "George gave what the wolf had in the teeth."

The ancient name of the wolf - "Hort" - remained only in conspiracies.

The mummers dressed in wolf skins, jumped over a stump, performed actions related to agricultural magic. From here came the word "wizard" - dressed in a tow, a wolf skin, a disguised person.

The historian and archaeologist B. A. Rybakov expresses the opinion that the priests-princes were dressed in skins, who, when performing rituals, could not appear before the people in their usual form.

The wolf is the mount of witches and warlocks, and takes the form of a werewolf or werewolf.

The ancient symbol of a lush plant that has gained strength - the image of wolves with flourishing tails - is known from the decor of ancient Russian churches and ornaments on bracelets.

The ritual of dressing in wolf skins or walking with a stuffed wolf, among many peoples of Europe (including the southern and western Slavs) was timed to coincide with the autumn-winter season.

In Christianity, the wolf is evil, the devil, the destroyer of the flock, cruelty, cunning and heresy, as well as a man with a motionless neck, since it is believed that the wolf is not able to turn around.

The wolf was the emblem of Saint Francis of Assisi, who tamed the wolf Gubbio.

What does the Horse symbolize?

The horse is an ancient symbol of the sun, the steppe. The horse symbolizes grace and courage. Among the ancient Slavs, the horse served as a symbol of death and resurrection, like the rising and setting sun.

The loaded horse is a symbol of the human body carrying the burden of its spiritual constitution. Or, on the contrary, this symbol of the spiritual nature of man, bearing the burden of the material personality.

The horse, as an ancient symbol, plays an important role in many mythological systems of Eurasia. It is an attribute (or image) of a number of deities.

On horseback, gods and heroes move (through the sky and from one element or world to another). Stories about mythical horses are known in ancient Indian, Celtic and Slavic mythologies.

In the Bible, in the book of the prophet Isaiah, it says: “Woe to those who go to Egypt for help, relying on horses and relying on chariots, because there are many of them, and on horsemen, because they are very strong, but they do not look at the Holy One of Israel and do not run to the Lord!

The Egyptians are people, not God, and their horses are flesh, not spirit” (31:1-3). At the same time, the horse in the Bible is the embodiment of stateliness, beauty and grace, the perfect creation of God.

The groom likens his beloved to a mare in Pharaoh's chariot.

The horse is an ancient symbol of strength, speed and tireless running. A symbol of fearlessness, military prowess and glory.

The horse as an ancient symbol has a dual meaning. As a solar force, a white, golden or fiery horse appears with the sun gods harnessed to their chariots; as a lunar (element of moisture, sea and chaos) force - the war horses of the oceanic gods. Thus, the horse symbolizes both life and death.

The horse also symbolizes intellect, wisdom, mind, reason, nobility, light, dynamic strength, agility, speed of thought, the running of time.

She has an instinctive sensitive animal nature, magical powers of deification and symbolizes the wind and sea waves. Appears in the images of the gods of fertility.

The winged horse is the sun or the cosmic horse. As an ancient symbol it represents pure intellect, innocence, chastity, life and light; they are ruled by heroes.

At a later time, the horse replaced the bull in sacrifices. Both of them personify the gods of Heaven and fertility, male power, as well as chthonic powers.

The white horse of the ocean is related to both the water principle and the fire principle. A lion killing a bull or a horse means the Sun, drying up moisture and fog.

The black horse is a sign of a funeral. Heralds death and symbolizes chaos. Appears during the twelve days of chaos between the old and the new year. The sacrifice of the October horse means the death of death.

In Christianity, the horse is the sun, courage, nobility. Later, during the Renaissance, he began to symbolize lust. In the catacomb images, the horse as an ancient symbol meant the rapid passage of time.

The four horses of the Apocalypse are war, death, famine and epidemic. The horse is the emblem of Saints George, Martin, Mauritius, Victor; wild horses are the emblem of Saint Hippolytus.

Cow as a symbol of motherhood


It symbolizes the Great Mother, all the goddesses of the moon in their nourishing aspect, the productive power of the earth, multiplicity, childbearing, maternal instinct. The horns of a cow are the moon in an incomplete phase.

Representing both the moon and the deities of the earth, the cow is an animal both celestial and chthonic.

For many peoples, the cow as an ancient symbol symbolizes fertility and prosperity. The cow in many ancient and archaic religions is a symbol of fertility, abundance, prosperity.

Cat - mystical animal

Sacred animal of many nations. Cat worship was characteristic of agricultural cultures, when people's lives depended on the safety of the crop and protection from rodents was required.

For the priests, the cat was an ancient symbol of the magnetic forces of Nature. The cat is also a symbol of eternity, as it lies curled up in a ring.

The cat, having the ability to change the shape of the pupil, symbolizes the changing power of the sun, as well as the phases of the moon and the magnificence of the night. It means also everything that is done furtively; desire and freedom.

A black cat is lunar and personifies evil and death (only in our time a black cat began to mean good luck). In witchcraft, the cat as an ancient symbol is a good friend of witches.

A black cat, as an approximate sorceress, means evil and bad luck. Cats and dogs can make it rain.

In other traditions (for example, in a number of Lithuanian mythological texts), the cat-slayer turns into an opponent of the snake-slayer, acting in some cases in the form of a cat.

An opponent of Perkūnas (in particular and above all a devil) can turn into a cat or a cat of black color, sometimes with red eyes.

