Most individuals find it easy to love animals. We perceive natural order, the perfect symmetry of form and function, beauty, weirdness, and the long-dormant wild side of ourselves that many desire to reconnect with when we gaze at animals. At some point, we got separated from animals and the natural world, moving down from the trees to the grass and gradually progressing along the evolutionary road to where we are today.
Though modern science and comforts extend our lives and make them more comfortable, most of us will never be as free or self-assured as, say, the small birds that visit our backyards.
Animal symbolism is used in religions and belief systems all around the world. Snake worship is practiced in Haitian Voudou. Damballa is a serpent who is revered as the source of all life. Hindus revere the cow as a symbol of everything that the animal has to provide for humanity. Cats were loved by the ancient Egyptians, and several gods took on animal forms. The list goes on and on, but the animals connected with witchcraft are the most important to us. These are animals that have a poor rap, such as cats, birds, bats, toads, and other critters. Today, I'd like to provide some animal connections that you may utilize in spells, divination, talismans, altar-making, and simple invocations to bring the power of these animals into your practice. I've only focused on a few animals, so if you need anything more particular for your purposes, believe me, all you have to do is search a little deeper - there is an animal symbol for every requirement!
Witchcraft in the Wild
1. Bat
To se, the bat represents evil and death, and they are terrified of it. Others see the bat as a symbol of the night and all the hidden wonders that can be discovered if one opens their eyes while everyone else is sleeping. The bat navigates the night with ease thanks to echolocation. Draw a little bat somewhere hidden on your body before a night out to keep your wits about you when the sun goes down. If you're going through a rough patch in your life, invest in a bat talisman - any small bat figurine you can take with you — to assist you to navigate the darkness.
2. Bear
The bear is a fighter. Artemis, the hunt goddess, gets her name from the root word "artos," which means "bear." This animal appropriately represents the soil, and in pre-Christian European societies where lions are missing, the bear takes its metaphorical position as a mighty ruler of the country it roams. Artemis is sometimes depicted with a bear, and both are associated with the moon.
This goddess is also linked with the constellations Ursa Major and Minor, which represent the Great Bear and the Little Bear, respectively. When you need strength, call on the bear. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you can see Ursa Major and Ursa Minor all year, so go outside under a full moon and look for these constellations. Light a white candle and make a bear print on the sole of your right foot or the palm of your right hand. Ask for the courage to fac
e challenges or overcome insurmountable odds. And when the moment comes, don't be afraid!
3. Bee
A book might be written about the symbolism surrounding the bee. They are diligent workers, and their symmetrical honeycombs represent perfection and the harmony obtained when a group works together as one. They also have magical connections with gods and spirits. Honeybees produce honey, sacred sustenance of the gods, from sunlight and earthly fruits, and hence have links to transmutation and the divine. You may recognize the name Dumbledore from J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. This term is derived from the Old English word bumblebee, because unlike honeybees, these bees spend their time cheerfully "bumbling" from flower to flower.
Bees, despite their gentle and fluffy appearance, can sting if provoked, and hence they are a symbol of moms defending their families. Although there are several ways to invoke the bee in magic, I believe their most admirable trait is their singular focus and work ethic, so if you're having trouble staying motivated on a project — especially one that involves others — use the bee symbol as a talisman to remind you that hard work pays off. Put on yellow. Turn on the yellow candles. Honey can be used to sweeten tea or toast. To stay "buzzed" about any project, keep the energy of the bee close at hand!
4 Butterfly
The butterfly, which is often quite attractive and less driven than its buddy flower-loving bee, is a sign of kindness and purity. Because the Greek term for butterfly is psyche, we identify it with the soul in many cultures. Others see the butterfly as a bridge between our world and the spiritual realm.
The butterfly undergoes a stunning metamorphosis, transforming from a crawling caterpillar to a magnificent, jewel-bright creature capable of flight! Changing one's life is not an easy process, but the butterfly reminds us that just when something appears to be impossible, it is not. Draw a black and white image of a butterfly and place it near your altar. Every time you actively make a positive change, color in a little section of the image and take a moment to reflect on your success. Take in the entire picture rather than just one small element to stay inspired. Work on transforming the black-and-white image into one that is vibrant and bold, bit by bit and day by day. It won't be easy, but you'll be amazed at what you can do with tenacity and a state-of-mind makeover.
5. Cat
Bast was the cat goddess in ancient Egypt, and cats, in general, were respected. Other religions and beliefs regard them negatively, particularly black cats, which are considered unlucky despite having nine lives. Whereas the dog is man's closest friend, a loyal and obedient companion, the cat is choosy and will abandon a home that does not meet their high demands.
Despite having been domesticated for 4,000 years, cats retain a feral wildness that we have bred out of other pets and farm animals. They move around. They can live happily ever after without us. Cats are curious, elegant creatures who can go wherever they want and with anyone they choose. And, by all accounts, the cat has chosen the witch across many cultures. The black cat, like the pointy hat or broom, is a feature of the conventional caricature of a witch. The cat, like the witch, is secretive, elusive, and considered as a menace by many superstitious people. There are numerous methods to invoke the cat in your magic, but I recommend channeling their capacity to relax and make every room their own. When you're feeling overwhelmed by life, summon the witch's companion. After a good night's sleep, everything seems better.
