Nature Symbols
by Kathleen Karlsen, Author of Vocal Medicine
In many cultures, nature symbols are endowed with religious and philosophical meaning. For example, mountains are often symbols or strength, endurance and spirituality. Water symbolizes the source of life and the highest good. Rocks represent safety, protection, and refuge. Nature symbolism is highly developed in specific cultures such as Chinese landscape painting.
Table of Contents
Nature Symbols in Interior Design
Some cultures have also developed elaborate systems for creating optimal interior environments using nature symbols. The Egyptians painted murals of nature in hospitals, usually with blue ceilings to represent the sky and green floors to symbolize the earth. Another recognized system for optimal interiors is Vastu, the Hindu science of architecture and interior design. A popular system adopted in the West is known as feng shui.
Nature Symbols and Human Wellness
Nature symbols have powerful impacts on the human psyche and wellness. In fact, artwork featuring images of nature has been proven in scientific studies to foster stress recovery. Viewing nature elicits positive responses in blood pressure and muscle tension. A visual connection to nature lowers heart rates and assists in emotional and psychological wellness. In this way, nature symbols create comforting and peaceful interiors for homes and offices.
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Sun & Moon as Nature Symbols
The sun and moon are the most universal and prominent nature symbols in our world. Images of the sun and moon have graced interior environments since the time of the cave dwellers. The sun and moon have been personified extensively, creating a pantheon of sun and moon gods around the world. Each have their own mythology and unique creation stories.
Symbolism of the Sun
The symbol of the sun brings hope, cheerfulness and optimism. The sun is one of the first things children draw spontaneously. The sun is associated with positivity, clarity, confidence and power. The sun is generally related to masculine energy, growth and higher consciousness.
Meaning of the Sun in the Vedic Tradition
In the early Vedic period, the sun god Surya reigned supreme. In later Hindu periods, only certain sects worship Surya as a central deity. In many branches of Hinduism, Vishnu has largely taken over the role of Surya. In spite of this shift, there are many mantras are dedicated to Surya. Learn more and listen to mantras to the Hindu sun god Surya in the article Surya Mantras.
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Symbolism of the Moon
The symbol of the moon is associated with mystery and the hidden side of life. The moon is viewed as a force that establishes a rhythm due to its changing phases. There are numerous moon deities. The moon has sometimes been viewed as masculine though more often it has feminine associations. Moon goddesses may also represent a single phase of the moon.
Other Associations with the Moon
The moon is closely associated with human emotions and the water element. Dreams of the moon are typically related to intuition or that which is secret. This can be a positive association such as hidden talents. The moon can also represent anything which has a strong pull, reflected in the way that the moon affect ocean tides. Learn more about Astrology Mantras.
The Galaxy as the Ultimate Nature Symbol
The galaxy itself represents freedom, expansiveness and endless vistas. These are positive values that can be a daily source of inspiration. As a result, galaxy art and images dramatically shift naturalistic perspective into infinite possibilities.
Constellations and Astronomy
Stars, comets and constellations have been used as powerful nature symbols as far back in history as images have been created. Early civilizations marked time by the movement of the signs in the sky. The importance of this is evidenced by the many megalithic sites with large stone configurations aligned with astronomy all over the earth.
Symbolism of the Stars
We are endlessly fascinated by the stars. Common idioms indicate how much we value the lights of our night sky. A person who is successful in any endeavor is a “star” as well as celebrities of all kinds. In addition, stars have marked the birth of great leaders and the shifting of large epochs. The galaxy is the largest nature symbol imaginable, extending our mental, spiritual and psychological reach into the vastness of space.
Astrea, Goddess of the Stars
The Greek goddess Astrea (or Astraea) is the goddess of justice, innocence, purity and precision. Her name means the “star maiden” or “starry night.” According to legends, Astrea left the earth during the iron Age, ascending to heaven to become the constellation Virgo. One day Astrea will return to earth, bringing with her the Golden Age.
Symbolism of Forests and Trees
Forests have deep-rooted symbolic meaning in virtually every culture on earth. They are viewed as the abode of the nature spirits, especially pixies, trolls and wood elves. Furthermore, they have paradoxical significance: they are both a refuge from danger as well as a source of dangerous wild animals including bears, wolves and mountain lions.
