Symbolism
I thought I might not be the only writer out there who likes to put symbolism in their stories so I found some things and what they represent!!
Animals
- Alligator - stealth, survival
- Ant - diligence, industry, community, remarkable strength, hard working, success, patience
- Antelope - action
- Armadillo - boundaries, self protection
- Badger - aggressiveness, passion and drive
- Bat - rebirth, longevity, joy, good luck
- Bear - gentle strength, dreaming, introspection, power, protection
- Beaver - builder, accomplishing goals
- Bee - divine messenger, love, service, gathering, community
- Bird - enlightenment, perspective, swiftness, vision, prophetic knowledge
- Boar - nature-based wealth, prosperity, success, protection, courage
- Buffalo - prayer, abundance, survival needs met, good fortune, healing
- Bulls’ horns - a good symbol in meditation for motivation
- Butterfly - rebirth, the soul, transformation, the three phases of life
- Cat - feminine energy, mystical power, used to keep the wearer safe in travel, wholeness
- Chameleons - ever-changing future, inconsistency
- Cheetah - speed, focus
- Cougar - power, swiftness, balance
- Cows - red cows are a symbol of hope, inspiring symbol for nurturing efforts
- Coyote - trickster
- Crane - longevity. A pair of cranes symbolizes “Long Marriage”
- Cricket - good luck charm, singing, Spring, fertility
- Crow - sacred law, gateway to supernatural, shape shifting, illusion
- Deer - graceful gentleness, sensitivity, compassion, kindness
- Dog - companionship, health, service, loyalty, protection, future prosperity
- Dolphin - manna, joy, childlike play, helpfulness, breath of life, harmony, intelligence, self connection
- Donkey - fertility, easy childbirth, efficiency, health, well-being, and luck
- Dove - peace, innocence, fidelity, love, gentleness, kindnes
- Dragonfly - good fortune, magic, vision, dreams, luck, and ancient knowledge, illusion
- Dragon - wisdom due to long lives and potent magic, royalty, Emperor, eternity, courage, strength, rain, Spring
- Eagle - courage, spirit, bravery, strength
- Elephant - commitment, strength, astuteness
- Elk - stamina, pride, power, majesty
- Fish - miracles, providence, sea/water magic, good luck and prosperity, foresight, fortune, salmon in particular, are associated with knowledge
- Fox - camouflage, adaptability, integration, tricksters, shape shifters, and possessors of great magic
- Frog - healing, cleansing, messages, health, honesty, fluidity, purification
- Gazelle - awareness
- Giraffe - grounded vision
- Goat - tenacity, diligence, can help to achieve goals, endure criticism, and stay safe. Goat’s fur or foot - an anti-evil talisman.
- Goose - safe return, love of home
- Grasshopper - nobility, prosperity
- Hawk - nessenger, strength, foresight, truth
- Hippopotamus - emotional depths
- Horses - power, stamina, speed, transportation and communication - A black horse with a white marking on its forehead is lucky
- Hummingbird - joy, pure love, celebration of life
- Ladybug - delight, trust
- Lamb - filial piety (dutiful respect or regard for parents).
- Lion (baby) cubs - inspire mercy and gentleness.
- Lion (grown) - inspire strength, courage
- Lions - pride, nobility, cunning, courage, just laws, fairness, the sun, images can protect sacred ground.
