There may be no concrete evidence that many mythical creatures we’ve come to love, whether it be in movies or books, were actually real at any point. That’s also not to say that they weren’t. Our earth and universe have turned for millennia before we even gained consciousness.
Mythical creatures have been used for hundreds of years to foretell fortunes and give us guidance on our physical, emotional, and spiritual paths. In this article, you will find 33 of the most legendary and mythical creatures with their spiritual meanings and a beautifully hand-drawn image of each mythical creature.
But how do we connect with their spiritual meanings? You don’t have to physically come into contact with a unicorn or a yeti to gain spiritual guidance and knowledge.
Perhaps you have found your dreams consumed by certain mythical creatures night after night, or maybe you feel particularly drawn to images of a mythical creature and you don’t really know why.
This could be the universe or your spirit animal trying to send you a message, and the only way to understand it is to know the spiritual meaning behind the mythical creatures that have taken root in your thoughts and dreams.
Mythical Creatures List
Without further ado, here is the ultimate list of mythical creatures from folklore, fairytales, legends, and other mythological stories of the past.
1. The Phoenix
The Phoenix is a sign of death and rebirth in the Greek mythology. This is more likely to be a spiritual or emotional death you may currently be experiencing or will come in the future, but don’t fear, as your human flesh will rise from the ashes with rebound strength.
Feeling drawn to the Phoenix or seeing it in your dreams can be a prophetic symbol that difficulties are coming your way but with the strength of the phoenix behind you, you will prevail.
The Phoenix in mythology is usually a good omen of power and resilience and it may even indicate that a situation is on the horizon where you can use your inner strength and passions for the greater good.
2. THE UNICORN
The unicorn has long been a representation of personal intuition and physical skills. In fact, the horn of the unicorn itself is a symbol of the third eye-opening.
Seeing these mythical creatures in your thoughts and dreams regularly can be a sign for you to delve deep into spirituality and self-exploration. Perhaps you may have had a desire to open up your psychic gifts through the medium of mediation. This is your sign to start.
Intuition is one of the cornerstones of psychic abilities and to help you harness these you may need to reconnect with your childhood faith and embrace your inner creativity.
3. THE MERMAID
Mermaids are mythical creatures that have harnessed the power and emotion of the seas and also represent divine femininity. If you are regularly drawn to these magical creatures or see them often, spiritually you may be receiving a few messages. Messages that may cause fear if you are afraid of the emotions you may reveal.
These mythical creatures could insinuate the need to dig deep into your emotional self. Revisiting past traumas and hardships. Being able to go back will aid you in working through them so you can truly heal.
The mermaid also represents our inner child and connection to nature. This could be your sign to reconnect with the natural world and also with the child that still resides within you.
4. THE DRAGON
The dragon is a symbol of strength, intellect, and brilliance. These mythical creatures are fierce, loud, and unapologetic in their power. This could be its message for you.
If you have found yourself drawn to the image of these mythical beasts or have been visited by them in your dreams, it may indicate that it is time for you to transform into who you should be. Perhaps you have been quiet, afraid of confrontation, or fearful of following your true desire.
It could also mean that the dragon is your spirit animal.
This sign is telling you to find your voice and roar with it. Perhaps you have felt ignored or put aside, now is the time to make yourself heard.
On a more spiritual level, the appearance of dragons can indicate the beginning of spiritual awakening, if you are ready to walk the path with courage.
5. THE GRIFFIN
The griffin is a creature that embodies both the king of the beasts, the lion, and the king of the birds, the eagle. The combination of these two powerful animals gives the griffin a strong spiritual meaning of power, protection, enlightenment, and emotional balance
But what message is trying to reach you? Perhaps in your spiritual journey, you have fallen stagnant. Something is blocking you from achieving progression. Be that spiritual or emotional.
With the strength and protection of the griffin, you will find the strength within yourself to smash down any blockages between your present self and your future self.
The griffin in mythology may also be a sign that you need to look closer at certain relationships and situations to figure out what it is that you need from them.
6. THE YETI
The yeti goes by many names, such as Bigfoot or Sasquatch, however, this creature spiritually represents either the need for strength and confidence or the desire for time alone to reflect, regardless of which name you give it. The lack of evidence for the existence of this creature also gives it meanings of secrecy and mystery.
Have you been feeling drained of energy and emotion in certain situations or when you are with certain people? This could be your sign to prioritize your alone time. Without it, you don’t have the time to build up your energy to handle these places and people
The appearance of the yeti in your life can also symbolize your need to stand up for yourself and find the courage to deal with situations you may find intimidating. This may also be a sign that your hard work will soon pay off, but not in ways you first thought.
