Animal Symbolism
of the Deer

The animal symbolism of the deer carries attributes of:

• Love
• Grace
• Peace
• Beauty
• Fertility
• Humility
• Swiftness
• Regrowth
• Creativity
• Spirituality
• Abundance
• Benevolence
• Watchfulness

When we encounter the deer in the wild, our breath catches - we are transfixed by their graceful features and delicate movements. The tender beauty of these beasts has not gone unnoticed by our ancestors.

The deer is linked to the arts, specifically poetry and music in ancient Celtic animal lore due to its graceful form. The Celts also believed that deer were associated with the fairie realm, and would lead troops of fairies - hundreds of them trailing behind them as the stag cut a path through the forest.

Both Celts and Native Americans observed the deer to be savvy when it came to finding the best herbs. These earth-bound peoples would follow the deer to prime herb patches - many of which proved to be highly beneficial in their medicinal purposes.

Interestingly, in art symbolism the depiction of a slain deer with herbs in its mouth is symbolic of unrequited love, lost love, or love sickness. Also in art symbolism, a deer trampling snakes is representative of spirituality overcoming temptation.

In China the deer is a symbol of happiness and good fortune. Indeed, its name in Chinese is a homonym for the word abundance.

The deer is associated with:

• The Dawn
• The Moon
• The Easterly directions

Those wishing to invoke the symbolic meaning of the deer may have most success and profound experiences while incorporating these associations.

For example, honoring the deer during a full moon to enhance some of the qualities listed above.

I hope you have enjoyed this sampling of animal symbolism of the deer.

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