you are the sky and the moon alike, you are the wind and the river... swooned by the evening's gesture and light of conscious darkness. can you see the breath in the fog? can you see the strength in the convicted? can you feel the cry in the joy? the deal in the pry? there is a sound I have learned with hummingbird, the sound of rippling tides, the sound of black on black and night on night, the sound of crowned jewels sparking, the sound of eagle's eye cracking shields and wrapping the site of One true world with halos, the halos of glowing magi's... and the spreading of wings clasping the pearl in the confidence of its immortal non-existence. you are the eagle, the priest and priestess of the known. the carrier of the vine.
(Art by GROMYKO SEMPER)
In India, the sound of Krishna’s flute is the magical cause of the birth
of the world. The pre-Hellenic maternal goddesses are depicted holding lyres, and
with the same significance (56). There are other traditional doctrines which hold
that sound was the first of all things to be created, and that which gave rise to all
others, commencing with light, or, alternatively, with air and fire. An instance of
this is the lament quoted in the Poimandres of Hermes Trismegistos (31).
As an attribute, it pertains to several mythic characters, including Hecate
(31). It is symbolic of mystery or enigma, or of a task to be performed, and the
means of carrying it out. It sometimes refers to the threshold of the unconscious
(32). The key to knowledge corresponds, within the cycle of the year, to the
month of June (healing). The conjunction of the symbols of the male dove and the
key signifies the spirit opening the gates of heaven (4). The emblem formed by
two keys, sometimes placed over a heart, relates to Janus (4). In legend and
folklore, three keys are often used to symbolize a like number of secret chambers
full of precious objects. They are symbolic representations of initiation and
knowledge. The first key, of silver, concerns what can be revealed by psychological understanding; the second is made of gold, and pertains to philosophical
wisdom; the third and last, of diamond, confers the power to act (38). The finding
of a key signifies the stage prior to the actual discovery of the treasure, found
only after great difficulties. Clearly there is a morphological relationship between
the key and the Nem Ankh sign (or ‘Eternal Life’)—the anserated cross of the Egyptians; their gods are sometimes shown holding this cross by the top as if it
were a key, especially in ceremonies concerning the dead. But it should perhaps
be pointed out that, in this case, it is the keys that derive from the anserated cross,
the archetype of the key of Eternal Life that opens up the gates of death on to
immortality.
To see a key in your dream, symbolizes opportunities, access, control, secrets, freedom, knowledge or responsibilities. You may be locking away your own inner feelings and emotions. Or you are unlocking the answer to some problem. In particular, a ring of keys, represents status, authority, and power. It also highlights your adaptability to a situation. If the key is gold, then it suggests that influence, power and wealth will give you access to almost anything you want.
Alternatively, keys have sexual connotations. They can represent intercourse, impotence, infidelity, etc. depending on the condition and usage of the key.
To dream that you lose your keys, signify fears of losing control of yourself or losing your position or status in life. It may also indicate unexpected changes, frustrations, and unpleasant adventures. The dream could be analogous to lost or missed opportunities. If you give your key away, then it suggests that you have given up control of some situation or responsibility.
To dream that you find a key, indicates that you have found a solution to a problem.
To see broken keys in your dream, represent a lost in status. You are denied access to a place where you were previously allowed. If the key is rusty, then it symbolizes a talent or skill that you have neglected.
To hear the sound of keys rattling, indicate that you have the right attitude toward life. You are heading in the right direction and asking all the right questions in the process. It is also a sign of decisive action.
To dream of keys, denotes unexpected changes.
If the keys are lost, unpleasant adventures will affect you.
To find keys, brings domestic peace and brisk turns to business.
Broken keys, portends separation either through death or jealousy.
For a young woman to dream of losing the key to any personal ornament, denotes she will have quarrels with her lover, and will suffer much disquiet therefrom. If she dreams of unlocking a door with a key, she will have a new lover and have over-confidence in him. If she locks a door with a key, she will be successful in selecting a husband. If she gives the key away, she will fail to use judgment in conversation and darken her own reputation.
