40 Symbols of Life

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What each life symbol means and where it comes from
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Nearly every culture has symbols of life, from the tree of life to the ankh and the ouroboros. Some, like the Buddhist mandala and the Celtic trinity knot, also represent spiritual and religious concepts of life. Keep reading to find out more about the origin and meaning of 40 life symbols found in nature, the animal kingdom, and the celestial realms.

Powerful Symbols of Life

  • Tree of Life : Symbolizes the life cycle and growth.
  • Ankh : Egyptian symbol of life, immortality, and rebirth.
  • Ouroboros : Points to life, death, and rebirth.
  • Trinity Knot : Associated with unity, the number 3, and the Holy Trinity.
  • Mandala : Represents the universe and enlightenment.
1

Tree of life

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  1. The tree of life connects the physical and spiritual world. It’s also known as the Tree of Knowledge or the World Tree and has appeared in Nordic, Celtic, Egyptian, Native American, Islamic, and Buddhist traditions. The tree of life appears as a tree with branches above and roots below that both grow outwards to form a circular shape around the tree itself. This symbol represents the link between the heavens above and the underworld below. [1]
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2

Ankh

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  1. The ankh is an ancient cross symbol of eternal life. Ankhs are considered the original form of all crosses and appear in ancient imagery alongside Egyptian royals, priests, and gods or goddesses. It can also refer to natural elements like water, air, and sun. Ankhs signify the coming together of opposites like life and death or male and female elements. [2]
    • An ankh is a cross with a rounded loop on the upper quarter section and is also called the key of life and death. [3]
3

Ouroboros

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  1. The ouroboros represents eternity and the endless return. It consists of a dragon or snake that forms a circular shape and appears to eat its own tail. The ouroboros first appeared in ancient Egypt in Tutenkhamun’s tomb in the 13th century BCE. The Greek word “ouroboros” means “one is all” and symbolizes eternity. [4]
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4

Mandala

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  1. A mandala is a Buddhist painting portraying the idealized universe. The mandala is a geometric figure that looks like a flower or a circle. It connects the idea of the universe as it transforms suffering into joy. Mandalas are often used as tools during meditation to visualize the ideal self; they signify the interconnectedness of all things. [5]
    • Mandalas are a symbol of a microcosm inside a macrocosm, which can be described as unity and harmony existing in both the biggest and smallest aspects of life.
5

Yin and Yang

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  1. The Chinese yin and yang are depicted in a circle broken into two parts—one is white with a black dot (yin) and the other is black with a white dot (yang). With the two smaller dots, each side contains some part of the opposite to illustrate that light and dark, male and female, and cold and hot are all interchangeable. [6]
    • The yin represents feminine energy, along with dark, cold, and wet elements; the yang represents male energy, as well as light, heat, and dry elements. [7]
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6

Water

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  1. Water is the ultimate natural symbol of life. It’s associated with contradictory forces like healing and suffering, protection and vulnerability, change and constancy, and stillness and rage. It often appears as a blue water symbol shaped into a wave. Water is a central element of many spiritual and religious rituals around the world.
    • For instance, Hindus swim in the Ganga river for purification, Muslims purify themselves with water before they practice daily prayers, and Christians draw upon water symbolism in the baptism sacrament. [8]
    • Like water, rain and rainstorms symbolize the fertility and abundance of life. Rain is necessary for crops to grow and for life to thrive. The Mayans worshiped the rain god Chaac to enjoy an abundant bounty. [9]
7

Lotus Flower

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  1. The lotus flower is a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Lotus flowers grow from the mud through the water into the sky, which reflects how the life force reaches through obstacles. They appear as a plant that grows through water so their blooming flower appears to sit on the water. In addition to life itself, the lotus flower represents strength, persistence, and purity. [10]
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8

Triskelion

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  1. The triskelion is a Celtic symbol of death, life, and rebirth. It’s made up of 3 spirals joined at the center to connote the interconnectedness of life. The triskelion is also linked to earth, water, and sky, and has been associated with the triple goddess maiden, mother, and crone forms. [11]
9

