The Dolphin
Delphinus delphis
Element
water
Chakra
throat
Symbolism
Wisdom & Power
Overview
The dolphin embodies pure joy and the sacred art of not taking life too seriously. As one of only three sentient beings on Earth (alongside whales and humans), dolphins possess a complex language and extremely high level of understanding. With a jaw shaped into a perpetual smile, they remind us that happiness and playfulness are not frivolous but essential to living fully. This beloved spirit animal teaches us to jump into unfamiliar waters without fear, to change our rhythm when obstacles appear, and to listen not just to words but to the tone in which they are spoken. Dolphins show us that we can be both highly intelligent and deeply playful - that the two are not opposites but complementary gifts.
Symbolism & Meaning
Joy, playfulness, intelligent communication, tone of voice, perpetual smiling, changing rhythm, sentient awareness, higher connection to self, curiosity, inquisitiveness, enjoying life, harmony, spirit, emotion, social connection, loving generosity, free-spiritedness, and the sacred art of play
Dolphin spirit represents one of the highest forms of consciousness on Earth - scientific evidence proves that dolphins are one of just three sentient beings (dolphins, whales, and humans). With their complex language and extremely high level of understanding, Native Americans have always believed that the dolphin embodies a higher connection with one's self. The dolphin teaches us that if we take ourselves too seriously, we will miss many opportunities to laugh and have fun. Their perpetual smile (created by the shape of their jaw) reminds us to smile often, as smiling can never hurt. Dolphins communicate in high-pitched squeaks and sounds, teaching us to listen not only to the words spoken but to pay close attention to the tone of voice used - tone can communicate just as much, if not more, than words themselves.
Life Lessons
Don't take life too seriously or you'll miss opportunities for joy, smile often like the dolphin's perpetual grin, jump into unfamiliar waters without fear - think of new things as exciting adventures, change your rhythm, pace, or direction slightly when stuck and obstacles become easier, listen to tone of voice as carefully as you listen to words, be curious and inquisitive about life, enjoy life while you have it (the meaning of life is unknown to most, but dolphins teach us to enjoy it anyway), maintain your higher connection with your true self, be loving and generous enough to risk your life for those you care about, avoid getting so caught up in social life and performances that you forget life's true meaning, and remember that being highly intelligent doesn't mean you can't be deeply playful.
Cultural Significance
Native American Tradition
Because of dolphins' extremely high level of intelligence and complex language, Native Americans have always believed that the dolphin spirit animal represents a higher connection with one's self - one of the most sacred forms of consciousness.
Celtic Tradition
Celtic sea lore speaks of dolphins guiding lost souls home and bringing messages from the ocean depths. They represent safe passage and guidance through emotional waters.
Chinese Tradition
In Chinese symbolism, dolphins represent protection, good fortune at sea, and the harmony of yin and yang energies - balancing intelligence with play.
greek Tradition
Sacred to Apollo and Poseidon, dolphins were seen as divine messengers, representing salvation, transformation, and safe passage through life's oceans.
maori Tradition
Dolphins (Aihe) are respected as guardians of the ocean, bringing good luck and guiding travelers safely through uncertain waters.
sentience Teaching Tradition
There is scientific evidence that dolphins are one of just three sentient beings on Earth (the other two being whales and humans). They have a complex language and an extremely high level of understanding - a profound reminder that intelligence exists in forms beyond our own and that consciousness takes many shapes.
playfulness Wisdom Tradition
Dolphins teach us to be curious, inquisitive, and to enjoy life. The meaning of life is unknown to most, but the dolphin totem is a symbol to enjoy life while we have it. Don't be afraid to jump into unfamiliar waters - think of new things as exciting adventures waiting to be had.
rhythm Change Tradition
A simple change in energy flow can quickly help us get out of sticky situations. Change your rhythm, pace, or direction slightly and you will find that the obstacle is not nearly as difficult as you once thought. Remember this when you are too scared to "jump in" to a new situation.
communication Lessons Tradition
Dolphins communicate in high-pitched squeaks and sounds, reminding us to listen not only to the words that are spoken but to pay close attention to the tone of voice that is used. Tone can communicate just as much, if not more, than words. Be thoughtful and listen carefully to those you care about.
smiling Message Tradition
The dolphin nearly always appears to be smiling, by the shape of its jaw. Take this as symbolism to smile often - smiling can never hurt you, so do it as often as you can.
dream Symbolism
Seeing a dolphin in dreams symbolizes the need to communicate more clearly between your subconscious and conscious minds - these dreams are inspirational and have positive meaning. Riding a dolphin in a dream represents being connected to your true self, meaning you are happy with where you are in life and enjoying who you are. A hurt or dying dolphin in dreams may symbolize feeling hopeless or depressed about something in your life.
shadow Warnings Tradition
Being so social can lead to gossip and drama - be careful what you tell a dolphin person, as they may not be able to keep much to themselves. Dolphin people are highly intelligent and know it, so they can show off too much and demand to be the center of attention. When all the intelligence and admiration goes to their heads, they become disconnected from their inner selves and can be difficult to talk to on a more meaningful level. They can forget what the true purpose of life is when caught up in performances and social activities.