Seeing a key in your dream, symbolizes opportunities, access, control, secrets, or responsibilities. You may be locking away your own inner feelings and emotions. Dreaming that you lose your keys means your fear of losing your position or status in life. You may have lost control of yourself. It may also foretells of unexpected changes and unpleasant adventures. If you give your key away, then it suggests that you have given up control of some situation or responsibility. Dreaming that you find keys means that you have found a solution to a problem. Seeing broken keys in your dream means many quarrels and possibly a break-up. Hearing the sounds of keys rattling indicates that you have the right attitude toward life. You are heading in the right direction and asking all the right questions in the process. It is also a sign of decisive action.
As with most dreams, look for the obvious connections by comparing the details or the theme of your dream to your daily life. Are you trying to figure something out and "unlock" a puzzling question? Do you wish to hide something? Are you locking something up or are you opening the door? Last, but not least, does this dream have any sexual connotations?
Night is related to the passive principle, the feminine and the unconscious. Hesiod gave it the name of ‘mother of the gods’, for the Greeks believed
that night and darkness preceded the creation of all things (8). Hence, night—like
water—is expressive of fertility, potentiality and germination (17); for it is an
anticipatory state in that, though not yet day, it is the promise of daylight. Within
the tradition of symbology it has the same significance as death and the colour
black.
To have a dream that takes place at night, represents some major setbacks and obstacles in achieving your goals. You are being faced with an issue that is not so clear cut. Perhaps, you should put the issues aside so you can clear your head and come back to it later. Alternatively, night may be synonymous with death, rebirth, reflection, and new beginnings.
If you are surrounded by night in your dreams, you may expect unusual oppression and hardships in business. If the night seems to be vanishing, conditions which hitherto seemed unfavorable will now grow bright, and affairs will assume prosperous phases.
Dreaming of night means some major setbacks and obstacles in achieving your goals. You may find that some issues you are facing are not all that clear and you need to put them to rest for awhile before a decision is made.
A symbol of height, of the spirit as the sun, and of the spiritual
principle in general. In the Egyptian hieroglyphic system, the letter A is represented by the figure of an eagle, standing for the warmth of life, the Origin, the
day. The eagle is a bird living in the full light of the sun and it is therefore
considered to be luminous in its essence, and to share in the Elements of air and
fire. Its opposite is the owl, the bird of darkness and death. Since it is identified
with the sun and with the idea of male activity which fertilizes female nature, the
eagle also symbolizes the father (19). It is further characterized by its daring
flight, its speed, its close association with thunder and fire. It signifies, therefore,
the ‘rhythm’ of heroic nobility. From the Far East to Northern Europe, the eagle
is the bird associated with the gods of power and war. It is the equivalent in the air
of the lion on earth; hence it is sometimes depicted with a lion’s head (cf. the
excavations at Tello). According to Vedic tradition, it is also important as a messenger, being the bearer of the soma from Indra. In Sarmatian art, the eagle is the
emblem of the thunderbolt and of warlike endeavour. In all Oriental art it is often shown fighting; either as the bird Imdugud, who ties the terrestrial and the celestial deer together by their tails, or as Garuda attacking the serpent. In pre-Columbian
America, the eagle had a similar symbolism, signifying the struggle between the
spiritual and celestial principle and the lower world. This symbolism occurs also
in Romanesque art. In ancient Syria, in an identification rite, the eagle with human
arms symbolized sun-worship. It also conducted souls to immortality. Similarly,
in Christianity, the eagle plays the rôle of a messenger from heaven. Theodoret
compared the eagle to the spirit of prophecy; in general, it has also been identified
(or, more exactly, the eagle’s flight, because of its swiftness, rather than the bird
itself) with prayer rising to the Lord, and grace descending upon mortal man.
According to St. Jerome, the eagle is the emblem of the Ascension and of prayer
(50). Among the Greeks it acquired a particular meaning, more allegorical than
properly symbolic in nature, in connexion with the rape of Ganymede. More
generally speaking, it was believed to fly higher than any other bird, and hence was regarded as the most apt expression of divine majesty. The connexion between the eagle and the thunderbolt, already mentioned above, is confirmed in
Macedonian coinage and in the Roman signum. The ability to fly and fulminate,
to rise so as to dominate and destroy baser forces, is doubtless the essential
characteristic of all eagle-symbolism. As Jupiter’s bird it is the theriomorphic
storm, the ‘storm bird’ of remotest antiquity, deriving from Mesopotamia and
thence spreading throughout Asia Minor (35). On Roman coins it occurs as the
emblem of imperial power and of the legions. Its fundamental significance does
not vary in alchemy, it merely acquires a new set of terms applicable to the
alchemic mystique: it becomes the symbol of volatilization. An eagle devouring a
lion is the symbol of the volatilization of the fixed by the volatile (i.e. according
to alchemical equations: wings=spirit; flight=Imagination, or the victory of spiritualizing and sublimating activity over involutive, materializing tendencies). Like
other animals, when in the sign of the Gemini, the eagle undergoes total or partial
duplication. Thus arises the two-headed eagle (related to the Janus symbol)
which is usually depicted in two colours of great mystical significance: red and
white. In many emblems, symbols and allegories, the eagle is depicted carrying a
victim. This is always an allusion to the sacrifice of lower beings, forces, instincts
and to the victory of the higher powers (i.e. father principle, logos) (50). Dante
even calls the eagle the bird of God (4). Jung, ignoring the multiple significance of
its symbolism, defines it simply as ‘height’, with all the consequences that flow
from a specific location in space. On the other hand the constellation of the Eagle
is placed just above the man carrying the pitcher of Aquarius, who follows the
bird’s movement so closely that he seems to be drawn after it by unseen bonds.
From this it has been inferred that Aquarius is to be identified with Ganymede,
and also with ‘the fact that even the gods themselves need the water of the
Uranian forces of life’ (40).
Seeing an eagle in your dream, symbolizes nobility, pride, fierceness, freedom, superiority, courage, and powerful intellectual ability. Eagles also indicate self-renewal. You will struggle fiercely and courageously to realize your highest ambitions and greatest desires. Seeing an eagle chained down in your dream, represents a desperate situation where you are feeling restricted and confined. You are unable to express yourself and be who you really want to be. Consider also what the eagle is chained down to for additional clues as to what might be holding you back. Seeing a nest of young eagles in your dream means your advancement up to the top of the social ladder. Dreaming that you killed an eagle means your ruthlessness. You will let nothing stand in your way of ambitions and obtaining your goals, even if it means hurting those around you. If someone else kills an eagle, then it indicates that your fame, fortune and power will be ruthlessly taken from you. Dreaming that you eat the flesh of an eagle, shows that your strong and powerful character will lead you to great wealth and influence.
Birds are generally associated with freedom and abandon. In old dream interpretation books, birds are considered lucky omens. Doves and eagles are generally spiritual symbols. Your dream depends on its details, but if the birds in your dream were flying free, it may be symbolic of spiritual, psychological, or physical freedom. It can also represent high expectations. An eagle is a powerful bird and the unconscious message may be prosperity, success, and liberation from tedium. The eagle is also a bird of prey and some negative connotations can be made. If the eagle is on the attack or the dream is frightening, reflect on your own aggressive and predatory thoughts and tendencies.
Symbolic Eagle Meaning
I've been seeing eagles and moles in my meditations lately. When creatures persist in my awareness, I know it's time to write a page on them. Plus, I've gotten several requests from readers of this site wanting to know more about symbolic eagle meaning, so here are a few thoughts.
I've had the luxury of observing Golden Eagles in the wild. Like our nature-inclined forebears, the sheer size of these creatures is mind-numbing.
Size does matter to the Native mind. It is the mammoth size of the eagle that, in part, wins its title as the King of the Birds in myth and lore. In spite of its enormous size, the eagle still takes flight, seemingly effortlessly. This is the first of many symbolic cues from the eagle about perception (not judging a book by its cover) and, not allowing the illusion of limitation to ground us in our flight.
What else matters when considering symbolic eagle meaning? Here are a few attributes and keywords associated with Eagle Medicine:
Opportunity
Protection
Guardianship
Masculinity
Dominance
Control
Freedom
Community
Command
Action
Authority
Skill
Focus
Determination
Vision
Power
Liberation
Inspiration
Ruler
Judgment
Native wisdom also honors the eagle for their opportunistic ways. It's not that they're skilled hunters (they are), but the go about gaining their needs in ways that are most efficient. This is a lesson for conserving resources. Work smarter, not harder.
