animal symbolism hedgehog meaning and totem meaning

Animal Symbolism Hedgehog

Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by Avia

Hedgehog Meaning in Animal Symbolism and Totem Wisdom: It’s true, big things really do come in small packages and the animal symbolism of the hedgehog proves it. Those with the hedgehog as their animal totem know how to take care of themselves and do so with grace and style. 

We make this association by observing the hedgehog when it is threatened. It packs itself tightly in a neat little ball, exposing some lethal looking quills. Any predator who takes a bite of this prickly morsel will spit it right back out.

Same goes with those who honor the hedgehog as their totem – these people always land on their feet and go through challenges with the same calm, cool practicality as the hedgehog does.

Animal Symbolism: Hedgehog Meaning

This little creature packs a powerful symbolic punch with animal symbolism including, and connecting with the deeper meaning of the hedgehog will restore your own power supply.

Same goes with those who honor the hedgehog as their totem – these people always land on their feet and go through challenges with the same calm, cool practicality as the hedgehog does.

This little creature packs a powerful symbolic punch with animal symbolism including, and connecting with the deeper meaning of the hedgehog will restore your own power supply.

“You are unique. If that is not fulfilled, then something tragic has been lost.”

~Martha Graham
animal symbolism hedgehog meaning
Animal symbolism hedgehog meaning

Summary of Symbolic Meanings of the Hedgehog

  • Energy
  • Vitality
  • Fertility
  • Intuition
  • Protection
  • Perception
  • Intelligence
  • Uniqueness
  • Resourcefulness

The hedgehog is also symbolic of fertility and being connected to the earth. It’s belly is close to the Mother (earth, that is) and this close proximity is symbolic of its connection to earth and all that is fertile. The hedgehog’s tendency to curl up in the fetal position is also a message of centering, and connecting with the source.

Further, central Asia and parts of Iran associated agricultural abundance, fertility and the gift of fire to the hedgehog. In these cultures it is considered a solar power animal, and is strongly connected to the energy and vitality of the sun. This may be further understood when we think of the hedgehog’s splayed spikes look much like the spanning rays of the sun.

animal symbolism hedgehog meaning and totem meaning
Animal symbolism hedgehog meaning and totem meaning

Hedgehog and Nocturnal Symbolism

Being a nocturnal creature, the symbolism of the hedgehog deals with intuition, psychic ability, prophetic dreams and visions. This is because the night deals with concepts that are cloaked in shadow – a realm that is not altogether clear. That the hedgehog’s active time is at night is symbolic of “second sight.”

Hedgehog and Resurrection

Another testimony to its spiritual power is the hedgehog’s natural resistance to snake venom. This is carries extreme importance with many native European tribes and is seen as a symbol of victory over evil. This attribute is also a portent of resurrection, life after death, or defeating death completely.

Hedgehog and Intelligence

The Greeks and the Romans attributed intelligence to the hedgehog totem.  Why? Because they saw hedgehogs were clever in knocking off grapes from their vines and rolling onto them. 

This action was essentially “toothpicking” or spearheading the grapes on their backs and carrying them away to dine on at a later date. Pretty savvy!

I hope you have enjoyed this page on hedgehog meanings. Tap into the animal symbolism of the hedgehog today, as they have tremendous wisdom to impart.

As always, thank you for reading.

Bright hedgehog blessings,

Mighty brightly,

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The porcupine shares a lot of commonalities with the hedgehog totem. It is also considered a solar symbol, and so it holds the meaning of life, vitality and energy.  The porcupine also has a trait of innocence that invokes a sense of freshness and rebirth. Learn more about porcupine totem meanings here.

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