Shark symbolism is present in cultures all around the world. The shark has been around for hundreds of millions of years, and they are one of the most feared creatures to live in the ocean.
What Does a Shark Symbolize?
- Authority
- Guidance
- Focus
- Adventure and opportunity
- Protection
- Opportunity
- Fertility
Authority
The shark is thought to symbolize authority, and it’s common for them to be viewed as an aggressive animal. Sharks are feared, and because sharks are deadly, they’ve gained authority in the ocean.
The shark can remind us of the importance of being someone that people gravitate to, rather than someone to be feared. So, you should try to surround yourself with positive people and find a positive environment to stay in.
Guidance
The shark is believed to symbolize guidance. There were a number of ancient cultures that believed the shark was a guide for fishermen.
In fact, some ancient cultures found that sharks showed them the best places to catch fish. The sharks would also help off-course boats or ships find the path back home.
If the shark is your spirit animal, it can be summoned when you are having a hard time making a decision. The shark can also help you figure out the next steps or the course of action to take. While you may not have all the answers, you should keep forward.
Focus
The shark is a symbol of focus. So, the shark can remind us to remain focused on the task at hand or what we are trying to achieve. By remaining focused, you can cut out distractions or anything that could throw you off.
Adventure and Opportunity
Sharks are known to travel for hundreds or even thousands of miles. Because of this, they are symbols of adventure and opportunity. They remind us to find opportunities and seek out new adventures. For some sharks, such as the mako shark and the whale shark, it’s necessary to keep moving forward so that the shark can get oxygen.
Protection
The shark is thought to symbolize protection. The shark was considered a guardian and protector for the inhabitants of the South Pacific islands in particular.
Fertility
The shark is a symbol of fertility. They are able to have 100 or more babies at a time. Blacktip reef sharks in particular will return to their home island once it is time to give birth.
Shark Totem Animal
People who are born with the shark as their totem animal are said to have deep emotions. They are masters of their emotions, but they don’t always show their emotions. They also have an amazing energy.
Shark Spirit Animal
A spirit animal serves as a guide, and if a shark makes itself known, you should pay attention. The universe is likely trying to tell you something. If the shark is your spirit animal, you have a fierce protector that will stick by your site.
Pros of a Shark Spirit Animal
- You go after what you want and once you have committed to something, you will make sure that it happens.
- You are a brave, confident, and powerful individual who is always a reader to fight whatever challenges come your way.
- You are fiercely protective of the ones you love and those you care about.
- You are a natural leader and you have a strong sense of authority.
Cons of a Shark Spirit Animal
- You can lack patience. You can feel restless and agitated.
- You might be aggressive when trying to communicate with people rather than communicating with humility and calmness.
- You are highly focused and ambitious, but sometimes you can be rude or egotistical.
- You want to show your dominance you sometimes boast about your superiority. You might also gain dominance by creating fear among others.
- You can be egotistical.
- If you aren’t happy, you might have a bit of a malicious and sinister side.
Are Sharks a Good Omen?
Whether or not sharks are a good omen depends on the culture. For some, the shark is considered a good omen because it is a sign of protection. However, for others, the shark is a bad omen as it could be a sign of danger.
Some think that since sharks are apex predators, they are a good omen. They are at the top of the food chain and have sharp teeth. In addition, the shark can sense blood in the water.
On the other hand, sharks can also be associated with destruction and death. Therefore, they are seen as bad omens.
However, in Native American cultures, the shark is considered a good omen. The shark serves as a reminder to stay alert and to be careful.
In Hawaiian culture, sharks are both a good omen and a bad omen. The shark can serve as a reminder to be cautious and trust your intuition. But they are also a reminder that danger could be lurking beneath the surface.
Dead Shark Symbolism
If you dream of a dead shark, it is a sign that you are going to experience lasting peace and a carefree existence. You need to take advantage of the right opportunity once it comes your way. Good news is coming your way, so you can set aside any worries you have had lately.
Shark Tattoo Meaning
A shark tattoo can represent courage and the fighting spirit that resides within. Sharks are not fearful of going after what they want.
Another meaning of a shark tattoo is personal power. Sharks are known for their vicious attacks, which is one reason that they are one of the most feared predators. Therefore, a tattoo of a shark can symbolize strength and power, as well as serve as a reminder to never give up and remain strong.
What Does Seeing a Shark in Your Dreams Mean?
If you see a shark in your dream, it is important to think about what the shark was doing in order to figure out what it may mean. To understand the meaning of the dream, it can be helpful to think about what a shark symbolizes as well as how you felt during the dream.
Chased by a great white shark
Dreaming you are being chased by a great white shark might be a sign that you are avoiding something. You should think about what problems you may be running away from or if something is causing you fear.
You are attacking a shark
If you dream that you are attacking a shark, it is a sign that you are ready to confront your fears. If something has been causing you anxiety or stress, you are now ready to confront that. You are ready to confront your fears.
