ANIMALS, BIRDS, AND INSECTS AND THEIR MEANINGS

ALLIGATOR - spiritual aspects that are self-serving, can denotes a person who attacks out of nowhere, people who lie in wait and then attack, a person with vicious speech which is destructive

APE - cautions against loss of individuality, pretending to be someone who you are not, aping someone, being a copycat instead of your true self. A symbol of malice and ugliness. The ape was a holy animal in ancient India, the god Hanuman, as in the epic Ramayana. He is a symbol of strength, loyalty, and self-sacrifice. In the Chinese Zodiac, the ape is the ninth sign. The ape is the calendar symbol in ancient Mexican cultures, lending its name (in Aztec Ozomatli, in Mayan Ba'tz) to the the day of the month. The ape was a god of dance, and those born under this sign were expected to become jugglers, pranksters, dancers, or singers. In ancient mexico, the ape represents the wind. In the ancient Mexican myth of periodic "ends of the world", the second era or "sun," the wind-sun, was ended by devastating tornadoes, and the humans of this era were transformed into apes. Apes in chains represent the "devil" vanquished. It is a symbol of insecurity and doubt about one's own role in life as well as immodesty.

BABOON - immaturity or lack of individuality. Thoth, the god of wisdom, though sometimes appearing with the head of an ibis, frequently appears as an old, white caped baboon.

BADGER - denotes a person with a 'nagging' personality, usually one who interferes with another's life. It is a symbol of vice, afraid of the light, and lives in the dark. The badger represents avarice because it lives on it's own body fat.

BEAR - an overbearing personality of a friend or situation, someone who can crush another with just a look or a word This negative creature is used in the business world also to denote a negative situation. Fighting and winning a battle with a bear denotes the triumph of Christ over the devil. In China, the bear symbolizes strength, Dreaming of a bear sometimes foretells the birth of a son.

BEAVER - denotes the ability to recognize one's spiritual aspects at "home" while balancing and utilizing "life's" opportunities, industrious

BEDBUG - negative aspected related to sleeping arrangements or sleep patterns

BEE - denotes industrious and cooperative teamwork and denotes diligence and a sense of order. A beeswarm suggests an overwhelming situation Being stung by a bee can represent a negative situation. Dreaming of a bee flying away can symbolize death as the bee is the soul, but if the bee flies into the mouth of the dead person, that person will come back to life. In the mediterranean civilizations, the bee was seen to be brave, chaste, industrious, clean and lives harmoniously. The Christians looked upon the bee hive as the church and the bees as the parishioners, who collected only the best from all the flowers. They were symbols of purity and abstinence. In the secular world, the bee was a royal symbol and the queen bee was long regarded as a King. The sweetness symbolised Christ and his mercy. The sting was felt to be the last judgment.

BEHEMOTH - denotes an aspect in one's life that is larger than life, perhaps overwhelming and too big to handle alone

BIRD - denotes personality characteristics, usually high characteristics of beauty, joy and love that transcendent quality that lifts man from his lower self to his higher self, from the material world to the spiritual world - see specific bird type for other connotations A dark, ugly bird can denote a person's state of love in the negative context. To see a bird fly can symbolize the desire to fly free or to reach heaven like the angels.

BIRD OF PARADISE - denotes extravagant and elaborate thoughts. On the positive side, it can symbolize lightness, closeness to God, and removal from worldly concerns as well as the Virgin Mary.

BLUEBIRD - denotes spiritual joy and contentedness, foretells happy conditions in one's life

BOAR - denotes a haughty personality, or a bore to others, an aggressive animal, It has a reputation as a symbol of unflinching courage and ferocity. In christian iconology, the boar is a symbol of Christ. It is however primarily of diabolical forces as in the case of tyrants. To the celts it symbolised military courage and strength.

BULL - may denote a tendency toward narrow-mindedness, in the business world however, denotes a positive situation, a driving force,a rapidly rising market. Seeing a bull with a distorted head means stubbornness and 'bullheadedness'. It generally symbolizes vitality and masculine strength. Bulls were worshipped in many religions especially as symbols of potency and for their horns which resemble the lunar crescent. The bull Taurus is the second sign of the Zodiac. (April 21 to May 21) an earth sign. Those born under the sign are said to be clumsy earthbound, tenacious, and powerful. This sign is ruled by the planet Venus which connects the love goddess to the bull.

BUZZARD - denotes a gloating nature, one who stands in wait to pick up what is left over

BUTTERFLY - denotes renewal and rejuvenation, the ability to bounce back from setbacks or disappointments, a transformation of spirituality. They stand for beauty and metamorphosis. It symbolizes the human soul. In Japan, the butterfly symbolizes young womanhood. Two butterflies dancing about one another symbolize marital happiness. In China, the butterfly symbolizes long life and beauty.

CAMEL - denote stubborn and stupid beast of burden. They have very bad attitudes. Can denote arrogance and haughtiness. They denote negative reactions. It also denotes obedience, tenacity and perseverance on the good side.

CANARY - can denote either a joyful emotion or on the negative side a gossip situation.

CAT - denotes an independent nature, or can denote negative personality or situations. It can mean uncooperativeness and isolation as well. To see a black cat denotes bad luck. To see oneself petting a cat can mean you get pleasure from negative emotions. Concern over the health of a cat can mean concern over a destruction habit. Seeing the death of a cat can mean the death of a negative aspect of oneself which is spiritual progress. Seeing black and white cats denotes seeing the good and bad sides of oneself, both the constructive and destructive side. To have a cat disappear represents shows the power of good intentions to succeed. see type of cat -

CATERPILLAR - denotes stage of life prior to transition into next phase of life and a need to prepare oneself To see a caterpillar eating leaves denotes the destructive activity to destroy one's spiritual life.

CENTAUR - A mythical monster, half horse and half man, the male's head attached to the neck of the horse. Denotes discord and internal tension. Symbolizes the animal nature in man, untamed, and subservience to basic drives, their animal side.The Centaur in astrology is the ninth sign of the zodiac, shooting an arrow, a Fire sign. Those born under this sign are said to be resolute, aggressive, spirited, and seekers of light, energy, and power.

CHICKEN - denotes a feeling of fear or reluctance to face situation in life Seeing a chicken with it's head cut off signifies hysterical futility because the person is not using their head. It can be a symbol for timidity or lack of courage.

CHIHUAHUA - (dog) see that you do not underestimate the power or abilities of the other person in a situation

CHIMERA - a monster, part lion, part goat and part serpent, having one head from each of these animals.. A symbol of imaginings or rumour. In mythology, the chimera is said to be the daughter of Echidna, who was part serpent and part woman, and Typhon, a monster from the underworld. In the myth, the Chimera was killed by Bellerophon, riding on a winged horse named Pegasus. The Chimera appears on several coats of arms in cities like Corinth and Cyzicus. The triadic form stands for spring, summer, and winter.

CICADA - The tree cricket. The sound denotes 'elevated' poetry, immortality or life after death.A stylized cicada form represents "loyalty to one's principles.

COCKERSPANIEL - (dog) denotes companionship, a faithful friend, good associations

COCKROACH - denotes major irritations or disruptions in one's physical, mental, or spiritual life.

COLLIE - (dog) - denotes a faithful friend, to see one blocking ones way, however, means that something is blocking your spiritual path.

COW - can denote compassion and expression of that emotion It stands for the maternal nurturing powers of the earth. It is a universally positive force. In India the sacred cow symbolizes fertility and abundance. Slow moving cows denote inner reluctance to do something in daily life

CRAB - denotes a negative personality or situation , if multiple crabs are seen, it might denote a sexual disease. Crabs move backwards so denotes misfortune. In Christian symbology, the crab sheds its shell refers to "casting off the old Adam" and resurrection from the confines of the grave. It can symbolize 'great flooding'. The fourth sign of the Zodiac, (June 23 to July 22) Cancer is a water sign, and 'feminine'. Cancer is the house of the Moon and it's metal is silver. Astrologers associate Cancer with pregnancy, imprisonment, baptism, and rebirth and the awakening of the consciousness.

CRANE - denotes a sense of inquisitiveness. This is a symbol of renewal and of Christ resurrected. In China, it is a symbol of longevity, also for wisdom. A crane soaring toward the sun denotes desire for 'social elevation'. In the legends of India, however, it denotes deceit and knavery. It has also been denoted as a symbol of vigilance. See the other dream symbols to see if this symbol is positive or negative.

CROCODILE - denotes underlying negative spiritual aspects or forces, same as alligator. The crocodile also symolizes crocodile tears, those which are false

DACHSHUND (dog) denotes caution against the tendency to make physical aspects of oneself too important, a high interest in materialism

DALMATIAN - (dog) denotes a traveling companion, since they are black and white can represent the right and wrong of a situation, the positive and negative sides, the faithful and unfaithful.

DEER - The stag with horns represents rejuvenation, rebirth, and the passage of time. The deer's antlers represent the sun's rays. In China, the deer symbolizes wealth and filial piety. In heraldry, the deer represents gentleness and mildness and long life. In Christianity, the deer striving to reach a spring denotes the desire of purification through baptism. The term 'stag' refers to a gentlemen attending a social party without a female at his side, such as a 'stag party'.

