70+ Spiritual Symbols of Rebirth & Renewal

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Symbologist David Christiansen shares popular symbols of rebirth and new beginnings from around the world

Co-authored by David Christiansen and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: March 31, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Common Symbols
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• Flowers & Plants
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• Animals
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• Gods & Deities
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• Numbers
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• Tarot Cards

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The concept of rebirth has fascinated mankind for centuries, and there are many everyday symbols, objects, and numbers that represent it. For this article, we interviewed symbol experts, numerologists, dream interpreters, and tarot readers to compile the ultimate list of symbols of rebirth and new beginnings, including animals, flowers, and more. Let’s dive in!

What symbolizes rebirth?

Symbologist David Christiansen says some of the most common symbols of rebirth are the ouroboros (the serpent eating its tail) and the phoenix. Other symbols associated with rebirth and new beginnings include the lotus flower, the ankh, butterflies, and the new moon.

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Section 1 of 6:

Common Symbols of Rebirth

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   Phoenix Christiansen says, “The phoenix is a very, very common symbol of rebirth, burning to ashes and coming out brand new. The phoenix never actually dies. When it gets old, it just burns up [and] turns to ashes, and from the ashes, a new phoenix will rise.”

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   David Christiansen is a symbologist. He educates people on different perspectives, spiritualities, and pagan paths.

   John Paul Gomez is a freemason and ancient symbols expert based in Toronto, Canada. With over 17 years of experience, he is the Worshipful Master of his Freemason lodge.

   Novalee Wilder is a professional numerologist and writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She founded The Numerology School in 2019.

   Lisa Marchiano is a dream interpreter and certified Jungian analyst based in Philadelphia, PA. She trained at the Inter-regional Society of Jungian Analysts.