In the Latvian folklore and mythological tradition, a black devil with cow legs, when faced with thunder and lightning, turns into a black cat trying to hide near a person.

A snake fighter can also turn into a cat, fairy tale hero, the winner of the monster, for example Ivan Popyalov, the hero of the Belarusian fairy tale of the same name.

The motive for turning a hero into a cat is also known in the East Slavic cycle of tales about Ivan the Cat's son (more often Ivan Suchich or Ivan the peasant's son).

In some of these tales, the cat as an ancient symbol (along with it sometimes appears Kot Kotovich, brother of Ivan Tsarevich) can be both the incarnation or assistant of the serpent and the serpent fighter.

Both of these functions are combined in the tale of Volya Volovich, who, after each battle with a snake, meets with "Kotish, gouge out your eyes", threatening to eat him.

The hero kills the cat, puts on his skin and, under the guise of a cat, enters Baba Yaga.

The opposition of the snake fighter and the snake in a transformed form (through the opposition of "cat and mouse") is widely represented in rituals and their degenerate forms - children's games.

In lower mythology, the cat acts as the embodiment (or assistant, member of the retinue) of the devil, of evil spirits.

In Ukraine, there is a belief that the devil, having turned into a mouse, swam across the sea to seduce Eve. The Blessed Virgin, seeing this, threw down her mitten.

From this mitten a cat became and devoured the devil. The cat, as an ancient symbol, was revered as unclean because it ate the devil.

In Christianity, the cat is Satan, darkness, lust and laziness.

Cat Baiyun. A wonderful beast of Russian folklore, which got its nickname from the verb "bait", to tell. The tales of Kota-Bayun are endowed with magical power, with which he strikes his enemies to death.

Bear as a symbol of Russia


The bear has long been one of the most enduring ancient symbols of Russia. If other animals can be defined unambiguously, cowardly like a hare, angry like a wolf, cunning like a fox, then it’s not so easy to say about a bear.

A symbol of good nature, gluttony, rage, heroic strength, clumsiness, laziness, tender maternal feelings ... It's all about the bear.

Medvel as an ancient symbol symbolizes the resurrection (the appearance in the spring from his winter lair with a bear cub), new life, and hence the initiation and rituals associated with the transition.

In heroic myths, the bear is a solar symbol.

In mythological representations and rituals, a bear can act as a deity (in particular, a dying and reborn one), a cultural hero, a founder of a tradition, an ancestor, an ancestor, a totem, a guardian spirit, a healer spirit, a master of the lower world, a sacred and (or) sacrificial animal , the embodiment of the soul, the giver, the animal double of a person, the shaman's assistant, his zoomorphic hypostasis and soul, werewolf, etc.

The bear is one of the main characters of the animal epic, fairy tales, tales, songs, riddles, beliefs, conspiracies, etc.

The meaning of a bear is determined primarily by its likeness to a human, interpreted by the mythopoetic consciousness as an indication of their common origin or origin from each other.

The theme of the similarity or identity of a bear and a man in different plans implements the bear hunting ritual, which is the core of the bear cult.

Totem animal of many northern peoples, medvel as an ancient symbol served as a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth. The Arctic is the land of bears (Arctos).

The constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor are a symbol of the northern sky. The bear was the ritual animal of the goddess Artemis.

As a symbol of Divine retribution, the bear is mentioned in the Bible, in the legend of the prophet Elisha.

The bear is one of the animals associated with lycanthropy, shapeshifting. The bear man, the son of a bear and a woman, is a common character in folklore. different countries.

He controlled time (in a den, the flow of time is not noticed, you can sleep in it all winter like one night, or live for several years, counting them as one week).

He was called the Boss, Mikhail Potapych, Shaggy, Dense, Dirty - a hundred names, but "bear" (eating honey) - a typical replacement name, was rarely called so as not to disturb the spirit of the formidable beast.

The black bear as an ancient symbol was a symbol of infernal forces.

The biblical texts had a decisive influence on the subsequent symbolic identification of the bear with Satan.

However, in the medieval tradition, the bear even more often denotes the sinful bodily nature of man.

In many medieval and Renaissance images of Adam and Eve, a bear climbing a tree symbolizes the disastrous outcome of the coming temptation; similar in meaning motifs of a chained bear are also common in various religious and moralizing scenes.

Among the Slavs, this mighty beast is an ancient symbol of calmness and peacefulness, since it becomes ferocious only when it is attacked or teased.

Yes, and the Scripture says that "The Lord will deal with his opponents like a bear, from which her cubs were stolen."

On the other hand, the bear won people's love as a sweet tooth, and very purposeful: when did the bees stop the clubfoot if he was going to eat honey?

In Christianity, the bear as an ancient symbol means evil, the devil, cruelty, greed, carnal appetite.

Bear cubs were believed to be born formless and thus they were seen as a symbol of the transforming, regenerating power of Christianity over pagans.

It is the emblem of Saints Blandina, Gall, Florentin, Maxim. The battle between David and the bear symbolizes the conflict between Christ and the devil.

Ant: ants are hardworking, sociable, purposeful builders. They symbolize patience, self-sacrifice, planning, faith in the future, completion, accumulation of energy, work, stinginess, foresight, virtue and order. They are associated with Wang-ta Hsien, Demeter and Ceres.