DINOSAUR - denotes an overwhelming situation or a highly demanding, manipulative individual The dinosaur represents one's own primitive state of being. Killing the beast represents overcoming one's own lower nature.

DOBERMAN PINCHER - (dog) denotes a person who represents the law-abiding factor in one's life.

DOE - Despite the gentle appearance of a doe, it has a demonic attribute according to mythological legends.

DOG - The first primary symbol is one of loyalty, vigilance and intelligence. Dogs are said to be able to see 'ghosts' and thus warn us of invisible dangers. A dark dog can denote negative aspects in one's life, a black dog were thought to be companions to witches. Hell-hounds are said to accompany Satan. In the Muslim world, the dog is considered to be unclean, but a watchdog is tolerated. In ancient Mexico, a dog was sacrificed and buried with a dead person to guide it's soul to the afterlife. In China, the dog is the 11th sign of the Chinese Zodiac with both positive and negative symbolisms. A white dog can denote a spiritual aspect and guidance that needs to be followed ; a sleeping dog shows one is unaware of what is going on, a dog pulling a sled is a helpful friend, In a dream, first look at the behavior of the dog to see whether it is positive or negative because a dark colored dog can be a sign of depression or ferocity as well. A snappy little dog can mean a bad temper. Washing a white dog represents a need to cleanse oneself of a bad aspect of oneself. -Also see separate article on wolf/dogs.

DOLPHIN - Dolphins are intelligent and human-friendly. They have been noted to save lives. In Estruscan art, the dolphin carries the souls of the dead to the afterlife.

DONKEY - denotes an independent personality - perhaps stubborn. It represents procreation and fertility. It is also looked upon as a ridiculous character. In Christianity, it symbolizes the Gentiles. It was used in both the 'birth' and 'riding into Jerusalem' scenes of Christ. In the doubting Thomas scene, the donkey represents insufficient faith as donkey's accompanied him.

DOVE - denotes a peaceful nature or condition - may be a religious or spiritual sign from God or a spiritual guide. It represents love and tenderness. It can mean an 'inner' initiation, such as the descent of the Holy Ghost as in Matthew 3::16 when Jesus Christ was baptized In the Bible, the dove was used to symbolize the end of the Flood, and represents the Holy Spirit. It was used at Jesus Baptism, the Annunciation, the Holy Trinity, and divine inspiration. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are represented by seven doves, wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Doves also stand for the newly baptized. Doves are also shown flying out of the mouths of dying martyrs. The dove is the symbol for the soul in India. In China, it stands for marital fidelity and longevity. It is also a sign of fertility. The cooing of a dove is preferable to a 'booing'. We should speak with a 'coo' rather than with harshness.

DRAGON - represent the untamed natural world, a violent primeval creature. It represents the bestial element which must be defeated with strength and discipline. The Satanic element. However, in the Occidental world, the dragon is associated with happiness, produces the potion of immortality, and represents the primal essence 'yang'. It stands for procreation, fertility, activity, and wards off evil spirits. It is the 5th sign of the Chinese zodiac a symbol of the East and the rising sun. However, the white dragon represents the West and death. In Japan, it represents the rain-divinity.

DUCK - denotes spiritual vulnerability, inner strength perhaps not quite strong enough to handle situations yet

EAGLE - denotes self-confidence, intellectual freedom, pursuing unconventional concepts or issues The eagle can symbolize the thymus center of the body which is related to love. In America the eagle stands for freedom with responsibility. It is also the symbol of Mexico. The eagle also represents baptism and high flying is seen as Christ's ascension. It is the symbol of triumph of light over the darker forces.It represents energy, renewal, contemplation, acuity of vision, royal bearing, justice. In Freemasonry, the double headed eagle stands for the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite. Until the early 20th Century, it also was used in the symbols of Russia, Servia, Austria, the Roman emporer and Germany. In China, the eagle represents strength and power.

ELEPHANT - denotes great, long lasting memory or memories, can also mean a generous and gregarious nature It has an image of great strength. It denotes intelligence. A white elephant announced the birth of Gautama Buddha. The white elephant brings salvation from worldly entanglements. In Hinduism , Ganesha, God of wiring and wisdom in general, has an elephant's head with with one tusk and rides a mouse. The elephant is the chief of attendants on the God Shiva. It is a symbol of victory of life over death.