Spiral

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  1. The spiral represents the cycles of life. It also stands for the connection to the cosmos, balance and harmony, sacred geometry, and a spiritual journey within. Whether used by Greeks and Egyptians in the ancient world or by Native American tribes, spirals focus on interconnectedness. It consists of a singular line spiraling into the center to form a circular shape. Spirals are seen as a symbol of the cycle of time that is always moving and never-ending. [12]
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10

Celtic Cross

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  1. It has existed in Ireland since the 9th century and looks similar to a Christian cross that has a circle at its center point. The 4 arms of the Celtic cross are said to symbolize north, south, east, and west, or the 4 elements of earth, water, air, and fire. [13]
11

Fleur de Lis

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  1. The fleur-de-lis represents new life and the presence of God. It’s named after the French word for “lily” and is also called the bon secours symbol. The fleur-de-lis appears as 3 plant-like shoots emerging from a single stem. The fleur-de-lis is often depicted in Christian paintings of Jesus Christ and has also come to signify the holy trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. [14]
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12

The Skull

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  1. Skulls stand for life, transformation, and change. In Mexico, Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) celebrations use colorful painted skulls to celebrate and honor the lives of loved ones. Outside of the Day of the Dead, skulls appear in black and white as silhouettes or outlines of the skull itself. Even though they are associated with death, skulls are a reminder of the preciousness of life and how it exists in an everlasting cycle of life, death, and rebirth. [15]
13

The Infinity

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  1. The infinity sign suggests “forever" without boundaries. The symbol looks like a figure-8 on its side and is a reminder of the continuous cycle of life and death. It was introduced by mathematician John Wallis in the 17th century to describe concepts without time. The infinity symbol also signals the cycle of creation and destruction, along with the immortality of the soul.
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14

Eye of Horus

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  1. The eye of Horus stands for health and healing in life. It appears as an almond-shaped eye nestled among other human-bird characteristics, including a wing and a claw. The eye of Horus is also called the Wedjat eye and was commonly used as an amulet that protected from injury and illness. [16]
    • Wedjat eyes can depict either the left or right eye. The right eyes represented Re (or Ra), the sun god, while the left eyes stood for Horus, the falcon-headed god.
15

Triquetra

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  1. Also known as the trinity knot, it's one of many Irish symbols that also stand for the triple goddess, the 3 realms, and the Holy Trinity. Triquetra means “three-cornered” in Latin; it looks like 3 interconnected arcs or loops that appear to be without end. It dates back to the 4th century BCE but is most recognized for appearing in the Irish Book of Kells. [17]
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16

Phoenix

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  1. The phoenix symbolizes regeneration. It's represented by a bird-like creature rising from the ashes. When a phoenix takes flight, it signals birth, hope, renewal, progress, and eternity. Phoenixes have appeared everywhere from ancient Egypt and China to depictions of the Virgin Mary in European artwork. The phoenix promises renewal that brings happiness and good fortune. [18]
17

Om Symbol

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  1. The om symbol represents the original vibration of the universe. It also describes the first sound the universe ever made, according to Hindu philosophy. The om symbol appears as 3 curved lines, a dot, and a semicircle. Its design is a combination of the 3 Sanskrit letters: "a," "u," and "m," to form the sacred symbol. You can repeat "om" during meditation to help yourself reach a state of transcendence as you meditate. [19]
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18

Pentacle

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  1. The pentacle symbol relates to divinity and faith. It's also associated with the 5 elements of spirit, earth, air, water, and fire. The pentacle originated in ancient Mesopotamia and looks like a 5-pointed star consisting of 1 line that intersects at 5 different points. It's sometimes linked to dark forces because it's often used as a symbol in sorcery and witchcraft. [20]
    • Some believe that the pentacle differs from a pentagram, which is a star-shaped symbol surrounded by a circle. Both the pentagram and the pentacle can include a circle around a star, so the two symbols are often considered similar images.
19

