The Peacock: It should come as no surprise that this unusual majestic bird with its long colorful feathers has strong associations to goddesses. The Egyptians paired it to the goddess Isis, the Greeks to Hera, and the Romans to Juno. In China and Japan, this regal bird with its beauty and dignity was considered sacred. In India, the peacock was a symbol of good luck and was permitted to wander freely on the grounds of Indian temples and royal gardens. Dignity and self-confidence are considered magical attributes of this lovely creature. Some say that the “eye” on the peacock feather allows one to see into the past, present and future.

The Crane: Cranes have long been held sacred in many ancient cultures. The bird was said to be a messenger of the gods and an intermediary between earth and the heavens. The Chinese regarded the crane as a symbol of long life, immortality, good fortune and happiness. For the ancient Greeks, the crane was a symbol of Apollo and an emblem of spring and light returning to the earth. The magical powers of the crane include intelligence, discipline, magic, higher learning, and mysteries and truths, especially in terms of spiritual wisdom.

The Lizard: Reptiles are not among the more popular species of the animal kingdom. That said, the species of lizards are said to be a fortuitous symbol. For the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians, lizards symbolized wisdom and good fortune, while the Romans believed they brought good luck and happiness, and as a result, were welcome visitors in the home. These cold-blooded beings love to bask in the sun and can stay extremely still for long periods. As a result of this ability to remain still and feign sleep, they are said to help us in confronting our fears and in understanding our dreams.

The Dragon: Mythical animals are also important and the dragon is a rich example. This magical being, known in both the East and West and in the Ancient and Modern worlds, carries strong symbolism. Long ago, the dragon was considered to be sacred and benevolent. These creatures were believed to inhabit caves or lakes and springs and were very emblematic of the four elements, fire, water, air and earth. In the West, heroes such as Apollo, Hercules, Jason and Siegfried fought dragons. The Oriental dragon may seem terrifying, but symbolizes wisdom, hidden secrets and prosperity. In the spiritual sense, the dragon represents the supernatural and magic, and the spiritual powers of change and transformation.