Briefly
The North, as a cardinal point, is a potent symbol that carries a variety of meanings. Predominantly, it signifies stability and reliability, akin to the North Star, a constant in the constantly moving sky. It also represents coldness and harshness due to its association with the North Pole’s frigid weather. Additionally, North embodies wisdom and deep introspection, symbolizing a journey inward or a quest for spiritual enlightenment.
- Symbolism: stability, reliability, coldness, harshness, wisdom, introspection, spiritual journey.
North in Dreams
Dreaming about the North often suggests a need for introspection or self-reflection. Since it is related to coldness and harshness, it may symbolize facing hard truths or enduring difficult experiences. In dream psychology, it can also represent the need for guidance as the North Star is a navigational aid. It can indicate a yearning for stability and constancy in life if you’re experiencing uncertainty or change.
- Symbolism: introspection, facing hard truths, need for guidance, desire for stability.
See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool.
North in Myths and Folklore
In various myths and folktales, North holds a significant place. For instance, in Norse mythology, the North was home to the gods in Asgard. It was seen as a realm of divine power and wisdom, where Odin, the god of wisdom, resided. In Native American lore, the North is often associated with wisdom, introspection, and spirituality. It’s symbolized by the buffalo, an animal revered for its strength and endurance.
In Chinese mythology, the North Star was considered the “Emperor Star” and was linked to the celestial emperor’s authority and power. The North was regarded as a sacred direction, representing the element of water, winter, and the color black. It was also associated with the tortoise, a symbol of wisdom and longevity.
- Symbolism: divine power, wisdom, introspection, spirituality, authority, water element, winter, black color, wisdom, longevity.
North Spiritual Meanings
In a spiritual context, North symbolizes the journey inward, towards self-discovery and enlightenment. It’s often associated with introspection and self-reflection, urging individuals to seek wisdom within themselves. In many spiritual practices, North is considered the direction of the ancestors and is revered as a source of guidance and wisdom. It embodies the element of Earth and represents grounding energies, stability, and the physical body.
- Symbolism: journey inward, self-discovery, enlightenment, introspection, ancestral guidance, wisdom, Earth element, grounding energies, stability, physical body.
North Tattoo Meaning
In tattoo symbolism, a North tattoo often signifies resilience and the ability to stand firm amid adversity, inspired by the North’s association with harsh and frigid conditions. It may also represent guidance and direction, as the North Star has been used for navigation for centuries. For those on a spiritual journey or soul-searching, a North tattoo can symbolize introspection, wisdom, and the pursuit of inner truth.
- Symbolism: resilience, guidance, direction, introspection, wisdom, pursuit of inner truth.
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.