   Kabita Giri is a spiritualist specializing in numerology, human design, tarot, and more. Known online as “codingnumerology,” she shares content to over 102k followers on Instagram and 184k followers on TikTok.
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   Lotus Lotus flowers are associated with rebirth because, while their blooms only last for a few days, a single plant continues to produce numerous flowers over time. They also sprout out of muddy water into a beautiful flower, serving as a metaphor for spiritual growth.
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   Butterfly Butterflies represent transformation, personal growth, and the soul’s journey. They’re a universal symbol of change due to their metamorphosis, in which they change from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly.
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   Tree of Life The Tree of Life is a universal, ancient symbol that represents the interconnectedness of all life and the cycle of birth and death. Trees produce seeds, representing new life, and they regrow their leaves in the spring after shedding them during winter, symbolizing renewal and fresh starts.
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   Ouroboros According to Christiansen, “The ouroboros is an absolutely beautiful symbol of rebirth because it represents the cycle of life and death and growing. It’s a serpent biting its tail. It literally eats itself.” He explains that the idea behind the ouroboros is that when your human experience ends, another human experience starts.
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   Ankh Ancient symbols expert John Paul Gomez says, “The ankh is the ancient Egyptian ‘Key of Life.’ It represents vitality and enduring existence. Its loop suggests eternal life, while the crossbar and stem relate to earthly experience and the union of complementary forces. Deities are often shown bestowing it to affirm life in this world and the next.”
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   Water Water is associated with renewal and transformation across many cultures and religions. In belief systems like Hinduism and Christianity, it is associated with purification, such as when people are baptized. Metaphorically, water also represents birth, as we are in fluid when in the womb. It’s used to cleanse physically and spiritually.
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   Fire Fire is a universal symbol of rebirth. It destroys or purifies the old, making way for the new. For example, wildfires clear dead undergrowth, and new vegetation grows in the destruction. Many cultures also use fire in rituals to burn away impurities or sin, symbolizing a fresh start.
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   Egg Eggs symbolize new life, fertility, and resurrection. They appear dormant, but they hold a hidden, developing life inside them. Many ancient cultures believed the universe itself was born from a cosmic egg.
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    Fountain Fountains contain water, so they’re also often a symbol of life, renewal, and spiritual cleansing. The water flows continuously, representing a state of change. Symbols like the Fountain of Youth represent our ability to be reborn.
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    Infinity Symbol Christiansen says the infinity symbol represents eternity and is similar in meaning to the ouroboros: “It’s the eternal life and death. The infinity symbol represents our journey.” It’s a representation of the concept of a perennial cycle, so we often associate the idea of infinity with renewal.
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    Octagon The number 8 is associated with infinity and repeating cycles, so octagons (which have 8 sides) are a common symbol of new beginnings. Many early churches even incorporated octagons into their architecture because they represent Easter Sunday, the “eighth” day of the week..
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    Triquetra The triquetra, or trinity knot, is an ancient symbol formed by 3 interconnected arcs, meaning it has no beginning and no end. It holds various meanings, such as the Christian Holy Trinity and the Celtic Triple Goddess, and is associated with balance, the threefold nature of life, continual renewal, and eternity.​​
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    Triskelion A triskelion, or triskele, is an ancient symbol consisting of 3 interlocking spirals radiating from a central point. The spirals often represent the interconnectedness of nature or life’s journey. The triskelion is a popular symbol of life, death, and rebirth. It’s also sometimes associated with the 3 trimesters of pregnancy, symbolizing new beginnings.
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    Rising Sun The sunrise reflects the start of a new day, making it a popular symbol of rebirth and renewal. It represents the opportunity to leave the past behind and start anew. It’s also a reminder that light will always return after dark times.
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    Spring Blooms When spring arrives, the days start to become warmer and lighter, and new life emerges in the form of flowers and plants. These blooms are the perfect reminder that life will always start again.
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    New Moon As the first phase of the lunar cycle, the new moon represents fresh starts and renewal. The moon will go on to wax and wane before starting the process all over again in a month. The dark sky during a new moon represents a blank slate for growth, transformation, and reflection.
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    Dharma Wheel In Buddhism, the Dharma Wheel is an 8-spoked wheel that symbolizes the Buddha’s teachings and the path to enlightenment. The 8 spokes represent the Noble Eightfold Path, a foundational guide in Buddhism that leads to spiritual awakening, transformation, and enlightenment. The outer rim of the wheel symbolizes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and the possibility of liberation from the cycle.​​
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    Djed Gomez explains, “Linked with Osiris, the Djed pillar represents stability, continuity, and structural integrity. Ritual ‘raising of the Djed’ ceremonies expressed renewal and the triumph of order.” The Djed is depicted as a pillar with a wide base and four crossbars.
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    Mandala Mandalas are sacred, geometric symbols that represent the universe and the spiritual journey toward enlightenment. “Mandala” is literally Sanskrit for “circle,” which serves as a reminder of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The intricate design of a mandala represents the journey from the outer, superficial world to the inner, sacred world of wisdom and self-discovery.
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    Ajet The Ajet is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph that depicts the sun rising between two mountains, symbolizing sunrise, sunset, creation, and rebirth. It was often used to represent the daily cycle of the sun and divine protection, and it was a popular amulet for resurrection.
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    Lamat In the Maya Tzolk’in calendar, Lamat is the sign for the 8th day, and it symbolizes fertility, abundance, new beginnings, and transformation. It represents the ripening of fruits and is connected to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It’s also closely associated with the planet Venus.
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    Moonstone The mineral moonstone is often known as the “stone of new beginnings,” as it’s a symbol of inner growth, intuition, and emotional balance. Since the moon renews itself every month, many people believe this gemstone will bring about positive change.
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Section 2 of 6:

Flowers & Plants That Symbolize Rebirth

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   Crocus Crocus flowers are associated with spring, new beginnings, youthfulness, and joy. They’re one of the first flowers to bloom, often pushing through late winter snow. This shows that spring is on the way, and with it, new life.
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   Cherry Blossom Deeply rooted in Japanese culture and Buddhist philosophy, cherry blossoms symbolize beauty, mortality, and the fleeting nature of life. They bloom intensely but briefly, representing renewal and fresh starts. They’re considered a symbol of both life and death.
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   Lily Lilies are commonly associated with fertility, rebirth, and death. They’re heavily featured during the Easter holiday, symbolizing the return of life through Christ’s resurrection. Lilies are also frequently given to those who are grieving, in honor of loved ones who have passed away. They represent the transition of the soul from the physical world to heaven or the spiritual world.

