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

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

Cattle: Many Gifts

(Uruz, Fehu)

COW (Bovine Family): Many Gifts

Wild and Domestic Bovines have provided nourishment for people’s minds and bodies since Prehistory. These large Cud Eaters are at home nearly everywhere. Relatively low maintenance, Bovines breed well in captivity. Moreover, They can convert plants into nourishment for Themselves and people.

Providing milk, meat, hides and fuel, Bovines formed the foundation for many civilizations. Domestic Cows not only supplies meat and milk to people, but homes and fuel as well. In treeless areas, cow patties are used for fires. Meanwhile, Oxen plow fields and pull carts. Mongolians rely on Yak for everything. The Masai say that all Cows were given to them from N’gai, the Great God. Hindus see Zebus (Tropical Cattle) as “Second Mothers”.

Early Europeans tested their strength against Aurochs, the ancestor of today’s Domestic Cattle. Paintings of powerful Aurochs decorate caves of European Prehistory. Once roaming all of Eurasia, the last Aurochs became extinct in Poland in 1620. Aggressive and powerful, Aurochs became the Norse idea of strength (the Rune Uruz).

The closest relatives to the Aurochs today are the White Cattle of Chillingham. In his Herd, Bull rules his Harem like royalty. Only when He dies does a new King emerge. Meanwhile Cow leaves her herd to have Her Calf. When She is ready, Bull will escort Her and Her Calf back and introduce Them to the herd.



Because of what They have provided humans, Bovines are considered a symbol of wealth. In the Norse Runes, Fehu (cattle) meant wealth. Therefore cattle stealing became a crime worthy of death and of warriors. In stories of the American West, rustlers were hung. Ancient Greeks sang about the boldness of Hermes (Mercury) stealing the Cattle of Apollo (God of the Sun). The Cattle Raid of Cooley (Ta’in Bo’ Cuailnge) was the central epic in the Ulster Cycle of Irish literature. Stealing Cows from other tribes became a part of Masai culture.

Bovines offer people many gifts - of material wealth and of the imagination. The humble Cow feeds people meat and milk. Wild Aurochs feed the imagination of daring and courage. Together, They offer people the gifts of life.

Wisdom of the Cow Family Includes:
Strength
Interspecies Cooperation
Foundation of Life
Nourishment

Science Notes:
Wild Bovines includes: Gaur (Bos gaurus), Banteng (Bos javanicus), and Aurochs (Bos primigenius).
Domestic: Cattle and Zebu (Bos taurus), and Yak (Bos mutus)

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals