Using Animals and Their Symbolism in Spaces

We welcomed our new Lion head bunny, Kiwi Tsunami into our home not too long ago. I grew up with dozens of bunnies so to me they do represent childhood joys, playfulness and coziness. We had to say goodbye to our two cats and thought we’d be pet-less for a while. But pets seem to show up just when you need them, not when you’re looking for them! Since we lost our two babies, we now have 3 more to love! Animals and pets (including symbolism used in artwork or fabrics or decor) can enhance a space and make a house feel like a real home. It’s something to consider when evaluating your space. Each animal does bring a different energy to a space. It is well known that there are “cat people” and “dog people” and some of us can be both! You’ve even seen how people resemble their pets, or their pets resemble them both in looks and personality. So which came first? Do we grow more alike or are we drawn to animals like us?

Rabbits symbolize sensitivity, gentleness, patience, fertility, haste, new beginnings, the moon and good luck. Watching Kiwi’s little pink nose twitch is the most adorable thing. Their eyes, ears and noses are much more magnified then ours so they see in basically every direction and hear and smell much more intensely then we do. This is a reminder for us not to become too desensitized to our surroundings. Being sensitive and present is a gift in a society that wants us to be disconnected and numbed out. He reminds us to be gentler with ourselves and others. Although he appears small, cuddly and quiet, when necessary he is very fast and agile… so don’t underestimate him. We did learn that even something so cute can be unintentionally destructive as they like to chew on wires and cables and anything really, so it did force my daughter to keep her room tidy. Petting and being in the presence of any animal can bring you to the present moment and get you out of your head.

We are usually drawn to certain animals. For me, I was obsessed with elephants since I was a baby. One of my mom’s friends had gifted me a little yellow elephant when I was a baby and it just grew from there. I don’t know if it came from the stuffed Elliot or if I would have loved them anyway. I ended up with a collection of elephants (figures and stuffed and everything from vases to watering cans). At some point I realized you could actually have too many elephants (when someone knows you like an animal you get many gifts!) so I let a bunch of them go besides the most special ones or ones I still had space for.

Using animal prints, materials and artwork with these in spaces is a way to bring in the Fire Element. They can be real or faux: feathers, leather, animal skins and heads. Fire will add passion and energy to a space.

I’ve seen too many homes with lifeless artwork. Or people feel lost or uninspired to even choose artwork. It’s a very personal thing, but if you find you are obsessed with a certain animal, bring some artwork into your space through photographs, paintings, patterned wallpaper, rugs or upholstery and pillows. You can look up the symbolism and spiritual meaning for the animal and see if it’s a good fit. A Feng Shui practitioner can help you position it in the perfect spot within your home. Try to source art locally or from sites that support emerging artists.

Other common animals to use in your space:

Snakes: Snakes are popular in decor right now. I’ve seen everything from mirrors to rugs in mainstream stores. Historically, snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing.

Elephants: Elephants are symbols of luck, prosperity and strength. They use their power to remove obstacles and negative energies. They also represent wisdom, a long life, memory and vitality. Ganesha, the Hindu deity, clears the obstacles and paves the way for us to move forward in life.

Deer: Deer represents an open heart, gentle strength, unconditional love, regeneration, and compassion. Deer's energy can help you work toward your goals from a place of positive intentions and a clear heart.

Zebras: Zebra represents community, protection, hiding in plain sight, freedom, balance, and individualism. Zebra reminds us of our uniqueness and the importance of being ourselves but also of staying in balance and not going to extremes.

Horse: Horse represent power, freedom, strength, independence, endurance, confidence, triumph, heroism and competition. Horse reminds us of our true power and that anything is possible.

Turtle: Turtle represents patience, longevity, perseverance, steadfastness, protection, retreat, healing, tranquility and transformation. Turtle tells us to slow down and enjoy life at a more realistic pace.

It just happens that this upcoming Chinese New Year (January 22nd) is the year of the Water Rabbit. This year should be a period of rest, reflection and hope! Happy New Year!