Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Peacock Symbolism

The peacock is a symbol of immortality because the ancients believed that the peacock had flesh that did not decay after death. As such, early Christian paintings and mosaics use peacock imagery, and peacock feathers can be used during the Easter season as church decorations. This symbol of immortality is also directly linked to Christ.

The peacock naturally replaces his feathers annually; as such, the peacock is also a symbol of renewal.

Early belief held that the Gates of Paradise are guarded by a pair of peacocks.

The peacock has the ability to eat poisonous snakes without harm.

Both Origen and Augustine refer to peacocks as a symbol of the resurrection.

Pythagoras wrote that the soul of Homer moved into a peacock—a hyperbole to establish the respect and longevity of the Greek poet’s words.

The Greeks dedicated the peacock to Juno, the goddess of sky and stars, in recognition of the golden circles and blue background of the peacock’s tail.

Other images and beliefs:
“By the Peacock” was a sacred oath, because the peacock was thought to have the power of resurrection, like the Phoenix.

A necklace of Amethyst, peacock feathers, and swallow feathers were a talisman to protect its wearer from witches and sorcerers.

Christians thought, in early times, that the peacock's blood could dispel evil spirits.

The peacock often appears among the animals in the stable in Christ's nativity.

Two peacocks drinking from a chalice symbolizes rebirth and angels are often depicted with four wings of peacock feathers.

In Egyptian, Greek, and Roman mythology, the peacock feathers were considered much like the evil eye. They were all seeing.

In the western world, the peacock was referred to as a slayer of serpents. The shimmering colors of his tail feathers were explained by his supposed ability to transform snake venom into solar iridescence.

Alchemist thought the fan of the peacock (cauda pavonis) is associated with certain texts and images that are useful in turning base metals into gold.

53 comments:

Unknown said...

So thats why I've always thought of the Love of my life is a bit of a Peacock and also why theres a chalice in Vatican Square holding a Pine Cone representing a Pineal Gland with two Peacocks and a Egyptian coffin at its base, the Pineal Gland being a natural Star Gate un'all,
Cheers.(link below)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISMgQtkRvEs

Unknown said...

The Peacock, of course, goes much farther back in history. The feathers of the bird represent the nature of the visions involved in Togel. Many vehicles speak of this practice, of transforming the physical body into it's potentiality (the 5 elements - air, fire, water, earth and space). Toltec/Huichol, Dzog Chen and even the early Gnostics all used the peacock feather as a symbol to illustrate this inner light in their practice.
After the Gnostics came the Knights Templar who used the peacock abundantly in their structural work.
It was during this time that alchemy blossomed and this was not due to an influx of curiosity. After the Church literally erased the Templars, probably for their Gnostic practices and elevation of Mary, the only way to write openly of Gnosticism was to use alchemy as a code. The alchemic process as we know it today, thanks to the Templars, is a wealth of Gnostic methodology. Hence the "Cauda Pavonis" or "tail of the peacock" as it was called is indeed a practice and not an alchemical process.
Bon (Tibet) and Tibetan Buddhism, both share the practice of Dzog Chen the peacock feather here also represents the nature of our potentiality; pure elemental light. Many times when the Dalai Lama appears in public for the purpose of teaching, there will be peacock feather, a clear crystal and a small round mirror present. These are used to initiate as well as symbols for the nature of the mind, our potentiality (as beings of light) and the primordial state. You could certainly say that the tail feathers of the peacock are a universal symbol of a specific state of awareness and a manifestation we all can experience in our daily lives.

ARTE said...

I very much liked what you said about the Peacock..from a Jungian and archetypal background too.

I was searching for more information because I had a beautiful dream:

A peacock came to me, in my kitchen, and flew up into a shelf ..just to sit their, watching me and safe-guarding me...

Unknown said...

Incredible dream and one of pure light. Very auspicious indeed.

Unknown said...

I have had peacock feathers in my home for quite some time now, I love their beauty and the colours when different light catches them. Recently a friend visited and was horrified to see that I had the feathers in my home saying that they were very unlucky and brought illness and maybe even death! Does anyone know if this is true? I have always looked at them as a symbol of re-birth, peace, serenity etc., and know that many religions regard the peacock highly. I am struggling spiritually at the moment and wonder if I am paying heed to her superstitions because of it.