Star of David

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  1. The Star of David symbolizes God’s rule over the universe. This rule encompasses 6 directions: north, south, east, west, up, down. It’s an iconic Jewish symbol that has origins in Eastern pagan traditions and Islamic culture. The Star of David appears as a hexagram, or 6-pointed star, that includes 2 interlocking triangles. It’s also known as the “shield of David,” and is associated with the opposites of good and evil, along with the spiritual and the physical worlds. [21]
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20

Hamsa

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  1. The hamsa is a hand-shaped symbol linked with protection and strength. Also called the hand of Fatima, it’s based in the Islamic and Jewish faiths, where it's associated with the number 5. The hamsa hand represents protection against the evil eye and other negative energies. The hamsa’s design looks like an open hand shape with 2 thumbs on either side, while the fingers point either up or down. [22]
21

Scarab

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  1. The scarab beetle is an Egyptian symbol of protection. It’s associated with the god Khepri, who ruled over creation and the rising sun. Scarabs are depicted as dung beetles, who roll dung across the ground in the same way Khepri rolls the sun across the sky. They were a sign of good fortune when worn as amulets by ancient Egyptians, who also placed scarab amulets in the tombs of the deceased for protection in the afterlife. [23]
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22

Butterfly

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  1. Butterflies symbolize immortality, joy, fertility, and transformation. They are also linked to rebirth and resurrection, which is illustrated by the transformation of the caterpillar into a pupa and a butterfly. In the modern world, butterflies are often considered to be spirit animals who can inspire personal transformation for those on a spiritual journey. [24]
23

Raven

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  1. Ravens are signs of spiritual awakening, transformation, and cleansing. They're sometimes associated with death but are also considered symbols of healing partly because they help clean up the environment by eating dead animals, which helps prevent the spread of disease. They’re also connected to the idea of shifting consciousness or being able to draw on your subconscious as needed. [25]
    • Professional writer Melessa Sargent notes that ravens are “connected to spiritual growth and new opportunities. You just need to be able to perceive what's around you” when you see or notice a raven nearby. Take it as a positive sign that a transformation or change is coming your way.
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24

Dove

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  1. The dove is a symbol of peace, love, and divine light. A dove is often depicted mid-flight with an olive branch (a symbol of peace) in its mouth. It’s become the Christian symbol for the Holy Spirit, along with serenity and calm. Doves embody the spiritual energy of the life force, with a focus on compassion and empathy. They can help remind you that hope, light, and healing are always possible in your life. [26]
25

Owl

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  1. They represent opposites, from good and evil to day and night. They can be a reminder to look within and find the wisdom you seek there. Owls are also seen as a spiritual messenger watching over those who need inspiration on their path. They're also linked to intuition, transformation, and creativity. In ancient Greece, owls represented Athena, the goddess of wisdom (named Minerva in Roman mythology). [27] v
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26

Lion

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  1. Lions are symbols of majesty, strength, and courage. They’re also associated with the heat of the sun because of their golden mane. Lions have appeared in sculpture and art, from ancient Rome through the Middle Ages as emblems of power and might. This meaning differs in Hinduism, where Lord Vishnu is a half lion-half man sent to earth to destroy evil and restore peace. [28] The Bible refers to Jesus as the Lion of Judah to represent his divine power and authority.
27

Swan

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  1. Swans represent the soul, along with transformation, love, and loyalty. Swans are unique creatures that can move on land, in water, and in the sky, which reflects their association with the transcendent. They were also considered shapeshifters who could transform into shamans and poets who could live in the human and animal worlds at once. [29]
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28

Spider

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  1. Spiders signify patience, creativity, and the power in creation itself. They’re also linked to ideas of balance, interconnectedness, and life cycles. Within mythology, spiders often represent feminine energy and are spirit animals that can inspire greater things to manifest in you. [30]
    • In the Native American tradition, spiders are associated with the goddess Neith, called the weaver of fate, and are teachers and protectors. They’re also a sign of good luck and prosperity in Chinese traditions.
29

Peacock

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  1. The peacock is a symbol of resurrection in Christianity. Because their new feathers seem to grow more beautifully than the old ones, they relate to themes of rebirth and new life. They appear as blue or indigo birds with intricate tails of green, blue, and gold feathers that fan out behind them. Peacocks often appear in medieval art as symbols of eternal life through faith in Christ. [31]
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30

