If I’d have known about the symbolic meaning of alligators at the time, it would have saved a lot of heartaches for me growing up.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/IGS-blog-ad-1-900x754.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nClick here to download your FREE copy of the Introduction to Symbolism Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dreams, of course, reveal significant aspects of your psyche. Patterns that occur in dreams correspond to various aspects of physical and mental health. They indicate when people are anxious or depressed, suffered trauma or face difficulties in life. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n I suspect in my case, the dreams emerged out of fear and anxiety. I was a very shy and quiet child. Even from such a young age I never felt as though I fitted in; even at home. Little did I know at the time, these early experiences would create problems in my adult life.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n “There are certain events of which we have not consciously taken note; they have remained, so to speak, below the threshold of consciousness. They have happened, but they have been absorbed subliminally, without our conscious knowledge. We can become aware of such happenings only in a moment of intuition or by a process of profound thought that leads to a later realization that they must have happened; and though we may have originally ignored their emotional and vital importance, it later wells up from the unconscious as a sort of afterthought. As a general rule, the unconscious aspect of any event is revealed to us in dreams, where it appears not as a rational thought but as a symbolic image.\u201d ~ Carl Jung, Man and his Symbols<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The eminent psychoanalyst, Carl Jung believed the symbolism that surfaces in dreams are how the unconscious mind communicates to us.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Jung also thought universal symbols that are common to all mankind have an entirely individual key in dreams, the esoteric wisdom in world mythology seems to be part of the collective unconscious which Jung also believed influences dreams. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n During my investigations of esoteric symbolism, I consistently find striking similarities between cultures from all over the world. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n And when I say \u2018striking similarity\u2019 what I really mean to say is they are exactly the same. Take a look for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Various members of the Crocodilian family are central to the mythologies of numerous cultures. The crocodile, alligator, gharials and caiman can be found in various mythologies all over the world. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, they are a <\/span>complex symbol which has dual meaning. This causes confusion amongst many scholars and commentators.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The word crocodile in English has Greek origins meaning lizard<\/span><\/a>. Therefore, in esoteric symbolism, when we talk about crocodiles and alligators, we can include various other members of the reptilian family. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The symbolic meaning of alligators and crocodiles also incorporated other reptilians such as lizards and snakes are prominent in world mythologies<\/span><\/a>. Iguanas also make an appearance. Essentially reptiles have the same meaning as crocodiles and alligators – the potential to overcome material reality and discover your higher \u201cspiritual\u201d nature. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ancient cultures recognised man\u2019s potential to connect with a higher conscious mind. There is an energetic field which we can tap into and retrieve the information we need to guide us through life. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In my opinion, this intelligent force probably has something to do with quantum particles and string theory. Scientists have discovered a single photon permits a two-way conversation<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n But that is an article for another day.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ancient cultures seemed to be aware of this phenomenon thousands of years ago. They understand this knowledge was so critical to the evolution of mankind that they built clues into their temples so it would be preserved for future generations. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the image below, you can see a lizard built into the central plaza of Machu Picchu – a city hidden in the Peruvian mountains, undiscovered, and thus not destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n The description is an indication that man had evolved from a being with a primitive reptilian brain to develop the Neocortex and an ability to analyse complex questions and achieve great feats.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ancient civilisations from the Middle-East, Asia, Egypt and Mesoamerica also recognised this dual aspect of mind kind which they reflected in their mythologies with the archetype of crocodilians. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n They presumably made this link because crocodiles live and hunt in both land and water. This ability also reflects man\u2019s capacity to transcend both \u201cworlds\u201d – the physical (land) and the astral (water). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n This process does not relate to the mainstream idea of reincarnation as is commonly taught, but the purification of bad habits, attitudes, limiting beliefs, and personality traits that cause problems in our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Water is also related to emotions in symbolism. On a deeper level, this relates to the toxic chemicals that build up in your body and the suppressed emotions that prompt you to have odd feelings and tempt habitual behaviours. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, emotions \u201clead you into temptation.\u201d The reptilian part of the brain, which has an obvious link to the symbolic meaning of alligators, primarily governs your survival instincts. Today, the subconscious is mostly concerned with emotional survival. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The process of \u201creincarnation\u201d involves changing your thought, emotions and actions. By doing so, the subtle energies that create our reality, change the experiences we have in life. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Practising personal development is required to improve how you channel energies. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Energy is responsible for the whole of creation including, your personality, characteristics, gait, how you feel, how you maintain strength, how you nurture inner peace etc. Everything. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Characteristics displayed by reptiles are reflected in the celestial deities of old together with iconic figures like Jesus, Mohammad, Krishna and Buddha Gautama<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than taking these parables literally, it is pertinent to recognise religious characters teach us how to perform the process of transformation 0 birth, death and rebirth. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether these enlightened beings existed historically or not is irrelevant. The fact remains that their stories serve critical importance in the evolution of mankind and the sustainability of the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you neglect to rise above your animal nature, you will remain obsessed with <\/span>material possessions, worldly attachments and uncontrollable emotions. You will live on the land – in ego consciousness which lusts with desire. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Desire, said the historical Buddha, is the cause of all suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their ability to live on land and water, native American tribes revered alligators as a symbol of power and high status. In many native legends, reptiles are used as mediators between the two worlds.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u201ctwo worlds” are the physical realm and the realm of the superconscious – the mysterious world of quantum particles.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In rational terms, the physical realm relates to the conscious mind and the astral realm is the unconscious mind.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn the [conscious] mind, what there is, is ignorance. Real wisdom is not in the mind, it is beyond the mind [the unconscious]. The mind is ignorant, and therefore it falls into so many serious errors.\u201d ~ Samael Aun Weor<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Alligators and crocodiles were worshipped throughout numerous cultures for this precise reason. Their ability to submerge themselves under the water and remerge on land is analogous to man\u2019s ability to look into your unconscious mind and bring suppressed emotions to the surface – the conscious mind. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In doing so, you express revitalised energies in the physical world and nurture the rebirth of your true nature. Your true nature is what you must strive to develop.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n To be natural is a wonderful thing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Water\u2019s symbolic connection to emotions, both suppressed and expressed, is interesting when you consider the nature of alligators. Crocodilians are not fond of dirty water. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, crocodilians have no fear. This enables them to remain calm and patient – positive qualities we all need to nurture the things we want to manifest in life and enable us to overcome temptations in the knowledge the compulsion will subside once your subtle energies shift into a different cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Crocodiles were both revered and feared in ancient Egypt. These creatures have a penchant for aggressive and violent behaviour. The ancient Egyptians connected crocodiles with the military, whereas their association with the water positioned crocodilians as a symbol of power, virility and fertility.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Egyptian mythology, the symbolic meaning of alligators is reflected in the god, Sobek. Typically depicted with a human body and the head of a reptile, his presence in the Egyptian pantheon is unmistakable. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sobek was regarded as the God of the Nile because he controls the waters and was responsible for making the soil fertile. Many scholars fittingly associate Sobek with the root word s-bAk <\/i>which means”to impregnate\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n My interpretation of water in esoteric symbolism reveals how energy is guided by consciousness. Nature must have a conscious mind otherwise it cannot know how to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Energy is the source of all creation. Soil represents Earth, which, in turn, is symbolic for the body and your experience of this physical reality. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The symbolic meaning of alligators in Egyptian myth explains how Sobek emerged from the primaeval waters of Nun<\/span><\/a> to create the world. The Nile was formed from the crocodile\u2019s sweat. In another myth, Sobek hatches from an egg but the meaning is essentially the same. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n All life comes from either an egg, the waters of the womb or a seed. Each of these life-giving devices is found in mythologies in relation to stories of transformation – including the egg-shaped rock when Jesus is resurrected!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Interestingly, in the Middle Kingdom, Sobek was also associated with the sun god, Horus and iconography emerged of the god pictured with a falcon\u2019s head (Horus) on the body of a crocodile. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this regard, the symbolic meaning of alligators has an association with healing and the third eye which Horus is famously connected to. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is with this \u2018inner-eye\u2019 that you are able to see your negative qualities and suppressed emotions. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n One way to achieve this is by observing the unconscious mind and bringing the impure aspect of the Self to the awareness of the conscious mind. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Impurity is caused by false beliefs, impressions and images born from the programmed thoughts we continuously develop as we experience life. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The information we absorb through the five senses is stored in the subconscious. Sometimes this is a good thing. Learned experiences enable us to function appropriately. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, information stored in the unconscious that the conscious has not realised is the cause of all your problems.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMan becomes whole, integrated, calm, fertile, and happy when (and only when) the process of individuation is complete, when the conscious and the unconscious have learned to live at peace and to complement one another.\u201d ~ Carl Jung, Man and His Symbols<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Set, the brother of Osiris and uncle of Horus, was the father of Sobek. The crocodile god\u2019s mother was the equally destructive Neith. In other words, the crocodile man was born from the union between the god of war, chaos and storms, and the goddess of war and hunting.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here we see the confusion in the conflicting interpretation of the crocodile. But like all symbols, there is a positive and negative meanings<\/span>. The simple reason for this is that nature is governed by various laws, one of which is the law of duality<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sobek was also depicted as being unpredictable and was thus associated with the forces of chaos. Like crocodiles in the real world, he was overtly sexual which reflects the inability of mankind to control emotional urges. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n His ambiguous nature is depicted in the myth of Osiris\u2019 brutal death. When the god\u2019s body parts were thrown into the river, Sobek ate the limbs only to be reprimanded for dishonouring a god. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n To redeem himself, Sobek helps to reassemble Osiris. In another myth, Horus transforms into a crocodile. This reflects man\u2019s healing powers and ability to \u201cward off evil\u201d – code for keeping the dark side of your nature under control.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In another myth, Sobek\u2019s protective qualities are revealed when he saves Horus\u2019 children from drowning in the Nile.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n He is also associated with the primordial sun god God Ra who is also associated with the third eye and self-realisation. In Egyptian iconography, Sobek is sometimes pictured with an ankh to reflect his ability to undo evil (disease) and cure illness. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Hindu traditions, the crocodile is an aquatic mythical creature depicted as a half-animal half-fish. It is the vahana (vehicle) of Ganga, the goddess of the river Ganges, and Varuna, god of the sea. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The English translation of the Sanskrit word, \u2018Makara\u2019 means sea dragon or water monster. It is generally depicted in Hindu iconography as a Gharial (crocodilian) and a terrestrial animal, either elephant, deer or peacock. Each of these animals is related to transformation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n In his book, \u2018The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols\u2019 Robert Beer describes the Makara as:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAn ancient mythological symbol, the hybrid creature is formed from a number of animals such that collectively possess the nature of a crocodile. It has the lower jaw of a crocodile, the snout or trunk of an elephant, the tusks and ears of a wild boar, the darting eyes of a monkey, the scales and the flexible body of a fish, and the swirling tailing feathers of a peacock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The symbolic meaning of alligators in Buddhism mirrors Hindu symbolism. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Occidental symbolism also links water with emotions. In Hinduism, the sacral chakra is represented by the crocodile. The sacral is the energy centre in the pit of the stomach from which all emotions are said to originate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The ancient yogis of India said the sacral chakra produces developmental energy and is the power centre of creation (represented by fertility gods in mythology). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Again we see how the power and strength associated with crocodiles and alligators are used to symbolically teach mankind that we must also foster these qualities to achieve great things. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n On the flip side, the symbolic meaning of alligators forewarns us of hidden dangers harboured in the subconscious. Jung understood the \u2018Shadow\u2019 can be dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is a frightening thought that man also has a shadow side to him, consisting not just of little weaknesses- and foibles, but of a positively demonic dynamism. The individual seldom knows anything of this; to him, as an individual, it is incredible that he should ever in any circumstances go beyond himself. But let these harmless creatures form a mass, and there emerges a raging monster; and each individual is only one tiny cell in the monster\u2019s body, so that for better or worse he must accompany it on its bloody rampages and even assist it to the utmost.\u201d ~ Carl Jung, On the Psychology and the Unconscious<\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Interestingly, the astrological sign associated with the Makara is Saturn. In Roman mythology, Saturn is a primordial god, or primordial energy, which needs attention in order to nurture to maturity. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturn, Cronos to the Greeks<\/span><\/a>, also represents the best and worst aspects of human nature and is sometimes depicted with wings and described as the \u201cwinged serpent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In parts of southern India, we find the Makara representing the fifth stage of development – symbolised with the head of an elephant, an animal symbolically associated with patience, power and prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here you can see how the similarities in the symbolism of ancient India and Egypt are practically identical. Whilst it is easy to see how that would happen given it is known the two cultures were influenced by the same philosophies found right the way through Middle-Eastern territories, the same meanings also appear in mythologies on the opposite side of the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n From Egypt and India, we visit Mexico, the land of the ancient Maya in which we find the crocodile has identical meanings as other cultures – even though mainstream history protests the Americas were only discovered by the rest of the world in the late 15th Century.