6. Dragon
The dragon, like the majority of the animals on this list, will have distinct meanings in different civilizations. The dragon represents royalty in the East, and the term "dragon" might be used instead of "emperor." The dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese zodiac and precisely coincides with Leo - the lion is another emblem for kings and queens. Depending on your point of view, the dragon can be terrifying or marvelous, and in myths, it can frequently guard over a tremendous treasure or secret.
The dragon is adaptable, but one thing is certain: the dragon represents power. While the bear is a warrior that attacks enemies with ferocity, the dragon's very appearance is enough to frighten. Keep a dragon emblem over your bed for prophetic dreams, and place the image of the dragon on jewelry boxes and other valuables to ward off burglars. Draw or print a dragon image and wrap it around a red candle during protection spells or use it in curses to frighten your enemies. If you have a secret, no animal will protect it better than the dragon.
7. Fox
The fox is the trickster in legends, the crafty one who utilizes charm and sly words to gain goals. The fox is a seducer in mythology, and the Devil is associated with the fox in Christianity. As a result, women regarded as "foxy" are not only gorgeous but also cunning, ready to lead innocent men astray. Aside from misogyny, the fox's ability to outwit its opponents while smiling and waving its bushy tail aloft makes it a symbol of cleverness and craftiness — the perfect creature to summon when you need help solving an issue or getting out of a tight position. When conducting spells, sketch the fox's picture surreptitiously – beneath altars, on the bottoms of candles, or on the reverse side of sigils — to add an added element of cunning.
8. Horse
It's not surprising that an animal so closely associated with humanity's progress is spiritually significant to humans. What would have happened if we hadn't had the horse to transport us? On the one hand, the horse is bound to the sun, hauling Apollo's chariot. On the other hand, the horse is a moon and water sign – just ask Poseidon, the deity of the sea and the horse. This animal can represent both gods and goddesses, good and evil, life and death. Perhaps the ultimate connotation of the horse is usefulness. Whatever context you view this animal in, you'll notice it being put to good use. After all, humanity would not have gotten very far without the horse. Invoke the horse when traveling in your magic by combining its image with Raido, the travel rune, or the Chariot tarot card. To ensure safe travel, do this before a long trip.
9. Owl
Stix is an owl genus and another word for witch, which will delight you. They have many metaphorical characteristics in common with witches, such as working alone at night under the moon and possessing esoteric knowledge. Hekate, the queen of witches, is accompanied by an owl. Some believe owls are horrible omens that presage death, while others believe owls are clairvoyant and can detect when you're going to die!
Owls are excellent hunters, and unlike other birds, their huge eyes are located on the front of their heads rather than on the sides. They can also turn their heads to see behind them. It's no surprise that owls are associated with intelligence and prophecy because they literally see everything. They, like other nocturnal creatures, are linked with esoteric wisdom, having access to secrets only attainable at night. The owl is seen as a traveler between the realms of life and death by cultures all over the world. Invoke the owl during any type of divination to assist you in seeing. Carry an owl talisman for wisdom, and whenever you hear a hooting owl, ask it to carry any ill luck away with it.
10. Raven
Here's a startling fact: The average human IQ is 100, but the raven has a reasonably high IQ of 138 [1]. They construct tools and solve problems. They can recognize people by their faces and can acquire and understand a variety of languages. As a result, ravens are associated with intelligence. Ravens have a rich mythology and are known for protecting humanity by whispering to shamans about what is to come. Ravens, on the other hand, are thought to be death omens, and their eerie calls can be heard in many horror films. This could be due to the fact that they are frequently sighted after the battle, preying on the dead. I like to see ravens for what they are: extraordinarily intelligent creatures. As a result, they are a natural talisman for individuals seeking enlightenment, such as students. Keep a raven image near blue candles and light them every Monday to assist you in tests, mental obstacles, or outwitting a foe.
11. Snake
Many people are terrified of this much-maligned animal. Perhaps this is a relic of our primate days when walking into the grass meant confronting this toxic menace. Perhaps the "snake eyes" are what frightens people. Perhaps it's their size (pythons can grow to be 25 feet long! ), the way they shed skin, or their "forked tongues," which have become synonymous with someone who cannot be trusted. Ouroboros is the picture of a snake eating its own tail, representing eternal life and rebirth.
In the Bible, a serpent persuaded Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and thus learn the difference between good and evil. Snake lore is closely related to dragon lore, yet snakes have more malevolent overtones. However, any snake charmer or someone who maintains snakes as pets will tell you that these animals are as delicate to handle as kittens. When you are being bullied or someone is actively working against you, call on the snake. Draw a snake on several pale stones and arrange them in a circle at your front entrance; then, every time you leave your house, sprinkle black pepper and eggshells into this circle. You can even bring this circle inside and spread it so that you can sit within it while casting spells for protection or against your enemies to ensure no repercussions.
12. Wolf
Who hasn't heard the story about men transforming into wolves beneath the full moon, only to revert as daylight breaks? Or how about Little Red Riding Hood, who was nearly eaten by the wolf while dressed in her grandmother's clothes? Or how about the boy who cried wolf? Or how about Peter and the Wolf? Despite the fact that natural wolves tend to avoid humans, the picture of a wolf as a menace is an old one. These stories aren't about deadly animals; they're about dangerous situations and people. In legends, the wolf represents the harmful aspect of human nature and serves as a warning.
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