Some Native American (plains tribes) refers to the eagle as an earthly incarnation of the great Thunderbird spirit. Legend further states that lightning bolts shoot from the eyes of the bald eagle, and with the beating of its expansive wings, rain is conjured from the skies. That's easy to envision.
Coming from the mindset that all energy is interconnected, an average wingspan of 5-7 feet (in golden's and bald's) could understandably cause some massive energetic ripples in the cosmos. Even prompt rain. I love how eagles as rain bringers segways into the cleansing theme of water.
And, we see from the Native mind that eagle feathers are tribal tools resonating patterns of healing within ritual. Do a little research into Native wisdom, and you will find the eagle is invoked for revitalization, creation and healing purposes. I like to think this deals with the eagle's connection with water.
In this vein of thought, we can contemplate the healing messages the eagle may offer us in our daily life. When the eagle soars into our psychic vision, it may be a sign of getting prepared for symbolic cleansing rains. What needs cleaning in our lives?
Of course, as rulers of the sky, eagle meaning is connected with the air element, which symbolizes communication and thought. All bird totems speak to us about higher thinking, dreams, and mental liberation. As king of the birds, the eagle's message of mental acuity is super-dominant.
Visually, everything about the eagle's appearance is sharp. Streamlined, sleek, chiseled. This prompts our deeper minds to hone our thoughts and skills. The eagle commands us to tailor our intelligence and talents in a form that best suits our needs. We all have inner abilities, but when the eagle shows up - it's a clear sign it's time to use these abilities in a laser-like fashion to bring about focused change in our lives.
To revisit the Thunderbird association, eagles are said to bring down lightning with the storms. This makes me think of flashes of insight, surges of power - electrifying vision.
I also like to look into the eyes of the eagle. There I see the lightning. I see the sun itself living in those all-seeing bright yellow orbs.
Do these observations this strike a chord with you? If so, take flight with the eagle meaning by experimenting with these visualizations:
contemplate the power cased in the heart of the eagle.
Synchronize your own heart beat with that of the eagle's - visualize each pulse as a flash of lighting - an impulse of divine thought.
Picture the power of the gods clapping like thunder with each flap of their wings. With each crack of thunder consider barriers and blockages in your life being shattered.
Then see the great 7 foot wingspan of the eagle growing even longer in your vision in order to swipe away the rubble - making all trace of limitation disappear.
Look into the eyes of the eagle, and see the dawning sun shine clarity upon the dawning of your own awareness. These eyes are like a light into your own contemplative vision - let them illuminate your from the inside out.
These kind of powerful connections can liberate on so many levels.
But, you don't have to take my word for it. Consider our ancestors perspectives on the eagle meaning for more inspiration.
Alchemy symbolic eagle meaning:
A representation of prime matter, the start of an alchemical operation. The eagle spreads its wings over the step into creation and fans the fire, encouraging growth of new matter.
Aztec and Mayan meaning of eagle:
The eagle carries the veil of night and dark over our existence and awareness. It's affiliated with the dawning sun, and is a magnificent celestial power, able to shine light into our world.
Celtic animal symbolism of eagle:
Associated with the symbolism of water, and the intuitive oracle water serves as. Perhaps because our Celtic kin observed their magnificent ability to see into waters with miraculous clarity. Like scrying. I like to think the Celts skimmed across the waters of their existence invoked the eagle for assistance in "diving in" for treasures of wisdom.
Christian eagle meaning:
Associated with the Christ himself. Because the eagle seems to easily ascend the skies, looking into the sun with unblinking focus, we relate symbolism of Christ's unblinking faith in the Way, the Truth, and the Light. We also see themes of renewal (baptism) as the eagle plunges the soul of man into the sea, and lifts them out renewed and cleansed.
Greek meaning:
Another reference as a solar animal, the eagle is symbolic of authority, rulership and virility. It's depicted with thunderbolts in each talon. In my mind, this seems like a phallic reference would bolster sexual energy as well as warrior status (energy, thrust, courage, bravery, fearlessness). I get a confirmation of this by Zeus's strong affiliation with the eagle in myth.