- Lizard - dreaming, foresight, ancient secrets
- Lynx - secrets
- Monkey - benevolence, drives away evil
- Moose - self-esteem, assertiveness
- Mountain Lion - wisdom, leadership
- Mouse - frugality, rebirth, scrutiny
- Opossum - strategy, diversion
- Otter - medicine (woman), balanced feminine energy
- Owl - deception, wisdom, clairvoyance, magic
- Ox - evil spirits that disturb lakes, rivers, and seas
- Peacock - wholeness, dignity, beauty, recognition, self assurance, pride
- Pig - rebirth and rejuvenation
- Porcupine - innocence
- Rabbit - fear, fertility, moon magic, speed, swiftness, longevity, courage, strength
- Raccoon - dexterity, disguise
- Raven - magic
- Robin - growth, renewal
- Rooster - courageous, warlike disposition, warmth and life of the Universe
- Scorpion - the “fire within” that often needs careful tending
- Seal - inner voice
- Sheep - sacrifice
- Snake - cunning, evil, supernatural power
- Spider - destiny, fate, weaving
- Squirrel - gathering
- Swan - grace
- Tiger - courage, bravery, fierceness, strength, being in the now
- Turtle - mother earth
- Weasel - stealth
- Whale - record keeper
- Wolf - teacher, A Guide to the Sacred
- Zebra - Individuality
PLANTS
- Aloe- Healing, protection, affection
- Amaryllis- Pride
- Anemone- Forsaken
- Angelica- Inspiration
- Apple blossom- Preference
- Arborvitae- Unchanging friendship
- Aster- Symbol of Love, Daintiness
- Basil- Good wishes
- Bay- Glory
- Begonia- Beware
- Bittersweet- Truth
- Black-eyed Susan- Justice
- Bluebell- Humility, kindness
- Candytuft- Indifference
- Red carnation- My Heart Aches, admiration
- - White carnation- Innocence, pure love, women’s good luck gift
- - Pink carnation- I’ll never forget you
- - Yellow carnation- Disdain, disappointment, rejection
- Chamomile- Patience
- Chives- Usefulness
- Chrysanthemum- Cheerfulness
- Clover, white- Think of me
- Coreopsis- Always cheerful
- Coriander- Hidden worth
- Crocus- spring, Youthful gladness
- Cumin- Fidelity
- Cyclamen- Resignation and good-bye
- Daffodil- Regard
- Daisy- Innocence, hope
- Dill- Powerful against evil
- Edelweiss- Courage, devotion
- Fennel- Flattery
- Fern- Sincerity
- Forget-me-not- True love memories
- Gardenia- Secret love
- Geranium- oak-leavedTrue friendship
- Gladiolus- Remembrance
- Goldenrod- Encouragement, good fortune
- Heliotrope- Eternal love
- Holly- Hope
- Hollyhock- Ambition
- Honeysuckle- Bonds of love
- Horehound- Health
- Hyacinth- Games and sport, playfulness, rashness
- – Blue Hyacinth- Constancy of love
- – Purple Hyacinth- Sorrow, forgiveness, regret
- – Yellow Hyacinth- Jealousy
- – White Hyacinth- Loveliness, prayers for someone
- Hydrangea- Gratitude for being understood; frigidity and heartlessness
- Hyssop- Sacrifice, cleanliness
- Iris- A message
- Ivy- Friendship, continuity
- Jasmine- white- Sweet love
- Lady’s-mantle- Comforting
- Lavender- Devotion, virtue
- Lemon balm- Sympathy
- Lilac- Joy of youth
- Lily, calla- Beauty
- Lily, day- Chinese emblem for mother
- Lily-of-the-valley- Sweetness, purity
- Lotus Flower- Purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth
- Magnolia- Love of nature
- Marjoram- Joy and happiness
- Mint- Virtue
- Morning glory- Affection
- Myrtle- Good luck and love in a marriage
- Nasturtium- Patriotism
- Oak- Strength
- Oregano- Substance
- Pansy- Thoughts
- Parsley- Festivity
- Peony- Bashful, happy life
- Pine- Humility
- Poppy, red- Consolation
- Rhododendron- Danger, flee
- Rose, red- Love, I love you.
- Rose, dark crimson- Mourning
- Rose, pink- Happiness
- Rose, white- Purity, heavenly, I’m worthy of you
- Rose, yellow- Jealousy, decrease of love
- Rosemary- Remembrance
- Rue- Grace, clear vision
- Sage- Wisdom, immortality
- Salvia, blue- I think of you
- Salvia, red- Forever mine
- Savory Spice- interest
- Sorrel- Affection
- Southernwood- Constancy, jest
- Sunflower- Adoration
- Sweet pea- Pleasures
- Sweet William- Gallantry
- Sweet woodruff- Humility
- Tansy- Hostile thoughts
- Tarragon- Lasting interest
- Thyme- Courage, strength
- Tulip, red- Passion, declaration of love
- Tulip, yellow- Sunshine in your smile
- Valerian- Readiness
- Violet- Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness, modesty
- Wallflower- Faithfulness in adversity
- Willow- Sadness
- Yarrow- Everlasting love
- Zinnia- Thoughts of absent friends
Color
- Red: Excitement, energy, passion, love, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence, all things intense and passionate, sincerity, happiness (Only in Japan)
- Pink: love and romance, caring, tenderness, acceptance and calm.
- Beige and ivory: symbolize unification.
- Ivory: symbolizes quiet and pleasantness.
- Beige: calm and simplicity.
- Yellow: signifies joy, happiness, betrayal, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard and friendship.
- Dark Blue: Symbolizes integrity, knowledge, power, and seriousness.
- Blue: Peace, tranquility, cold, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, technology, depression, appetite suppressant.
- Turquoise: calm.
- Teal: sophistication.
- Aquamarine: symbolizes water.