Bat: Bats symbolize rebirth, reincarnation, ritual death, initiation, facing fear, giving up old habits, happiness, luck, health, wealth, long life, peace, unhappiness, anxiety, chaos, incomplete understanding, avoidance of obstacles, transformation and past lives. They are associated with Shou-Hsing and the Underworld.

Bear: bears symbolize healing, divinity, invulnerability, helper spirit, protection, introspection, truth, female receptive energy, prophecy, endurance, harmony, patience, protection, revenge, transformation, intuition, answers from the Dream World, benevolence, strength and courage. They are associated with Artemis, Zeus, Callisto, Dea Artia, Thor, Odin, Freya and the Norse goddesses of the moon and water.

Cat: Cats as protectors. They symbolize strength, cunning, dexterity, isolation, independence and vision of spirits. They are associated with Freya, Artemis, Diana, Liberty, Shasti, Bast and Pasht.

Coyote: coyotes are tricksters who teach you not to be so serious. They symbolize lessons about the self, humor, whimsy, the night, shapeshifting, opportunity, mystery, creativity and experience.

Deer: the deer symbolizes softness, grace, speed, abundance, intuition, introspection, a different way to achieve the goal, the message of the patrons, love, security, tranquility, the sun, fertility and the warrior aspect (male deer). They are associated with Aphrodite, Artemis, Athena, Diana, Elaphaia, Dionysus, Apollo, Lu-Hsing, Cernynnos, Cocidius and Shou-Hsieng.

Dog: Dogs are servants and guards. They symbolize loyalty, friendship, unconditional love, understanding, the need for approval, tracking, camaraderie, intuition, and truth. They are associated with Gula, Belit-ili, Astarte, Ashtaret, Amenti, Cybele, Artemis, Diana, Hekate, the Celtic Mother Goddesses, Araun, Nodens, Hel, Odin, Saramam, the moon goddesses, Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl.

Fox: foxes are deceivers. They symbolize disguise, observation, adaptability, cunning, family, travel, togetherness, shapeshifting, wisdom and invisibility. They are associated with Enki, Dionysus and Inari.

Frog/Toad: frogs and toads symbolize female energy, fertility, water, new life, new beginning, the secret of creation, purification, refreshment, re-filling, dispelling negativity, filling, positive energy, transformation, the beginning of a new cycle, long life, good luck, change of luck, beginning new projects and prosperity. They are a symbol of the Goddess and are associated with the moon. They are associated with Heket, Isis, Hathor, Ch "ing-Wa Sheng, Aphrodite, Sabacius and Ahriman.

Horse: the horse symbolizes strength, the ability to work alone and in a group, speed, endurance, endurance, loyalty, friendship, cooperation, travel, overcoming obstacles, loyalty, independence, caution, unconditional support, selflessness, freedom, strength, poise, compassion and generosity. She is associated with Epona, Kuannon, Anakita, Vesta, Apollo, Mitra, Surya, Odin, Freya, Rhiannon, Leucippe, Velsi and Veles.

Leopard: see panther.

a lion: Lions symbolize royal rights, serenity, family, strength, courage and relaxation. They are strongly associated with the sun and with Ra, Osiris, Sekhmet, Apollo, Durga and the sun deities in general.

Lizard: Lizards symbolize the understanding of dreams, wisdom, luck, facing fear and confrontation, death and rebirth. They are associated with the dream world, Hermes, Serapis, Ahriman and Moco.

Lynx: the lynx is the keeper of secrets. Lynxes symbolize honesty, openness, unquestioning politeness, secrecy, silence, clairvoyance of the secrets of others, suspicion and vigilance. They can help with spiritual skills, especially clairvoyance.

Mouse: the mouse symbolizes silence, mystery, foresight, careful study, attention to detail, order, organization, shyness, stealth, invisibility, trust, innocence, initiative and discovery. Be careful because they may not see the full picture. Mice are associated with Apollo and Zeus.

Panther/leopard: panthers and leopards symbolize the unknown, silence, silence, mystery, night, healing, darkness, hidden truth, fearlessness, speed, perseverance, beauty, cunning and strength. They teach you not to fear the future. They are associated with Dionysus, Pan and Argus.

Mantis: The praying mantis symbolizes strength, adaptability and ease of communication.

Rabbit: Rabbits are deceivers, companions of witches and "guardians of the gates" of the night and a different type of consciousness. Rabbits symbolize fertility, mystery, fear of tragedy, long life, quick thinking, growing intuition, illness and disaster. They cause your mental fears in real life. They teach you to stop thinking “what if…”. They are associated with Eostra, Holda, Andraste, Freya, Hermes, Aphrodite, Eros and Chandra.

Raccoon: Raccoons symbolize ingenuity, adaptability, generosity, concern for others, goodwill, lack of greed, creativity, playfulness, curiosity, new ideas and new jobs or studies. They protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Rat: rats symbolize fertility, wealth, cunning, timidity, avarice, wisdom, ingenuity, caution and foresight. They are associated with Daikoku and Ganesha.

Scorpion: Scorpions symbolize revenge, the return of negative energy to those who sent it and dark magic. They are often considered a sign of evil. They are associated with the South and the Sun, Ishtar, Nanna, Siduri Sabitu, Set, Selket, Isis, Dadofori and Sabacius.

