I am walking towards a magnificent cathedral of pillars; they are luminescent and shine like abalone shells. It is a massive city in the cliff side, I look around and I am definitely on another planet and it seems to have been abandoned. I wander around looking at the plant life... its minimal and the earth has dried up some, but there seems to be water trickling over everything... It’s a very desert like oasis. I continue on towards the shining cathedral but not sure where to enter... I can’t seem to find the door. I am with at least 4 other people that are here exploring with me.
We come around the side of the cathedral where there is a white platform with a small white pillar in the middle. We all walk up and stand around the pillar in a circular formation. I walk towards the pillar and look inside... I can see a strange indigo liquid coagulating... moving on its own inside the pillar. I reach down inside and suddenly my skin begins to pulsate and I stumble backwards as everyone around gets closer to the pillar and they also touch it. I fall to the ground where my vision gets blurry... Now I am outside myself... floating above my body I am still alive but I’m now watching from a different perspective... something is happening and everyone is changing.
I am simultaneously inside and outside my body during this transformation. My skin begins to shimmer opal colours and I can see scales forming.... now I shatter into a million pieces and inside a gigantic snake emerges from my destroyed body. I am the snake... I am shining like quartz crystal and opal... I am so beautiful!
Beyond me I can see a friend experiencing a similar transformation as he becomes a iridescent buffalo... absolutely massive!!! a giant rainbow buffalo.
The solitary pillar is related to the world-axis, as are the post, the mast
and the tree. The Egyptian hieroglyphic sign zed is interpreted both as a pillar and
as the spinal column (there is no symbolic contradiction here) (39). Frobenius
says that Africans interpret pillars as caryatids shorn of their human likeness,
that is, as indirect images of man (21). When there are two pillars, the symbolism
corresponds to that of the cabbalistic columns of Jachin and Boaz.
To see a pillar in your dream, represents your strength, stability, and a firm stance, especially in the face of adversity. Alternatively, the dream indicates that you have the full support of those around you. You are being honored and recognized. As with most elongate objects, a pillar may also have phallic connotations.
Seeing a snake or be bitten by one in your dream means hidden fears and worries that are threatening you. Your dream may be alerting you to something in your waking life that you are not aware of or that has not yet surfaced. The snake may also be seen as phallic and thus symbolize dangerous and forbidden sexuality. The snake may also refer to a person around you who is callous, ruthless, and can't be trusted. As a positive symbol, snakes represent transformation, knowledge and wisdom. It is indicative of self-renewal and positive changes.
In some cultures snakes are highly regarded and symbolise the ability to transcend into higher levels of consciousness or into areas of knowledge that exist outside perceived time and space. In the pre-Christian days, snakes were considered symbols of fertility, healing, and nurturing (the healing serpent representing a god). Post Eden, snakes are often considered symbols of temptation and evil, anger, and envy. Snakes emerging out of the ground may represent your unconscious or repressed materials coming to your conscious mind. Most snake dreams seem to be disturbing and they leave the dreamer feeling anxious and afraid. There are no simple interpretations to the snake dreams. Sometimes snakes may be phallic symbols and other times they represent negativity in our lives that hampers our progress and constantly threatens us. In the long run the snake may be a positive symbol; it may represent difficulties that lead us to the centre of personality and result in feelings of completeness.
Snake symbolic meaning, overwhelmingly and in various cultures, deals with primordial life force and usually turns our attention to gender supremacy (both male and female).
Consequently, snakes span the symbolic bridge between lunar and solar associations as well as aspects between water and fire.
Coiled within this polarity, we clearly see symbolism of duality and the search for balance. Other snake symbolic meaning includes:
Cycles
Rebirth
Patience
Fertility
Eternity
Balance
Cunning
Intuition
Awareness
Healing
Intellect
Protection
Solemnity
Rejuvenation
Transformation
Occult (hidden) Knowledge
Male/Female, Yin-Yang, Duality
As a Native American Indian symbol (depending on the nation/tribe) the snake can be a masculine symbol, associated with the phallus of lightning which is considered a medicine staff of tremendous assertive power. Other tribes lean in the direction of feminine attribution for the snake and pair it with mothering (creation), and lunar (moon) symbolism.
Whether raising itself in masculine authority, or encircling the Earth in a motherly fashion – the snake symbol of the Native American’s was highly regarded; utilized in ritual to invoke an element of pointed focus and weighty influence.
The ancient Celts were extremely nature-wise too, and approached snake symbolism from the behavior and life cycle of this magnificent creature. From the Celtic perspective, the snake was a symbol of secret knowledge, cunning and transformation.
Further, the snake Celtic symbol comes from observations of the European viper (also known as the adder) which is the only (along with the common grass snake) species able to tolerate the colder climate of the ancient Celts.