Trees as Nature Symbols
Each tree, in turn, has its own symbolic meaning. For example, oak trees are symbols of strength and endurance. Cedar trees represent healing, cleansing and protection. Apple trees are symbolic of magic, youth, beauty and happiness. See the List of Symbolic Trees below.
Trees in Art and Culture
The deep-rooted symbolism of trees is apparent in common metaphors such as the Tree of Life and our ancestral heritage depicted in family trees. Nature scenes including trees and forests contain multiple mythic and symbolic qualities.
Types of Forests
The types of trees determine the type of forest. They fall into the following major categories: tropical, sub-tropical, Mediterranean, temperate, coniferous and montane. The many types are also designated by their distance from the equator and their altitude.
Economic Significance of Forests
About half of the wood around the world is used for heating homes and other buildings. Forests are so important to the economy around the world that they are usually managed by local or national governments to prevent illegal logging, accidental fires, or other destructive activities. Trees are generally harvested to create fuel and paper.
Preserving Forests
Forests cover about 30% of the earth’s surface. Many individuals are making an effort to use digital documents rather than paper to reduce the need for harvesting trees. The ecosystems of forests are composed of trees, plants, animals, soil, and various microorganisms.
Adaptability of Forests
Trees grow in all types of landscapes including both salt and fresh water areas. In fact, some are located on moving glaciers. Forests themselves are mysterious and constantly changing. As a result, they can provide a lifetime of fascinating study and outdoor adventure.
Learn about the spiritual power of trees in Aspen Tree Symbolism.
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List of Symbolic Trees
Specific trees have their own meanings. The following is a selection of symbolic trees. Additional information is given below for apple trees, aspens and oak trees.
Apple: magic, youth, beauty, happiness
Ash: sacrifice, sensitivity and higher awareness
Aspen: determination, overcoming fears and doubts
Beech: tolerance, past knowledge, softens over criticism
Birch: new beginnings, cleansing of past, vision quests
Cedar: healing, cleansing, protection
Cherry: death and rebirth, new awakenings
Cypress: understanding the role of sacrifice
Elder: birth and death, fairy realm
Elm: strength of will, intuition
Hazel: hidden wisdom, dousing, divination
Heather: healing from within, immortality, initiation
Holly: protection, overcoming of anger, spiritual warrior
Maple: balance, promise, practicality
Oak: strength and courage
Palm: peace and opportunity
Pine: creativity, life, longevity, immortality
Willow: magic, healing, inner vision, dreams
Explore our article on Apple Tree Symbolism!
Oak Trees as Nature Symbols
The oak is the mightiest of trees and symbolizes strength and courage. The oak tree was regarded by Socrates as an oracle tree. The Druids likewise ate acorns in preparation for prophesying. In addition, the Druids believed the leaves of the oak tree had the power to heal and renew strength.
Oak Trees and the Romans
The ancient Romans thought oak trees attracted lightening and connected the oak tree to the sky god, Jupiter and his wife, Juno, the goddess of marriage. Thus, the oak was symbolic of conjugal fidelity and fulfillment.
Plants as Nature Symbols
The development of lore around mystical plants has been a natural progression from the ongoing dependence on nature for food, shelter and medicine. From the earliest times, man has relied on the bounty of nature. The powerful forces of nature have been regarded as otherworldly and mysterious, capable of bestowing both tremendous benefit and unspeakable destruction.
Plants as Healers
In his quest to understand and conquer the awesome energies of nature, man has diligently sought to discover the secret powers of plants. And in times of pain and illness, man has instinctively turned to his botanical allies for comfort and healing.
Mystical Plants in Ancient Cultures
The mystical lore of plants crosses virtually every cultural boundary. For example, a 60,000 year old burial site excavated in Iraq included eight different medicinal plants. This evidence of the spiritual significance of plants is echoed around the globe.
Plants in Shamanism
Shamanistic medicine, alive and well in traditional and modern societies today, often incorporates the use of hallucinogenic plants which enable the herbal practitioner to reach unseen realms to obtain higher knowledge and guidance.
Symbolism of Mystical Plants
Many people have also believed that plants themselves possess souls or guardian spirits. As early as the 4th century BC, the Greek philosopher Aristotle attributed a “psyche,” a type of lesser-order soul, to plants. The role of fairies and elemental nature sprits caring for plants also exists in most cultures.
