Briefly
Letters, as symbols, have been extensively used in literature, art and history to represent various concepts and ideas. Each letter of the alphabet conveys certain symbolic attributes based on its shape and sound. For instance, ‘A’, the first letter in many alphabets, symbolizes beginnings, originality and leadership. ‘O’, with its circular shape, signifies unity, completeness and infinity. ‘Y’ often represents choice or decision because of its diverging lines.
- Symbolism: A – beginnings, originality, leadership, O – unity, completeness, infinity, Y – choice, decision.
Letter in Dreams
From a psychological point of view, dreaming about letters often points to communication or the need for it. Letters in dreams could symbolize hidden messages or information that the subconscious is attempting to reveal. For instance, dreaming of receiving a letter may indicate a message from your subconscious that you need to understand and apply in your waking life.
- Symbolism: Communication, hidden messages, subconscious revelation.
See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool.
Letter in Myths and Folklore
Various cultures have assigned symbolic meanings to letters. In Norse mythology, each rune (letter) of the Elder Futhark has a symbolic meaning. For instance, ‘Fehu’, the first rune, symbolizes wealth and prosperity. In Greek mythology, the alphabet was considered a gift from the gods, with each letter carrying divine significance. Similarly, in Jewish folklore, the Hebrew alphabet is believed to have been given by God and each letter holds spiritual and mystical implications.
In Celtic folklore, the Ogham alphabet was used in divination and magic, with each letter representing a tree or plant and its associated characteristics or powers. For instance, ‘Beith’, the first Ogham letter, represents the birch tree, symbolizing purification and beginnings.
- Symbolism: Norse – wealth, prosperity, Greek – divine significance, Jewish – spiritual, mystical implications, Celtic – characteristics or powers of trees and plants.
Letter Spiritual Meanings
In spiritual context, letters often symbolize the different phases of human life and spiritual growth. For instance, ‘A’, the first letter, could symbolize birth or the beginning of a spiritual journey, while ‘Z’, the last letter, could signify completion or attainment of spiritual wisdom. Letters may also represent divine laws or principles in certain spiritual traditions.
- Symbolism: Birth, spiritual journey, completion, spiritual wisdom, divine laws.
Letter Tattoo Meaning
In tattoo art, letters are often used to represent personal beliefs, values or experiences. A single letter tattoo could hold profound meanings for the wearer based on the symbolic associations of that letter. For instance, ‘A’ could symbolize assertiveness or ambition, ‘B’ might represent balance or belief, and ‘C’ could signify creativity or courage.
- Symbolism: Personal beliefs, values, experiences, assertiveness, ambition, balance, belief, creativity, courage.
Reviewed by Alexander Lys, M.L., a specialist in the field of symbolism research and dream psychology. A certified participant in numerous psychological seminars and courses, the author of hundreds of articles on psychology, including studies on symbolism in dreams and myths from a scientific perspective.
