The meaning of the dove in the spiritual sense. Symbolism of the bird
The dove is a bird of peace. How correct and accurate is this statement we will find out by considering the dove from the spiritual point of view and symbolism. In the modern world the meaning of the dove is always associated with love and harmony, but has it always been so? Perhaps our ancestors knew something more about doves and gave them a deeper spiritual meaning. Let's sum up the meaning of the dove by learning more about the bird, which has a stronger symbolism than it has today.
What pigeons symbolize
The sense of each meaning of the symbol of the dove is built on the way of existence, habits, and habitat of the bird. For example, doves can be found on all continents, except Antarctica. Therefore, doves symbolize peace and are called the "bird of peace".
Songs are written about mating dances, mate selection, and pigeon care, so pigeons symbolize love and are painted on all wedding invitations. Such symbolism can be found in crows. Observe the doves and you will be surprised at the tenderness they show to the partner chosen for life.
Pigeon mail is one of the most accurate and detective-like ways of transmitting data, at least it was before the advent of the internet. The Greeks used pigeons to announce the winners of the Olympic Games as early as 3,000 BC. During wars, pigeons became part of secret agents who could relay secret information without arousing suspicion. Therefore, doves symbolize navigation and messages.
The Bible tells the story of the Holy Spirit who descended to earth in the form of a snow-white dove. Therefore, the symbol of the dove is an image of the Holy Spirit, soul, spiritual purity, hope, and faith. You can find this symbolism in the white butterfly.
Seeing a dove – spiritual meaning
Seeing a dove can carry a certain spiritual meaning for your future. These birds are quite sociable, but you are bound to feel that your encounter with a dove has more meaning than meets the eye. Remember that if the bird poops on you, it is also a kind of message. The meanings that your encounter with a pigeon can have:
- Support. Pigeons stick to their path. The bird may appear at a time when doubts about the direction of the path creep into your soul. It encourages you to stay the course and be more confident in your actions and decisions.
- Destiny. For singles, doves can bring a notice of the approach of a fateful person. You should be prepared for the meeting so that you don't miss the chance for happiness. Tune in to positive thinking and visualize a meeting with your soul mate, and then you will have a better chance of meeting the one.
- Harmony or warning. If you are a family man, the appearance of a dove can be a confirmation of your harmony in the relationship. Then you should just be grateful and continue to take care of your partner. However, if you hit a bird while driving, it can mean that your union is under threat and it is worth making every effort not to lose the person who was given by fate.
- Purity of soul. Doves sense "pure" thoughts and souls and may fly in for thanks and companionship. However, if a dove pecks you, it is worth thinking about the "purity" of thoughts and deeds, so as not to harm first of all yourself, receiving harsh lessons from the universe.
- Spiritual awakening. It is not ringing in the ears, but a very similar sign. A dove flapping and spreading its wings in front of you can mean that you are in the active process of spiritual awakening when energies from the outside are drawn in and trying to communicate. If in addition to the dove you have a ringing in your left ear, you can rest assured that you are on the path of spiritual development.
- Close soul. Pigeons, like all birds are connected with the world of spirits and souls. If a dove flew to you after the loss of a loved one, it is so that your soul can not grieve, knowing that the departed has found peace. Trust your feelings and thank the Universe for the sign and support.
- Faith is strong. A dove can remind you of the purity and strength of your faith, during times of confusion and troubling thoughts. The Universe loves you and if you are going through trials, you can overcome them and become wiser and spiritually stronger.
Dove as a totem animal – meaning
If you have determined that your totem animal is a dove, it is worth rejoicing. Such a spiritual guide can help you find the right path to the light in any situation. Totem animal dove endows its soul mate with the ability to take care of loved ones, the ability to think purely caring, and its spiritual development. People with dove totems are often very positive and easy to accept life lessons. The freedom of doves allows you to choose a goal and achieve it with ingenuity and flexibility. If you trust the dove for guidance, your career as a diplomat can go upward.
In the family, a person with the dove totem is the most tender and caring. Such people carefully approach the choice of a partner with whom they remain, as a rule, for life. If the family "doves" do not appreciate, they can tolerate it, but then they will fly away from this "nest", not allowing such a relationship to themselves. Dove can help harmonize family relationships and maintain a sense of happiness.
