Peacock Symbolism & Meaning (+ Spirit, Totem & Omens)

Are you interested in the Peacock Spirit Animal? Then this guide is for you!

Peacocks are symbols of integrity, honor, dignity, royalty, and re-birth. In some cultures, these magnificent birds are taken to mean pride and vanity.

The peacock spiritual meaning applies to just about anyone on the surface of the earth. It relates to those who see these birds daily, and those who have never encountered them in their entire lives.

The peacock spirit guide walks in your life to teach you the importance of setting your records straight.

It tells you not to live under the heavy yoke of the mistakes you made in the past.

What’s the Peacock meaning and Symbolism?

Symbol of Royalty

Because of their beautiful plumage and graceful poise, peacocks are powerful symbols of royalty. The peacock dance is a sight to behold.

In ancient times, only kings and members of the royalty were allowed to partake of the tender peacock meat or watch this beautiful bird dance.

The hoi polio of those days was forbidden from indulging in such pleasures.

Symbol of Eternal Youth

An ancient myth has it that once Adam and Eve had consumed the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, they wanted other animals to do the same.

They felt that if all the animals fell into the same sin, God would have no option but to forgive them altogether.

All the animals, except the peacock, fell into this trap and partook of the fruit. God was quick to acknowledge the peacock’s loyalty and rewarded him with eternal youth.

This meant that even after death, the peacock’s flesh would not rot.

Symbol of Pride and Vanity

Peacocks put their magnificent plumage on full display to attract peahens during the mating season. They gallivant around with their plumage fully spread out – indeed, this is an awesome sight to see.

This show of beauty reminds us of vanity. It is more important to nurture inner beauty than the outside appearance.

Symbolic Meaning of Peacock Totem Animal in Various Cultures

Peacock Symbolism in Christian Culture

Every year, peacocks shed their old plumage and grow new ones. Christians can relate to this because it reminds them of baptism.

When one is baptized, the old dies, and a new self is born.

This new self is what every Christian aspires for because it means you are one with Christ, walking in his steps, and following his teachings.

The annual shedding of the peacock’s plumage also relates to the Christian belief in life after death. Life does not end after one’s physical body dies.

Rather, one is reborn into a new life. If one was virtuous during their time in this world, they are reborn into paradise – a place of perfect peace and joy.

However, if one led an evil life during their stay in this world, they are reborn into hell, where there’s weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

The concept of rebirth as demonstrated by the peacock shedding its plumage is not confined to Christianity.

It is a belief that is held by many cultures from all over the globe.

Peacock Symbolism in African Culture

In African culture, the peacock was taken to symbolize royalty. Peacock feathers featured prominently as decoration in the throne rooms of tribal chiefs.

Peacock’s elegance, poise, and grace brought an image of power, majesty, and masculine beauty.

Most African cultures believed that God put a wonderful color display on the peacock to pass important messages to us.

For example, they believed that if the peacock displayed its plumage more often than usual, the land would have plenty.

Rains would soon follow, and the people would plant their crops and enjoy a bumper harvest in due time.

In some African communities, it was forbidden to slaughter the peacock unless someone important had died.

With the peacock’s death, the dead person would have a more beautiful journey to join the ancestors.

Peacocks could also be slaughtered to mark the passing of an important stage of life such as initiation into adulthood.

For this reason, peacocks became a treasured possession in the community.

Peacock Symbolism in Native American Culture

Peacocks were introduced into North America from other parts of the world such as Africa and Asia. At first, they were owned by only wealthy Americans as a status symbol.

This means that the Native Americans never really had a chance to interact with these birds in any meaningful way.

Also, Native American myths about peacock-like birds are hard to find.

The few stories you find online about Native symbolism relating to peacocks must have originated from later encounters with this bird.

This means they are not original myths, but rather, are adaptations that infuse peacock symbolism with Native American myths and rituals.

Such adaptations are more common with the Native tribes of Western and Southwestern parts of North America.

These areas are likely to have had peacock encounters first.