ARTE said...

Bev, from a psychological viewpoint, (Jungian School) :
many cultures are having different views..for some it IS a very sacred symbol, for others it is not. The question here is: what is it for YOU! how do you! feel about it...in Jungian Psychology we tend to think about the peacock as sacred, as a symbol of the SELF ..Jung coined that word to avoid father or mother projections towards the word GOD..but thise are just words..for me it is a very holy symbol, just ask your soul , your innermost faith and trust..trust your dreams..best Angelika

Unknown said...

I own peacocks that roam freely on my ranch and everytime I behold their miraculous beauty I feel the presence of God and am amazed by his beautiful creations

Unknown said...

i had a tarot card reading and every card had something to do with rebirth or resurections or new beginnings and iv always loved the peacocks feathers so i booked in a tattoo of a peacock the other day and it wasnt till today that i have learnt that the peacock represents rebirth or resurections or new beginnings.... pretty cool i thought

Marla Frees said...

I would love to refrence your blog about Peacocks....if you give me permission of course...It is a subject that I have become closely itentified with...loet me know your thoughts....
thank you
Marla Frees

MorgansDead said...

Is there any relavence to whether the tail is open or closed?

ARTE said...

Pit, from a JUNGian viewpoint, I would say yes. The Peacock as an archetypal symbol ..when it spreads his feathers, OPENS up, I would see that as an invitation, if this would be a dream..best, Angelika

Unknown said...

I have had a collection of Peacocks since I was 18...at one point in my life, I was inclined to stop collecting peacocks, but they kept showing up...So, I decided to stay w/my peacocks. Moreover, I've been searching for a logo for my business;which is why I've googled peacock symbolism...which confirms the vision I've had to use Peacocks for my business logo. I to have heard that peacock were bad luck...But as I ARTE pointed out...I <3 PEACOCKS <3

Lynn Wilson, M.Ed. said...

I found the following symbol particularly meaningful, since it addresses the state of the world, not just personal issues....

http://www.bahaipeacechair.org/peacock.htm

Respectfully,

Lynn Wilson

souljah03 said...

When I was 4 years old, I told my parents I was a peacock in my last life. My parents took me pretty seriously.

Peacocks have had a presence in my whole life. Just for giggles, the only colours that suit my skin are the jewel tones on the peacock :-)

I have come to believe that these animals show themselves to us in our dreams and physical life for a reason.

For me, they represent protection.
How would evil be able to find you behind the shelter of a magnificent peacock?

Thank you for your wonderful write up.

Regards,

Sian

Anonymous said...

If you ever see peacocks when visiting castles or historic buildings and places,look around where they are.Dont stand and admire the birds as most people do,thats why they are there to take your eye of the secrect.

Regards

Harry.

Unknown said...

Last night I had a dream that a somewhat shy, small peacock came to me for protection and comfort. It was about the size of a cat, and was timid at first, but it wanted me to hold it. As I held it, I realized it was dying and wanted me to hold it as it passed. I held it for several hours. It's passing was slow but eventless- no drama. I just remember feeling incredibly honored that it chose me.

I looked up peacock in my "Animal Speak" book and read about the symbolism of rebirth and resurrection among other things. But what could it mean to have resurrection itself dying in my arms?

Anybody have any thoughts on the possible meaning? It felt quite profound...

Camille Moenkhaus said...

I, too, am a lover of this magnificent creature - i also really enjoyed reading what all of you had to say - thank you

Manisha said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Manisha said...

Hi iam a peacock lover too, and for my final year project i chose a white peacock as a subject without knowing anything about its symbolism but after reading about the symbolisms i got t know that the white peacock is a perfect symbol and very lucky too... its our national bird as well so im glad i took it as a subject and i sure it brings all the luck it symbolises...and yes keeping peacock feathers in house are good as per hinduism and i have them in my house too.

Emerson55 said...