I could go on forever about the symbolic meaning of the eagle. It's an inspiring creature, so it's only natural that every human eye that has witnessed it would be enraptured by its regal presence.
The eagle imparts spectacular wisdom. Take purposeful, meditative time to connect with the eagle, and discover what kind of glorious insight it can share with you.
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The eagle personifies the divine power. It can rise high in the sky, higher than any other living being, and because of this comes close to the Great Spirit. Rising to such heights, it can observe life in its entirety. The eagle teaches the importance of recognizing the whole pattern of life with its bright and dark sides. This means we should regard both positive and negative events as experiences that can serve a higher purpose and help to develop the self. The power of the eagle, therefore, requires trust in divine leadership and only by examining his strength of soul can a person acquire the power of the eagle. Eagles' feathers have been used by shamans since ancient times to heal the aura of the sick. The message of the eagle is: Defeat your fears and see beyond your horizon, become one with the element of air and fly!
Creation, mental-spiritual-emotional swiftness, healing, dignity, strength, courage, wisdom, healing and insights, awareness of surrounding, aids in seeing hidden spiritual truths and higher balances, illumination of spirit, stronger and quicker in actions, responsibility, shows how to connect with intuition and higher spiritual truths. Are you willing to soar to new heights at this time? Are you ready to be involved with your creation and manifestations? Eagle teaches that you can achieve balance and intuit the winds of change while remaining connected and grounded.
To dream that you are immortal, represents longevity, continuity, or fearlessness. You feel that you are better than others. Alternatively, it signifies reluctance in starting over or in taking a new direction. You are adverse to change.
Dreaming that you are immortal, represents longevity, continuity, or fearlessness. You feel that you are better than others. Alternatively, it means reluctance in starting over or in taking a new direction. You fear change.
One of the eight ‘common emblems’ of Chinese tradition. It symbolizes ‘genius in obscurity’ (5), doubtless after the rather less categorical observation of Lao-tse that, ‘Hence, the chosen one wears coarse garments, but in his
breast he hides a precious stone’—by allusion to the pearl hidden inside its
oyster. Because of all this, psychoanalysts have recognized that the function of
the pearl is to represent the mystic Centre and sublimation (seen here as the
transfiguration of an infirmity, or of some abnormality) (56). The Moslems often
have recourse to the pearl as a symbol of heaven, since their belief is that the
blessed are enclosed in a pearl, each one with his houri (46); there is an obvious
connexion here with Plato’s androgynous ‘spherical man’ who is both primordial
and final. They also believe—and this confirms the parallel with the Platonic
spherical man—that the pearl is the product of the ‘conjunction’ of fire and water.
It has also been identified as the human soul (18). Pearls in large numbers take on
a different character: despite their high value, they come to be mere beads: when
joined they correspond to the symbol of the necklace, and when scattered they
relate to the symbol of dismemberment, like all things that are dispersed.
To see pearls in your dream, symbolize the human soul, inner beauty, perfection, purity and chastity. Alternatively, it represents tears and sadness.
To see a string of pearls in your dream, represents conformity and sameness.
To see a black pearl in your dream, denotes bad luck. There is a flaw in your thinking.
Seeing pearls in your dream means wisdom in your new ventures or ideas. It also symbolizes the human soul.
In the more general sense, wings symbolize spirituality, imagination,
thought. The Greeks portrayed love and victory as winged figures, and some
deities, such as Athena, Artemis and Aphrodite were at first—though not later—
also depicted with wings. According to Plato, wings are a symbol of intelligence,
which is why some fabulous animals are winged, depicting the sublimation of
those symbolic qualities usually ascribed to each animal. Pelops’ horses, and
Pegasus, as well as Ceres’ snakes, have this attribute. Wings are also found on
certain objects such as heroes’ helmets, the caduceus and the thunderbolt in the
cult of Jupiter (8). It follows that the form and nature of the wings express the
spiritual qualities of the symbol. Thus, the wings of night-animals express a
perverted imagination, and Icarus’ wax wings stand for functional insufficiency
(15). In Christian symbolism it is said that wings are simply the light of the sun
of justice, which always illuminates the mind of the righteous. Since wings also
signify mobility, this meaning combines with that of enlightenment to express the
possibility of ‘progress in enlightenment’ or spiritual evolution (46). In alchemy,
wings are always associated with the higher, active, male principle; animals with out wings are related to the passive female principle (33). It should also be
recalled that, since the foot is regarded as a symbol of the soul (15), the wings on
the heels of some deities, especially Mercury, stand for the power of spiritual
elevation comparable in essence with cosmic evolution. Jules Duhem, in his
thesis on the history of flight, remarks that, in Tibet, ‘Buddhist saints travel
through the air wearing a special kind of shoes known as “light feet” ‘(3).