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The stark similarities in the meaning of Mesoamerican mythology and the symbols they use suggest otherwise. This can mean one of three things: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The first two suggestions fly in the face of modern science, or at least, it would seem, the greater percentage of the scientific fraternity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n If the history we are told is correct, the third option is the only realistic conclusion. Whilst it is undoubtedly true that esoteric symbolism was formulated by observing nature, how likely is it that cultures from different parts of the world all interpret nature in precisely the same way through symbolism?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a look at the symbolic meaning given associated with crocodiles in Mayan traditions and later, the Aztecs. You will see that Mesoamerican ideology shares a very close relationship with both Egypt and India. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a matter of fact, reptiles were revered in all three cultures and primarily associated with fertility, emotions and nobility. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The importance of crocodiles to Mayan cultures is evident in the historical records. Archaeological digs at El Tigre<\/span><\/a> in the jungle of Campeche in Mexico recovered masks that were probably used for ceremonial purposes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Crocodile heads (and serpents) were also integrated into the architecture of pyramid temples.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n Known as the ‘Plumed Serpent,\u2019 Kukulkan<\/a> (better known through his Aztec name, Quetzacoatl) represented the most important aspect of Mayan civilisation and is said to have established the rules of law, agriculture, literacy, the arts, medicine, architecture, construction, hunting and fishing. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
The Symbolic Meaning of Crocodiles in Ancient Myth<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"machu](\"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/machu-picchu-900x647.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe panoramic angle of the central plaza in Machu Picchu<\/span> reveals the shape of a lizard which is said to represent Amaru Tupac, the last indigenous monarch of the Inca who was given the nickname the \u201cFlying Lizard.\u201d <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Water is a primordial element which symbolically represents, nurturing, and purification which is performed through the process of birth, death and rebirth. <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The symbolic meaning of alligators, and many other symbols in world mythology, reveals that man has to overcome ego and access information from the higher faculties of the superconscious. <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Sobek – the Egyptian God with a Crocodile Head<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"sobek](\"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Sobek-statue-883x900.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe strength and courage of the God is said to have allowed the Pharaoh to overcome obstacles and protect him from evil. The ancient Egyptian word for sovereign was depicted with a crocodile hieroglyph.<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Horus-Sobek](\"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Horus-Sobek.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMore precisely, this unusual association was invented by the ancient writers of Egypt who chose to transform Horus into a crocodile when telling the story of how the sun god went in search of his father\u2019s body parts<\/span><\/a> after Osiris was mutilated by his brother Set.<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Set and Neith represent the primordial construction of the Shadow Self, the ego that matures into an ignorant adult, burdened by fear and unable to see the Truth of reality. He represents the unstable mind that does not know its superior Self. <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Makara: The Symbolic Meaning of Alligators in Hinduism<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Makara typically appears in Hindu temples on the handrails of staircases. In Mexico, the \u2018feathered serpent\u201d Kukulkan is carved into the balustrade on the iconic temple in Chichen Itza<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"alligator](\"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Kukulkan-chichen-itza-900x675.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAccording to Hindu traditions, alligators urge us to focus on our emotions to overcome impulses, desires and actions that manifest negative energies. The interesting factor about the alligator\u00a0as a symbol is that it holds emotion at its core and resurfaces our innovative creative power.<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Crocodile](\"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Chronos_and_his_child-Romanelli.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThis notion is essentially what the symbolic meaning of the crocodile teaches us. The reptilians’ ferocious nature of the Shadow Self has to be tamed whereby it becomes spiritually enlightened (in the form of a sun god, Ra\/Horus). <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Symbolic Meaning of Alligators to the Ancient Mayans<\/b> <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"symbolic](\"https:\/\/mastermindcontent.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Feathered-serpent-in-temple-900x522.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOne of the most important gods in the Mayan pantheon, which is around 250 deities strong, is Kukulkan. Although recognised as the creator God of the Itza State in the Yucatan Peninsula, variations of the God can be found throughout Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n