In Chinese symbolism, dogs are also considered a harbinger of friendship. In Native American wisdom dogs convey symbolism of: Assistance, Fidelity, Community, Protection, Friendship and Communication. In fact, when horses were introduced to North America by the Spaniards, the term “sky dogs” was dubbed for horses because they were as helpful as their canine allies. Before horses, there were dogs and they were trained to help the tribe in agricultural efficiency as well as hunting. Native American Indian tribes have long depended upon the dog for their helpful guidance and assistance in everyday chores. Dogs have also been portrayed with Sucellus, the Celtic god of protection and provision (from an agricultural view). They are often associated with Nodens, a Celtic god of nutritive waters, hunting and healing ( water is often synonymous with healing in Celtic wisdom). An interesting paradox: Celtic dogs are also symbolic of healing. So here we see that same thread of defense, protection and action for the good of the clan. Dogs were even trained by the ancient Celts to assist in battle. This, in large part is due to a Celtic dog’s role in hunting. They embody heart-pounding attributes such as: Courage, Persistence, Virility. In Celtic symbolism, dogs are a representation of heroism. In this ancient light, we get distinct impressions of: Security, Guardianship, Protection. To be sure, safe passage from “life” to Afterlife will be seen to success under the governance of the dog/jackal-headed Anubis. Further, that dog connection represents the epitome of protection, guidance, loyalty and adherence to the flow of unseen spiritual energy. With the head of a jackal (of canine ilk), Anubis dons the super-powerful sensory perception of the dog. If you hear of dogs being symbols of death – this is the connection: Dogs are the guardians of ephemeral domains, and can even serve as spirit guides in non-physical journeys.Ĭonsider Anubis, the Egyptian god whose charge is to insure safe transitions from common reality (physical life on Earth) into the Afterlife experience. Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Celtic and beyond have all prescribed the dog as a sacred guardian of the Otherworlds – those realms outside our daily/mundane experience. ![]() The dog has long been considered a liaison between the physical and non-physical dimensions. The theme of communication becomes heightened when we peer into histories and discover dog meaning and symbolism is connected to the metaphysical realms. If you listen close, you can pick up on their language. Intonation, pitch, guttural inflection, repetitious patterns….they all contribute to the overall message a dog is conveying. I realize their speech is an opportunity to gain vital information on the status of my environment (and theirs). ![]() Now, every time I hear dogs baying in my awareness – I get quiet. Embracing her Iroquoian wisdom, I viewed (heard) dog-speak in a whole new light. Acting on her observations, she took the time to explain the intricacies and importance of “dog-speak.” She shared with me how canine language is complex and vital to how dogs communicate their well-being (or otherwise), their views and the status of their community. Naturally perceptive, she noticed my jangled state while we were passing a group of neighborhood canines. Thankfully, that nerve-crushing reaction subsided when I met with an Iroquois native. I’m an audio-attuned person, and certain sounds just send rancor through my nerve-ranks. Worse than scrapes down a chalkboard barking and yapping dogs would send me in a nervous tailspin. I’ll let you in on a little secret: Once upon a time, the sound of barking dogs put my nerves in a “tilt.”
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