To dream that you have wings, foretells that you will experience grave fears for the safety of some one gone on a long journey away from you.
To see the wings of fowls or birds, denotes that you will finally overcome adversity and rise to wealthy degrees and honor.
To dream that you have wings, suggest new found freedom. You are on the right track and are soaring to success without limitations. Alternatively, the dream means that you are trying to escape from a difficult situation.
To dream that you have the wings of an angel, indicate your sweet, angelic quality. Or you may be in need of some protection from life's stresses and problems.
To see the wings of birds in your dream, indicates your desire for a freer way of life.
Dreaming that you have wings indicates your sweet, angelic quality. You may be in need of some protection from life's stresses and problems. Or you may be trying to escape from a difficult situation. Seeing the wings of birds indicates that you have overcome your struggle to attain wealth and honor.
Wings are associated with flying, which in turn is associated with freedom and the heavenly domain. Dreaming about wings suggests that you may have a desire to be angelic, have a need for angelic protection, or want to transcend any current difficulties and problems. Consider the mood of your dream and what type of wings you were seeing. Superstition based dream interpretation books say that if you hear gentle flopping of wings you will hear good news. However, loud and powerful flapping of wings is said to be a warning against illegal or immoral activities, specifically those in which money is involved.
Wings are associated with flying, which in turn is associated with freedom and the heavenly domain. Dreaming about wings suggests that you may have a desire to be angelic, have a need for angelic protection, or want to transcend any current difficulties and problems. Consider the mood of your dream and what type of wings you were seeing. Superstition based dream interpretation books say that if you hear gentle flopping of wings you will hear good news. However, loud and powerful flapping of wings is said to be a warning against illegal or immoral activities, specifically those in which money is involved.
This page on the meaning of wings was born out of a class I taught last summer about extracting meaning from dreams.
Some of my students described dreams in which they sprouted their own wings and flew. Others recounted dreams they had of lions with wings. One dreamer even saw a pig with wings (yes, Marcus, pigs really do fly!).
Although the symbolic meaning of wings in dreams is certainly a relevant point to explore, it's not the only bone of contention in our reach for deeper digging.
Consider, mythology gives us oodles of winged beasts in the form of hybrids:
Meaning of Wings on Horses:
Known as pterippi (pteros in Greek means "winged" and hippos means horse). Pegasus is a pterippus, and a magnificent one at that. The symbolic meaning of the horse is pretty intense with themes of power and mobility. The horse alone also carries archetypal themes of unifying grounded stability (four feet on the ground) with higher ideals (from speed and mobility). This theme really comes to life when we add wings to the horse. The pterippus, or winged horse, is a symbol of aspiring to the greatest heights of accomplishment. These beasts embody the concept of harnessing magic in the material plane. That's right, altering the physical matter via nonphysical methods. These kinds of feats are accomplished by swallowing whole the reality of our physical presence and balancing that with our (mostly) nonphysical nature/essence.
That's heavy. To help grasp those implications, Pegasus offers great analogy because of the dichotomy it offers. Grounded by the stability of its body, yet in flight by the ephemeral power of its wings. High and low (mind and body). Pegasus (white in color) stands for clarity of mind, and how clean mental focus combined with stable footing can transform our lives in magical ways. There's scads more about Pegasus to chat about, but this page is on the meaning of wings, not Pegasus. You can learn more about Peggy here on Wiki.
You can also learn more about the enchanting symbolism of the horse here.
