Cow

The cow is, of course, a distinctly feminine symbol, typically representing motherhood. Goddesses such as Hathor and Bat reflect this symbolism, as well as the fact that the cow is considered the origin of all things in Norse mythology, the sky in Egyptian mythology, and the mother of all gods in Hinduism. The cow’s pronounced feminine qualities, combined with its horns, associate it with the Moon. The nature of the symbol gives it a connection to Mother Earth, as a “vegetative” symbol, not particularly dynamic, but life-giving and benevolent. "It rests in the powerful rhythm of its humble nature" (Symbollexikonet).

Fertility

The cow’s prominent and milk-giving udder is associated with the breasts of women or goddesses, which are, of course, a clear symbol of fertility (see also Milk).

Tao

The cow not only accepts being a cow, but also that it is docile like one. This attitude need not be understood negatively; the cow’s docility is also an expression of the Tao (Jung 1997, p. 468).


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