Rhino - Nashorn

(Ceratotherium simum)

The rhinos are ungulates. There are five species of them and they are considered to be threatened and in danger of extinction. Its enormous size, virtually hairless wrinkled skin, short compact legs, side eyes and great horn give the rhino a very archaic appearance. Unfortunately, they are threatened by the massive destruction of their habitat and by poaching. They are primarily hunted for their horns, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine or to make dagger handles in Yemen. There are only about 12,000 animals all over the world. There´s the Sumatran rhinoceros, which may only be found in very few places; the one-horned rhino in Brahmaputra (India); the last Javan rhinos; a few black rhinos (or also known as hook-lipped rhinoceros) and the white rhinoceros in Africa, with which I made the essence.

Rhinos in Mythology: The African people worshipped and feared rhinos. They were considered a symbol of strength and destruction. The shamans of Africa have always been in contact with these animals of power. The indigenous people of Java and Sumatra worshipped them for their strength and considered them a symbol of fertility. In China, it is said that their horns have the power to increase sexual prowess (false, as it is physical), so they were massively hunted and they still being killed despite the protection treaty.

The rhino in the interpretation of dreams: It represents life force and aggression as well as the way in which we deal with this topic.

Rhino Essence represents the archaic principle of the yang energy (masculine energy). It helps us impose ourselves and strengthen our willpower.

On the body level: The essence helps us release internal energy reserves and it also strengthens our masculinity and our sexual power. It strengthens our life force and our libido.

Emotional: The essence helps us increase and strengthen our self-confidence. We learn to release our inner fears and we become aware of our strength. It provides strength, gives new yang energy and we learn to better protect ourselves and to defend our point of view. It strengthens our will and our self fulfilment. We are confident in our masculine force and learn to use it in a conscious way, without causing damage.

On the spiritual level: The rhino is often associated with the unicorn, which, in mythology, would be the result of a rhino with a horse, or with a narwhal, which also has a central horn. This horn represents our connection to God and the Divine Force. It enables the access to the ancient wisdom of the Earth and reminds us of our connection with Mother Earth. As a power animal, it protects and defends us. We learn to positively use our strength, and as we are aware of our union with the Divine Source, we are able to control our violence.