In the keen Celtic mind, snake symbolic meaning of transformation came from the shedding of its skin. Physical evidence of leaving its form behind (casting off the old self), and emerging a sleeker, newer version made the snake a powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal.
As far as the occult (hidden) symbolic meaning in Celtic and other cultures, this can be connected to the sleuth-like ways of the snake.
Disappearing in colder months and summoned by the sun marks the snake’s connection to the shadow worlds with its successful ability to live within the dark realms for extended periods of time. Alternatively, the snake softly moves into the embrace of the sun, and so it encapsulates the ancient magician's creed of moving in perfect rhythm of natural forces.
In Eastern Indian myth the Sanskrit word for snake is naga and these are associated with the element of water. Picking up water’s symbolism of emotion, love and motion, nagas in this light are considered a feminine aspect and embody nurturing, benevolent, wise qualities.
To wit, the practice of nagayuna in Eastern Indian alchemy seeks to achieve loving harmony between the physical and ethereal. Simply put, all of us striving to better ourselves by calmly easing into places of personal balance within the cosmic balance of the whole are practicing this ancient technique.
Snake tattoo symbolism varies according to the bearer of the mark. For example, I have a back piece depicting two serpents (nagas) wrapped around the seven prime chakras down the length of my spine. This (to me) incorporates the kundalini power available to all humans.
Additionally, this entwined snake imagery hearkens to the caduceus, in which the staves of Asclepius are made of two polar (and copulating) serpents which symbolizes balance, equanimity, union and regeneration.
Double snakes are common in almost all cultural symbolic languages. Ultimately the double snake is an icon representing:
Connection between primal forces
Integration of opposites
Advanced communication
Joining together on a divine level
Making whole what was once fragmented and doing so in a magical, organic way.
Snake Double HelixCarrying this dual snake imagery a step further, we could look to the language of science. Observe the formation of DNA and how it forms a perfect, serpentine double helix (shown left). This prompts us to consider how the energetic mind is connected to the grander whole, and how it so effortlessly makes graceful connections between the basic building blocks of data with the manifestations of the natural world.
There is no doubt, the snake is a unifying force embodying infinite messages to those who are energetically available to perceive them. Alchemists understood this, and thus incorporated the philosophy of snakes in their grimoires, practices, and even their daily life.
Indeed, alchemy literature is rife with the image of the uroboros which is symbolic of conceptualizing totality – embracing the whole of consciousness and devouring it with unquenchable passion.
As an animal totem, the snake surfaces into our awareness with all the power of the symbolic attributes listed on this page (and more). Those who are drawn to the snake (and vice versa) are gifted at perceiving life through an uncommon lens. Other characteristics of those who are connected to snake energy include:
A natural ability to balance energies (you’re likely a gifted healer)
Diplomatic and eloquent in areas of speech and writing
Dynamically intuitive (often knowing other’s thoughts and emotional states without trying)
Impulsive, but not without careful consideration – this may sound paradoxical, but those with the snake totem know what I mean here.
I invite you to step into the calming energy of the snake, and see what this noble creature offers you in the form of messages, growth, and enlightenment.
Further, it should be understood this page is but a miniscule sampling of the diverse snake symbolic meaning s available to us. Therefore, I encourage you to slither into your own personal ruminations, research and meditation of the snake.
You will find your investment to be infinitely rewarding.
By shedding its skin, the snake symbolizes change in the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. It counts among its strengths the power of creation, of se xuality, of the soul, as well as of transformation and immortality. Snake-people are higher cast, because as part of their experiences they have had to come into contact with poison (physical or mental) and have been able to transform the poison in their bodies into something harmless. The snake belongs to the element of fire, which causes desire and passion in the physical realm and, in the spiritual realm, creates a connection with the Great Spirit and leads to all-encompassing wisdom. Whenever the snake appears in your dreams, it is a sign of change as you come ever closer to perfection.
This animal gives you the ability to let go of things that are worn out and no longer useful - just like the snake sheds it skin when it is no longer needed.
Rebirth, wisdom, fluidity, wholeness, transmutations, sexuality, look for transitions, changes and new opportunities. Creative forces are awakening with heightened intuition. Snake can teach about shedding what is not needed; perceptions, attitudes, ideals. Snake shows how to access vitality, ambitions and dreams along with intellect and personal power. What things are surfacing that you need to strike out and take advantage of? Perhaps a time to rest and reflect? Listen to your intuition and visions at this time. Contemplate the colors, striking ability and activity of the snake type to further understand what snake is saying.
To see a buffalo in your dream, symbolizes survival, strength, and power. The dream may also warn that you are deviating from your life path and goals. Alternatively, the dream represents your heritage and your roots. In particular, if you see a white buffalo in your dream, then it means that your desires or wishes will be fulfilled.
To see an injured or killed buffalo, forewarns that you need to carefully think through any new ventures and projects that you are undertaking.