I am not a blogger but, recently I had a visit from a peacock. We live in South Georgia a little bit in the country. On my birthday this peacock showed up. Which I thought was the strangest happening. I really try not to read into things too far but, the more I read into it the more inclined I felt to blog about it. The peacock just sorta lingered around my porch and I did not bother him for a day or so. During the brief but magnificent visit from the peacock my son and husband were not home. The peacock became very interested in me or what was inside my house. He spent the night on my porch and was there when I woke up in the morning. That day I had to pick up my husband and I have not been graced by the presence of the peacock since my husband has been home.
Although, I am not a blogger I feel compelled to share with everyone this rare, special moment.

Unknown said...

I have been always fascinated by peacock feathers since i was a child. They are always wid me as my wallpapers, paintings and colors in my dress. I just decided to get a peacock tattoo and i thought there must be some reason behind why whole of my life i loved it. I really am not sure what it symbolises for me.

katurahdesigns said...

I use peacocks in my art and in my handbag designs. I love them! They have always brought me luck and joy. www.katurahdesigns.com I'd love to hear what you peacock lovers think.

Astropsicologia said...

Today I had the following dream;
I entered a big big house, from a rich man, together with many children and employees. The old lady at the entrance knew i was coming and I find my son in the bedroom with a peacock; but this bird is dying. And in the dream i know what everybody seems to ignore "Jupiter is dying". My brother appears and tells me I should leave this peacock and go on my way, and I shall find mny many brightm healthy and young peacocks.

Cathy Mckean said...

today while working at a clothing store I opened the back door to let in fresh air and after awhile I turned to see a group of peacocks walking in. I was mesmerized as were other people in the shopping centre. We think they came from a neighbouring farm but it really captivated me and I feel they had some sort of message for me since this is a very unusual event!

LisaS said...

I dreamt -
saw a peacock on the ground( this place was a mix of my childhood home and the front yard of the house I live in now), remember how vivid the green was. Then it unfurls it's tail and starts dancing. As it dances I see a peahen come our from the bushes. Then the peacock just shakes itself and a whole lot of pretty feather land near me. I grab all of them stating(in the dream) I would love to make a fan out of them. does anybody know what it could all mean..the feeling was that of Awe and appreciation for the beauty of the bird in the dream. the second sequel to the dream was stranger but I would primarily like to know what the peacock sequel meant...any feedback would be appreciated. THANKS!!

B said...

I am going through a really stressful time at the moment with my marriage breaking down. It has been for a long time but only in the last few months have I realised that I am losing the fight to save it.

Yesterday I came home from work to find a peacock and his peahen sitting in my driveway. Immediately, I knew they had arrived/been sent as a sign. So I googled to find out the meaning of their visit and I found this:

"..... an association with resurrection. For us it can help in shedding the old and drab feathers of the past and to claim our the true beauty of our individual natures. As such, it helps to enhance confidence and self-esteem."

I have been struggling with my confidence and self-esteem for a long time and only recently have I started feeling like I am getting my "mojo" back. My husband has noticed this too but his mind is made up, he says it is too little too late (nice huh?).

So I am grateful to the peacock and his peahen for visiting me and letting me know that I am entering a phase of resurrection. I also have a favourite quote from the movie Eat. Pray. Love which goes:

"Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the path to transformation."

The Iron Butterfly said...

Last night I had a dream that 2 pure white peacocks desecended from the sky behind a metal fence.

It was an older peacock and a much smaller younger one. I know the plumes are only for the males but in my heart I knew that one was the mother.

I watched in awe behind the fence as they pruned eachother and came closer to me. My 6yr old stepdaughter was with me and I showed them to her also.

Any thoughts??

I have read up on the symbolisim but have seen nothing on white peacocks.

momoftwinadoes said...

I wanted to share our peacock story. My mother & I found this site about an hour before my grandmother passed away.

When she started to get very ill and not eat, 2 peacocks- male & female appeared at my parents' house in Ohio. My mother thought it odd, but enjoyed their beauty. That night my mom told me that the peacocks were still there. I thought to Google their meaning and came across this page.

I firmly believe that God was present in those last days with us. He sent those peacocks to reaffirm our faith and let us know that our beloved grandmother would wait for us in Heaven. I will never view peacocks the same again! god works in mysterious ways.

Mookie, Dear said...

Yeah, sooo... Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. This means that ANYONE can eat a snake and be perfectly fine afterwards...

Sarasra said...

