THE DOLPHIN or PORPOISE:The Sumerians knew of the dolphin and said it was connected with Astarte and Ishtar. The ancient Egyptians thought of this creature as a symbol of Isis. According to classical writers, dolphins were harnessed to sea chariots and acted as carriers to sea deities. The ocean Nereides rode dolphins, and the Titaness Thetis sometimes journeyed on them naked. Dolphins were called the King of Fishes and the Arrow of the Sea. Their usual symbolic meaning was power and swiftness, but they were also considered to be the guides of souls into the Underworld. Dolphins were sculpted on the walls of Apollo's temple at Delphi. In his aspect of Apollo Delphinos, this god could take the form of this creature. The Greek word "Delphinos means both dolphin and womb, and is seen in the title Delphi, or World Center. When painted on funeral urns, the dolphin symbolized the passing of the soul from one world to another. The dolphin was an emblem of Minoan sea power, so powerful in the Mediterrainian at one time. These sea creatures even appear on Celtic coins and in their art, usually ridden by a male figure. For some reason, they were associated with well worship. Dolphins were known to the coastal Native Americans as very powerful and magickal creatures. Because these animals breathe air, but live in water, they were considered to be keepers of the sacred breath of life. SuperstitionsDolphins will rescue drowning swimmers by pushing them back to shore.(this has some truth to it).Dolphins or porpoises swimming along with a ship or playing in its vicinity are a prediction of good weather and good luck on the voyage. River dolphins cut up the bellies of crocodiles with their fins. Magickal AttributesThe sea, wisdom, eloquence, freedom, magick, change, discovery, truth, communication, trust, balance, harmony.Creating a rhythm in your life. Learn to release intense emotions through breathing. Water Element magick, especially for releasing negative or debilitating emotions. ChantLeaping, flashing through the water,Free as wind upon the sea, Beautiful dolphins, magick brothers, Give me balance, harmony. |