   • Pop culture commentator Yasin Muhammad adds that red spider lilies, in particular, are associated with death and rebirth.
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   Daffodil Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, so they often symbolize rebirth, new beginnings, and renewal. They let the world know spring is on the way and, with it, a fresh start.
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   Daisy The name “daisy” comes from “day’s eye” because the flowers open at dawn and close at night. This symbolizes the fresh start of a new day. Daisies also associated with rebirth because they bloom in the spring, and because of this, they’re often given as gifts to new parents or people making a fresh start.
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   Pine Cone Pine cones are associated with rebirth because they play a vital role in how pine trees reproduce. They protect new seeds from weather and animals, keeping them secure until they mature. Pine cones have historically been linked to fertility, immortality, and regeneration, appearing in Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman iconography.
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   Maple Leaf Throughout the year, maple leaves change from green to vibrant red and gold, symbolizing the beauty of change, growth, and the cycle of the seasons. When they fall in the winter, they represent the shedding of old to make way for new life.
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   Strawberry Strawberries have an abundance of seeds, so they’re often considered symbols of life and fertility. They’re among the first fruits to ripen each year, symbolizing new beginnings and a fresh start.
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Section 3 of 6:

Animals That Symbolize Rebirth

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   Snake Dream interpreter Lisa Marchiano says, “Snakes are believed to be associated with death and rebirth because they shed their skin. They’re symbols of healing, rejuvenation, and spiritual transformation, and because they’re closely associated with water and the earth, they frequently represent fertility and the creative life force.
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   Hummingbird Hummingbirds are pollinators, so they support existing life and help bring new life into the world. Because of this, they’re closely associated with renewal and healing. In many cultures, they also serve as messengers from the spirit world, acting as the connection between the living and the dead.
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   Frog Frogs are a symbol of the cycle of life because they begin as eggs laid in the water, morph into tadpoles, then grow legs and arms to become adult frogs. They symbolize personal growth, cleansing, and renewal. Dream interpreter and certified spiritual advisor Pam Muller adds that frogs are associated with jumping, so they could symbolize the need to take a leap of faith and transform your life.
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   Scarab “Associated with the sun god Khepri, the scarab symbolizes rebirth and daily generation,” explains Gomez. “Its movement pushing a sphere resembled the sun’s journey, making it a powerful amulet of protection and transformation.”
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   Alligator Did you know alligators can regrow their tails? Because of this unique skill, these reptiles are associated with regeneration and renewal. Because they also move seamlessly between land and water, they’re also symbols of transformation.
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   Bat A lesser-known fact about bats is that they’re important pollinators. Because of this, they’re closely associated with new life. As flying mammals, they also symbolize transformation. Because they hang upside down (a fetal position) and emerge from caves (which represent the underworld), they represent the transition from old to new.
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   Bear While bears are most often associated with strength and courage, they’re also symbols of rebirth, quiet contemplation, and natural cycles. Bears hibernate in winter and reemerge in spring, symbolizing renewal and fresh starts.
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   Dolphin Dolphins are mammals, but they live underwater, making them a symbol of transformation. They’re known for their happy-go-lucky nature and also remind us to seize the new day and enjoy ourselves. They’re considered good omens and often symbolize transformative emotional healing.
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   Cicada Due to their unique life cycle of burrowing underground and emerging transformed, cicadas are associated with resurrection, immortality, transformation, and personal growth. They also symbolize summer, good luck, longevity, and prosperity.
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    Duck Historically, ducks and other waterfowl were associated with the Egyptian goddess of fertility and protector of the dead, Isis. Because of this, they were viewed as symbols of renewal and messengers from the underworld. Ducks also inhabit the water, the land, and the air, symbolizing transformation and cycles.
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    Manatee Like dolphins, manatees are marine mammals, meaning they evolved from land animals who returned to the sea, so they symbolize transformation. Their gentle, slow-paced nature also encourages us to let go of past burdens and embrace a renewed, peaceful existence.