Peacock Symbolism in Celtic Culture

Peacocks were introduced to the Celtic lands through various ways such as migration, colonization, and conquest.

This means that most Celtic myths and lore relating to the peacock was an infusion of tales from many other cultures.

The Celts also wove the symbolism of this bird into their already existing myths and lore, particularly those that brought out the stellar qualities of the peacock.

One of the few solid Celt myths relating to the peacock indicates that this bird is a messenger of the deities.

The presence of this bird with its magnificent plumage assured the people that they were under the protection of their gods.

This bird was closely associated with Sun deities because its plumage projected a sun-like image. Thus, the peacock communicated a message of immortality, transformation, and integrity.

Socially, this bird was a symbol of beauty, grace, and authority.

Records show that some Celts swore ‘by the peacock’ meaning that it was a bird of honesty, sincerity, and truthfulness.

Symbolism of the Peacock in Eastern Culture

In most Eastern cultures, the peacock is highly regarded for its beauty, grace, and rich spiritual symbolism.

The Chinese closely associated this bird with the Supernatural Phoenix on Earth. As such, the peacock was used to indicate divinity, authority, and power.

Most ancient Chinese looked at this bird as a manifestation of the Ming Dynasty that assured them of protection and progress forever.

Some Chinese communities associated the peacock with the goddess Guan Yin, who guaranteed compassion, mercy, kindness, growth, and increase.

Peacocks are highly esteemed in India to the extent that they occupy the hallowed position of a national symbol.

Indeed, many believe that these outstanding birds have their origin in India. Indians keep peacocks or their feathers in their homes or businesses to attract good fortune, wealth, and good health.

Most Indian gods are associated with the peacock. This means that this bird occupies a central position in the Hindu culture and religion.

When the Peacock is Your Spirit Animal

When you keep meeting the peacock – physically, in dreams, visions, or otherwise – this bird wants you to know it has identified that you need help.

It comes into your life as your spirit animal, to guide and protect you.

The peacock spirit animal is ready to give you the guidance and advice you need to make solid decisions concerning your life.

There’s much you can learn from the peacock spirit animal. Just look at some of its stellar characteristics for inspiration.

You’ll realize that you are being advised to change some aspects of your personality to enjoy life to the fullest.

By dropping old habits and adopting new ones, you put yourself in a good position to enjoy good health and longevity.

The peacock spirit animal also asks you not to hide your skills and talents. Like this bird so proudly displays its glorious plumage, let the world know your capabilities.

The peacock sheds its plumage once a year and grows a new one. Here, your spirit animal wants you to embrace change.

It is only by changing with the times that you create limitless possibilities in your life.

The Peacock Power Animal

Call on the peacock power animal when you need help to connect to the deeper aspects of your spirituality.

Peacock medicine is indeed powerful if you feel stuck in the same rut and you are looking for a way out.

It rejuvenates you and gives you the power you need to make important decisions concerning your life.

With the peacock spirit animal, it becomes easier to progress in matters of love, career, family, and finances.

The beauty of it is that peacock medicine brings luck into your life. This means that whatever you touch turns to gold, metaphorically speaking.

The peacock power animal teaches you to tap into your undiscovered potential. You have everything you need to make your life peaceful, happy, and meaningful.

All you need is to open your spiritual eyes and expand your capacity to see things from different angles.

The Peacock Totem Animal

People with the peacock totem are known for their honesty. If you were born with this totem, it means you are keen to put on integrity and project it wherever you go.

This means that people find you trustworthy and reliable. You are likely to rise very fast in your workplace because your bosses trust your work.

The peacock totem encourages you to be yourself, no matter the prevailing circumstances on the ground.

You are not afraid to show your true feathers because you know that no matter what, you always project the best version of yourself to the world.

Being born with the peacock totem means that you have embraced your innate skills and talents. You willingly help others with your rich array of resources.

People born with the peacock totem are at peace with themselves. They pay more attention to inner beauty than a vain display of outer opulence.