Symbolic Meaning of Wings on Lions:
In alchemy, the lion is symbolic of gold - a spiritual quality that is lusciously luminescent and gloriously rich in value. Bling of the heart. Alchemical texts and artwork will depict a lion when a specific magical/spiritual goal is to be achieved.
Conversely, winged eagles in alchemical texts are symbolic of the beginning of a process. Alchemical eagles are symbolic of youth, initiation and the unbridled exuberance felt when launching in a new direction.
So, when we see winged lions (a mix of eagles and lions), it's a message of combination - a juxtaposition between beginnings and endings, fact and potential, the seeker and the accomplished.
Griffins are considered a version of winged lions. They're typically viewed as guardians of sacred places. They're most often seen at the entrances of tombs, protecting the ancient souls of the deceased. I love how this symbolism plays right into the hands of the alchemical lion and eagle. Griffins guarding transitioned souls are at once honoring what has passed and protecting what is yet to be (in the form of evolved spirit - from death to rebirth). Cool, no?
See symbolic meaning of lions here, and more about lions on my blog here.
See symbolic meaning of eagle here.
And, I've written more about Griffins from a Celtic perspective here (last animal sign on page).
Meaning of Wings on Serpents and Dragons:
I'm completely biased about this topic. I love snakes, and most things typically classified as "creepy" or "crawly." So when I encounter party-pooper perspectives of (evil, death, sin, and other nonsense) I throw it right out the window and venture back to a more reasonable perspectives on these magnificent creatures.
For example, I suspect one of the many origins of the winged serpent comes from ancient Egyptian observations of the cobra. The hooded cobra, specifically. When the hood is spread open, it looks a lot like wings. And just like the meaning of wings on the horse and lion, on serpents (cobras) we're also dealing with a theme of duality. The Uraeus (Egyptian cobra associated with the sun god Ra and often seen on headdresses of kings and gods) is symbolic of sovereign rule and the power to take and give life. Life and death is about as polar opposite as it gets.
The winged snake evolved into dragons over time and through nomadic legends into other countries. It shares a lot of the same symbolism of the snake. Power, life, rulership, dominion and a kind of magic that is to be respected (mostly because of its mysterious nature).
Winged serpents and dragons are a paradox. At once a slithery ilk, with bellies pressed lovingly against the soft, yielding Earth - yet with wings, they are creatures of the limitless skies. Like winged horses, this speaks to us of being grounded, while having unhindered imaginations. Feet on the ground, head in the clouds.
See more on symbolism of snakes here.
And, I've written more on symbolism of dragons here and here (dragon totems)
Of course, mythological creatures aren't the only source of wing meanings.
Winged Humans:
Angels, of course. They are divine liaisons. They are messengers with the ability to move freely from the realm of earth-bound matter to the unlimited heavens. They're depicted with human attributes, and so we reason they have human interest at heart. They are gifted with magic and flight, they are creatures of the divine. They live betwixt worlds (indeed, Greeks thought angels were responsible for moving constellations and planets). More duality.
You can learn more about the symbolic meaning of angels here on my blog.
Gargoyles are fabled to be humans who have succumbed to base behaviors (greed, lust and other unsavory aspects of human nature)....like an antithesis to angels, I suppose. But, their wings are symbolic of the ability to overcome these crippling facets of personality. Essentially, gargoyles are the spokespersons (err, or spokes-creatures) for human potential. We've all got wings and inherent ability to glide above and beyond primitive, substandard tendencies. Gargoyles remind us that our conditions cannot determine our divinity.
Symbolic Meaning of Wings in Dreams:
If you're dreaming of wings, it's a clear sign of a desire to rise above a challenge. Dreaming of wings on animals may be a message to overcome base or animalistic qualities. It may also indicate the inner self's desire to escape from undesirable (primitive) living conditions.
Dreaming of wings by themselves may indicate it's time to work on your inner landscape, a prompting to fly into the realms of spirituality. It may also indicate for a spring cleaning of the mind (sweep away rubbish thoughts) and gain clarity in thought about a certain situation that's been troubling.
Dreaming of wings on people (i.e., angels) is a distinct message from the divine. The presence of angels in dreams are a call to pay attention to your environment and glean more information from it. Messages abound, "wake up" and pay attention.