The Elk, Moose, Deer and Me

Posted by Jill Stefko Aug 10, 2008

The first time I saw Elk, Pagan Symbol of Stamina, they were in a game preserve that was far ahead of its 1950s’ time, when most zoos kept animals in cages. The elk’s compound was in a natural environment; no cages and bars for them. It was autumn. We left the preserve near sundown. The stag stood proudly, head tilted skyward. I could feel his power, strength, majesty and nobility. The cows grazed serenely. It was a totally different feeling than those I felt when I saw Deer, Pagan Symbol of Gentleness.

Seeing Deer in the “wild” gave me feelings of gentleness, especially when I saw does with their fawns. I could see Deers’ gracefulness when we drew near and they ran from us.Their agility, as they leaped over the brush and other obstacles, impressed me.

Although I’ve not seen Moose: Pagan Symbol of Self-Esteem in nature, zoos or game preserves, I, by watching television shows and reading articles about the animal, can relate how it represents self-esteem.

I couldn’t find Celtic symbolism because the animal because it became extinct in the UK ten centuries ago and is being reintroduced to the Scottish highlands by the efforts of Mr. Lister, who plans to return native species which were hunted to extinction, including Bear: Powerful Pagan Symbol, Wolf: Influential Pagan Symbol and Lynx Pagan Symbol of Secrets , to their, once, native habitat.

I think it sad that animals have lost their natural habitats due to human encroachment and senseless killing for fun, disguised by non-true hunts people as, “sport.” Predictors were killed because they preyed on domestic animals and on wild ones some people hunted. Others, like the passenger pigeon, were hunted to extinction because they provided food.