Wind Symbolism (Top 11 Meanings)

The wind is a powerful natural movement, and whether it’s just a breeze or a gust of wind, it’s rich in symbolism and can have different meanings.

Although the wind is a powerful force, it can also be gentle and soft. It can be freezing, but it can be warm and pleasant. Since its variability, different meanings arise. So, what is the wind’s symbolism and meanings?

The wind symbolizes eliminating the old and bringing the new. New opportunities, new direction, and many changes. However, a strong wing symbolizes destruction, so let’s look at all of its meanings and the importance it has in different cultures.

The wind symbolizes: change, new opportunities, spirits, calmness, religion, and destruction.

Wind Symbolism

Change

The wind has various symbolisms, but as the worldwide famous song “Wind of change,” the first thing it gets associated with are the changes it brings. The wind has the power to change things, and that can be seen from the influence it has on the weather.

Strong winds often affect and change the weather, whether that might bring rain or disperse the clouds and allow the sun to shine. Even the wind constantly changes, from soft and pleasant to strong and mighty.

New opportunities

The wind symbolizes new opportunities and new beginnings. The wind moves everything in nature and is related to bringing changes, which also includes new opportunities and new chances.

Regarding new beginnings, you can always start again, as the wind is a symbol of change and constant movement. So often, taking a new direction, just like the wind, can bring you what you want.

Spirits

Often, the sudden appearance of a breeze is linked to spirits and represents their way of communicating with us. However, not just the breeze but also the sudden gust of wind. People believe that when they feel the wind out of the blue, it might be a visit from a loved one that passed away.

The wind can be a small reminder that those you’ve loved are here with you, even though you can’t see them.

Calmness

Totally opposite from destruction and chaos, the wind can also symbolize calmness and serenity. Of course, the meaning depends on the strength of the wind.

Imagine sitting by the sea while the cool breeze blows through your hair. Even the thought of it probably relaxes you. So, the wind can also bring peace, serenity, and calmness. Whenever you feel the gentle breeze through your hair, remind yourself to relax and stay as calm as possible.

Religious meaning

The wind has a strong spiritual meaning, especially for religious people, and often, the wind can be interpreted as a sign or a message from the divine. 

In religion, the wind represents the breath of god. Religiously, many people believe that the wind is the breath of god, as that’s how it’s described in the Bible.

Also, the wind can symbolize the Holy Spirit. That’s because the wind can’t be seen. It can only be felt, the same as the Holy Spirit.

Destruction

The only negative connotation and meaning of the wind is destruction, and that’s related to strong winds that are powerful enough to destroy everything on their way. In other words, the wind represents nature’s unpredictable and uncontrollable power.

Hurricanes are enormously powerful winds, so it’s easy to understand why the wind also symbolizes destruction. The chaos of the strong wind can result in great damage, and that’s why wind can also be terrifying.

The meaning of the wind in different cultures

Different cultures have greatly appreciated and admired the wind because they were aware of how beneficial but destructive force it can be. 

The importance of the wind in different cultures can be easily seen because many cultures had a wind god they worshiped.

The gods of the winds were the gods who controlled the wind, its direction, and its strength. So, let’s see the most famous gods of the wind that different cultures believed in and worshiped.

The Greeks

The Greeks had four wind gods, one god for every direction from which the wind blew. They were called the Anemoi, and the name of each of them was: Boreas (the North wind), Zephyros (the West wind), Notos (the South wind), and Euros (the East wind).

The Egyptians

The Egyptian god of the wind was Shu. Shu always wore an Ostrich feather on his head and held an Ankh in his hand. Ankh is the sign of life, so you can see how highly the Egyptians thought of the wind.

The Mesopotamians

Enlil is the Mesopotamian god of wind. He was one of the most powerful Mesopotamian gods. He was considered the creator and destroyer of everything and the one who decided the world’s future.

The Japanese

Fūjin is the name of the Japanese god of wind, which was a bit terrifying because of its looks. Fūjin was described as a creature with green skin, always carrying a bag on his shoulders filled with wind.

The Aztecs

The Aztecs believed that the god of the wind, Ehecatl, controlled how strong the wind would blow. He also controlled the winds bringing rain, so the people highly appreciated him.

The Slavs

Slavic mythology has many gods, one of them being the god of wind, called Stribog. He’s described as an older man that controls the weather, which was of great importance, mostly for the agriculture of the Eastern Slavs.

The Finns

Ilmarinen is the Finnish wind god, who was also considered the creator of the universe. The Finns believed that this god lived on the top of the mountains and he was controlling the weather from above.

Most Common Dreams of the Wind and Their Meanings

The wind in your dreams most often represents the changes that will soon come into your life. Strong winds refer to unexpected changes, and soft breeze refers to new beginnings.

However, let’s be more precise and see what the most common dreams about wind mean. So, reading about the wind’s symbolism and meaning should greatly help you interpret your dreams easier and prepare for the changes coming in your life.

Dreaming of strong winds

If you dream of powerful winds and even hurricanes, that might be a dream from which you might wake up worried, but don’t be.

Dreaming of strong winds signals that some changes you wouldn’t like are coming your way. You won’t be able to control these changes, and even though you won’t feel comfortable with them, thanks to this dream, you’ll have the time to prepare for them.

Dreaming of a gentle breeze

You can also dream of a gentle breeze or a soft wind, which is a very peaceful and calming dream. The gentle breeze indicates that your life is perfectly balanced and you’re satisfied with everything you have.

This dream also signifies that you’re ready to start something new. Or, if you’ve already started something new, dreaming of a breeze is a great reassurance that you’re on the right path.

Dreaming of wind blowing through trees

A very positive dream is dreaming about a wind gently blowing through the trees. This means you’ll easily cross over various obstacles as effortlessly as the wind blows through the leaves on the trees.

If you’re going through some stressful period, this dream signifies that everything will end up great. It’ll be very easy for you to accept the changes coming into your life, and you’ll finally be able to relax.

Dream the wind sound

It often happens for someone not only to feel the wind in their dreams but also to hear the sound it makes. Even though this might seem like a more complicated dream, its interpretation is clear and easy.

That sound is the sound that signifies that a new opportunity is just right around the corner. So, if you’re expecting something, this dream might confirm that you’ll get it.

Conclusion

Throughout history, different cultures have worshiped different wind gods, which shows how important the wind has always been.

Learning about wind symbolism and meaning is interesting because of the different interpretations, but the most common association of the wind is with changes. 

The wind is unpredictable, and all of a sudden can change its direction, change the weather and control the clouds, so because of its power, it’s no wonder why people believed in wind gods.