FALCON - denotes a spiritual relationship with higher forces A trained bird of prey. The falcon generally has the same symbolism as the Eagle and Hawk. Negatively, it can represent preying on others to benefit oneself. See other details in the dream for analysis

FISH - denotes spiritual aspects or people in one's life, and spiritual achievements. It was the early Christian sign or symbol which separated the hostile unbelievers from the believers.It also represented the Age of Pisces which began in the year 7 A.D. Fishing represents the spiritual purposes of life and man's search for the higher consciousness. It also represents fertility and the life giving principles of the maternal. To catch a fish suggests growth of the divine self. To catch an ugly fish my imply spiritual weakness. To have an ugly fish appear denotes seeing spiritual weakness in a situation. To see a frozen fish denotes that one's spiritual life is frozen and not used as it should be. To see beautiful multicolored fish represents the joy and peace in one's spiritual life. The fish represents Christian principles. Showing a fish to someone denotes showing the Christian principles to others. Saving a fishes life represents the need to save those principles in oneself. In China, the fish represents happiness and plenty. It also stands for courage, strength, and endurance. Pisces is the last sign of the Zodiac.

FLY - an irritation in a life situation. To swat the flies denotes needing to kill or stop the negative irritations. If one concentrates too hard on the negative irritations, one misses the important or beautiful aspects of life. Beezelbub is the Lord of the Flies is associated with swarming flies. Invincible swarms of flies were seen as embodiments of demonic powers. Swarms of flies of harbingers of disaster, Isaiah 7:18. Flies are predominantly symbols of satanic beings.

FOX - denotes a cunning, trickery, malice, or shrewd person. It's reddish coat symbolizes Fire and was seen as one of the devil's followers. In ancient times, the fox was seen as very seductive and a symbol of eroticism. A white fox was the was ridden by the rice god Inari.

FROG - denotes an impaired mental or physical condition. In Revelations 16:13, the frog is seen as uncleanliness as the spirits of evil. It could represent unintelligent and ugly speech. However, to a young boy, dreaming of frogs could show an interest in the study of nature to better understand life. Exodus 8:3 shows frogs as a plague upon one's house. On the positive side, the frog represents fertility, genesis, and reproductive life. In the Fairy Tale, the kissed frog turns into a Prince, a great transformation. The frog croaking in the mud for sheer joy is croaking a hymn of praise to God for the simple gift of life and is a lesson for humanity.

GERMAN SHEPHERD - (dog) denotes a helpful friend or condition; except if dog is threatening

GIRAFFE - denotes a situation where one is meddling into the affairs of others, can denote a distortion of the image of self, too much distance between heart and head, too much emotion and not enough reason.

GOAT - The male goat represents lust and vitality. It is impure, and stinking creature. He has most of the devils physical traits. It also was ridden by witches through the air. The goat also represents "idol Baphomet" of the heretical Knights Templar. It is the 'scapegoat' driven into the wilderness as the bearer of all the sinful impurity of children of Israel. Greeks associate the goat with Pan. The female goat represents the nurturing nature. It stands alongside the sheep in the nativity depictions. In Medieval bestiaries, the goat climbs tall mountains.

GOOSE - denotes a need for more seriousness in life Usually stands for foolish behavior or being 'silly'. It is a symbol for talkative 'old people'. Gray geese area like devout Christians who keep their distance from the bustle of the world and wear grey sackcloth. White geese resemble town-dwellers giving themselves over to chatter and gossip.

GORILLA - a docile and peaceful nature though low mental state which might bright troublesome activities or conditions. Could stand for emotional dysfunction or gregariousness depending on the surround details of the dream.

HARE - see rabbit - a symbol of longevity, vigilance, easily frightened, cowardice, self-sacrifice, a trickster figure,passionate sexuality and lust, though the 'white' hare seen at the Virgin Mary's feet is a symbol of the triumph over the flesh.

HAWK - denotes acute perceptions, an ability for quick discernment - also see eagle.

HEDGEHOG - shrewd, miserly in ways of seeking wealth, loving of it's young, always has two ways out of situations.

HEN - protective, patience, intellectually impoverished, highly susceptible to outside influences, panic over nothing. Also the hen sitting on eggs symbolizes supernatural forces guarding treasures.

HERON - it's appearance is a good omen. contented, it's high flying serves as a warning of impending bad weather. A symbol for the souls of the world, ash-grey is the color of penitence, white the color of innocence. It is a symbol of Christ on the mount of olives. It is also curious, also discretion.

HIPPOPOTAMUS - the positive symbol isi that of protection in childbirth, in the negative a destroyer of crops, expected to return as a hostile, satanic beast in the last days of the earth.

