The deer is a totem animal highly appreciated in the shamanic culture. Let’s know the meaning of the deer better as a spiritual animal.
Many men trust this animal when they want to receive any of their powers. American Indians have the richest story related to the deer and totem animals in general. In many other cultures, the deer as totem and guide has also been used and still used.
This article has recently been updated. I have added additional explanations and included new subsections.
Content
- Meaning of deer as a spiritual animal
- Deer symbolism
- Symbolic meanings of deer in different cultures
- In Celtic culture
- Christian Symbolism of Deer – Biblical Meaning
- The deer as an animal totem
- Spiritual meaning of running over a deer
- The deer as an animal guide
- A deer in our dreams
Main conclusions
The deer has several spiritual meanings in different cultures and traditions. Often symbolizes sweetness, grace and sensitivity for its quiet and elegant bearing.
In some beliefs of the Native Americans, the deer represents harmony with nature and the ability to listen and adapt to the environment.
In Celtic symbolism, the deer can represent the transformation, as can be seen in the seasonal molt of its cornament, which means the cyclical nature of life and renewal.
In general, the deer embodies qualities of intuition, peace and connection with the natural world in many spiritual contexts.
Meaning of deer as a spiritual animal
The deer is a animal rich in symbolism, linked to both the instinctive force of the body and the spirit and the power of sexuality, calm and fertility.
This last characteristic is due in particular to their horns, which express the continuous renewal of life, the process of death and rebirth.
The horns are renewed every year, they fall after the mating period in winter and reborn in spring with full strength. This symbolizes the increase in force and age.
Although it is perceived as a peaceful animal, it is still wild and difficult to tame. Therefore, when it appears in dreams, it refers to instinctive impulses. While progressing towards its competition with its silent step, in solitude, it does not go back to the struggle, especially when it comes to conquering a female. At that time it looks like its majestic horns, similar to branches, colliding with other rival males to conquer primacy.
Traits DESCRIPTION Elencialence and poise in the movements of sessiongage tune with emotions and energies.Table 1: features of the spirit spirit of the deer
The horns are undoubtedly the fascinating part of the deer. This animal has been associated with the sun thanks to the radiant power of its horns, which like branches are useful for camouflaging in the forest.
It is also associated with the tree of life because, as the horns rise to heaven, they act as a link between the earthly and the spiritual world. From this point of view, the deer rises as a binding figure (and step) between the two worlds, contributing to the union of opposites, advancing between the here and not here.
Represented even next to Buddha, who is said to be reincarnated in a previous life in a golden deer. This graceful and elegant animal is also related to the alchemical mercury a psychic substance that acts as an intermediary, forming a bridge between the conscious and the unconscious, giving us the extraordinary possibility of illuminating the interiority and allowing our deep self to manifest.
Also read:
List of 5 deities associated with deer [con historias].
Video about the symbolic meaning of the deer
Deer symbolism
Symbols significantly and transcendent.
Symbolic meanings of deer in different cultures
Symbolic significant cultures of the American deervonatives Spirituality, Sensitivity and orientation of the Taxation, Harmony and Transició Ochinolongevity, good luck and prosperity Japanese, serenity and sweetness and sweet -thravation, transformation and female divine energy
In Celtic culture
The Celts considered the deer a supernatural animal belonging to the mother goddess, associated with the cult of fertility. Numerous Celtic mythological figures are related to this animal: from Flidais, Oisin to SADBH.
Goddess Flidais
In particular, Cernunnos, the god of forest animals, was represented with the horn of deer in the head, a symbol of light blue light willing to radiate everywhere. This divine being, together with the goddess of the Flidais hunting, represented in a car lying by a deer, had the mission of collecting the souls of the dead to take them to the beyond. In this perspective, the deer is also associated with Samhain, a moment of transition between the two worlds.
Apparently Cernunnos was a pre -ethful divinity of shamanic origin, revered throughout the Indo -European continent. In all its representations as the protagonist, most of the time surrounded by numerous animals is shown, so it receives the nickname of «lord of animals.»
