From these experiments, Franklin eventually invented the lightning rod, which protected early homes from being struck by lightning.

His experiments gave him the ‘bright idea’ that lightning was one-in-the-same as electricity. Speaking of inspiration, this page wouldn’t be incomplete without the mention of US inventor, Benjamin Franklin.

More about the symbols of gods and goddesses can be found here. This is akin to the epiphany-provoking, inspiration-conjuring bolt of lightning Zeus wielded. Have you ever had an idea or a problem and discover the oddest solution/answer to it? Those moments go ‘kapowie!’, don’t they? From ‘ out of the blue‘ something crops up and allows us to move forward. The Greeks recognized that kind of combustion within the human psyche. Two seemingly opposite elements join together to create a phenomenal interaction. This concept deals with the union of fire and water. The Greeks also held lightning as a symbol of intuition and spiritual illumination. In this cultural arena (Greek), the symbolic meaning of lightning deals with strength, as well as intellect and ‘bright ideas’. Many of you already know Zeus is associated with a lightning bolt.

Thoughts about the deeper meaning of lightning I don’t know about you, but the threat of lightning striking me down if I told a lie would be a great encouragement to stay honest! Get more about Native American symbols here. These bolts strike down those who misguide, mislead or withhold the truth. According to certain tribal legends, the thunderbird emits lightning bolts from its eyes. This association deals with honesty, truth and morality. In Native American wisdom, lightning is closely aligned with the thunderbird. This was the case whether he or she survived the strike, or transitioned into the ‘otherworld’. If a clansman or clanswoman got struck by lightning, Celtic edict stated that he or she would be forever endowed with the power of the highest deities…essentially, ‘touched by the god/goddess’. These lightning-kissed spots became places of worship, honor and reverence. Wherever lightning struck, that was the spot of the sacred, the holy, the point-of-contact that signified connection with unfathomable power. In fact, they established sacred spaces wherever they witnessed lightning strike. For example, the Celts acknowledged lightning as huge juju. These bolts of energy can potentially tap into our most primal, basic emotions. In essence, lightning ignites our deeper selves. Witnessing lightning has a tendency to churn up a whole slew of internal reactions. Lightning is a metaphor for human emotions such as: Fear, Reverence, Creativity and much more. And…if you know anything about Elbert Hubbard (whom I also love), you know he was exactly that kind of visionary. I love this quote! It is particularly relevant in this article because both ideas and lightning should be unforgivingly bold, deliciously risky. “If an idea is not dangerous, it is unworthy to be called an idea at all.” ~Elbert Hubbard How does it make you feel when you see that powerful voltage crackling in the skies? Do you find it electrifying? Terrifying? Inspiring? All of these are valid responses, and indeed, hints to deeper symbolic meaning of lightning. What do I mean by that? Well, consider the staggering effect lightning has. I already knew a few symbolic attributes about lighting, but my curiosity got me on the hunt for more metaphorical goodies to share with you about the symbolic meaning of lightning. Before launching into research from culture, myth and legend, I always like to search my own perception of a symbolic event first. As usual, this got my mind twirling about the symbolism behind the event. Mother Nature is providing some spectacular light-shows in my neck of the woods, in the form of lightning. This article explores more about lightning meanings. In Chinese myth, lightning is a symbol of fertility. To Native Indians, lightning is a symbol of truth. The Celts considered lightning as a sacred sign. From fear to good luck, lightning can mean many things. The symbolic meaning of lightning is varied. Electrifying Symbolic Meaning of Lightning

Purple lightning meaning