A pair of peacocks magically turned up at my property. The past two years I have had to live here with my estranged husband and no communication. That afternoon I sold the property. The peacocks are still here and I have found a place to move to just up the road in this most beautiful environment that I live in. The female is on a nest somewhere so the male sits with me when I am outside. Something else amazing has happened to me through my study of tibetan meditation since they showed up

BekaBoo said...

I have always been really interseted in peacocks. For as long as i can remember i loved them. I recently decided i wanted to get a tattoo of a peacock feather, without knowing what it symbolised. And i cam to find out it means rebirth and can give you knew self-esteem and confidence. And i needed that, im fighting an addiction to self-harm and i feel like this can remind me every day and let me become a new person, a stron person.

Ashley Miller said...

Thank you for your post. I am going to give you credit for the work, but use it in my post at bellametrics.blogspot.com

Ask TPJ said...

This is why I love the internet. LOL and peacock's too!

snooker said...

I recently purchased a pendant at an antique store of a peacock holding 2 scrolls. I've done some basic searches on the internet looking for the significance of the scrolls. Combining the information I learned about the meaning of peacocks and Christianity...it could be interpreted as 'holding the word of God' (2 tablets of the 10 Commandments); it could be the Dead Sea Scroll; or just the knowledge of everlasting life. Does anyone have insight or information on the significance of the peacock holding 2 scrolls?

ram said...

peacock in hinduism is associated with karthik (god of war) and it symbolizes destruction of the ego

Unknown said...

So i was on my daughters class trip in the Bronx Zoo where the peacocks walk around freely..they make these sounds that sound like they're yelling No lol..very loud...anyway the visitors were following this one peacock.walked away to avoid them as much as possible however he got tired of them & turned around & opened his feather wide.leaned them forward as though he were bigger than them all & he chases them across the lawn.he walked with pride.

Mina said...

Peacock is the symbol for Alexander The Great! one wise man once said: " Those who will hear the sound of peacock will find Alexandar The Grait".

Unknown said...

Excellent post I am doing some research for a logo design. I never knew any of this stuff about Peacocks Very interesting stuff!! Thanks for sharing!

Karla Rapalje said...

It is July 3rd, 2013. I own a farm in NC, and upon driving down my road to my property , off a main road, I came upon a beautiful peacock in full bloom. I was fearful of it getting hit by some car flying down the road, but it went on across without mishap. I figured it was some farmer's pet but I have never seen it before. Guess what? This same peacock showed up sitting in my garage today! Just sitting there. My wife and I were amazed and happy for it's presence because of the beauty and it's wonderful , arrogant strut. I wanted to feed it something, so we gave it some fish food and bird feed. He joyfully attacked the food but didn't eat all of it , at all. But, I was more amazed that the bird was not the least bit fearful of us. It came right up to our feet and actually looked liked it was looking me right in the eye. It has been strutting around the back yard ever since.
I googled the symbolism of peacocks and ended up on this site. I am being convinced that God sent this peacock as a sign of resurrection to myself, as I have been dealing with business partner aggravation, and much prayer has gone up for that situation. God can work in mysterious ways and I have no doubt He speaks to everyone who will stop and listen.
Jimrap / Benson, NC

Unknown said...

i had a very interesting dream with images of things that had happen that day before, but in the mist of this dream a White Peacock with a diamond on it's forehead and rolls of Diamonds going across and down it chest in rolls. the White Peacock stared at me .It pose was strong and beautiful, then i woke up. I knew that most of the dream was from the day before not the same but similar to the day before but this white Peacock was not it was odd and strange, i never knew that peacocks was White as well in till i researched it on the internet, can some one please tell me what this means.

Maya Idriss said...

Reply to Anthony: White peacock has spiritual depth, linked also to psychic abilities. Diamonds too encapsulate shining precious light. Suggestion: Try to have a dream journal. Observe the progress of your psychic potentiality.
(Thank you Gregory for your post)

Mary said...

On a trip the sacred womb cave of Cuzco Peru, in a ceremony in the cave Two Egyptian priestesses appeared to me, one on my left holding a staff, one in front of me to my right crouched down fanning my abdomen with a peacock feathered fan. Afterwards for the remainder of the trip I kept having images of people or information I would then encounter in real life later. I've been wondering about the feather symbology and now I understand thanks to everyone here and to the site's host. If anyone has anything further to comment about my experience I would welcome it. Thanks everyone!! ....and the Internet is sooo FAB, we must preserve its freedom!!