You need to open yourself up to the possibility of new and different opportunities.
7. THE KELPIE
The Kelpie is a symbol of transformation, inner balance, imagination, and, emotion. These mythical creatures occupy both land and water and so their message for you can change depending on what form you are drawn to most.
Being drawn to a fully submerged kelpie could indicate troubling times are coming, like an intense relationship or financial worries, and that without emotional learning you may find yourself growing.
The Kelpie is also a sign of a spiritual transformation. The kelpie can aid us in controlling unruly emotions and finding balance within ourselves.
Its association with water may be a sign that something in your life is stagnant and you need to follow your heart more than your head to get the waters of creativity and imagination flowing once again.
8. THE KRAKEN
Symbolizing power, courage, and healing, the Kraken is an almighty mythical creature to begin seeing in your thoughts and dreams. Many times the visualization of the Kraken in your sleeping and waking life can be a warning of evil spirits.
Seeing a Kraken can represent personal healing. It may be telling you to face your fears to reach a place of peace and healing. Without the courage to do this, you may become consumed by your own fear.
Much like the Kraken is said to regurgitate its food to attract its prey, this may be a sign that something is emotionally repeating on you. Indicating your need to let go of the desire to hold back your emotions and feelings, or risk being stuck with immense emotional turmoil.
Seeing this creature may also be a sign of your need to be creative when it comes to attracting your greatest desires.
9. THE BASILISK
The basilisk embodies the powers of foresight, mental clarity, protection, and endurance. Feeling drawn to the half serpent, half cockerel basilisk can indicate a time for self-reflection and a balancing of your power, courage, healing, and protection.
This mythical creature can indicate your need to create stronger boundaries to protect yourself. It may also be a sign that you need to find more harmony within yourself, that the chaotic turmoil you find yourself in is no longer serving your life’s true purpose.
Has someone been pressuring you into something you don’t want or don’t believe in? The basilisk can be a sign to stick to your principles and not compromise your integrity.
10. THE CENTAUR
The centaur, half man, and half horse represent a connection to the spirit of the source. It is also a symbol of balance and community. The duality of the centaur can indicate the imbalance between your spiritual and physical beings.
If you have felt drawn to the centaur it may be a sign that you need to focus on balancing the masculine and feminine parts of your spirit. Perhaps through meditation, exploring your creativity, or setting boundaries in your personal life.
These mythical creatures are very sensual beings and your message could be to accept your sensuality, fall in love with your own body, and celebrate your individual beauty.
This sign may also be asking you to look at your community and the role you are currently playing. Are you pulling your weight? Have you been falling into the shadows of your community? And if you have it could be time to step forward and support those you have been neglecting.
11. THE WEREWOLF
One consistent theme that crosses cultural borders when it comes to the werewolf, is how this creature experiences a complete change in consciousness. This creature embodies ultimate transformation, strong emotions, and finding the balance between your instinctive, intuitive, and logical self.
The arrival of the werewolf in your life may indicate you are experiencing situations where you feel completely out of control. That you are trying too hard to suppress intense emotions or perhaps you holding onto a lot of fear surrounding what will happen if you just let go.
This could be your sign to explore how you feel and allow your emotions to breach the surface. Seeing the werewolf may also indicate a calling to heal your emotions in preparation for a new beginning that is heading your way.
12. THE SPHINX
You may already be familiar with the sphinx of ancient Egypt. These mythical creatures are a symbol of wisdom, ancient ways, and curiosity. If you are facing a situation you are not sure how to handle or you are struggling with needing some self-assurance, you may experience a visitation from this mythological creature in one way or another.
Seeing a sphinx, whether it be in your dreams or you feel unexplainably drawn to it, may signal a need to get back to basics. You may find yourself drawn to ways you used to live or believe. Embrace this return to your old ways, there could be a lesson here for how to handle situations you are currently experiencing.
Perhaps you have been asking yourself a question, the sphinx is here to help you realize you already have the answer – you just may not like it.
The sphinx can also be a sign to break free of controlling situations or people. It is a warning that if you don’t, the consequences could be far-reaching.
13. THE GREMLIN
The gremlin has a spiritual meaning of playfulness, the unexpected, and physical-world awakening. In modern society, the gremlin is seen as a mischievous trickster but on a spiritual level, this mythical creature can mean so much more.
The gremlin is a playful creature, and this could be a sign to reconnect with your child-like fun and joy. By ignoring your creative and fun side your life can become dull and unimaginative and your inner child suffers.
