Symbolic And Mythological Animals

This A-Z of symbolic and mythological animals concentrates specifically on the stories associated with birds and beasts from around the world. Entries vary in length depending on the importance of the animal, fowl, insect or fish, with practically every creature having some symbolic or mythological significance. In addition the book examines the fabulous monsters of legend, and there are more general entries such as totems, fetishes, animal guardians and animal worship. The guide concludes with a bibliography.

This dictionary offers an enlightening account of the role that animals real and fantastical have played in shaping the myths, religion and customs of the world, from primordial times to present day.

A fresh assessment of the workings of animal symbolism in diverse cultures. Reconsiders the concept of totemism and exposes common fallacies in symbolic interpretation.

A comprehensive guide to the history of human interaction with the creatures of the earth, air, and water. This book provides historical perspective on mankind's complicated relationship with all creatures, from tiny insects to larger beasts. From the alligator to the wryneck, key animals from every continent are profiled, with articles focusing on how different cultures viewed the creatures with which they shared land, and the ones they considered omens of gods and devils. In addition to the numerous articles on specific animals, there are also entries on the role of animals in Christian art, and how shamans took the form and power of animals in key ceremonies. The work is highly illustrated, and subjects of major interest are provided with individual bibliographies of further reading on the subject at the end of each article.

In Animal Life in Nature, Myth and Dreams, Elizabeth Caspari connects the world of real, living animals with the symbolic world of animal images in human thought, both conscious and unconscious. She gives the reader an opportunity to make this connection on his or her own personal journey of discovery. This book is a study of animals-their natural history, mythology, folklore, and religious significance around the world as well as their role in our lives, dreams, and everyday language. It examines the symbolic impact animals have on our collective culture, particularly on our own personal and interior lives. From Albatross to Zebra, each animal is pictured in color and factual context is given about its behavior in the natural world. Information is included about habitat, distribution, weight, size, longevity, and classification. By drawing on a process of amplification developed by C.G. Jung, in which an image is related to a previous historical, mythological, religious, or ethnological context, Animal Life in Nature, Myth and Dreams discusses the meaning of the animal in a dream, amplifying the reader's understanding of that animal. Intended for anyone interested in the actual behavior and nature of animals and the world we live in, Animal Life presents a good deal of ethological and mythological material. By contemplating the significance of our fellow creatures, and how everything in our universe is connected, Animal Life offers a more whole, and more healing, view of the world. Fully illustrated in color.

From the household cat to horses that can fly, a surprisingly wide range of animals feature in religions and mythologies all across the world. The same animal can take on different roles: the raven can be a symbol of evil, a harbinger of death, a wise messenger or a shape-changing trickster. In Norse mythology, Odin's magical ravens perch on his shoulders and bring him news. This compendium draws upon religious texts and myths to explore the ways sacred traditions use animal images, themes and associations in rituals, ceremonies, texts, myths, literature and folklore across the world. Sections are organized by the main animal classifications such as mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians and insects. Each chapter covers one significant grouping (such as dogs, cats or horses), first describing an animal scientifically and then detailing the mythological attributes. Numerous examples cite texts or myths. A final section covers animal hybrids, animal monsters and mythical animals as well as stars, constellations and Zodiac symbols. An appendix describes basic details of the religions and mythologies covered. A glossary defines uncommon religious terms and explains scientific animal names.