Rose

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  1. It’s also connected to themes of spiritual awakening in Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. The Virgin Mary is often referred to as the “mystical rose” in Christianity, though the rose also dates back to pagan times when it was a sign of divine feminine energy. [32]
    • In Greek myth, Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, revives Adonis, only to have red roses pop up whenever his blood has touched the earth.
31

Fire

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  1. Fire is an elemental symbol that represents eternity. It’s also linked to wisdom, knowledge, and power. It’s been a source of light, heat, and energy for countless civilizations throughout history. Fire equals passion for anything you may want in life. It’s a constant reminder of the spiritual energy within you and every element in life itself. [33]
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32

Heart

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  1. The heart symbolizes love and affection and is an emblem of the soul. It’s linked to the Latin word “cor,” which means “core.” A heart is often depicted in Catholic imagery as the center of morality. The Sacred Heart of Jesus appears in paintings as a red heart with rays emerging from all sides that are surrounded by a crown of thorns, a cross, and fire as a sign of Jesus’ love for humanity. [34]
33

Sun

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  1. The sun symbolizes the divinity, strength, and vitality of the creator. The brilliance of the golden sun’s light beams works as a spiritual symbol that represents radiance. Ancient civilizations worshipped sun gods as symbols of life, from Apollo in Greek myth and Ra in Egypt to Surya in Hinduism. [35]
    • The sun also signals gold in alchemy, which is considered the most perfect of all metals.
    • The sunrise in particular is linked to new beginnings and hope in the spiritual teachings of the 3 major religions.
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34

Crescent Moon

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  1. The crescent moon is associated with fertility and the life cycle. In early civilizations, the crescent moon signified the changing seasons and cycles of life. Some 14th-century Christian artwork also depicts the Virgin Mary standing upon the crescent moon, and in other paintings portraying the assumption of Mary. [36] Crescent moons are also associated with femininity, intuition, and change.
35

Stars

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  1. The sun and planets (including Earth) are stars themselves, and even humans are made up of stardust. Stars like the sun and the moon can symbolize the divine power which makes life possible. [37]
    • A falling or shooting star was once considered a good luck sign from the gods, which is why you’re often told to “wish upon a star” so your dreams come true.
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36

Rainbow

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  1. Rainbows signal new beginnings and transformation. In Greco-Roman mythology, they are personified by Iris to provide a link between Earth and heaven. Rainbows are also considered a bridge between the worlds in Chinese tradition when embodied by a double-headed dragon. [38]
37

Circles

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  1. The circle is associated with wholeness, unity, and the divine. It is without beginning or end, so it comes to symbolize eternity and infinity, as illustrated by the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The symmetry and balance of a circle also signal divine perfection, along with protection, celestial bodies, and life’s natural rhythms. [39]
    • Circles can also be associated with pursuing personal growth to achieve natural harmony within yourself.
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38

Dragons

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  1. The dragon represents transformation and eternal wisdom. It’s a symbol of protection and power in Celtic traditions where they’re seen as guardians of the earth and all sacred things. They look like large, serpentine-type creatures with scales, wings, and horns; depending on the type of dragon, they may also breathe fire. Dragon energy covers 4 directions (north, south, east, and west) and the 4 elements of earth, fire, air, and water. [40]
    • Eastern dragons are more often seen as snake-like creatures who signify good fortune or power. In the West, dragons appear more lizard-like and are viewed as bringers of destruction, greed, or evil.
39

Angels

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  1. Angels are beings of light who act as divine messengers. They’re a symbol of the relationship between God and humanity and are present in religious traditions from Christianity and Islam to Hinduism. In art, angels are usually portrayed as beautiful human-like figures with long, white robes, a halo, and wings. They traditionally inhabit the heavens and are also linked to light, fire, and martial power. [41]
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40