Snake: Serpents symbolize knowledge, change, creation, wisdom, secrets, mystery, reincarnation, immortality, sexuality, reproduction, fire element, duality, solar/lunar, good/evil, healing/poison, life/death/rebirth. They are an early symbol of the Great Mother Earth. They are associated with Isis, Thoth, Apep, Hermes, Sabacius, Bel, Ra, Ariamne, Mithra, Kadi, Kadru, Akkadian Ningursag, Atargatis, Syria, Asclepius, Hygeia, Persephone, Apollo, Hero, Athena, Hecate, Gaia, Brownie, Shakti, Anantoi, Suzanu, Uga-Jin, Nu Kua, Fu Xi, Bridget, Quetzalcoatl, Kulkulkan, Soatlikyu, coyolxauhqui, Witzliputzli and Julungghul.

Spider: spiders are weavers and deceivers. They symbolize rock, female energy, creative energy, wisdom, creativity, new life, confusion, caution, divine inspiration, the beginning of a project, conception, diligence, warning signals, illusions. They can serve as a sign warning of danger. They are associated with Nith, Ishtar, Atargatis, Athena, Moirai, Norns, Holda, Inktomi, Kokyangwuti, Tsitsicnako and Sussistanako.

Squirrel: squirrels symbolize meetings, foresight, energy, irrational behavior, storage, gossip, warning, change, discovery, truth, balance and harmony. They are messengers of the Gods and naughty. They warn you to be careful about useless hoarding and teach you to take life lightly.

Tiger: tigers act quickly, they are cunning and invisible. They symbolize fury, royalty, fearlessness, authority, the aspect of the warrior, the absence of delay and willpower. They are associated with Arc, Shiva, Dionysus and Cai Chen.

Toad: see frog.

Turtle: turtles symbolize longevity, strength, endurance, wisdom, patience, the ability to become defensive, goddess energy, landing, shields, betrayal, perseverance and slowing down in order to enjoy life. They are associated with the elements of earth, water and the moon. They are associated with Prajapati, P "an Ku, Pan, Aphrodite, Venus, Hermes and Mercury.

Wolf: wolves symbolize family, learning, cooperation, insight, mystery, strength, leadership, loyalty, freedom, individuality, spiritual energy associated with the moon (hidden wisdom), sharing knowledge and wisdom, cunning, hunting, searching, introspection, listening, magic , dreams. They are associated with the moon and with Wepwawet, Zeus of Lyceum, Apollo, Ares, Mars, Silvanus, Cernannos and Odin.

Dolphin/Porpoise: Dolphins and porpoises are guides to the Lower World and messengers of the world of dreams and progress. They symbolize joy, playfulness, lack of inhibitions, strength, speed, the sea, eloquence, magic (especially water magic), discovery, communication, trust, truth, balance, harmony, breathing, rhythm patterns and relaxation. They are associated with Water and Astarte, Ishtar, Isis, Delphic Apollo and sea deities in general.

Fish: fish symbolize love, fertility, victory over death, healing, prophecy, abundance, prosperity, harmony, regeneration, children, pregnancy and the emergence of love in your life. They are associated with the Moon, Water, Atargatis, Ishtar. Derceto, Isis, Aphrodite, Freya, Venus, Dagon, Poseidon and Kuan Yin.

Otter: otters symbolize playfulness, balanced feminine energy, curiosity, joy for oneself and others, absence of jealousy and envy, absence of anxiety, talent, loyalty, public life and happiness. They are deceivers. They are associated with the elements of Earth and Water and are associated with Cernannos.

Seal: Seals symbolize playfulness, parenthood and protection (especially protection while traveling on water, with a complete change in life, with a divorce or a painful break with a loved one, from gossip and danger).

Whale: whales symbolize elegance, ancient teachings, history, clear hearing, telepathy, spiritual abilities, healing through music and sound, death and rebirth, initiation, waters of life, regeneration, sea, music, longevity, family and friends, learning magic, elemental magic and trust. Whales store knowledge. They are associated with Derceto.

Bee: Bees symbolize hard work, community, concentration, planning and saving, working with the spirits of the dead, prosperity, purity, achieving the so-called impossible, birth, death, resurrection, luck, failure and the wisdom of the Other World. They are associated with Bridget, Ra, Vishnu, Krishna, Indra, Aphrodite, Demeter, Cybele, Artemis, Diana, Rhea, Zeus, Dionysus, Pan and Priapus.

Butterfly: butterflies symbolize joy, freedom, living in one moment, transformation, the cycle of birth-death-rebirth, mental powers, magic, divination life cycle, understanding one's place in the cycle of life, inspiration, immortality, leisure, beauty in old age, longevity, love, happiness, falsehood, vanity and soul. They are associated with the element of Air, Orami and Zochiquetzal.

Crow/Rook: crows and rooks symbolize ingenuity, survival, death, the call to magic and mystery surrounding us, law, the supernatural, the secrets of creation, shapeshifting, change, harmony, justice, integrity, bad omens, audacity, dexterity, cunning, prophecy, eloquence and divination . These are the tricksters associated with Morrigan, Varuna, Rhea Cronius, Apollo, Macha and Babd.

Dragonfly: the dragonfly symbolizes illusion, dreams, change, enlightenment, irresponsibility, insecurity, weakness, instability, speed and seeing the truth. They are messengers of the elemental world and gods/goddesses. They are associated with Summer.