If your totem is a dove, the animal can protect you coming in dreams or reality with hints and advice. The energy and messages of the dove are aimed at saving your life both spiritually (happiness, harmony) and physically. Do not overlook situations where the bird beats at your window or in any way tries to draw your attention to itself.
A dove can attract good luck to you, it is only necessary to keep in touch with your totem and be grateful to it. You can use meditation, rituals, and even amulets or tattoos on your body to strengthen your connection.
What to dream about pigeons and what it means
The meaning of a dream about pigeons may depend on your subconscious and associative attitude toward these birds. A pigeon in a dream can carry the same messages as in real life, only it is worth paying attention to your feelings and sensations during a dream about pigeons.
If your emotions and feelings are anxious, then the pigeon is trying to warn you about the wrong direction of the path in this or that sphere. Also, an anxious pigeon in a dream can mean that bad news coming and you should be prepared to act in the direction of minimizing the "blow" or preventing it.
A peaceful pigeon in a dream means a good period and complete harmony. Keep your thoughts on a wave of positivity and feelings of happiness so that the period lasts as long as possible.
Meanings of doves in ancient religions and cultures
Our ancestors felt doves spiritually, therefore their meanings are the most profound and based on close observation of birds and the "sixth sense".
Celts
To see a dove for the Celts, meant healing spiritually and physically. Doves were considered good messengers and birds that could tell the future. Therefore, Celtic shamans often sacrificed birds as part of their rituals.
Mesoamerica
The Aztecs considered doves to be birds of fertility and harmonious relationships. This was proved by the images of doves next to the goddess of love, Xochiquetzal. The goddess and the dove also appear in the story of the great flood, long before the Biblical events.
Mesopotamia
The goddess Inanna-Ishtar (love, sexuality, war) had doves in her ministers and gave people sincere feelings by sending a pair of birds. The interpretation of the story of the great flood also tells of a dove and a raven released by Utnapishtim in search of land.
Native Americans
Among Native Americans, doves symbolized pure love and fertility. But this was not the only interpretation of doves by tribes. Some believed that doves served as a powerful defense for warriors and were able to indicate the right decision in battle, as well as point the way home if the warriors lost their way.
Doves were also considered symbols of modesty and meekness. This was especially true for the female half of the tribe.
Greeks
Doves were the messengers of Mount Olympus. On the height of the Gods, they lifted the sacred drink – ambrosia. Also, birds were the helpers of Aphrodite (goddess of love).
Chinese
Eastern beliefs believe that doves are a symbol of longevity and fidelity in love. Statuettes of doves are given to couples as a sign of eternal love.
Japanese
Pigeons were devoted to the spirit of Hachiman, who ruled over agriculture, archery, and warfare.
Christians
The foundation of the symbolism of doves lies in the story of Noah's Ark, where Noah sent a raven to search for land first, which did not fly back. Noah then sent a dove to search, which brought back an olive branch as a sign that the land was near. Ever since, the dove has symbolized faith, hope, and life among Christians. Bird of peace dove in Christianity became not immediately, previously implied peace in the soul. The most common image of the dove in Christianity was a white dove with an olive branch in the beak. The dove as the Holy Spirit is used after the story of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.
Judaism
Like Christians, Jews view the dove as a hope for the rebirth of life. The dove in Judaism represents the Spirit of God, and the dovecote is represented as a palace where the soul of the Messiah exists, before its arrival on Earth.
Islam
In Islam, the dove represents salvation and the "helping hand". This interpretation is based on the story of the Prophet Muhammad, who was helped by a turtle and a spider to take refuge and survive.
Hinduism
Birds are an integral part of Hinduism. Many deities are depicted surrounded by specific birds. Yama is drawn surrounded by owls, and Shiva is surrounded by doves. Another deity drawn with doves was Kamadeva (love and sexuality), she was riding on a dove.
What mean tattoos and jewelry in the form of a dove
People who like to wear the symbolism of doves, as well as make tattoos in the form of that peaceful bird talk to the world in the language of goodness and love. They remind about the value of positive emotions in the world and that love is the highest value on Earth.
Also, a dove tattoo means deeper communication with the Almighty and respect for his laws, decisions, and actions. Putting the image of a dove on the body be prepared for the fact that the bird will monitor the purity of your thoughts and actions because this is its purpose.