HORNET - denotes a situation where one might get 'stung'. Swatting at one can represent can denote trying to stop the negative situation.

HORSE - denotes a 'wild' nature, can be sexual connotations involved In ancient lore horses sometimes see visions, hear voices and speak. The horse is capable of quick starts but panics easily. The horse has tempestuous emotions. Dreams of horses striking out blindly are often interpreted as a longing for integration. In the book of Revelations there are a series of horses in Chapter 6. The white horse can represent qualities necessary to master, balance, and control the sex life. Fear of riding a white horse an ambivalence of feelings. Seeing four white horses represents the purification of the four lower centers. To see seven white horses swimming, means that when the spiritual quest is finished would come power and life. When balanced, this energy brings courage, persistence, drive, energy, and patience. On the negative side, the red horse usually represents dangerous, negative emotions for 'red' usually means "stop". The black horse in the book of Revelations relates to a necessary balance of the male and female qualities of the soul. Riding a black horse represents a need to control the energies of the body, usually sexual. The pale horse represents the thymus gland and represents the affections of love. Being halted by horses denotes a necessity to control and redirect the emotions. Falling off a horse shows rejection of some of the dream warnings. To follow a horses foottracks represents following Christ's footsteps.

Hummingbird: messenger, timelessness

Hummingbird - the tiniest of all birds - brings special messages for us. It is the only creature that can stop dead while traveling at full speed. It can hover, or can go forward, backward, up or down. It lives on nectar and searches for the sweetness of life. Its long tongue lets it bypass the often tough and bitter outer layer to find the hidden treasures underneath. Hummingbird is loved by the flowers and plants, for as it sucks the nectar from the flower, the plant reproduces and more of its kind are created. In many traditions, Hummingbird feathers have been prized for their almost magical qualities. It is said that Hummingbird brings love as no other medicine can, and its presence brings joy to the observer.

If you have Hummingbird medicine, you adapt easily to whatever situation you may find yourself in, and make the most of your new circumstances. You don't waste time looking back and wishing for "what was" for you are concerned with making the most of "what is". Also, you could never become addicted to any artificial stimulants, for you find joy in your own heart. You take great pleasure in spreading joy and love and beauty to all around you, and have the gift of taking that inner joy into new and different surroundings. You have a talent for finding the good in people, and are not put off by a gruff or abrupt exterior, for you know that, if you can only get beyond that tough outside layer, you'll find goodness and beauty inside. You may have a gift for working with flowers, maybe growing them to share with others, or using flower essences for healing. Aroma therapy may be your calling. You have high energy and a spirit that must be free. To restrict that wonderful, free, loving energy is to suffer great depressions and feelings of uselessness. Hummingbird must fly free in search of beauty, spreading joy and love to all it touches.

HYENA - denotes a lack of seriousness or vicious nature, avarice, one who waits for the leftovers instead of being aggressive in a situation. An unclean scavenger. Jeremiah 12:9 say that you should likewise not be like the hyena, loving now the male, now the female nature (a warning against homosexual tendencies). In the olden days, the appearance of the hyena in a dream portended the birth of a sexually malformed child. The head of the hyena is one of the seven headed beast in the Book of Revelations, one of the seven vices.

IBIS - denotes a spiritual esoteric aspect to spirituality. However, for the Jews, it is an unclean animal. Job 38:36 quoting God, "Who hath given the ibis wisdom and the Rooster insight?" The ibis eats dead fish and feeds it to it's young; devouring deadly deeds and even feeding it's children.

KANGAROO - denotes overprotectiveness, or jumpiness, can also denote long endurance

KITTEN - denotes an innocence of character, may indicate a feeling of helplessness with others in a situation

LAMB - usually denotes a reference to Jesus Christ or God, sacrificed by the Israelites to escape the tenth plague that God meted out to Egypt for refusing to let Moses and his people go. (Exodus 11-12) Christ, seeks lambs who have gone astray. John 1:29 quotes John the Baptist calling Christ...the lamb of God. Rev: 14:1 refers to the triumphant lamb. The Easter Lamb is the flag of victory over death.

LEMMING - denotes a person who always follows and does not follow one's own path, a lack of individuality

LICE - denotes lack of cleanliness of the person, or emotional or mental or spiritual negativity

LION - denotes a strength of character, military valor, tremendous energy, effortlessly masterful, and dominion, may indicate the "Lion" of God,. It can represent the victory of human intellect over it's animal nature. It can also be negative and denote a braggart, a roaring lion can denote anger and temper - However, the golden color can represent the good side of the individual. Being eaten by a lion represents being eaten alive by one's own bad temper. see dream situation surrounding the animal. In Astrology..it symbolizes Leo, (July 23 - Aug 23) , the fifth sign of the Zodiac, it's planet is the Sun. People born under Leo are thus solar in nature. People born under Leo are said to be natural leaders, intelligent, magnanimous. A lion can be one extreme or the other, either a symbol of the devil whom Christ overcomes, or a model for a hero.