Perhaps you need to find a healthier balance between work and play. It could be tied to focusing on what drives you creatively. These mythical creatures can also be a sign of unexpected things coming your way, this could indicate you need to prepare yourself for all eventualities that could be o their way.
It’s also possible you are being warned that someone bears ill will against you and you need to be more observant of the people that surround you.
14. THE HYDRA
The hydra is a mythical creature symbolizing forewarning, open-mindedness, and teamwork. The many heads of these mystical creatures mean you may experience more than one message from this spirit guide.
If the hydra has visited you it may signal problems heading your way. This forewarning gives you time to prepare yourself to remain on your toes and be vigilant over the next coming while.
The hydra has many heads, this can indicate a need to open your mind to others and their views or perspectives. You may be surprised by what you discover when you view certain situations through the eyes of others.
Seeing a hydra may also mean you may benefit from opening up and working with others. Especially others who have similar thoughts and beliefs as yourself.
15. THE HIPPOGRIFF
The hippogriff features the wings, head, and talons of an eagle and the body of a horse. In mythology, it is said that the hippogriff is fathered by a griffin. With such powerful parentage, it’s no wonder the hippogriff symbolizes strength, abundance, harmony, and decisive action
Thanks to the rarity of a hippogriff’s birth, this creature is an embodiment of achievement. You may begin to see this creature as you begin, what feels like, an impossible journey.
This is a sign that you are on the right path and that nothing is truly impossible. You may find hippogriffs appear when you have been particularly hard on yourself as a reminder to reconnect with your loved ones and to recognize how everything is connected.
This creature may even symbolize your future overcoming impossible obstacles.
16. THE LOCH NESS MONSTER
Lake monsters, like Nessie, Champ, and Ogopogo, symbolize collective unconsciousness. There are many different types of these legendary creatures across all cultures of the world but they share this spiritual meaning.
Seeing the Loch Ness monster, whether it be on the shores of the Loch Ness in Scotland, or in your thoughts and dreams, can indicate a need to delve into old emotions. These emotions may have been controlling what you do, and if you don’t explore them you will feel the weight of that emotional baggage and be unable to heal your wounds.
It may also be a sign to navigate the water of a troublesome relationship that you have been refusing to see the truth of. If you have been mulling over an important decision, the appearance of this creature is telling you to hold on and wait until you can see things clearer.
17. THE HARPY
The Harpy may have been viewed through the eyes of ancient cultures as a fearsome, destructive, and ugly female monster but looking through the eyes of modern feminism and how the patriarch viewed women it’s not hard to notice the correlation between the ugly connotations of women with loud voices and views. The harpy is a creature that symbolizes inspiration, the feminine spirit, and power.
If you have been seeing these mythical creatures it may be a sign to embrace the power of your rage and raw emotion to finally take a stand and make a change.
You may need to embrace the destruction of the storm coming to experience the beauty that comes after. It may be a reminder to use your voice and ensure you are being heard.
Now is not a time to shrink into the shadows. You need to embrace your intellect, creativity, and passion, regardless of how others view you.
18. THE MINOTAUR
The minotaur, half-human, half-bull, is representative of vitality, strength, and power. Although, it is also indicative of the need to work through multiple levels to reach sought-after wisdom.
Having the minotaur show itself to you in your waking life or your dreams may be a message that you may be about to encounter situations that will force you to face your fears, perhaps even your mortality.
It may also be a sign that you need to take a good hard look at yourself in the mirror. It could be time to focus on the emotions you have been repressing, especially if you have felt an inner emotional conflict brewing.
This creature can also be a sign that you have been hiding away. Maybe you have been avoiding love, for fear of being hurt or hiding things that are dear to your heart for fear of showing them to people and being abandoned.
This is your signal to not let your fear hold you back and to not hold on too tight to what you have right now.
19. THE PEGASUS
The graceful and impressive Pegasus is a mythical creature that symbolizes stability, movement, strength, and healing. There are many reasons these mythical creatures have flown into your life but they are always messages best not to ignore.
The arrival of the Pegasus can be a foretelling of clairvoyance, perhaps you have been dabbling in the spiritual arts.
This is your sign to press forward, open your mind, and keep exploring. It is time to reconnect with your inner self and intuition.
If you feel as if you are lacking strength or in need of healing, being drawn to the Pegasus may indicate you are being encouraged to strengthen your devotion – in whatever it is that you believe – and have faith in your life and the path you are going.