Eggs

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  1. Egyptians considered eggs symbols for the world's creation, and also represent nature, fertility, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ during Easter. Romans once offered them during ancient burial rites as symbols of new life. They’re also associated with rebirth, which is apparent in the phrase, “Which came first—the chicken or the egg?” [42]
    • Painted eggs were given as gifts 5000 years ago in ancient China. In ancient Greece and Rome, people decorated their homes with colorful eggs to celebrate the new beginning of the spring equinox.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.uniguide.com/tree-of-life
      2. ↑ https://www.nps.gov/afbg/learn/historyculture/ankh.htm
      3. ↑ https://library.acropolis.org/the-symbolism-of-the-ankh/
      4. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20171204-the-ancient-symbol-that-spanned-millennia
      5. ↑ https://asiasociety.org/exploring-mandala
      6. ↑ https://yogamedicine.com/yin-yang-symbolic-meaning-connection-to-yoga/
      7. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3124912/
      8. ↑ https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/spiritual-meaning-of-water
      9. ↑ https://gearsinheaven.org/rain-rainbows-death-and-the-afterlif/
      1. ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/a45768436/lotus-flower-real-meaning/
      2. ↑ https://www.irelandbeforeyoudie.com/the-triskelion-triskele-meaning-and-history-of-this-celtic-symbol/
      3. ↑ https://spiralspiritual.com/
      4. ↑ https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/celtic-symbols-and-meanings/
      5. ↑ https://bonsecours.us/associates/about-us/history-of-the-fleur-de-lis-symbol/
      6. ↑ https://www.wanderarti.com/skulls-around-the-world/
      7. ↑ https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-modern-lives-of-ancient-symbols
      8. ↑ https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/the-triquetra-celtic-trinity-knot/
      9. ↑ https://worldbirds.com/phoenix-symbolism/
      10. ↑ https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-om
      11. ↑ https://mythologian.net/pentacle-symbol-meaning-history-origins-pentacle-vs-pentagram/#Pentacle_vs_Pentagram_A_Comparison_%E2%80%93_What_is_the_Difference
      12. ↑ https://aish.com/star-of-david-3/
      13. ↑ https://kashgar.com.au/blogs/ritual-objects/the-hamsa-khamsa
      14. ↑ https://www.naturalhistorycuriosities.com/insects/scarab-beetles-and-their-meaning-in-the-ancient-egyptian-history/
      15. ↑ https://www.uniguide.com/butterfly-meaning-symbolism-spirit-guide
      16. ↑ https://creationgirl.com/raven-animal-symbolism-and-fun-facts/
      17. ↑ https://www.aboutmybrain.com/cards/spirit-animals-oracle-deck/dove
      18. ↑ https://parade.com/living/owl-symbolism-meaning
      19. ↑ https://worldbirds.com/lion-symbolism/
      20. ↑ https://thedruidscauldron.net/2022/11/20/the-swan-symbols-of-love-and-oaths/
      21. ↑ https://www.centreofexcellence.com/the-spiritual-meaning-of-spiders/
      22. ↑ https://spiritualdirection.com/2017/04/24/why-are-peacocks-considered-symbols-of-the-resurrection
      23. ↑ https://dailydish.co.uk/sacred-roses-spiritual-meaning-of-the-rose/
      24. ↑ https://wc.edu/news/the-precious-flame-of-knowledge.php
      25. ↑ https://aleteia.org/2020/06/18/what-is-the-spiritual-meaning-of-the-heart
      26. ↑ https://dreamersia.com/blog/sun-symbolism/
      27. ↑ https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/c/crescent-moon-meaning.php
      28. ↑ https://cityastronomy.com/symbolism-of-stars/
      29. ↑ https://www.suziecheel.com/rainbows-symbol-of-hope-and-new-life/
      30. ↑ https://eyeofheaven.medium.com/the-spiritual-meanings-of-the-circle-and-sphere-an-introduction-59905bec471c
      31. ↑ https://www.thespiritualcentre.net/dragon.html
      32. ↑ https://library.acropolis.org/the-symbolism-of-the-angels/
      33. ↑ https://www.alimentarium.org/en/fact-sheet/eggs-symbol-life

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