symbolic meanings~

 ~a certain day is rounding the corner and i am hoping for another tattoo~
i take a bit of time pondering and searching for images and words
that reflect what i want to portray
last night i finished drawing my image
and think i have settled on
what will be next...
a wee little hint if those are curious
"birds and flowers"
is what i leave for you
ponder away

so as i was stumbling in and out of websites i
came across this beautiful artist

http://www.kelticdesigns.com/

The Sacred World Bird carries our hopes and dreams from their earthly conception up into the freedom of infinite space and limitless possibliites. She stands on one trunk like foot, symbolising her sage like wisdom, and her affinity with the Tree of Life in whose branches she lives, eating the fruits of knowledge. The Tree of Life connects the deep rooted below, with branches reaching high into the heavens.

An Irish poem speaks of the drochet bethad, or "bridge of life," or the drochaid na flaitheanas, or "bridge of heaven," of Hebridean folk-lore.

The World Bird Bridges Heaven & Earth both physically with her wings of flight, and earthly webbed feet, but also spiritually, as within Celtic Mythology, Birds are the carriers of souls between this world, and the Otherworld.

~then i stumbled upon this website that shares a wealth of information~
reguarding animals and all a variety of spiritual meanings to go along

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/animals2.htm

Celtic Mythology

"Animals in Celtic and Welsh mythology are tied in with fertility and vitality, because they are living, moving, and growing. They also provide vitality and continued life for the tribes through their meat, skins, and bones. In addition, they are a connection to the realm of spirits and the gods. This connection is seen through their use in the hunt, search for secrets and wisdom."
 [ Animal Symbolism in Celtic Mythology, Lars Noodén, 22 November 1992

Following are various animals and their symbolic meaning in Celtic and Welsh mythology:

Birds- The transition from life to death

Boars & Sows- The boar is a symbol of masculine power. Because of this, the meat of the boar was served at Otherworld feasts. The sow is associated with some Crone/Mother Goddesses, such as Cerridwen, and with Otherworldly feasts. The pig is the archetypal symbol of plenty, healing, and shapeshifting.

Bull- The bull was a symbol of virility, sovereignty, and wealth. The famous Irish legend, The Cattle Raid of Cooley, surrounds the taking of a famous bull. In Ancient Ireland, a highly ritualized "feast of the bull" called a tabhfheis, always preceded the crowning of a new High King.

Cats- The Celts did not revere cats, though there are many references to them in Celtic mythology. They served the same guardian function as demons/angels in the Judeo-Christian myths. Three mythic references to cats which are prominent are; one, a cat which helps to guard the gates of the Otherworld; two, one who is able to shapeshift into a ball of fire; and three, one called Irusan of Knowth who stole humans like the faery. Cat-like monsters were also believed to dwell in dark caves.

Cranes- Numerous Celtic myths tell us of a heroic figure or deity who was changed into a crane such as Aife, the Lady of the Lake, or Munanna. Archetypally this bird means an apparent, rather than substantive, change A sign of, or punishment for, deception.

Deer- The doe was associated with most woodland Goddesses, such as Saba and Flidais, and is their totem animal. The stag was often seen as the incarnate form of woodland Gods such as Cernunnos. White stags were considered to be from the Otherworld and, in myth, their appearance always heralded some profound change in the lives of those in the story.

Dogs- Many Celtic myths involve dogs or dog familiars, which belonged to heroic figures or deities, and wars were often fought for and over them such as the one between Fionn MacCumhal and King Arthur. Dogs are also the archetypal symbols of shapeshifters.

Dragons- The dragon is a creature of fire and related to the Power of the Land. Another word for Ley Lines is Dragon Lines. Another name for raising power is to invoke the "Eye of the Dragon". The whole Earth was viewed by the Druids as the body of the Dragon. Menhirs and stone Circles were located at great Power nodes. The Celts also called Dragons 'Fire Drakes'.

Eagle- Eagles were the feared scavengers of Europe and were usually linked to death Gods, such as Beli, in the same way as the crow was linked to death Goddesses. In Welsh mythology, Llew was turned into an eagle at the moment of his murder.

Horses- Horses were linked to the night, the moon, mystery, and magick. Nightmares, a name which is derived from that of the female horse, were thought by the Celts to be brought by a visiting horse Goddess such as Epona or Mare. In most Celtic myths the horses are black or white.

Ousel (Ouzel)- This water bird (See image at left) is known for its tenacious and deceptive personality. While it looks harmless enough, it is revered for its ability to staunchly defend itself and its flock. In myth, the Ousel of Cilgwri once picked a smith's hammer down to the size of a small nut.

Raven or Crow- The Crow is deeply linked to Crone Goddesses such as Badb, and to Goddess of war or death like the Morrigan. The Raven is similar to the crow in that it is deeply associated with death deities. The raven has been the Otherworldly body for both Gods and Goddesses. Like the crow, it flew over Celtic battlefields as the deity incarnate.

Salmon- The Salmon is considered a source of Knowledge. The myths of Nudons and Fionn are among the many dealing with this fish. It is said to have acquired its great knowledge from eating the Nine Hazels of Wisdom that fell from the Tree of Knowledge.

Serpent- Represents the cyclic nature of life due to the annual shedding of its skin. It is a phallic symbol, a symbol of the Triple Goddess, and of the earth mysteries. It is important to the Druids, and is found on much old Celtic jewelry.