Mystical Plants in the East
In Hinduism, plants are often associated with specific deities. Shiva, the god of health, is sheltered by the bael tree. Learn more about Shiva. Likewise, in Buddhism the bo tree is revered as the primary feature of the site where Gautama Buddha attained his enlightenment. Other Buddhas are specifically dedicated to healing. Read about the Medicine Buddha.
Plants and the Divine Mother
Plants that play a central role in the lives of particular peoples often are given maternal or anthropomorphic identities. For some island dwellers, “Mother Coconut” yields food, oil, rope, clothing fibers and hard shells for a variety of uses. Similarly, the native peoples of the Andes in South America refer to the coca plant as Mama Coca.
Symbolism of Poisonous Plants
Plants have not only been a traditional source of nurturance and blessing, but have alternately been believed to possess evil spirits. Who could doubt that maleficent inhabitants ensouled deadly plants such as belladonna, a key component in witches’ brews and murderous poisons? However, the vast majority of plants have served to soothe, to comfort and to heal.
Symbolic Plants and Nature’s Pharmacy
From the ancient courts of the pharaohs to the aisles of our modern health food stores, the amazing world of herbs and their mythical lore have fascinated mankind. Stories and legends about the secret powers of herbs can be found all over the world, and detailed volumes outlining their specific uses have been treasured by both kings and peasants.
Ancient Plant Formulations
Herbs have been used throughout history for medicinal purposes, to produce cosmetics and to preserve and enhance the quality of food. In ancient times, healing formulas existed for almost every know disease. Specific conditions were treated with a variety of methods such as tinctures, teas, compresses or by inhaling the rejuvenating fragrances of essential oils. Even magic love potions could be obtained by those who desired amorous pleasures.
The Use of Culinary Herbs
Perhaps the most universal use of herbs, past and present, is additions to virtually every type of food. In accordance with Hippocrates’ admonition to “Let food be your medicine,” culinary herbs are used in every culture to prevent spoilage and to increase the digestibility and healing properties of foods.
Herbal Medicine Around the World
Modern science is beginning to rediscover and confirm the healing power of herbs. The story of herbs involves a journey to all of the continents of the world and includes the methods of herbal practitioners such as the ancient apothecaries of Celtic Britain, the medicine men of the American Indians, and the highly skilled herbalists of ancient China.
Herbal Remedies
Natural medicine and herbs are experiencing a global renaissance. For example, nearly 50% of the United States population currently uses alternative therapies of some type. Herbal medicine is foremost among these. Increasing numbers of medical doctors are recognizing the value of herbal medicine. In addition, some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies have introduced lines of herbal products.
Nature as Healer
This healing modality is here to stay. The amount of documented research is increasing every day, and pioneering physicians have introduced a variety of herbs to millions of people. Some of the world’s foremost experts in herbology are James A. Duke, Ph.D., Charles Schultz, M.D., and Gary Young, N.D. Their lectures and books have popularized today’s best-selling herbal products and explored in depth the science, power and magic of these herbs.
Powerful Herbal Remedies
From the rain forests of South America to the depths of the world’s oceans, scientists are discovering an increasing number of plants with medicinal properties. Yet we may be just scratching the surface. The vast cornucopia of powerful herbal remedies promoted through mass merchandizing and the glitzy advertising campaigns of the twenty first century bear testimony to man’s inherent belief that the primary source for health and rejuvenation has always been nature’s pharmacy.
Flowers as Nature Symbols
Flowers are among the most ancient objects used for decorative purposes. They are an endless source of inspiration for poetry, stories and myths. Symbolic flowers have been important as far back as we can trace the life of man.
Ancient Records of Flower Symbols
Paleobiologists have found flower fossils dating back 120 million years. In fact, archeologists have uncovered a grave site in a cave in Iraq that included flower remains. Neanderthals of the Pleistocene cave-dwelling epoch appear to have placed bunches of flowers on grave sites. This may indicate that symbolic flowers were part of major rites of passage in the earliest possible social structures.
Flowers and Christian Symbolism
During the Medieval and Early Renaissance Ages from the 13th to the 15th century, flower symbolism and plant symbolism developed as a way of teaching religious truths. For example, the ivy is an evergreen and symbolized eternal life. A peach symbolized truth and salvation and was used in place of the maligned apple of Adam and Eve.