- Lighter turquoise: a feminine appeal.
- Purple: Royalty, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, honor, arrogance, mourning, temperance.
- Lavender: femininity, grace and elegance.
- Orange: Energy, balance, enthusiasm, warmth, vibrant, expansive, flamboyant, demanding of attention.
- Green: Nature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, spring, generosity, fertility, jealousy, service, inexperience, envy, misfortune, vigor.
- Brown: Earth, stability, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, simplicity, and comfort.
- Gray: Security, reliability, intelligence, staid, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative, practical, old age, sadness, boring. Silver symbolizes calm.
- White: Reverence, purity, birth, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern cultures), cold, clinical.
- Black: Power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, depth, style, sadness, remorse, anger, anonymity, underground, good technical color, mourning, death (Western cultures), austerity, detachment.
Gemstone Symbolism
- Agate: Grounding, Nourishment, Stability
- Alexandrite: Joy, Empowerment, Hope
- Amazonite: Truth, Harmony, Peace
- Amber: Warmth, Wellbeing, Nurturing
- Amethyst: Protection, Cleansing, Intuition
- Apache Tears: Healing Grief, Grounding, Protection
- Apatite: Intuition, Wisdom, Communication
- Aquamarine: Peace, Communication, Empowerment
- Aventurine: Vitality, Confidence, Optimism
- Azurite: Vision, Insight, Learning
- Bloodstone: Purification, Courage, Vitality
- Calcite: Cleansing, Nurturing, Healing
- Carnelian: Vitality, Confidence, Sexuality
- Chrysocolla: Wisdom, Communication…
- Chrysoprase: Love, Healing, Joy
- Citrine: Imagination, Clarity, Manifestation
- Diamond: Initiation, Purpose, Clarity
- Emerald: Love, Compassion, Abundance
- Fluorite: Clarity, Focus, Order
- Garnet: Manifesting, Self-worth, Healing
- Hematite: Grounding, Clarity, Manifestation
- Iolite: Intuition, Vision, Integration
- Jade: Abundance, Nature Energy, Wellbeing
- Jasper: Grounding, Earth Energy
- Kyanite: Psychic Abilities, Communication, Lucid…
- Labradorite: Intuition, Psychic Abilities, Journeying
- Lapis Lazuli: Vision, Truth, Awareness
- Larimar: Peace, Relaxation, Communication
- Malachite: Protection, Leadership, Confidence
- Moldavite: Spiritual Awakening, Visioning
- Moonstone: Intuition, Inner Work, Patience
- Morganite: Divine Love, Emotional Healing
- Obsidian: Protection, Purification, Grounding
- Onyx: Focus, Discipline, Self-Mastery
- Opal: Releasing Attachments, Emotional Amplification
- Pearl: Self-care, Nurturing, Emotional Healing
- Peridot: Positivity, Abundance, Creation
- Quartz: Manifesting, Amplifying Other Stones
- Rhodochrosite: Emotional Healing, Nurturing, Joy
- Rhodonite: Purpose, Generosity, Contribution
- Rose Quartz: Love, Trust, Emotional Healing
- Ruby: Life Force, Courage, Passion
- Sapphire: Focus, Discipline, Inner Vision
- Smoky Quartz: Grounding, Clearing, Practical Action
- Snowflake Obsidian: Persistence, Overcoming Difficulties
- Sodalite: Insight, Clarity, Intuition
- Tanzanite: Integrating Heart And Mind, Wholeness
- Tiger Eye: Balance, Grounding, Discernment
- Topaz: Manifesting, Clarity, Magnification
- Tourmaline: joy, Emotional Healing, Love
- Turquoise: Wholeness, Truth, Communication
- Zircon: Grounding, Making Ideas Real
Less Common Gemstones/Crystals
- Aragonite: Emotional Strength And Healing
- Charoite: Perspective, Wisdom, Contentment
- Golden Obsidian: Purification, Manifesting, Willpower
- Howlite: Surrender, Letting Go Of Attachments
- Ocean Jasper: Joy, Lightheartedness, Positivity
- Picture Jasper: Visioning, Earth Magic
- Prehnite: Alignment, Clarity, Peace
- Rainbow Obsidian: Emotional Healing, Purification
- Rainforest Jasper: Connection To Nature And The Earth, Joy
- Unakite: Releasing Toxicity, Healing The Body, Perseverance
@pepperscratch here you go!!!
- Shark symbolism: primality, focus, dynamism, superiority, efficiency, mysteriousness, renewal, anger, hostility and ferocity
@goldenmushyroom here you go!
(via suspicious-spirit)