Peacock encounters and Omens

The meanings associated with encountering a peacock are many.

To make the work easier for you, just pay attention to the feeling you had when you encountered this bird.

This will enable you to understand this encounter more clearly.

Most of the encounters you have with the peacock have a spiritual connotation.

They relate to the spiritual fight you are going through, and indicate how these fights affect the other aspects of your life.

Also, meeting a peacock reminds you of some changes you need to make to your habits and behavior to have better control of your life.

To know which areas you need to work on, refer to the peacock’s behavior during this encounter. What was the peacock doing?

What do you think this action communicates in relation to what you are going through?

For example, if you see the peacock spread its plumage in a mating dance, it likely talking about your vanity.

Perhaps, you have allowed your ego and pride to get in the way of a healthy, meaningful love relationship.

Or, it could be that your peacock spirit animal wants you to express yourself more loudly, more clearly.

Don’t rush into getting an interpretation for every peacock encounter.

Rather, take your time to contemplate and understand the direction your peacock spirit guide is shepherding you towards.

Peacock Mythology and Folklore

Different cultures view peacocks differently. While some myths emphasize the peacock’s beauty, grace, and authority; others depict these birds as proud, vain, and conceited.

Either way, the myths and folklore in our communities show that the peacock has made quite an impact on humans over the ages.

Christians – alongside other cultures – look at peacocks as symbols of rebirth, rejuvenation, and resurrection.

The Greeks refer to the peacock as ‘the bird of Hera’.

Greek mythology has it that the peacock defeated Argos Panoptes, the giant with a hundred eyes, by stinging his eyes.

Later, Hera placed these eyes on the peacock’s plumage. Some myths indicate that Argos Panoptes was completely turned into a peacock.

It’s no wonder that some Greek myths regard peacock feathers as a sign of evil or bad luck.

Peacock Tattoo Meaning

Anyone with a soft spot for peacocks can have this birds images inked on their skin. All the same, peacock tattoos are common among people who appreciate their inner beauty.

It is also a favorite with those who want to display their masculine strength. This tattoo reminds the bearer they have to augment their divine masculine energy with their inner beauty.

Having the eye of the peacock feather on your skin indicates you are spiritually conscious. It is a sign that you are seeking divine intervention against any form of evil directed toward you.

Lovers can have peacock tattoos inked on their skins as a reminder of the beauty they see in each other.

Such a tattoo is an affirmation that you love the inner beauty and authority your partner exudes.

Peacock tattoos remind you that you are important. In the ancient days, these birds could be kept only by members of the royalty.

Having this tattoo on your skin is an affirmation that you are a king or queen in your own right.

What’s the Meaning of Peacock Dreams?

Interpreting peacock dreams is a very personal matter as it relates to what is happening in your life – as an individual.

This means you need to pay close attention to your thoughts and feelings in relation to the dream. Also, connect this dream to what’s happening in your personal and professional life.

Most dreams about peacocks are positive, especially those that leave you feeling happy and hopeful.

These dreams encourage you to make certain changes to your life and not to miss out on the opportunities meant for you.

Dreaming of a peacock displaying his plumage indicates you need to speak out. Perhaps, you have kept your skills and talents bottled up for far too long.

To dream of the peacock’s mating dance asks you to have a closer look at the dynamics of your relationships.

Likely, there’s a hidden threat to your love life.

A peacock running towards you in your dream indicates danger. Your negative attitude and general demeanor towards your family and friends will eventually work against you.

A peacock running away from you in the dream urges you to listen to your elders. Your mentors, teachers, and advisors have been placed on your life path for a reason.

Whenever you have a peacock dream, don’t think too hard about it. Rather, contemplate the symbolism your subconscious mind will guide you to concentrate on.

Final Thoughts…

Peacocks are held in high esteem in most cultures across the globe. As spirit animals, these birds stand for love, pride, self-expression, and freedom.

Having the peacock as your totem gives you the confidence to achieve your goals in this world. It encourages you to put your best foot forward regardless of the changing situations on the ground.