Flower Symbols in Egypt and the East
Symbolic flowers go back millennia in cultures around the world. For example, rose wreaths have been unearthed in ancient Egyptian tombs. In addition, the symbolism of the lotus played an important role in the ancient Egyptian religion. In other cultures, Confucian and Buddhist religious documents contain references to roses.
Symbolic Language of Flowers
The use of flowers to represent emotions was developed to a high degree during Victorian times. Due to the strict protocol of that era, emotions were not openly expressed between men and women. Instead, an elaborate language based on flower symbolism was developed.
Explore our extensive articles and videos on Flower Meaning.
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The Ocean: Nature’s Symbol of Power
Oceans symbolize the source of life and abundance. Evolutionists believe that all of life originated in the sea. As Walt Whitman wrote in his work Leaves of Grass, the ocean is “the cradle endlessly rocking,” or the birthplace of all life.
Meaning of the Ocean
The ocean is constantly changing. This symbolizes limitless opportunities and possibilities. For this reason, a seascape painting can be advantageous in an office environment. The ocean also represents the emotional world. A seascape can keep us in touch with that part of ourselves as well as with a powerful element in our environment.
Ocean Symbolism in Art
Ocean paintings grace the walls of homes both near and far from the ocean. Ocean paintings are wonderful for those living far from the ocean to remind them of the peace and repetitive sounds and images that have brought tranquility to mankind forever. As for those right on the beach, seascapes are a way to bring the outdoors inside.
Read more in our article on the Symbolism of the Ocean.
Nature Spirits and Elemental Beings
Nature spirits exist in nearly every culture on earth. They take the form of both positive helpers and mischievous sprites of all kinds. There is debate about whether these nature spirits possess souls. Marriage to a mortal is believed to grant them a soul, but to shorten their physical lifespan. The four elemental beings correspond with the classical Western elements: fire, air, water and earth.
Working with Nature Spirits
Some believe that miracles can be worked through communion with nature spirits. The spirits can be wooed through song and chant, and can also be commanded by mankind since they are in a lower spiritual position on earth. Some adherents believe that even mountains can be ensouled by powerful nature spirits.
Communicating with Nature Spirits
Some individuals claim to possess special abilities to contact and interact with the beings of both the supernatural and the natural worlds. These individuals may have a role similar to traditional shamans. The messages which they receive and the interactions they have with other realms may become guides for others.
Explore nature spirits in-depth in our article on the 4 Elements of Nature.
Nature Symbols & the Science of Sound
The mastery of mantras can also connect you to your environment and the power of nature. There are many indigenous traditions of singing to the wind, the rain and the earth. You can begin to work with natural elements and the weather. Many indigenous traditions hold that all of life has some level of consciousness and sentience.
Author’s Story of the Pink Waterfall
I had a remarkable experience a few years ago chanting in nature. Most people do not realize that there are megaliths here in Montana. Megaliths are large stones structures of various types akin to the more famous Stonehenge in Britain. A number of these megaliths are located about a ninety minute drive from my home in Bozeman.
Touring the Montana Megaliths
My husband Andrew and I took a day-long tour of some of the megaliths with Julie Ryder, an avid researcher and expert on the topic. When our group had finished a fascinating day exploring the megaliths with Julie, I was standing near a unique structure called the Pink Vault.
The Pink Vault
The Pink Vault consists of two large pink granite boulders surrounded by a wall of black granite boulders. I found the structure to be particularly fascinating and attractive. Julie saw me from across a little valley and called over to me to sing a mantra.
Chanting a Mantra
I started a mantra to Lalita, a Hindu goddess. My husband knew the song and began chanting with me. After a few minutes we rejoined the group. Julie had filmed us chanting and thought she had turned off the camera.
An Accidental Video
The next morning she discovered that the camera had actually been on for a few minutes after we had been chanting near the Pink Vault. She had captured an image of a waterfall of pink light cascading down in that spot. The image above is a still from that original video.
Reaching Unseen Dimensions
For me, this experience was a sign that the chanting was having an energetic impact in unseen dimensions. I find the memory of that pink waterfall to be comforting on days when I may not feel that my chants are making a difference for me or in the world at large. Something certainly seemed to be happening!
Kathleen Karlsen is an author, musician, artist, and composer. She has written three books (The Color-Music Connection, Flower Symbols, and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Her YouTube channel features over 600 videos. Kathleen and her family live in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
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