LIZARD - denotes a lack of scruples. symbolizes death followed by resurrection. It also symbolizes safety and welfare because it can lose it's tail and regenerate it.

LOCUST - seen as a feared plague, the embodiment of divine retribution. The locust is Christ's comrade in the battle against the heathen. It symbolizes Christ resurrected. Swarms of them are taken as an indication that the order of the cosmos had been disturbed.

MAGGOT - denotes a self-serving personality who gains from the efforts of others

MAGPIE - denotes talkativeness, 'chatterbox'. In China the magpie is considered 'good luck.' It's cry is believed to announce 'good news'. It is the embodiment of 'yang', the bird of happiness and good fortune, marital bliss.

MALAMUTE - (dog) denotes a friend or person who can ease one's burden or hasten progress along a life path

MOCKINGBIRD - denotes a lack of individualized expression associated with mockery, such a person committing adultery make a mockery of their marriage vows. Seeing a mockingbird may denote a rebuke in the form of this bird.

MOLE - indicates a lack of communication; fearing reality. I lives in the dark and is afraid of light. It represents avarice because it lives on it's own body fat.

MONKEY - immaturity or lack of individuality. Asian sculptures of three monkeys show them with their hands over their mouth, eyes, and ears which is a sign of 'evil'. In Japan, these same three monkeys are denoted by the word "saru", which means both 'monkey' and 'not do' thus symbolizing conscious abstinence from evil.

MOUSE - can denote a negative aspect in one's life. Mice can represent the little irritations in life. Seeing dead mice but not cleaning them up can denote refusal to let negative emotions go. They are said to have demonic and prophetic powers. Their squeaking and footsteps are taken as portents of storms. In dreams a mouse could embody the soul of the dreamer and as such leave the body and then return to it. The worst thing they do is spread pestilence. They are associated symbolically with satanic demons and with all powers hostile to humanity. In dreams, the mouse sometimes represents the female sex organ to young men. In the positive aspect, the mouse is seen as though of as analogous to the soul. See the Mouse story article for a positive aspect of the mouse

MUD TURTLE - denotes a negative personality trait of near-constant confusion and withdrawal from situations

MULE - denotes a stubborn personality, but independent, a reluctance to be persuaded to another's ideas

NIGHTINGALE - a plaintive mother, symbolizes the human goal of producing truly melodious language. The name of the bird stands for poetry or song. The parents patiently teach their young to sing. It is a good omen. Some, however, interpret it's cry as a cry for help from a 'poor soul in purgatory' or a plaintive warning of an impending death. It also symbolizes acts of charity being rewarded.

OCTOPUS - symbolizes the spirits of the Underworld and mysterious otherworldly forces.

OSTRICH - It's feather symbolizes the Egyptian Goddess Maat. The eggs symbolize the virginity of Mary. It is however, a symbol of religious hypocrisy, who give the appearance of holiness, but do not act holy.

OWL - denotes wisdom, a symbol of knowledge, heightened observational skills, introspective, brooding, can see in the dark, developed awareness, high spiritual enlightenment It can also mean to use more judgment in a life situation. In the negative, it represents nocturnal "furtive' habits, solitude, silent flight, a plaintive 'harbinger of death' cry, and symbolize a turning away from spiritual light. In China the owl is a harbinger of misfortune, but it is the sacred animal of the rain-god it symbolizes a demonic nightcreature and considered an evil omen.

OXEN - denotes overwork, pulling harder than necessary. An image of patient servitude and peaceful strength.

OYSTER - denotes inner fears or anything new, withdrawing from interaction with others

PANTHER - denotes caution is necessary. A savage and cunning animal. has superior fighting courage of the female. In the positive, it has a beautiful voice, it symbolizes Christ. The Panther is said to keep the diabolical dragon away. A black panther is considered especially dangerous.

PARAKEET - a lack of analytical spiritual thinking, denoting the 'love' bird could mean a relationship that is caged in and needs to be freed.

PARROT - denotes the inability to think for oneself, repeats only what others say. It is a symbol of babbling humans.