20. THE CHIMERA
The Chimera, born from the father and mother of monsters, and siblings to many other mythical creatures, such as the Sphinx, Cerberus, and Orthrus, is a ferocious being in Greek and Roman mythology. It signifies ambitious energy, conflict, opposition, and the irrational.
The Chimera is a creature with unbridled strength and courage. Seeing this creature is your sign to take a stand and stop others from taking advantage of you.
Perhaps your life has been trudging along a little too carefully, boring you with the mundane.
The arrival of Chimera is a message to stir it up, do something different, and take some risks. Living a careful life limits you, leaving you unable to see the entire universe in all its wonder.
21. THE JACKALOPE
These secretive mythical creatures symbolize secretiveness and contemplation but also pranksters’ behaviors and falsehoods. The Jackalope, a mixed transformation being between a Rabbit, Deer, and an Antelope is known for being highly intelligent, cunning, swift, and fleeting throughout its historic lore.
If the Jackalope has revealed itself to you it may be because you are having difficulty fully trusting those around you, or something is making you feel uncertain and you can’t quite put your finger on it.
You are being told to sit, wait, and be patient. Listen to your inner voice to guide you. The Jackalope can also appear just before you experience some sort of major epiphany. Giving you bursts of intuitive and imaginative thought to help your spiritual and personal growth.
22. THE LEPRECHAUN
The leprechaun is one of the most famous mythical creatures in Irish mythology although we associate it with pots of gold and the end of the rainbow. The leprechaun actually symbolizes luck, but also misfortune and deception.
Depending on how to see the Leprechaun may determine whether seeing this mythical creature is a bad or a good omen. It may be a sign that good things are headed your way, you just need t open your arms to the possibilities.
Alternatively, it could be a warning. Perhaps there is someone in your life who you need to keep a closer eye on, or it could be a sign of financial misfortune.
23. THE BANSHEE
The Banshee is often thought of as a wailing woman, who brings forth death to family members in Irish lore. However, being drawn to her human form or seeing her in your dreams may not be just about physical death. The banshee symbolizes death, simplicity, and, transformation.
Seeing the banshee might not be the harbinger of destruction you first think. Being drawn to this mythical fairy may indicate you need to reconnect with your inner child.
You have rejected your self-worth for a long time and this is your reminder that you have a lot to offer the world. It may also indicate that a massive change is on the horizon, one that you need to embrace wholeheartedly.
24. THE AMAROK
The Amarok, whose predecessor was the Dire Wolf, is an imposing wolf-like creature. Much like the Werewolf, the Amarok is strong, fierce, and courageous. Although, unlike the transformation of the werewolf, the Amaroks are mythical creatures from birth. It symbolizes solitude, stillness, urgency, and, powerful energy.
Seeing the Amarok may indicate a situation you are currently experiencing is calling on you to be fierce. Make no apologies for who you are or how you feel. If you have been having issues with your confidence, self-esteem, or self-expression this is your sign to shed the weight of what other people think and be true to yourself.
You may feel an urge to spend time alone, perhaps you have been feeling disconnected from those around you. Sometimes a period of solitude can reawaken your connection to your community.
25. THE CADMEAN VIXEN
The Cadmean Vixen, although with very little documentation on her appearance, was considered to be a large, wolf-sized fix. She stands for illusions, secrets, and the merging of opposing forces.
The arrival of the Cadmean Vixen in your life may signal some indecision that is stalling your personal or spiritual growth. This is your reminder to break the cycle of doubt and pounce on the very thing you desire.
You may also find yourself in situations you do not enjoy but you have become so comfortable with this discomfort that you no longer notice it. This could be in a relationship or even a work situation. Being drawn to this creature is a message to open your eyes, shatter the illusion and pursue happiness – however impractical it may seem.
26. THE CYCLOPS
You may remember the Cyclops as a small-brained, one-eyed giant in Greek mythology. However, if you look deeper into its myths you will find that the Cyclops was named so for its third eye. The skilled workmen have a strong connection to their spiritual vision and they symbolize clairvoyance, spiritual healing, and, knowledge.
To be drawn to these mythical creatures may indicate you are drawn to the spiritual arts. It could be a sign to take part in spiritual methods, like meditation, to help open your third eye. It could also be a message you open your eyes to.
Perhaps you have been too short-sighted. Refusing to see anything outside of your regular scope of vision. It may be time to expand your thoughts and view other opinions.
27. THE CERBERUS
Cerberus is the guardian of the Greek underworld, a mighty dog-like beast, with three snarling heads that protect the entrance to the underworld, keeping the worlds of the living and the dead separated. This mythical creature symbolizes balance, loyalty, power, and the three phases of human life.
