What shall i begin our lesson plan with this time?
hmmm..well i like animals and i know most do so let's start with the creatures that inhabit the world. Relax, it'll be intresting enough.
I'll start with a personal favorite, the wolf.
The wolf is a powerful mythological and spiritual symbol in many cultures around the world, due to it's widespread distribution across North America, Europe and Asia. Modern dogs are descendants of Asian wolves and the relationships between man and wolves goes back at least forty thousand years. Wolves were predatory competitors with early man and wolves symbolized ferocity, cunning, stealth, cruelty and even evil - but because of their close-knit pack behaviour wolves also represented loyalty, courage, fidelity and victory. The tendency of wolves to hunt at dusk and dawn and to communicate by howling at night in many cases caused wolves to be associated with the spirit or shadow world, shape-shifters and malevolent or evil spirits. They symbolized fear of the night, darkness, and even demonic possession. At the same tine men could not help but admire the skill and success of the wolf pack.
In Celtic myth, the sun is devoured by a wolf. In the Norse myths, the giant wolf Fenrir is central to the apocalyptic end of Asgard, the home of the Viking Gods, a symbol of chaos who swallows the sun at the end of the world. Chinese tradition also portrays the wolf as rapacious and a symbol of lechery. There are several myths of wolves in India, including one that Ghengis Khan was descended from one.in Norse legend the wolf is sacred to Odin, and to the God Apollo in Greece. The Romans venerated the wolf, because of the legend of the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, being suckled by a she-wolf after being abandoned. The Roman God of War, Mars held the wolf sacred and to spot one before a battle was an omen of victory.In North America the wolf is often seen as a teacher figure, a shape-shifter who mentored Shamans and a dancer symbol. Among the Shoshone, the wolf was a creator figure.In early Christianity, Christ symbolization as the Good Shepherd, who protects his flock, the Faithful, from predation, made the Wolf a potent symbol of Satan.
Next, of coure, will be the lion.
The Lion is an ancient symbol, one that has been incorporated into the religion and mythology of numerous cultures and civilizations since recorded time around the Middle East, India, throughout Africa and bordering the Mediterranean. Lions once roamed the southern reaches of Europe. The influence of the power of the Lion's symbolism can be seen in it's representation in both Chinese and Japanese art and mythology, both cultures beyond it's range.The Lion was often used as a symbol of Royalty, as in many cultures it was considered the "King of the Beasts". The Lion or Leo, is one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac and represents the Sun.In African cultures the Lion was a powerful symbol in many Creation Myths, as both Creator and Destructor, and in some cultures the Lion figured prominently in rites of passages to becoming a man and full-fledged warrior. To kill a lion single-handedly was the height of prowess for a hunter. But in many African fables the Lion is often depicted as a vain, arrogant creature who is often out-witted by smaller more clever creatures.The Lion symbolizes divine and solar power, royal authority, victory, fortitude, pride, nobility, cunning, strength (in Greek mythology, Hercules is renowned for having the strength of ten lions and wore a Lion cape and headdress), courage, justice and protection, fairness and just laws, and images of the Lion have long been used to protect sacred ground. A Lion tattoo may represent some aspects of these qualities to it's wearer and the Lion is seen as a powerful Guardian figure and protector.
The Lion is an ancient symbol, one that has been incorporated into the religion and mythology of numerous cultures and civilizations since recorded time around the Middle East, India, throughout Africa and bordering the Mediterranean. Lions once roamed the southern reaches of Europe. The influence of the power of the Lion's symbolism can be seen in it's representation in both Chinese and Japanese art and mythology, both cultures beyond it's range.The Lion was often used as a symbol of Royalty, as in many cultures it was considered the "King of the Beasts". The Lion or Leo, is one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac and represents the Sun.In African cultures the Lion was a powerful symbol in many Creation Myths, as both Creator and Destructor, and in some cultures the Lion figured prominently in rites of passages to becoming a man and full-fledged warrior. To kill a lion single-handedly was the height of prowess for a hunter. But in many African fables the Lion is often depicted as a vain, arrogant creature who is often out-witted by smaller more clever creatures.The Lion symbolizes divine and solar power, royal authority, victory, fortitude, pride, nobility, cunning, strength (in Greek mythology, Hercules is renowned for having the strength of ten lions and wore a Lion cape and headdress), courage, justice and protection, fairness and just laws, and images of the Lion have long been used to protect sacred ground. A Lion tattoo may represent some aspects of these qualities to it's wearer and the Lion is seen as a powerful Guardian figure and protector.
The Crow
A grouping of crows is described as a ‘murder’ of crows. When it comes to this species of bird's reputation, it seems the crow can’t catch a break. Perhaps it’s because in the West (or at least, the recent West), the Crow has long been considered a bad omen. Even within cultures where the crow is seen as the keeper of sacred laws, it is still symbolic of the ‘dark side’ - by which is meant ‘that which is unknown’. The idea of ‘crow as bad omen’ originates in Europe, possibly because it eats carrion, or because it has been observed neglecting its young. The Bible hasn’t helped, either, with its tale of Noah dispatching the crow in advance of the dove to search for dry land, and of the crow failing to deliver the good news by failing to return. The Dove went on to become a universal symbol of peace, and with an olive branch in its beak, the dove is a symbol of man's covenant with God. Greek myth speaks of Athena punishing the crow for delivering bad news, forbidding it from ever again visiting the Acropolis, and turning it from a white bird to black.Taking a crow tattoo implies that you aspire to a mystical nature, or at least an expanded consciousness. But, most important – you haven’t lost your sense of humour.
Horse
Gods and Horses have kept fast company from the beginning of history – if not before. Beautiful, elegant, loyal and intelligent, the Horse in ancient Greece was given not only wings but immortality. These divine beings were believed to be the offspring of the Four Winds, which would take on the forms of horses carrying Zeus in his chariot. A whole stable of divine steeds was available to gods and goddesses throughout the ancient Greek realm. Of all the divine Horses, Pegasus is the most famous. That winged steed was thought to carry the thunderbolts of Zeus across the sky.The Horse has universally been revered for its beauty and strength. More than any other mortal creature it has been perceived as a beloved and trusted friend in difficult times. The unique qualities of its heart and mind became recognized as the best characteristics with which to wage both war and peace alike.In the past, only the aristocracy of many cultures were permitted to ride a Horse, and women were expected to ride side-saddle to protect their modesty. Today, the Horse belongs to everybody, whether to ride or admire or lay a bet on. Stories abound of the Horse’s protectiveness, patience, and endurance during times when its owner faced hardship. It remains the symbol of the free spirit and intuitive intelligence.
anymore you want to know go to http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo_symbol_design_index_animals.htm
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