You may ink a large octopus that wraps its tentacles around your arms, waist, and shoulders. For some, it may mean power, and for others with mystery. The animal’s eye also symbolizes vision in the future/past, while being associated with higher intelligence. The outstretched long tentacles might be releasing/holding onto something.

Greek Mythology: In Greek mythology, the octopus is associated with the god Poseidon, ruler of the seas. It is believed that the octopus was a sacred animal to Poseidon and served as a symbol of his power and authority over the ocean. The octopus’s ability to change color, contort its body, and move with grace underwater has led to its portrayal as a creature of darkness and malevolence. In reality, the octopus is a fascinating and intelligent creature, adapting to its environment and exhibiting remarkable problem-solving skills. There is another loss at the heart of this book. Goldsmith describes the terrifying rate at which plants and animals are disappearing from our countryside. He is already known as a strong and credible voice for conservation and, in particular, as a campaigner for rewilding, which seeks to undo the damage inflicted by humans on the landscape, restoring complex ecosystems, such as the delicate balance between vegetation, herbivore and predator. Goldsmith believes that this is only possible with the return of missing keystone species, such as lynxes and wolves. In the year that follows Iris’s death, he becomes even more passionate about reversing the decline of species and habitats. The octopus, a fascinating and mysterious creature of the sea, has captured the imagination of cultures around the world. From ancient times to modern-day, the octopus has been a subject of myth and legend in various mythologies. Let’s explore some of the intriguing stories and beliefs surrounding the octopus in global mythology. A. Greek Mythology: The Octopus Monster You can also connect with this totem animal through meditation, conscious thought, and invocation. It also includes other paths following which you can grow in leaps and bounds. Totem animalIn John Glasby's "A Shadow from the Aeons", Cthulhu is seen by the narrator roaming the riverbank near Dominic Waldron's castle, and roaring. [19] Mythological Sea Monsters: The octopus’s association with mythological sea monsters reflects its connection to the depths of the subconscious mind. It symbolizes the hidden fears, desires, and emotions that dwell within us, urging us to explore and confront our inner depths. the Old or Ancient Ones, the Elder Gods, of cosmic good, and those of cosmic evil, bearing many names, and themselves of different groups, as if associated with the elements and yet transcending them: for there are the Water Beings, hidden in the depths; those of Air that are the primal lurkers beyond time; those of Earth, horrible animate survivors of distant eons. [17] :256 The Cecaelia is a creature with origins in Asian and Native American mythology, legend and folklore. In particular, accounts of their existence are first recorded among such cultures as the Haida, Tligit , Tsimshian and Nootka tribes. In Hawaiian mythology, the octopus holds a significant place as a god-like creature. Known as “he’e” in the Hawaiian language, the octopus is revered for its intelligence, adaptability, and mysterious nature. The ancient Hawaiians believed that the octopus possessed supernatural powers and was closely connected to the ocean, which played a vital role in their culture and daily lives.

Just yesterday, as I write this, I was on a Zoom panel with Cliff Cobbo, in his own words “a proud Wakka Wakka aboriginal man” and member of WWF Australia. We were talking about the practicalities of supporting rangers professionally around the world – what could be a rather dry subject matter. Without fanfare or pretence, Cliff began his segment with a reminder that we do not come to this earth, we come from it and inevitably we will return to it. As a follow up act to Cliff, I’m afraid to say, I struggled to hold the same gravity. To propel themselves through the water, octopuses primarily rely on jet propulsion. By rapidly expelling water through a muscular tube called a siphon, they create a force that propels them forward. This jetting motion allows them to move swiftly and efficiently, making them excellent hunters and escape artists. In "The Call of Cthulhu", H. P. Lovecraft describes a statue of Cthulhu as: "A monster of vaguely anthropoid outline, but with an octopus-like head whose face was a mass of feelers, a scaly, rubbery-looking body, prodigious claws on hind and fore feet, and long, narrow wings behind." [11]Burnett, Cathy (1996). Spectrum No. 3:The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art. Nevada City, CA, 95959 USA: Underwood Books. ISBN 1-887424-10-5. {{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: location ( link) There is a growing suite of evidence for nature healing trauma, [11] and intuitively, as is the case with many people facing disaster, Goldsmith knew to find solace in the wild. In the natural world, we find solidarity: we learn that humanity is not isolated and separate. This is the truth that God is an Octopus reminds us of. A brave journey into the esoteric Native American symbolism is rife with references to octopuses, and the meaning behind their eight long arms varies depending on which tribe you belong to.

In Japanese mythology, the octopus holds a unique place. Known as “Tako” in Japanese, the octopus is both feared and respected. It is often depicted as a powerful and intelligent creature, capable of shape-shifting and causing havoc. However, it is also revered for its strength, adaptability, and resourcefulness.

Conclusion

In Hindu mythology, references to the octopus are relatively rare. However, there is a fascinating tale that involves the octopus-like creature called the “Makara.” The Makara is a mythical se a creature that is often depicted as a hybrid of various animals, including an octopus, fish, and crocodile. The eight long tentacles of an octopus can be interpreted as a representation of either life’s complexity and how we are never able to completely control our lives, or they may represent intelligence and other important qualities like being–the ability to learn new things. Octopuses have been found with incredible levels of cognitive abilities which lead us to view them almost as if their arms were symbolic of different aspects of human brainpower. This is why some people see the octopus spirit and its appendages as representing infinity because there’s no real way you’ll ever get to the end of it. In many cultures, octopuses are considered both revered and feared, representing both danger and wisdom. After Kanaloa, one prince was named — he was a son of the Chief Kanipahu and one of his consorts, either Hualani or Alaʻikauakoko.