Trisha said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Trisha said...

@ snooker: In Ezekiel 37:15-20, it speaks of two sticks, the stick of Judah, and the stick of Joseph, which shall be joined together and become as one stick. Your post reminded me of one of my beliefs as a Mormon, that the stick of Judah is the Holy Bible and the stick of Joseph is the Book of Mormon, and that together they stand, testifying that Jesus is the way to everlasting life, and that it is through Jesus we can receive peace from our pain and sorrow, as stated in Isaiah 53. It is my belief that because of His sacrifice, everyone receives peace as they commune with the God they worship, Whether it be Eloheim, or Jehovah, or Allah, etc. God loves all of his children equally, just as we love our loved ones, whether they call us mother, or father, or sister, or uncle, etc. Just thought I'd share my lense with you.

QuitaB215 said...

I fount this very enlightening. Thank you.

QuitaB215 said...

Please share what you believe the feather fanning represented in your dream, now that you've read this blog... please and thank you.

Unknown said...

'peacocks blood could dispel evil spirits'. does this mean that Christians would sacrifice peacocks in some cases to dispel the evil sprits which they may have thought lingered among them?

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Unknown said...

Peacock could symbolize angel

Unknown said...

Simply stated,.. The Peacock feather, from what I have read, and believe by metaphysical terms are the following:

1. By attraction, and having peacock feathers in your possession, it gives way to the distinction of your true integrity and your "true blue colors."

2. As it stated by Greek mythology and Christian doctrine, The peacock feather is a form of protection that wards of evil.

I personally can attest to the fact of this being true as I have had two incidences in my homes:

The first being where a landlord came aboard to manage the property where I was living. She was a nasty piece of work, who was attempting to take advantage of the tenants financially, to include me.

I put a peacock feather inside the entry way of my home. She was GONE in a week!

Presently, where I am living, there is bad (angry and obnoxious energy). I have put three peacock feathers surrounding a lovely rose inside my door wreath.
The "Obnoxious energy" quietly disappeared upon moving out without so much as a peep or a bump! No one disturbs me! My home is incredibly quiet.

A coincidence? The peacock feather is ALWAYS true to it's word and energy!

Haro said...

Taken from Wikipedia. The peacock angel sounds a lot like satwn.

"Melek Taus (Kurdish: Tawusê Melek), translated in English as Peacock Angel is the Yazidi name for one of the central figures of Yazidi religion. In Yazidi creation stories, God created the world and entrusted it to the care of a Heptad of seven Holy Beings, often known as Angels or heft sirr (the Seven Mysteries). Preeminent among them is Tawûsê Melek (frequently known as "Melek Taus" in English publications), the Peacock Angel.
Like many aspects of the secretive Yazidi religion, Tawûsê Melek is subject to varied and ambiguous interpretations. The Yazidi Book of Revelation (Ketēbā Jelwa), an early twentieth-century text written by non-Yazidis but based on Yazidi oral tradition,[2] is purported to contain the words of Tawûsê Melek; it states that he allocates responsibilities, blessings and misfortunes upon humanity as he sees fit and that it is not for the race of Adam to question his choices.[2]

Since the late 16th century,[3] Muslims have accused Yazidis of devil worship due to the similarity between the Quranic story of Shaitan and the account of Tawûsê Melek's refusal to bow to Adam. Whereas Muslims revile Shaitan for refusing to submit to God and bow to Adam, believing that his defiance caused him to fall from God's grace,[4] Yazidis revere Tawûsê Melek for his independence. Accusations of devil worship fueled centuries of violent persecution, which have led Yazidi communities to concentrate in remote mountainous regions of northwestern Iraq.[3] The Yazidi taboo against the Arabic word Shaitan (الشیطان) and on words containing the consonants š (sh) and t/ṭ have been used to suggest a connection between this Tawûsê Melek and Shaitan,[2] although no evidence exists to suggest Yazidis worship Tawûsê Melek as the same figure."

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Unknown said...



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