Cernunnos
In addition, it is also recognized by the strange snake with ram horns. Another thing for which Cernunnos is recognized as mentioned before by the deer horns, as a symbol of rebirth/regeneration, hope and abundance and for the pair he holds in his hand, as a clear symbol of royalty.
In fact, the deer was also considered a symbol of vigor, combat force, solitary leader of the pack that in case of need knew how to fight and lead.
The Celts always considered the «fairy bulls» deer. They used to create talismans in the form of deer horns and used their horns and their skin for decorative purposes. On the other hand, the deer is linked to lightness, smell, the ability to change shape and is what guides hunters for mysterious forests in search of fairies of fairies that would otherwise be invisible.
In particular, the white deer, a very rare sacred creature, is associated with the god Lugh, the god of the sun, light and heaven; A symbol of those who initiated the mysteries of life and death, having overcome the tests of metamorphosis and the renewal of personality. Lugh symbolizes the union between the chaotic forces of the shadow and the luminous forces of order and the white deer, in this perspective, is a divine messenger.
Lugh Photo: Mythical Ireland
Christian Symbolism of Deer – Biblical Meaning
The deer is mentioned very often in the Bible. It has become a symbol of Christian iconography and is used especially in baptismal batteries. Its meaning, in this case, refers to the soul of the faithful that drinks the only authentic source of life.
The loss of the boxes that miraculously regenerate in spring was associated, however, the resurrection of Christ. Hence the deer is considered as the one who resurfaces from his ashes after having given his life with death.
In addition to the association with Christ, this animal is often related to different saints, starting with St. Patrick, who to escape from King Loegaire becomes a deer.
You can read more about the story here.
San Patricio meets King Lóegaire to ask for permission to preach Christianity. Photo: Irish-Genealogy-Toolkit
A magical creature, capable of opening access to other worlds.
The deer connect to the forest spirits and show us alternative paths to our goals.
The deer is nice and affable, he is also an consummate conversationalist. He loves being among friends and does not stop communicating his joy and his desire to live, although he can be a bit egocentric and narcissistic. This means that if you channel your energy negatively, it will become irresponsible, impatient and double -sided.
The deer is the shamanic animal par excellence; It moves between worlds and usually accompanies the shaman-draft on their trips to the other world.
In fact, the ritual importance of the deer is confirmed in the widespread habit of the «Cerium Facere» or imitation of the deer through a mask and its cornire.
The deer chooses to be a guide of souls who have proposed to learn to enjoy direct contact with nature, appreciating and protecting all the species that inhabit it, becoming veterinarians, biologists, environmentalists, botanists and other professions related to the restoration and protection of natural ecosystems. With all of them, they share their strength, persistence and capacity for renewal.
The deer as an animal totem
The deer as an animal totem is chosen since ancient times. Men have often trusted him as a symbol of some advantageous characteristics. To better analyze why the deer is chosen as a totem, in addition to all other animals, it is necessary to see what their characteristics are.
This animal is associated with instinctive force, both the instinctive force of the spirit and the instinctive force of the body. In addition, it is believed that the deer is associated with the scope of sexuality in fertility.
When describing the deer as an animal totem, we must not forget to highlight the importance of their horns. In fact, the horns of this animal are renewed every year. Annual renewal is considered a symbol of the renewal of life.
Spiritual meaning of running over a deer
Round over a deer means destroying the part of us that is kind, affectionate and wise.
The deer as an animal guide
A deer connects us with the forest spirits and shows us alternative paths to our goals.
He is sympathetic and pleasant, and also an consummated conversationalist.
He loves being among friends and does not stop communicating his joy and his desire to live, although he can be a bit egocentric and narcissistic.
You will become irresponsible, impatient and double if you channel your energy negatively.
The deer is the shamanic animal par excellence; It moves between worlds and usually accompanies the shaman-draft on their trips to the other world.
The ritual importance of the deer is confirmed in the widespread custom of the «Cerium Facere» or imitation of the deer with a mask and cornice.
The deer chooses as a guide the souls who have proposed to learn to enjoy direct contact with nature, appreciating and protecting all the species that inhabit it, becoming veterinarians, biologists, environmentalists, botanists and other professions related to the restoration and protection of natural ecosystems. With all of them he shares his strength, persistence and ability to …