Riding a shark
If you have a dream where you are riding a shark, it is a sign that you are about to be triumphant. You will defeat whatever issue is standing in your way.
Escaping a shark
If you dream of escaping a shark, you can think of it as a sign that you are trapped in a hostile environment. You might need to distance yourself from anything that is posing a constant threat to your peace of mind.
A shark biting your arm
If you dream of a shark biting your arm, it may be a sign that your workplace is unsafe. You should watch out for a coworker who might be trying to sabotage you.
What Should You Do When You See a Shark?
If you see a shark, you need to be aware of your surrounding and you need to be alert. You can take a minute to think about what is working right in your life. Ask yourself whether or not there are things holding you back. You should be cautious and trust your intuition.
Different Kinds of Shark Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings
Celtic Shark Symbolism
In Celtic mythology, sharks were symbols of strength and courage. The shark was also associated with warriors.
Hawaiian Shark Legends
The ancient Hawaiians thought that if a family member passed away, and if the body was sent to the sea, the loved one would transform into a shark. During a spiritual ceremony, the family was told by the holy leader that if they saw certain markings on a shark that were similar to the loved one’s clothing.
It was important that they feed the particular shark extra fish. The family would then trust that the shark would serve as a guide during fishing expeditions.
Kāmohoaliʻi
Native Hawaiians hold the shark in high regard. In fact, the ancient Hawaiians had multiple shark deities, one of which was known as Kāmohoaliʻi.
Kāmohoaliʻi was the most revered Hawaiian shark god. It is said that Kāmohoaliʻi was capable of shapeshifting into different types of fish. Additionally, the deity was viewed as a spirit guide who could show lost ships the way home by shaking his tail.
Māori Shark Mythology
The Māori People of New Zealand viewed the shark as a guide and trusted guardian. There is one legend that tells the tale of when a massive white shark once saved a man from being swallowed by a giant sea monster named Te Parata.
Shark Symbolism in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, there are myths related to sharks that have unfortunately put them at risk of becoming extinct. Centuries ago fishermen had difficulty catching sharks, so when one was caught, it was significant. It was thought to be a special event.
During the 14th century, which is when the shark fin dish originated, sharks and other hard-to-catch fish were served to royalty on special occasions. By the time the 18th century came, non-royals were consuming the dish which is considered to be a special delicacy.
Today, the consumption of shark fin soup has become the biggest threat to sharks.
Native American Shark Symbolism
In Native American cultures, sharks were viewed as symbols of strength, courage, and adaptability. They are also viewed as powerful and dangerous predators as they are associated with death and destruction.
South American Shark Symbolism
The Legend of Nohi Abassi
The Warao Indigenous People of South America have a story about a man name Nohi-Abssi. The Warao People believe that the sword hanging from Orion’s Belt is the severed human leg of a man named Nohi-Abassi, rather than a sword.
Nohi-Abassi lost his leg after he killed his mother-in-law after having lured her into the ocean. To get revenge, the mother-in-law disguised herself as a shark and bit off Nohi-Abassi’s leg.
Fiji Shark Legends
Dakuwaqa was an important shark god for the people of Fiji. The god was half-man and half-shark. In fact, the god was known to help fishermen find the best catch. Kāmohoaliʻi would also protect fishermen from the dangers out at sea.
Shark Stories from the Bahamas
In the Bahamas, there is one story about Lusca, a mythical creature who is half-octopus and half-shark. Lusca lurks in caves, in particular, the Blue Hole.
Because of the power, Lusca creates currents and whirlpools just from breathing. Lusca also protects fish, and she makes sure that they are well-fed.
Cook Islands Shark Symbolism
The inhabitants of the Cook Islands had a creator god named Avatea, who bears a similar resemblance to Dakuwaqu. Avatea ruled the sun and moon.
Ina and the Shark
Another Cook Island legend shares the story of Ina and the Shark. Ina, a maiden, fell in love with Tinirau. Tinirau was the god of the ocean and one day asked Ina to visit him. A shark said that he would help her with the journey to the remote island where Tinirau lived.
While Ina was making her way to the remote island, she got hungry and banged a coconut on the shark’s head so that she could crack it open. This made the shark angry so he shook Ina off his back.
The king of all sharks, Tekea, rescued Ina when he saw the shark trying to devour her. Tekea helped Ina make her way to the island. It’s said that Ina’s coconut is the reason all sharks have a dent in their heads.
Shark Symbolism in Greek Mythology
In one Greek legend, Lamia, the daughter of Poseidon, fell in love with Zeus. Eventually, Hera, Zeus’ wife found out about the affair and steals Lamia’s two children. Because of Hera’s action, Lamia is driven to madness. So, out of pity, Zeus turned Lamia into a shark-like monster.