Masonic & Occult Symbols Illustrate

A Dictionary of Symbols explains: “Dolphin The figure of the dolphin can be seen in many allegories and emblems, sometimes duplicated....But the inverted arrangement, that is, with one dolphin pointing upwards and the other downwards, always symbolizes the dual cosmic streams of involution and evolution; this is what the 17th-century Spanish writer Saavedra Fajardo meant by ‘Either up or down.' The dolphin by itself is an allegory of salvation, inspired in the ancient legends which show it as the friend of man. Its figure is associated with that of the anchor (another symbol of salvation), with pagan, erotic deities and with other symbols. The ancients also held that the dolphin was the swiftest of marine animals, and hence, when, among the emblems of Francesco Colonna, it is shown twined round an anchor, it comes to signify arrested speed, that is, prudence.”

The renewed interest in dolphins took place in 1959 when psychologist John Lilly started doing dolphin research. He was convinced that dolphins were advanced spiritual beings. Many New Agers also feel that dolphins can be communicated with telepathically. “In a 1987 interview Lilly said telepathy is, at least theoretically, the most effective way for human beings and dolphins to communicate....”