To see a herd of buffalo in your dream, signifies tranquility and plentitude.
If a woman dreams that she kills a lot of buffaloes, she will undertake a stupendous enterprise, but by enforcing will power and leaving off material pleasures, she will win commendation from men, and may receive long wished for favors. Buffalo, seen in a dream, augurs obstinate and powerful but stupid enemies. They will boldly declare against you but by diplomacy you will escape much misfortune.
Dreaming of a buffalo, symbolizes survival. The dream may warn that you are go off your life path. Dreaming of an injured or killed buffalo, forewarns that you must not accept any new ventures. Dreaming of a herd of buffalo means tranquility and plentitude.
To be clear, this page on Symbolic Buffalo Meaning actually details symbolism of the Bison. In order to reach a wider audience with this information, I've identified the page as "Buffalo" but technically the information I've been prompted to share is related to the bison. Click here to learn the difference between Buffalo and Bison.
That settled, this mammoth creature is one of the most Titanic of mammals, weighing up to or over a ton.
I've had the chilling honor of seeing a Buffalo face-to-face in the depths of winter and I was awestruck by its girth. Further, I remember being completely transfixed by its presence. Steam swirling from flared nostrils, a dark horned beast emerging from a white realm of crystalline snow. Remarkable.
This sight instantly transported me into Native American realms, and it become clear why the American Bison was such a revered symbol, particularly with tribes of the Central North American plains.
Some keywords pertaining to symbolic Buffalo meaning include:
Provision
Gratitude
Abundance
Consistency
Strength
Stability
Blessing
Prosperity
When I saw that dark massive Bison emerging from a thick veil of mist, I thought my heart would stop. I was so enamored with the image. That Bison was gargantuan, I was quite sure it could block the sun if it had inclination to do so.
I talked to a Lakota friend of mine, and she confirmed the symbolic Buffalo meaning I cited in the list above. She also told me the Buffalo was a true reminder of the greater whole. She explained the Buffalo is like a hologram - one example of abundance - it's behemoth features are a physical manifestation of the store-holds available in the energetic realms.
She also told me the White Buffalo is the considered incredibly holy. When the White Buffalo comes into our awareness (dreams, vision or even while hiking) it is a huge sign of promise, and great prosperity is soon to come after sighting this regal creature.
In Native American Indian legend the Buffalo is associated with smoke/tobacco/the pipe, which firms up its status as a sacred animal. As the legend goes, the White Buffalo Calf Woman appeared to the Lakota long ago. She imparted her wisdom of agriculture - but more importantly, WBCW proffered a specialized understanding of the ways of the Universe to her people.
White Buffalo Calf Woman illustrated, in magical ways, that all things are interconnected. She reminded the Lakota of the gravity of being human, and how our presence impacts and influences everything else. With this kind of power, comes great responsibility, and she gave the people the Sacred Pipe, that, upon smoking, revealed the truth of her words.
I didn't need a sacred pipe to remind me of WBCWs timeless wisdom when I saw that Bison framed against the silvery tendrils of its steamed breath. It was very clear to me, in that moment, majesty truly exists. I know my reverence for the bison has been categorized within the Great Spirit, and I know my devout respect for this creature contributes to a grand symphony of honor that still continues to play out today.
That's what the symbolic Buffalo meaning says to me. It reminds me I am always provisioned and my attitude towards abundance influences the rest of this planet.
These are the questions asked of me when that Bison and I met on that cold morning:
Are you grateful?
Do you respect what has been given?
Are you ignoring the abundance around you?
Do you squander the bounty?
Do hunt down resources rather that trust your coffers are always stocked?
Are you missing the opportunity to recognize true blessings?
Take time to research and learn about symbolic Buffalo meaning with an aim to satisfy your own personal inquisitiveness about this magnificent creature. I promise, your positive investment in learning about the Bison ways will influence your environment in tremendous ways.
The buffalo is the most sacred animal in Native American traditions. It represents the Great Spirit manifested. Having this as your power animal indicates the importance of sharing and caring for all.
Abundance, incorporates our own efforts to embrace and hold life, burdens and rewards are carried, keep self well grounded, follow the easiest path, don't use force in areas of life, flow with it. Teaches creativity, courage, sacred knowledge, sharing with a sense of community, survival strategies, teaches how to challenge with forthrightness and grace. A time to honor your path and ask for assistance from Spirit. Buffalo teaches abundance and strength of character along with harmony and expression of gratitude and honor for all creatures. Do you have gratitude? Strength? Surviving with courage?
To see a rainbow in your dream, represents hope, success and good fortune in the form of money, prestige, or fame. The rainbow is also seen as a bridge between your earthly, grounded self and the higher, spiritual self. It refers to joy and happiness in your relationship. Alternatively, the rainbow is a symbol for gay pride in the western culture.