PEACOCK - denotes arrogance of behavior Stands for self-love. It is a positive symbol of the Sun. In the Mid-east, the Kurds view the bird as a messenger of the God. For Muslims, it symbolizes the cosmos or the sun and the moon. He symbolizes renewal and resurrection. It represents spiritual rebirth. The negative symbols are that is struts about, prides himself on his appearance and gazes haughtily about. See Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction."

PEGASUS - (The flying Horse) symbolically is represents vitality and the strength of the horse, and with weightlessness as it flies like a bird. It symbolizes the indomitable poetic spirit overcoming the impediments of the world.

PELICAN - symbolizes the sacrificial death of Christ, selfless striving for purification. It is associated with the Rosicrucian degree of the Scottish system of Free-masonry.

PHEASANT - denotes a spiritual seeker. On the negative side, it symbolizes flooding, immorality, or seduction, and supernatural calamity.

PHOENIX - denotes the utmost examples of spirituality, a personality who bounces back from adversity, refuses to be defeated In Mythology, the bird had a life of 500 years.Because it is consumed in fire only to rise from the ashes, it represents resurrection and immortality. It can mean the harbinger of spiritual rebirth. In the American Indian tradition, the Phoenix is starting to rise now for the destruction/recreation process of the earth.

PIG - denotes one who takes more than one needs. Primarily a symbol of uncleanliness. But it represents fertility and prosperity in cultures of antiquity. In China, the pig is the 12th and last sign of the Zodiac, symbolizing manly strength. Pigs are considered unclean by the Egyptians, but not as strenuously as the Jews and Muslims. The pig is a symbol of ignorance and voracious appetitite, as well as an emblem used in mockery of Judaism. The pig is usually the 'booby' prize for coming in last in contests. Dreaming of a pig usually denotes good fortune coming one's way.

PORCUPINE - denotes a a tendency to unconsciously defend oneself in obtaining one's personally goals. This person irritates others, instinctively defending against new ideas, relationships, or situations

RABBIT - denotes physical or sexual obsessive preoccupation which leaves no room for spiritual development. A rabbit also denotes quiet endurance of one's pain. A white rabbit can symbolize the awakening of spirit or a symbol for Easter and resurrection. A prolific rabbit can symbolize the power of the sexual feelings. See dream surroundings for analysis

RACEHORSE - competitiveness, a desire to be better or faster than others, a desire to get ahead of others.

RAM - The male sheep is the first of the 12 signs of the Zodiac and stands for Aries (March 21 - April 20) A Fire sign. Those born under Aries are said to be aggressive, strong oriented toward progress, but to squander love and energy. It is a wild symbol of the creative forces of nature, but more linked with problems of the intellect. In the Bible, the ram was the substitute for 'human' sacrifice.

RAT - a negative personality, or diseased element in one's life Think the word 'dis-ease' when seeing a rat. Feeling fear of rats in a dream can symbolize acknowledging negative aspects of oneself. It frequently represents Satan, the tempter and captor of souls. The rat is the mount of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of learning. In Japan, the rat is the companion of the god of good fortune. In China, a miser is called a 'money rat'.

RAVEN - denotes watchfulness and recognition of spiritual lies A reminder of God's love and the ability of God to meet all of man's emergencies. See Kings 17:4 where Elijah was fed by the ravens. To an Englishman, the raven can stand for self-survival or the British Empire and the continuity of the United Kingdom. However in Edgar Allen Poe's novel, the raven stood for fatalism and despair. The raven represents those who are so caught up in worldly pleasures that they keep putting off their conversion. It is a harbinger of misfortune, disease, war, and death.

ROBIN - denotes a rebirth of ideas or spirit Denotes the coming of Spring, a new beginning, a new opportunity, or a new birth of self. It also relates to patience such as when he waits for the worm to emerge from the ground for his food.

ROOSTER - denotes an awakening of ideas or spirituality. Negatively, the rooster is cocky and suggests aggressiveness. See other dream details for analysis.

SALAMANDER - the ability to merge or blend the spiritual life with and through daily life, this is a positive symbol

SALMON - denotes one is going against the flow of spiritual life, or a spiritual search that is in error for one's personal path

SCARAB BEETLE - denotes one's soul, the inner self and of renewal and resurrection.

SCORPION - denotes a person who will retaliate if crossed. In a negative situations, one can also sting oneself in the aftermath.In the Bible it denotes demonic powers. In Astrology, the scorpion is the eight sign of the zodiac, (October 23 - November 21). It's sign is governed by the planet Mars. Scorpio is associated with male sexuality, destruction, the occult, the mystical, illumination, healing, and resurrection. It is an ambivalent sign, a source of change, a symbol of the triumph of life over death.

