[expand]Animals, as totems and spiritual allies, were represented in simplified, recognizable forms.
The Bear:
A triangular shape with internal lines suggesting a bear’s head appeared on warrior amulets and on boundary markers of forest territories. The bear was strength, ferocity, the wild power of the forest made flesh.
The Horse:
A curved line suggesting a horse’s neck and head appeared on fertility objects (the horse represented virility, speed, vital energy) and on traveler’s amulets (the horse carried you safely across distance).
The Snake:
A wavy line with a triangular head represented the snake—sacred to Weles, the god of the underworld and cattle. Snake glyphs appeared on shepherd’s staffs (protecting livestock) and on burial markers (guiding the soul through Weles’s realm).
The Bird:
A simple V shape with a central line (wings and body) represented birds—messengers between worlds, carriers of souls. Bird glyphs appeared on grave markers (helping the soul fly to Navia) and on spring festival objects (welcoming the return of migratory birds).
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