Eagle: eagles symbolize nobility, clarity of vision, balance between the world of spirits and everyday life, the ability to rise above everyday life, lightning, rise above the material in search of the spiritual, connection with the world of spirits, timely rain, the spirit of a warrior, fearlessness, sharp eyesight, war, freedom, greatness, authority, strength, victory and courage. They are associated with the divine and with the Sun, as well as with Air, Fire and Spirit. They are associated with Ninurta, Marduk, Ashur, Pan, Zeus, Indra, Vishnu, Mitra and Odin.

Falcon: Falcons symbolize freedom, speed of action, foresight, magic, astral travel, clear vision and healing. They help the dying die. They are associated with Horse, Circe, Ra, Mentu, Freya and Odin.

Hawk: hawks are observant and receptive messengers of the spirit world. They symbolize embracing the big picture, using your talents, omens, dreams, courage, protection, wisdom, enlightenment, truth and experience. They are associated with Hors, Ptah, Rehu, Seker, Amenti, Apollo, Artemis, Indra, Ahura Mazda and Mitra.

hummingbird: Hummingbirds symbolize freedom of movement, energy, joy without tiredness and feeding on the nectar of life, completing what is considered impossible, finding joy in life and learning from experience, flowers, love, beauty, art, relaxation and fearlessness. They are associated with Quetzalcoatl and Vitzliputzli.

Owl: owls symbolize wisdom, the ability to see hidden, mystery, speed, darkness, freedom, dreams, shapeshifting, secrets, omens, clairvoyance, astral projection, magic, deceit, observation, full truth, night, death and failure. They are associated with the Lower World and the Moon. They are associated with the Goddess in general, as well as with Athena, Marie, Lilith, Anath, Gwynn ap Nudd, Blodeuwedd, Yama and Cailleach. Barn Owl: Barn owls see without seeing and hear without hearing; they hear the unspoken and see without physical sight.

Crow: Ravens symbolize magic, inner fears, change in consciousness, healing, getting rid of illness, the unknown, pranks, adaptability, intelligence, ingenuity, death, war, bloodshed, battle, divination and destruction necessary for creation. They are messengers of the spirit world. They are associated with the Old Man, the Sun, Odin, Apollo, Athena, Chronos, Asclepius, Brahma, Morrigan, Babd, Nantosuelta and Lugh.

Swan: swans symbolize grace, healing, altered states, intuition, transformation, transitions, spiritual growth, forebodings, omens, divinity of the spirit, dignity, monogamy, placidity and silence. They are associated with Apollo, Aphrodite, the Muses, Venus, Zeus, Saraswati, Brahma and Devi.

The Dragon: Dragons are teachers, warriors and protectors. They symbolize the Great Mother Goddess, matriarchy, benevolence, divinity, royalty, the supernatural, infinity, change, elemental magic, and spiritual guidance. They are associated with Mitra, Horse, Apollo, Indra, Aruna and Soma. Eastern dragons are more serpentine and often have whiskers. They symbolize the power of the ruler, masculinity, yang, prosperity, rain, wisdom and hidden secrets. Western dragons are more reptilian, more massive, and often have large, bat-like wings. They symbolize fire, confrontation, danger and solitude.

Griffin: Griffins are guards. They symbolize spiritual enlightenment, the seasons, the connection between spiritual energy and cosmic forces. They are associated with the Sun, Sky, Earth, Nemesis and Apollo.

Pegasus: pegasi symbolize inspiration, poetry, grace, freedom from earthly worries, the astral level, the transformation of evil into goodness, glory and eloquence. They are associated with Demeter and Osiris.

Phoenix: Phoenix is ​​a symbol of resurrection, rebirth, spiritual growth, strength and energy to overcome life's trials, fire and royal dignity. It is a moon/sun symbol associated with Osiris, Ra and Circe.

Unicorn: unicorns are a symbol of innocence, good will, fame, prosperity, healing, gentleness, purity of mind, personal strength, naivety, joy, life, nature and freedom. They are associated with Artemis, Diana, and moon goddesses in general.

Sacred animal in many cultures. Cats and cats almost universally symbolize cunning, clairvoyance, sensual beauty, the ability to reincarnate, female anger. It can also personify intuition, be a symbol of independence, grace and strength.

At different peoples the cat is considered a symbol of good luck, or vice versa, portends trouble.
Belief in the supernatural power of cats has existed since ancient Egypt, where these animals were deified. In Egypt, there was a cult of the goddess Bastet (Bast), cats were considered to be sacred animals that bring good. Bast was usually depicted as a lioness or a cat, or as a woman with a cat's head.

For the priests, the cat was a symbol of the magnetic forces of nature. She was often portrayed as an assistant to the sun, tearing off the head of the afterlife snake.

Later, cats moved from Egypt to Greece and Rome, where they became attributes of the goddess Diana and Artemis. AT ancient rome the self-will and freedom of behavior inherent in cats made them an emblem of freedom.

Among the Celts, cats symbolized evil forces and were often sacrificed, while among the North Germans (Scandinavians), the goddess Freya was represented as riding in a wagon drawn by cats.

In India, where the cat has always been seen as the epitome of animal beauty, the Buddhists are forced to curb their ill will, which is due to cats, like snakes, refusing to mourn the death of the Buddha.

Muslims believe that the cat was born in Noah's Ark from the sneezing of a lion. It was the cat that saved Muhammad from the snake, and since the prophet stroked the cat on the back, the cat acquired the ability to fall solely on its paws. Another myth says that the dark stripes on the skin of the animal are a mark from the fingers of the prophet.

