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Wolves are smart. They think ahead and make good plans to stay away from enemies, like bullies, protect themselves strongly when they have to, and work on getting what they need and want. Wolves remind us to pay close attention to Nature and the signs we find there.
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Lions are brave and strong. They glow with the power of the sun and have a lot of pride and self-confidence. Everyone knows the saying, ''Have the courage of a lion." Yet, lions spend a lot of time just relaxing and hanging out. They teach to be prepared but also to take it easy and relax when we are safe.
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After reading about wolves and lions, mice might not seem so important. But, really, they are powerful in a whole different way. They are thought of in Celtic mythology as shape shifters. They know how to blend in and quietly and cleverly escape danger when it comes. Because they are quiet, even shy, they are excellent secret-keepers and can be trusted friends. Mice are little, and they remind us to pay attention to little details in life that can mean a lot.
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We don't think about them much except on Ground Hog Day, which, in Celtic lore, is the holiday called Imbolc. When the groundhog pops up out of the cold, snowy earth to check his shadow, it is a sign that Earth is starting to wake up from her long winter sleep, that life is stirring again. Like boars, and pigs, these funny little creatures were often believed to inspire wonderful poetry and music. Like it's cousin the hedgehog, groundhogs have a great sense of humor and remind us not to take life too seriously. We don't have to go around with our bristles out all the time. The groundhog reminds us to live life and enjoy it each day.
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Turtles take their time but are not easily distracted. They accomplish what they want to do, even if it takes a while. You might remember how the turtle beat the rabbit in a race, just by keeping on keeping on, while the rabbit goofed off a lot. That's where we get the saying, "Slow and steady wins the race." Turtles are naturally protected by their shells. All they have to do is go inside if they feel scared or worried. We can do that, too, just by taking a second to listen to our bodies and our feelings. Turtles stay close to the Earth and listen to their bodies and their feelings. We are children of the Earth, too, and can stay close to our bodies, which came from and are part of Mother Earth.
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Rabbits have more rabbits and those bunnies quickly grow up and have even more! That's why rabbits and bunnies are symbols of creativity and an imaginative mind. In Celtic stories, rabbits were used as guides sometimes, as in the story of the great Celtic Warrior Queen Boedicia, or Bodica. They were thought to have powers of divination, to be able to understand hidden secrets and knowledge. They remind us both to express ourselves with our creativity and to trust that quiet voice inside that is our good intuition talking to us, guiding us, if we listen closely.
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Such joyful birds! Larks soar singing up to the heavens, enjoying freedom, pleasure, strength, and adventure. Yet, they are also true lovers of their homes and families. They never forget the people and places they love most and are true and loyal to them.
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Many stories in Celtic and other traditions describe the dove as a loving, motherly, nurturing creature. Remember how she was watching over the newborn baby at the end of An Earth Child's Book of the Year? They know how to put others' first sometimes in a caring, peaceful way and are very gentle. Yet, like the lark, they can also take time for their own joy, to soar and fly and love their own lives as much as they love others.
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We know what good friends dogs can be, very loyal, trustworthy, and protective. They are experts at friendliness, socializing, and communicating, even without words. They are also very good at knowing what they want and tracking it down.
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It's a little harder to find something to love about crabs. They are hard and crusty with pinchy claws. However, the crab is actually a very ancient and powerful symbol. The crab is full of power and energy that is expressed through emotions and imagination. Those pinchy claws mean they hold on tight to important memories, and the things that really matter to them in life.
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Sheep are one of the best symbols of innocence. They love to be together in their family or flock and they don't try hard to grow up too fast, act older than their age, or fool around with the dark and dangerous things in life. They are content with being right where they are in life. They are sacrificing, sometimes, letting us humans use their wool to make clothes we need to keep us warm. In some stories they give more than their wool to help others. They are gentle animals, very pure of heart.
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Fish, and the salmon especially, are very ancient symbols. The salmon is a wise and magical creature and the Celts believed they had a special connection with the Faeries. Some thought they knew everything that ever happened and everything that will ever happen in the future.. They are often wise teachers and want us to care about our own history and culture, our own old family stories. They care both about art and science, because they are so wise. They also remind us of the value and holiness of water here on Earth.
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If you would like to learn even more about Celtic animals and their magical symbolism, try these websites:
Celtic animals and their meaning: http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Celtic/animalallies.html#oakashthorn-buy
Animals from many cultures and their meaning: http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/animals2.htm
Celtic animals and their meaning: http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Celtic/animalallies.html#oakashthorn-buy
Animals from many cultures and their meaning: http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/animals2.htm
