Symbols of Bull and Cow

COW AND BULL

Because of people’s familiarity with Cattle, they have labeled many Hoofed Mammals as “Bull” and “Cow”. Elephants, Moose, and even Seals are referred to in these terms. In addition, “Bull” is often used for powerful Males of other species as well.

BULL

As the King of his Herd, Bull rules absolutely, representing temporal power. In addition, for many ancient Europeans, He represented the Sky Gods. In Ancient Egypt, Apis Bull (a black Bull) was the incarnation of the Creator God Ptah. Now a force of nature, Bull becomes the fertilizing power of the heavens.

Ancient peoples often sacrificed Bulls for religious purposes. In the Cult of Mithras, Roman soldiers baptized their initiates in Bull’s blood. In the 1500s, Charles V, of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, celebrated the birth of his son, Philip II, by killing a Bull. To stop the Black Plague in 1522, Pope Leo X allowed Bulls to be sacrificed.

Christians also had Bull represent aspects of their beliefs. A Bull being lead into an arena symbolizes Christ being led to the Cross. A kneeling Bull is a symbol of St. Silvester. To prove that Jesus Christ is the God of Life, St. Silvester brought a Bull back to life. Meanwhile, St. Luke’s attribute is a winged Ox (castrated bull).

COW

Cow converts plants into food, thereby providing nourishment for humans. For many people, She is the productive power of the earth. Hindus have Kamadhenu, the Cow of Plenty. Among the Celts, Faerie Cattle (Crodh Mara) were the embodiment of plenty.

Cows offer connections to various Gods. In the Vedic tradition, when people die, Celestial Cows guide them along to the Kingdom of the Blessed. In the Norse Sagas, Audhumla licked the ice and freed the Elder Gods. She nursed Ymir, who formed Buri, the first Man. Ancient Egpytians used Red Cows to pull the dead to their tombs. Among Jews, a Red Cow was sacrificed for the sins of Israel.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

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