Coming of Age: Top Symbols of Growth
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Growth means different things to different people. Apart from helping us discover our true selves, it enables us to be more spiritually aware and compassionate and develop positive relationships. It is an essential part of our existence and greatly benefits our body, soul, and mind.
In this post, we broke down the top symbols of growth, for we believe that they work towards carving a path that will ensure our spiritual progress and development.
Key takeaways
- Growth improves our connections. The sun helps us create positive and long-lasting relationships by teaching us how to handle difficult people and situations. Being more understanding is a sign that you have gone through a period of growth.
- Growth teaches us how to cope better with stress. Since life is typically bounded by pressure, the Egyptian scarab reminds us that we can flourish even when faced with challenges. It inspires us to rise above our life’s most difficult times.
- Growth leads to happiness. Through yoga and meditation, the Garuda Mudra has taught us that the occasional mood swing is balanced out when we experience growth and transformation. Similarly, awakening the chakras enables us to achieve progress and enlightenment.
The sun
Various traditions have revered the sun and its powerful symbolic meaning for centuries. Known to have made life on Earth possible, people see it as a symbol of strength, passion, health, and growth in many cultures throughout time. As our ancestors saw sunny days as a way for the Divine to provide them with a good harvest, they have long trusted the sun’s heat to bring prosperity and growth to our lives, careers, and relationships.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
– Viktor E. Frankl
Celtic Triskelion
Recognized as one of the oldest symbols on the planet, many consider the Triskelion an enduring indication of strength, growth, and progress. Featuring three spirals connected from a central hub, it has inspired countless Celts to move forward constantly and overcome adversity throughout time.
We commonly see the Triskelion in ancient Celtic art and architecture. The Triskelion allows us to grow beyond ourselves and shift our focus to the Divine and our relationships with others.
Egyptian scarab
Like Christians who see the Cross as sacred, the scarab is perhaps Ancient Egypt’s most hallowed amulet. Believed to be a manifestation of the Sun God Ra, the scarab beetle’s ability to find new life from filth makes it a symbol of growth, renewal, and rebirth.
Highly associated with the dung beetle, which lays eggs and produces young beetles from waste, it reminds us how we can thrive in the face of life’s never-ending tests. See more symbolic meanings of beetles or the beetle in-house meaning.
Garuda Mudra
A symbol that resembles the wings of a bird, the Garuda Mudra urges us to grow and rise above our uncertainties. It gives us the courage to explore new ways to face our challenges and how to be mature, responsible individuals.
Known to be easily achieved through meditation and yoga, the Garuda Mudra (being a bird god) inspires physical and spiritual growth, balances the energy on both sides of the body, and helps us easily deal with fatigue and mood fluctuations.
Merkaba
More than just a celestial being of deep spiritual meaning, the Merkaba is a three-dimensional, eight-pointed star known to bring forth and help maintain life’s balance. Taking its name from the Hebrew words for light (Mer), spirit (Ka), and body (Ba), it enables us to access high levels of consciousness and helps develop our spiritual growth and awareness.
It gives us the ability to go through the daily challenges of life but also helps in discovering and keeping our connection with the Divine. It is also part of the sacred geometry symbols.
Chakras
Many believe chakras represent the energy centers of the body. Chakras provide us with guidance as we journey through life. Favored for their ability to boost physical progress and development, they can easily be activated through meditation and yoga and are also considered highly responsible for our spiritual growth.
Since our attachment to the physical world almost always hampers us, the
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Labyrinth
Initially created to house the fearsome Minotaur, the labyrinth is a maze-like structure with a single pathway that leads to the center. In yoga and meditation, walking the labyrinth enables us to reach a contemplative state, which is a path toward spiritual growth and enlightenment.
It represents our journey into the center of our being, the desire to return to our divine source, and our quest to achieve spiritual and personal completeness.
The spiral
From the Milky Way and staircases to notepad binders and snail shells, the spiral signifies an ongoing process that links discovery and innocence. An ancient symbol that holds an important place in our modern lives, the spiral reminds us of the importance of going through periods of spiritual growth and progress.
The spiral offers a wide range of symbolism across various cultures. It awakens our creative side and enables us to be more mindful of nature.
Flowers
Used for centuries in art pieces and jewelry, many believe that flowers have always had a significant impact on people’s attitudes, moods, and happiness. As the image of a flower in bloom remains one of the most attractive representations of life, they are often seen as our capacity for growth and transforming into a better version of ourselves.
