Animal Symbolism

Have you ever wondered why we often use metaphorical references while talking? Like referring to a person and saying that he is as wise as an owl or that he is as courageous as a lion. This is just a result of the use of animal symbolism. Using symbology associated with animals in everyday life is a tradition that can be traced back to many years. Today animal symbols are deeply entrenched in our conscious. The origin of this form of symbology can be traced to mythology and religious symbols. According to the many studies of animal symbology according to different cultures, you will see that there are certain animals that are associated with secret codes and deep meanings. While there are other characteristics that are less secretive and more of an open book, perceptible even by the most unobservant observer.

For the past many decades, animal symbolism has moved beyond the traditional mythological references. In fact, there are many poets and authors that have used traditional affiliations and associations in entire literary works, for example the poems. The Lamb and The Tiger from Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake is a great example of animal symbolism in literature. Many artists also use the same to create deeper meanings in their poetry. You will often notice use of this type of symbolism in movies, novels, and even plays.

Animal Symbolism Chart

Why is this type of symbolism as important as it is? Well, if you think about it seriously, you will see that the symbology associated with different animals play a huge part in our lives. There is always a certain association with personality traits and animals. In many cultures like the Native American culture, the Japanese, and the Chinese, there is a strong belief in the rebirth and resurrection of life and the association with animals in previous life. Most cultures believe that animal symbology and discovering our animal totem (our relationship with a specific animal) can help us understand more about our past life, and in some cases things about our future as well. In the table that is given below, we give you a list of the different personality traits that are traditionally associated with different animals. While this may vary greatly according to cultural differences, these are some of the most widely accepted associations.

Name of Animal	Symbology Associated
Adder	Rebirth
Alligator	Aggression
Ant	Perseverance, Hard work
Antelope	Beauty and grace
Ape	Cunning
Badger	Wisdom
Bat	Night guardian, longevity
Bee	Immortal life
Birds	Free spirit
Bear	Sovereign power with gentleness
Beaver	Gatherer
Blackbird	Guiding light
Boar	Gluttony
Buffalo	Sacred power
Bull	Masculinity
Butterfly	Transformation
Cat	Detachment
Cock	Vigilance
Cougar	Power
Cow	Nourishment.
Coyote	Duality
Crane	Independence
Crocodile	Treachery
Crow	Wisdom
Deer	Gracefulness and gentleness
Dog	Loyalty
Dolphin	Intelligence
Donkey	Humility
Dragon	Guardian
Dragonfly	Carefree
Eagle	Clear vision
Elephant	Wisdom and power
Elk	Agility
Fox	Cunning
Frog	Sensitivity
Goat	Fertility
Goose	Providence
Grizzly Bear	Protection
Hare	Balance
Hawk	Clarity
Heron	Quiet power
Horse	Strength and nobility
Hummingbird	Messenger
Jackal	Soul guider
Jaguar	Spirit of the forest
Kingfisher	Beauty
Leopard	Aggression
Lion	Majesty
Lizard	Regeneration
Moose	Stubborn
Otter	Feminine power
Owl	Wisdom
Python	Dark power
Rabbit	Mother like
Ram	Headstrong, virility
Raven	Healer
Salmon	Persistence
Seahorse	Confidence
Serpent	Malice, fertility
Shark	Survivor
Snake	Shrewdness
Spider	Connecting link
Stag	Independence
Swan	Grace
Tiger	Ferocity
Turtle	Long life
Unicorn	Purity, magic
Whale	Regeneration
Wolf	Teacher, intuition
Woodpecker	Prophetic
Wren	Witchcraft

Hopefully, this list of associations has helped you gain an insight into how many age-old traditions work, and why there are some specific animals with personality traits related to them. These are just some of the animal symbolism and meanings that are widely accepted.