By Vernon Sankey
14th January 2022
“I saw the dove come down, the dove with the green twig… Do not surrender, said the dove… I want your step to be Light.” – Leonard Cohen
The white dove has been a symbol of peace, gentleness, affection, fidelity, good fortune and purity for thousands of years and features in many religions and beliefs.
As a symbol of Navigation, as mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Noah’s Ark, the white dove points us towards the importance of living life for each precious moment, with a sense of curiosity, discovery and awe.
As a symbol of Purity, Peace and Light, the white dove subtly infers our higher level of consciousness, achieved through honest and deep reflection, prayer or meditation.
As a symbol of innocence, acceptance and honesty, like the white lily flower or lotus, the white dove embodies the idea of re-birth and hope for a healthier, happier, more compassionate and just world.
“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” – Jesus (Matthew 10)
“If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can afford to be as harmless as a dove.” – Cheyenne Proverb