In Japan, cats are harbingers of bad luck, and there is also a belief that cats can possess women. In China, the character for the cat "mao" is the same as for the number 80, which made the cat a symbol of long life. AT eastern horoscope the year of the Cat is also called the year of the Hare; the fourth year of the eastern twelve-year cycle is dedicated to him.

In England, a black cat was considered a symbol of good luck (possibly due to the belief that it possesses some of the magical power inherited from a witch), especially if the cat is blocking the road. It also symbolized an unscrupulous and dissolute woman.

The image of a cat is most negative in the extensive folklore about witches, where cats are represented as close associates of Satan. Often associated with satanic orgies, as they were considered lustful and cruel incarnations of the devil. Black cats were associated with black magic; when the witch climbed onto the broom, the black cat climbed on it. According to medieval superstitions, Satan catches human souls like a cat grabbing a mouse with its claws.

SCORPION

Scorpio can have both negative and positive symbolism. As a rule, it symbolizes revenge, betrayal, death, self-destruction.

The pre-dynastic king of Ancient Egypt was called Scorpio (Selek), and his wife (Selket) was the mistress of magical healing and the patroness of sorcerers-doctors, but at the same time she was the goddess of death. AT Ancient Egypt the scorpion was used as a means of healing and resurrection after death. It was also a symbol of protection, since the goddess Isis, fleeing from Set, always appeared surrounded by seven scorpions.

In Babylon, it also had symbols of protection and protection. As a rule, a creature was depicted on the gates and doors, which had the top of a man, and the bottom of a scorpion, which held a bow in its hands.

AT Greek mythology the goddess Artemis sent a scorpion to kill Orion, after which both were moved to the sky as constellations. And since then, whenever Scorpio appears in the East, Orion hides in the West.

In Africa, it was believed that the scorpion itself allocates funds against its poison, therefore its symbolism is both negative and positive: it was a symbol of healing on the one hand, and a symbol of murder on the other. In the Middle Ages, the scorpion was considered the emblem of Africa, as part of the earth.

In the Mayan pantheon, the black god Ek-Chuah, the god of war, was depicted with a scorpion tail.

In Asia Minor, the scorpion was an attribute of the goddess Ishkhara, whose name was mentioned when taking oaths, i.e. the scorpion was a symbol of justice and justice.

In the Bible, the scorpion, like a snake, is a symbol of demonic forces. In the Revelation of John the Theologian, he is called one of the animals that live in the underworld. In medieval art, the scorpion often acted as a symbol of Judas, i.e. a symbol of betrayal, envy and hatred.

In astrology, Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac, which accounts for the path of the sun from October 23 to November 21. The red star Antares, which is part of the constellation, was considered in Europe the worst fire in the sky. In classical astrology, the scorpion is associated with the concept of male power, the occult, witchcraft, mysticism and illumination.

SPIDER

The symbolism of the spider can have both negative and positive meanings.
The web that the spider spins is a symbol of the creative forces of the universe. The web is woven from the center in a spiral and is considered a symbol of the universe.

The Cosmic Spider (Great Spinner) is the Creator who spins the thread of his own life from his own substance, attaches all people to himself through the umbilical cord and weaves them into the pattern of the world. The spider in the center of the web symbolizes the center of the world; The sun surrounded by rays, the moon, personifying the cycles of life and death, spinning the web of time.

In many myths, the spider is the feminine principle, the Great Mother, the weaver of fate. So, for example, the Egyptian Neith, the Assyrian Ishtar, the Greek Moira.

In Ovid's Metamorphoses, the goddess of justice, Athena, turned the Lydian princess into a spider, envious of her spinning skills.

In India, the web is a symbol of illusion (Maya) associated with the fatality of human existence.

Some tribes in Africa considered the spider a symbol of protection. It was believed that it could protect against storms. Some tribes deified the spider as the creator of the universe.

AT Ancient China was a sign of near happiness. A spider descending along one thread was associated with the idea of ​​​​expecting sudden happiness.

In some Alpine regions, the cross-spider was considered a symbol of happiness and prosperity. It was believed that killing a spider is a bad omen.

In Islam, there is a legend about how a spider saved Muhammad. Revered as a divine insect, killing which is a grave sin.

At the same time, a spider can also be a negative symbol, for example, in West African fables, a spider is associated with an insidious creature.

In Christian symbolism, spiders are an evil image and represent symbols of sinful motivation. The spider is the devil luring sinners into his web; miser who drinks the blood of the poor. In Christian iconography, the spider in St. Norbert's chalice serves as an allegory for a poisoned drink.

In black magic, according to the fathers-inquisitors, spiders, together with other diabolical elements, were used to compose witchcraft potions. According to medieval beliefs, witches, having caught a large number of spiders could control storms and storms.


LEOPARD. PANTHER. LEOPARD.

Eyes of the night. The embodiment of predatory femininity, flexibility and grace.

The text of the early Christian "Physiologus" states that this beast "of all animals is the most friendly, being only the enemy of the snake ... A fragrance comes from his voice, and the animals follow this fragrance of his voice and come very close to him." Since it is believed that the breath of the beast is fragrant, the panther symbolizes beneficial effect Christ. In various textual versions of the Bestiary, it is additionally said: only the dragon, having heard the voice of a leopard, is filled with fear and hides in caves, and “there he becomes numb, because he cannot bear his smell. So Christ, the true leopard, descended from heaven to save us from the power of the devilish dragon ... After death, he descends into the underworld, where he shackles a large dragon ... ”(Unterkircher). Otherwise, the "Bestiary" widely reproduces the symbolism of much more early tests"Physiologist".