Much like most symbols of growth, a flower’s vibrant colors and fragrant smell inspire physical, spiritual, and emotional progress.
Trees
Since ancient days, trees have been critical in ensuring the planet’s survival. While most people plant them for aesthetics and to create shade, their ability to grow into towering structures of countless leaves and branches has led various cultures to see them as symbols of abundance, growth, and wisdom.
Apart from providing us with wood, protection, and shelter, they help us achieve a sense of growth and enlightenment that allows us to see things from a higher perspective.
Books
With its ability to introduce students to a world of skills, imagination, and intelligence, the importance of books in our lives can never be overstated. By broadening our horizons and acting as a gateway to the world, it’s no surprise that they are one of the most important symbols of growth and development.
Apart from boosting your memory and expanding your communication skills, reading books teaches us how to be more understanding of other people’s situations – a sign that books teach us to grow into better persons.
Wisdom teeth
Known as a late-emerging set of molars with no specific use, wisdom teeth cause tremendous pain and require a tremendous amount of money to remove. Often appearing in our early to later twenties, it indicates how we gain wisdom only as we go up in age.
Wisdom teeth represent our growth, transformation, and willingness to receive new ideas and experiences.
A baby’s footprint
As one of the most adorable symbols of new life and growth, a baby’s footprint is often used to commemorate the birth of a child. It is also seen as a reminder that every step we take in life leaves an impression on the world. A baby’s footprint is a reminder to be mindful of our actions and to always strive to be our best selves.
A caterpillar turning into a butterfly
The metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly has long been seen as a symbol of growth, change, and new beginnings. The process of transformation is often seen as a reminder that we all have the potential to emerge from our current state and achieve something more significant.
Just as a caterpillar must go through a difficult and challenging process to become a butterfly, we too must face difficulties in our lives to grow and transform into our best selves.
The Phoenix
The mythical phoenix is a powerful symbol of rebirth, growth, and new beginnings. It represents our ability to rise from the ashes of our past and start anew. The phoenix reminds us that even when life seems dark and hopeless, we always have the potential to start over and create something beautiful.
The Thunderbird
The Thunderbird is a mythical creature that is said to bring rain and abundance. It is often seen as a symbol of fertility, growth, and new life. The Thunderbird reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for new beginnings.
A seedling
A seedling is a young plant that has just begun to grow. It represents new life, growth, and potential. A seedling reminds us that even the smallest of beings have the ability to achieve great things.
Climbing a mountain and reaching the top
Climbing a mountain is often seen as a symbol of growth, achievement, and success. It represents our ability to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. Climbing a mountain reminds us that even when the journey is difficult, it is always worth it to persevere and achieve our goals.
Business growth curve
The business growth curve is a symbol of the stages that a business goes through as it grows and develops. It is a reminder that businesses must go through periods of success and failure to achieve long-term growth.
The business growth curve reminds us that we must be patient and persistent in our pursuit of success.
Watering a plant
Watering a plant is a symbol of nurturing, growth, and life. It represents our ability to provide care and support to those in need. Watering a plant reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.
Rocket launch
A rocket launch is often seen as a symbol of growth, progress, and success. It represents our ability to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. A rocket launch reminds us that even when the journey is difficult, it is always worth it to persevere and achieve our goals.
A simple arrow upwards
An arrow pointing upwards is a symbol of progress, growth, and advancement. It represents our ability to move forward and achieve our goals. An arrow pointing upwards reminds us that even when the journey is difficult, it is always worth it to persevere and reach our goals.
A plant growing in a crack in the sidewalk
A plant growing in a crack in the sidewalk is a symbol of hope, growth, and resilience. It represents our ability to thrive despite challenging circumstances.
A plant growing in a crack in the sidewalk reminds us that even when life is hard, we always have the potential to grow and thrive.
A baby taking its first steps
A baby taking its first steps is a symbol of new beginnings, growth, and potential. It represents our ability to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. A baby taking its first steps reminds us that even when the journey is difficult, it is always worth it to persevere and reach our goals.
Climbing a ladder
Climbing a ladder is often seen as a symbol of growth, achievement, and success. It represents our ability to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. Climbing a ladder reminds us that even when the journey is difficult, it is always worth it to persevere and achieve our goals.