To see an all white rainbow in your dream, signifies heightened spirituality and purity.
To see a rainbow in a dream, is prognostic of unusual happenings. Affairs will assume a more promising countenance, and crops will give promise of a plentiful yield.
For lovers to see the rainbow, is an omen of much happiness from their union.
To see the rainbow hanging low over green trees, signifies unconditional success in any undertaking.
Seeing a rainbow in your dream means much hope, success and good fortune in the form of money, prestige, or fame. The rainbow is a bridge between your earthly, grounded self and the higher, spiritual self. For lovers to see a rainbow, symbolizes overwhelming happiness from their union.
Rainbows are colourful bridges that fall across the sky, but we can not walk across them. Currently you may experience great joy and have extraordinary or even magical ideas, but remember that you can not walk across the rainbow bridge, so stay well-grounded. Usually a rainbow follows a rainstorm. If so, you have weathered a difficult time that is coming to closure, this dream symbol may represent your optimism. Generally, rainbows make people smile and feel happy. Thus, some may consider this dream a sign of your good luck.
To dream of a wast cathedral with its domes rising into space, denotes that you will be possessed with an envious nature and unhappy longings for the unattainable, both mental and physical; but if you enter you will be elevated in life, having for your companions the learned and wise.
To see quartz in your dream, represents rigidity. You have an unyielding personality. Alternatively, quartz symbolizes the union of masculine and feminine energies. It may signal wholeness.
Seeing quartz in your dream, suggests rigidity and an unyielding personality. Alternatively, quartz can symbolize the union of masculine and feminine energies. Some situation is finally becoming clear.
To dream of seeing only the side of any object, denotes that some person is going to treat your honest proposals with indifference.
To dream that your side pains you, there will be vexations in your affairs that will gall your endurance.
To dream that you have a fleshy, healthy side, you will be successful in courtship and business.
Skin is associated with the ideas of birth and rebirth. In the Egyptian
system of hieroglyphs there is a determinative sign comprising three skins knotted together, signifying ‘to be born’; it comes into the composition of words such
as ‘to engender’, ‘to bring up’, ‘child’, ‘to form’. The amulet which the Egyptians used to present to the newly-born comprised, like the hieroglyph, three animal
pelts which were attached to a solar globe. The number of the skins here refers to
the essentially threefold nature of the human being—the body, the soul and the
spirit—while the globe denotes his incorporation into the All. The symbolism of
skin is borne out by the rite known as ‘the passage through the skin’ which
pharaohs and priests used to carry out in order to rejuvenate themselves; this rite
was later replaced by a simulacrum, and then latterly it became just a panther’s
tail which kings wore knotted round their waist. This notion that an individual
may assume the characteristics of an animal, with its totemic implications, also
comes into skin-symbolism (19). There is a basic analogy here with the sacrificial
rite once practised by the priests of pre-Columbian Mexico in which human
victims were clad in skins; similarly with the wearing of skins by the bearers of
the signum in Roman legions.
To dream of your skin, represents protection or shield of your inner self. It serves as a physical boundary and how close you let others get to you. Alternatively, your skin indicates that you are being too superficial or shallow.
To dream that your skin is covered with rashes or other skin deformities, signifies your fear of facing a harsh reality. You are afraid of making a wrong impression. The dream may also be a pun that you are making a rash decision. If you dream that your skin has been burned, then it implies that you are unwilling let down your guard. Your line of defense has been compromised. This dream may also be a metaphor that you are "getting burned" or humiliated by someone or some situation.
To dream that your skin is orange, signifies self-love. You are content with who you are.
To dream that your skin is different color, suggests that you are not being true to yourself. Look up the specific color for additional meaning. If your skin is darker than your true skin, then it may mean that you are trying to hide or blend into the background. If it is lighter than your true skin, then it symbolizes fear. Alternatively, it may be a sign of sickness. Perhaps a call to the doctor is in order.
Dreaming of your skin, represents protection or shield of your inner self. It serves as a physical boundary and how close you let others get to you. Alternatively, it may indicate that you are being to superficial or shallow. Dreaming that your skin is covered with rashes or other skin deformity means your fear in facing a harsh reality. This may also be a pun to indicate that you are making a rash decision.
To dream that you are undergoing a transformation, indicates a need for change or a deviation from your normal routine. Expect some major changes ahead. Alternatively, a transfusion refers to your expanded awareness and a deep-level personality development.
Dreaming that you are undergoing a transformation indicates a need for change or a deviation from your usual routine. It also suggests your expanded awareness and a deep-level personality development.
To see an opal in your dream, refers to your libido and sexual desire. You need to be more passionate in your love life. Alternatively, some believe opals are unlucky and signal tears and heartaches.
Seeing an opal in your dream, refers to your libido and sexual desire. The dream indicates that you need to be more passionate in your love life