In Western Asia and North Africa, the panther is a symbol of deceit.

In Sumer, the panther was a symbol of the goddess Inanna, and was also a symbol of the goddess Cybele and Circe.

In ancient China, there was a dual assessment of this animal. On the one hand, due to the fact that the panther was considered extremely dangerous beast, his tail was hoisted on war carts as a field badge. If a beautiful woman was aggressive, she was called the nickname "spotted panther". Those. one side of the symbolism was: rage, aggressiveness, ferocity. On the other hand, the panther together with the magpie, thanks to a play on words, mean good news in the image.

In ancient Mexico, it was a symbolic animal of one of the Aztec military orders (ocelots), as well as a symbol of the 14th of the twenty daily signs of the calendar.

Among the Maya Indians, the panther was called "balam", which was also the title of the priest-predictor.

In the myths of the South American tribes, he is the guardian of shaman priests.

In European heraldry, the panther has become strange creature with the features of a lion, a dragon and a bull, whose sweet breath described in the Physiologus is indicated by flames. Since the 14th century, he has the claws of an eagle on his front paws, and since the 16th century he is depicted with flames from all openings of the body. In Italy, the panther had a hare-like head and was called, also in reference to Physiologus, "la dolce" - sweetness.

FLY

Flies symbolize evil and world epidemics, pestilence, etc.

The symbolism of flies is always negative. Beelzebub (otherwise Baal-zebub), the "deity of Akkaron" mentioned in the Bible, is one of the Syrian deities, which the Jews derisively called the "lord of the flies." In fact, the word Beelzebub means "Lord who buzzes." Since early Christian times, spellcasters have called Beelzebub, who is able to force him to appear to smaller demons. The True Grimoire clarifies that Velvevul lives and rules in Africa (which in itself is already symbolic). It also talks about what this demon looks like.

Often dominated by ideas of demonic power, embodied in indestructible hordes of flies. Swarms of flies, according to the prophet Isaiah, mean misfortunes: “The Lord will let know the fly that is at the mouth of the Egyptian river, and the bee that is in the land of Assyria, and they will all fly and sit down in the empty valleys, and in the clefts of the rocks, and in all thorn bushes, and over all trees.

In Christianity, a fly is a symbol of moral and physical decay. Often personified with demons and evil spirits of black magic, which is why the image of a fly is inextricably linked with witchcraft and magic.

Legend has it that Virgil fashioned a fly out of copper and, after a mysterious ceremony, hoisted it onto the gates of Naples. After that, for eight years there was not a single fly.

In ancient Persian mythology, Ahriman, hostile to light, penetrates the world in the form of a fly.

In Iranian mythology, the fly corresponds to the demon Nasu, who arrives after the death of a person to take his soul and defile the body.

What animals are symbols of countries, you will learn from this article.

Animals symbols of countries

Almost every state has its own symbol in the form of an animal. This is either a totem, or those animals that live in a certain country and personify the spirit of the state. Let's look at examples of the most common state symbols.

What animal is the symbol of France?

The French are very proud of their symbol - rooster. Why a rooster? But because the inhabitants of France are descendants of the Gauls. And the word "Gauls" in Latin means rooster.

What animal is the symbol of China?

Today panda personifies the country rising sun– China. Previously, this beautiful animal inhabited the entire East Asia, but as a result of the barbaric attitude of man to nature, the number and habitat of pandas have significantly decreased. They are listed in the Red Book. You can meet them only in some areas of Tibet and Sichuan. China has approved government programs to increase and conserve panda populations.

What animal is the symbol of Mongolia?

Mongolia is the land of expanses and steppes, so it is logical that horse is her symbol. It signifies grace and courage. For the Mongolian tribes, the horse was a twin and a support, almost a member of the family.

What animal is the symbol of India?

The national symbol of the country is the royal Bengal tiger. This animal is the hero of the legends and myths of India. Today, the Bengal tiger is an endangered species through sport hunting, collecting tiger skins and trophies.

What animal is the symbol of the USA?

bald eagle- the national symbol and national emblem of the United States, according to the decision of the Second Continental Congress in 1782. The Founding Fathers of the United States chose this bird because it lives only in North America. The eagle is a symbol of the spirit, freedoms and superiority of the United States among other countries.

What animal is the symbol of Thailand?

The most important and revered animals in Thailand are - elephants. They are a symbol of the country, personifying wisdom, strength and good luck. These animals are the most industrious and strong on Earth. They have been serving people since ancient times: they transport goods, take part in hostilities, wear royalty on the back.

What animal is the symbol of Canada?

Everyone knows that the most famous symbol of Canada is the maple leaf. However, there is another symbol in the country - beaver. In Europe in XVII-XVIII centuries hats made of beaver fur were in fashion. Animals were hunted, or rather, a real hunt for them began. Thanks to beavers, most of Canada was explored. So they became another symbol of the state.

What animal is the symbol of Spain?

Bat black mouse is the symbol of Spain. It used to be a winged dragon, but in 1503 it gave way to a bat. According to legend, during the battle with the Muslims for Valencia, a bat landed on the helmet of King Jaime I of Aragon. This was a cautionary warning to the king. Another version says that an arrow was fired at the king, and it hit bat who saved Aragon's life.

What animal is the symbol of New Zealand?