Seeing this mystical creature in dreams or waking life may indicate your desire to maintain faithfulness and integrity when it comes to your loved ones. It may also be a sign that your inner and outer selves are out of balance and you need to work on rebalancing who you are.
Perhaps you are entering a new phase of your life, seeing this mystical creature gives you the strength and power to hold strong as things change.
28. THE BUNYIP
Bunyips are mythical creatures from native Australian myth. They are described as being a mix between a dog and a seal, lurking in waterholes, rivers, and streams. They symbolize dreams, emotions, adaption, and, the subconscious.
If you have felt lost on your life path the arrival of the Bunyip can guide you through your subconscious, helping you to rediscover your purpose. Perhaps you have felt weighed down by old emotional rhetorics. This could be a sign to shed your old ways of feeling to usher in the new before you drag yourself under.
The message you are receiving could be warning you that you have been holding yourself back with old emotional chains and spending too much time trying to rationalize things.
29. GNOMES
Gnomes are small, mythical creatures that live underground or in caves. These beings show up in many different cultures but in all cultures, they are very secretive. They symbolize protection, longevity, good luck, and playfulness.
Being drawn to Gnomes, or seeing them in your dreams, may indicate that your hard work is soon to pay off. That although you are happy with the current status quo of your life, more good is headed your way.
However, they are also secretive beings. Have you been hiding a side of yourself from the world or deceiving those around you? This could be a sign that it is time to reveal what you have been keeping hidden.
30. FAIRIES
There are so many forms of fairies in mythical creature lore, from pixies, and leprechauns, to nymphs, and sprites. Feeling drawn to them, or even seeing them can be a difficult series of messages to unravel. Generally, fairies symbolize feminine beauty, nature, and lack of fulfillment
The playful and mischievous energies of many fairies could mean your message is to not take life so seriously, reconnect with your inner child, and remember what it is like to just have fun.
It may also be a call to reconnect with nature. Take some time to immerse yourself in the natural world around you.
One message the universe may be sending to you through these mythical creatures is that your life, as it stands right now, isn’t satisfying you. It may be time to refocus on a new goal and take a good look at the people and situations your life currently revolves around.
31. THE KIRIT
Kirit, also known by the names Nandi Bear, Chemist, or Duba, are mythical creatures that resemble a mixture of baboons, hyenas, and, bears. Some of the lore seems very similar to that of Bigfoot. The Kirit symbolizes survival, strategy, and intelligence.
If you have been feeling dissatisfied with your current career, job, or romantic situation the appearance of these mythical creatures is your sign to look up and demand more from yourself and the life that you live.
It may also be a sign for you to draw on your intellectual powers if you are experiencing conflict. Now is not the time to fall back on reactive emotions and behaviors.
32. THE CALADRIUS
The Caladrius is a pure white bird from Roman mythology. Often depicted as able to absorb a person’s sickness or as a predictor of someone’s death. These mythical creatures symbolize authenticity, healing, and vision.
If this creature comes to you it is a message to take a good ‘birds-eye view’ of your life. See the big picture of where you currently are and where you want to be. Is what you are doing now serving as a bridge between those two? This may also be a sign for you to remove toxic situations and people from your life if you wish to truly heal.
Perhaps you haven’t been living how you dream to live. Seek spiritual enlightenment to figure out your next course of action.
33. THE CHUPACABRA
Chupacabra is a mythical creature straight from American folklore. Some call it the ‘goat sucker’ and it has even been told that they have sucked the blood from human victims – much like a Vampire. These frightening mythical creatures symbolize shapeshifting, insight, energy, or emotional drains.
This being may enter your life to remind you not to allow your responsibilities to drain your energy.
You may be out of balance and need to rebalance your inner and outer worlds but perhaps also find a better balance between work and play. Perhaps you have sacrificed your wants and needs for another for far too long. You are being urged to make yourself a priority.
The True Meaning of Creatures in Mythology
Now that you have discovered the true meaning behind why these mythical creatures have inserted themselves into your life, you know what the universe is asking of you, or reminding you of.
Similar to when you keep receiving specific angel numbers from your Archangels, seeing a specific creature is not to be ignored.
The universe works in wondrous ways to ensure we are living the life we deserve and putting these mythical creatures onto our path is one of those ways. Don’t ignore the message of the universe, you are receiving them for a very important reason and it can help you along the way.
Now, I’m super curious to hear in the comments below, which of these beautiful mythological creatures from our list has appeared in your life?