SEA HORSE - denotes a spiritual search or belief that is a fantasy rather than reality

SEASHELL - denotes spiritual gifts. To see whole and broken seashells, one is looking at the good and bad situations in one's life.

SHEEP - denotes lack of individuality. See Ram and Ewe. The ewe is seen as stupid and harmless. The ram is seen as strength, vitality, and unwavering determination. In the lamb, the symbolism is innocence

SHELLFISH - denotes the attempt to learn as many spiritual aspects as possible

SNAIL - denotes a slow, cautious attitude. It represents the resurrection of Christ and it's harmonically formed spiral shell. They are considered self-sufficient because they carry around their own houses and has all it's own belongings with it every moment.

SNAKE - a non-poisonous snake denotes cleverness, proceeding with discernment, see mythology for further definitions

SNAKE - a poisonous snake can relate to a person who will attack or retaliate with vengeance, can relate to temptation or evil, though as in India, it can also represent wisdom, it can represent sneakiness or treachery such as a 'snake in the grass', being bitten by a snake can represent dangerous emotions or situations where one holds or expresses poisonous thoughts or emotions. The serpent denotes the right or wrong thoughts, the wisdom of knowing the difference.

SPIDER - can denote a conniving individual, or a personal protective measure. Can denote weaving a web or trap oneself is falling into. It may relate to a recent indiscretion, a warning against a temptation or habit. See the other aspects of the dream to see the situation one is dealing with. See also mythology for the positive characteristics

SQUIRREL - negative connotation - scurries back and forth telling stories, elusive.

STALLION HORSE - denotes uncontrolled strength, usually sexual excess, a need to contain and direct one's energies

STORK - although an unclean bird, it symbolizes Christ and his disciples who destroyed satanic creatures in the northern latitudes and returned every spring was linked to Easter and the resurrection. It represents fertility and creation. In China it represents longevity. In the Netherlands it brings good fortune. It is a symbol of meditation and contemplation. It's beak represents the phallus.

SWALLOW - denotes punctuality, a harbinger of spring, and resurrection. However, it has the speech of a barbarian. It is the attribute of the love goddess Aphrodite. It also represents the relationship between an older and younger brother.

SWAN - denotes a personal spiritual nature of grace, inherent spiritual essence, purity, and resulting gifts. It supposedly foresees impending death and emits extraordinary cries at it's own death. The death of the swan in the ballet "Swan Lake" symbolizes the loss of the woman's gracious qualities to jealousy. Because it has black flesh it is also a symbol of hypocrisy.

TIGER - denotes an aggressive nature, emotionally erratic, an overly severe nature. denotes one's own shortcomings and a need to re-evaluate oneself. It is the third sign of the Zodiac in China. It has vitality and energy. In China it is equated with a quarrelsome woman. However, it has great maternal instincts.

TURKEY - denotes an indication of promise of acquisition of food , clothing, and work

TURTLE - the negative aspect is a fear of facing responsibility or reality. Can represent long life because turtles live a long time. Quiet strength,. In China it carries the world on it's back. It is a symbol of fertility and unwavering vitality, and great patience.

UNICORN - denotes real possibilities, the reaches of reality. healing powers, intellect and sexuality. In China it stands for happiness and blessedness.

VULTURE - denotes greedy and aggressive individuals, usually with overeating. They are considered prophetic because they followed marching armies and appeared always three days before a great battle. It symbolizes the Virgin Mary because it does not sit on it's own eggs.

WEEVIL - denotes negative elements that can destroy a person's natural abilities. These are usually jealousy, egotism, etc.

WHALE - indicates spiritual generosity, a giving, compassionate individual. It is a symbol of the resurrection of the dead.

WOLF - a dark, negative impression denotes a clever and evasive person, infers self-interest. A white wolf indicates a spiritual guide. It is an omen of victory, but represents the forces of Satan. In China it stands for greed and cruelty. It represents the diabolical enemy that threatens the flock of the faithful. It pretends to be lame before it attacks. They pretend to be utterly innocent and harmless but their hearts are full of deceit. A human 'wolf' relentlessly pursues large numbers of women for sexual gratification. It symbolizes cunning, treachery and gratification. In a dream it symbolizes prowling the landscape of the psyche, representing untamed external energies. It can, however, be trained to co-exist with humans. It represents alert caution. See separate article for more details of the wolf's traits.

WORM - denotes an interference forcing one's way into affairs of daily life. To see a worm in some kind of food is a warning against that type of food or the diet in general. Relate it to something you just ate the day before.

ZEBRA - represents the duality of good/evil, right/wrong polarity of life's events

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