The most famous and recognizable symbol of the state is the flightless New Zealand bird. kiwi. AT wild nature they are rare, but images, souvenirs and decorations with kiwi in New Zealand are found at every turn.

What animal is the symbol of England?

In the United Kingdom a lion occupies the most important place among the symbols. It is depicted on all variants of the coat of arms. As a symbol, it appeared during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. It personifies grace, wisdom, strength. No wonder he is the king of all animals.

What animal is the symbol of Egypt?

Cat- the second sacred animal of Egypt. She is the personification of the goddess of joy and fertility, the warmth of the sun, the keeper of the harvest and the hearth, the protector of pregnant women and children - the Goddess Bastet. The cat symbolizes dexterity and beauty, grace and affection. It protects houses from evil forces and spirits.

What animal is the symbol of Australia?

You certainly know the answer to this question. A marsupial is associated with Australia, the main pride of the country and its national symbol - kangaroo. According to legend, this was the first animal that Cook caught sight of when his expedition landed off the coast of Australia. In translation, the word "kangaroo" means "I do not understand."

What animal is the symbol of Lapland?

Symbol northern edge is deer. Their number is equal to the number of inhabitants of the country.

What animal is the symbol of Russia?

The symbol of Russia is the bear. Western countries began to identify Russia with this animal in the 18th century, claiming that "it is a big, clumsy and cruel" country, similar to a brown bear.

We hope that from this article you have learned which animals are the symbols of entire countries.

In order for the wish to come true, you can move the furniture according to Feng Shui or ... buy a figurine for home, symbolizing your request. We tell you what symbol this or that animal carries in itself.

Stork - to children

Many folk beliefs are associated with storks. And the most common of them says that this bird brings a baby into the house. Even postcards with congratulations about newborns often draw a stork. So if you dream of replenishment in the family, decorate the house with figurines of this bird. Would it help?

Butterfly - a symbol of joy and optimism

Probably, everyone is familiar with the expressions “flutter like a butterfly” or “butterflies fly in the stomach”, meaning that a person is happy and joyful at that moment. Do you dream of always being in this state? Buy figurines of butterflies at home, when you look at them, you will experience only positive emotions.

The dove is a symbol of peace

The dove is found in many myths, legends and historical facts. So, Aphrodite was born from a pigeon egg, Tsar Alexander the Great learned from a dove the way to the priests whom he had been looking for for a long time, and the Slavs believed that the human soul turns into this bird after death. Currently, the tradition of releasing white doves into the sky at weddings or other significant holidays is known. And figurines of these birds are often given to newlyweds as a symbol of peace and purity of love.

The snake is a symbol of female beauty and wisdom.

The snake is the most complex totemic animal. And all because it has two opposite meanings. Some consider the snake a symbol of lies and betrayal, using the expression "tongue like a snake", others are sure that it personifies beauty and wisdom. Confirmation last fact- a compliment to a woman in the East: "You look like a real snake!" Let's look at the world from the good side and present the snake in a positive light.

The cat is a symbol of harmony in the house

Since ancient times, the cat has been associated with harmony and good energy in the house. Can't get a live in the apartment? Buy a figurine!

Rabbit (hare) - a symbol of fertility and good luck

In the West, the hare is associated with the Easter holiday, and in the East, this animal personifies the feminine yin and is associated with a sign of good luck (when you accidentally see a rabbit, get ready for the best). In our country, we often meet a hare in all kinds of fairy tales. In general, a figurine with him in the house is needed!

Swallow - fortunately, a new turn in life, travel

The swallow that comes to us from warm countries, certainly reminds of spring and happiness. And about the imminent vacation at sea. Remember how Hans Christian Andersen's Thumbelina asked this bird to take her with her? And the swallow, of course, complied with the request of the heroine.

Horse (horse) - a symbol of strength, intelligence and success

If things don't go well at work, your strength has left you and you can't decide on your goals, get a horse figurine! At one glance at it, your doubts, as Feng Shui experts assure, will dissipate. In addition, it is an incredibly powerful and able-bodied animal.

Frog (toad) - to wealth

Don't like frogs? But in vain. In the East, this animal is considered the most powerful symbol of protection, and also provides its owner with wealth and prosperity. Perhaps the whole point is in the beautiful story that once the Buddha, having learned that the toad is vengeful and harmful, conquered it and called on it to help people by spitting out cash coins.

Bear - to change in life

In Russian tradition, the bear is the king of beasts. And his image is associated with male energy and strength. Especially at the moment when he wakes up after a long sleep. So if you don’t know what to do in this or that situation, or the soul requires drastic changes, look at the figurine of this animal and imagine how you wake up after a long sleep.

Spider - a symbol of creativity and wealth

Since ancient times, the spider has been considered the keeper of the hearth and intercessor from evil forces. Of course, it was impossible to kill him! Moreover, a belief is associated with this insect - if you see a red spider, expect good news and ... a monetary reward. In addition, in connection with the myth that the spider taught people the art of weaving, this insect is considered a symbol of creativity.

Elephant - a symbol of nobility and good luck

Elephants are considered the most noble and intelligent animals. And according to the teachings of Feng Shui, figurines with this animal should be in every home and office, as a symbol of nobility and good luck. After all, every day we are faced with a choice that can radically change our lives, and sometimes the lives of those around us. And to make the right decision helps ... an elephant! The main thing is that his trunk is pointing up.