Symbols for Mother and Motherhood Symbols on Whats-Your-Sign

Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Avia

Mother Symbols and Motherhood Symbols

Let’s face it – we’ve all got a mother, so it makes sense that there are tons of mother symbols around the world in in every culture. Although there is no single universal symbol for mother, the meaning of mother as absolutely universal. This is largely due to the fact that we all have a mother and each of us has our own distinct idea of what mother means to us; each impression is more different than the next. Because of vastly varying perception of the mother concept – the symbols for her are endless. So, whether you are a first-time mother, a mother to your community or (like me) a mother to dogs, this post about mother symbols might be insightful on your life path.

Gus and Avia talk about mother symbolism

From the Madonna to Doves, and from the Lioness to Gardens, the symbol for mother is only limited by the perceiver’s perspective.

I’ve said it time and again, and still maintain that symbols are unique and personal to each of us. What one might deem as the ultimate mother symbol, another will scoff at its implication.

That said, below are a few common cultural symbols for mother. However, bear in mind if a platypus conjures a powerful mother vibration within you – then a platypus is your symbol for mother. It is our own personal experience and preference that is the final judgment of a true symbol. And don’t miss my page on mother bird symbolism here.

“Most mothers are instinctive philosophers.”
~Harriet Beecher Stowe

Common Mother Symbols and Their Meaning

Mother Goddess: The three aspects of the goddess are The Maiden (Greek Persephone), pure and a representation of new beginnings; The Mother (Greek Demeter), a wellspring of life, giving and compassionate; and The Crone (Greek Hecate) wise, knowing, a culmination of a lifetime of experience. These aspects may also represent the cycle of birth, life and death (and rebirth). Neopagans hold this symbol as a representation of the goddess in all her forms (including that of mother).

Crow Mother Kachina: While kachinas are walking upon the earth during the winter and summer solstices, The Crow Mother makes her appearance with a basket of sprouts symbolizing the miracle of seed germination in the midst of winter. She is the nurturing kachina, the loving mother, and comes to offer her abundance in the form of warm earth and flourishing crops. click here for more kachina properties

Lakshmi Yantra: Lakshmi is a Hindu goddess representative of fortune, light, luck, and beauty. She herself is beautiful and benevolent – the mother of all kindnesses. Associated with the lotus, her yantra facilitates spiritual progress, enlightenment, and overcoming internal discourse. When focused upon, the Lakshmi energies are engaged and said to expedite abundant wealth, harmony, and tranquility to our lives. click here for more Yantra symbols

Tapuat: The Tapuat (or Hopi symbol for mother earth or labyrinth) is often viewed as the symbol for mother and her child. The lines represent stages of life, umbilical cord, and the path of moving – always within the watchfulness of the Mother. The center symbolizes the amniotic sack – the center of life – the beginning. This piece is also referred to as the Journey symbol.

Turtle: The turtle represents the earth mother and she is honored for saving mankind from the Great Flood in many Native American folk legends. She is the immortal mother who stoically, silently carries the heavy burden of man upon her thick back. Many species have thirteen sections to their underbelly some sources say this represents each of the thirteen moons, and moons are a celestial symbol motherhood. click here for more Native American symbols

Triple Spiral: As a Celtic symbol for mother and her many aspects, the triple spiral represents the various phases of womanhood, the passing of time, and the unity of these diverse dimensions. This symbol also represents the three phases of woman-ness: Mother in her compassion and nurturing state, Maiden in her innocence and pure state and Crone in her wise and experienced state. See also triskelion meaning here.

I hope you have found this article about mother symbols meaningful and helpful. Check out the links at the end of this page for other articles on mother symbolism and don’t miss my page about meaningful and symbolic gifts for mom too! As always, thanks for reading!

Mighty brightly,