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    Octopus Because they can regrow their limbs, octopuses are frequently associated with adaptability and regeneration. They can also change color and texture, so they’re also associated with transformation. They’re viewed as symbols of healing, rebirth, and starting over.
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    Otter Otters move seamlessly between the land (symbolizing the material world) and the water (symbolizing the spiritual realm). They represent both our conscious and subconscious minds and, therefore, can symbolize spiritual transformation and rebirth. Their lively attitudes also make us feel hopeful about the future and the changes it may bring.
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    Peacock Peacocks are known for their beautiful feathers, and they molt and grow new ones each year. This cycle symbolizes the death of the old and rebirth into a more beautiful state. Historically, their feathers were believed to never decay, so in early Christianity, they were also symbols of immortality and resurrection.
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    Dragonfly Psychic medium Joanna Cabot says, “For some, a dragonfly might symbolize transformation, rebirth, or abundance.” They transform from water nymphs into adult dragonflies, representing rapid change and the maturity to shed old habits.
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    Rabbit Rabbits are symbols of fertility, renewal, and good luck. They’re closely associated with spring and Easter, which are both times of resurrection and the renewal of life. Rabbits also have a high reproductive rate and represent the potential for new growth.
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    Moth Like butterflies, moths go through a metamorphosis in which they transform from caterpillars into their adult, winged form. Because of this, they’re closely associated with transformation and rebirth. They’re also associated with the afterlife and symbolize the soul’s journey.
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    Raven/Crow Ravens and crows are often associated with death because of their black plumage and the fact that they eat carrion. On a spiritual level, death is not an end, but a change into another state of existence. Therefore, these birds also symbolize change, transformation, and renewal.
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    Salamander Salamanders symbolize resiliency and transformation. Historically, they were believed to be born from fire, symbolizing immortality. They also shed their skin and can regenerate their tails, representing rebirth and renewal.
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    Seal Seals are associated with the Celtic legend of the selkie, seal-folk who shed their skins to become human. Because of this, these animals often symbolize transformation and mystery. Since they live in the water and on land, they also signify our connection to both the physical and spiritual realms.
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    Turtle Turtles lay eggs that hatch into new life, so their natural life cycle symbolizes transformation, longevity, and rebirth. Their ability to move between the land and the water also represents the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.
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    Whale In the Bible, Jonah was swallowed by a whale because he was disobedient to God. He lived in the whale for 3 days, then repented when the whale spat him out. This story symbolizes spiritual transformation and emerging anew. In Pacific cultures, whales return to specific waters to calve, representing the renewal of life.
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    Starfish Starfish have the ability to regrow their arms, so they’re closely associated with regeneration, renewal, and resilience. They also live in the shifting intertidal zone and symbolize the ability to adapt to change and navigate life’s challenges.
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    Swan Ever read “The Ugly Duckling”? The story follows a young swan who believes himself to be an ugly duckling. However, he actually grows up to be a majestic swan. The story, and swans in general, represent personal growth and metamorphosis.
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Section 4 of 6:

Gods & Deities That Symbolize Rebirth

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   Jesus Christ According to Christian beliefs, Jesus Christ is the son of God who was crucified for spreading his belief in God. 3 days later, God raised Jesus from the dead, and he ascended to Heaven after 40 days of teaching his followers. Therefore, Christ offers hope for eternal life and is a notably symbol of rebirth.
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   Osiris Osiris is the ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife, death, resurrection, and fertility. According to the myth, his brother Set was jealous of his power, so he hacked Osiris into pieces and scattered them across Egypt. Osiris’s sister-wife, Isis, found and reassembled the pieces to bring him back to life. Because he was reborn, he became the King of the Underworld, granting new life and agricultural fertility.
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   Dionysus Though he’s mostly known as the Greek god of wine, Dionysus is also associated with fertility and springtime. He’s sometimes known as the “twice-born” god because Zeus rescued him when his mother (still pregnant with Dionysus) was destroyed by Zeus’s lightning. Zeus sewed him into his thigh until he was ready to be born. Because of this, Dionysus is also associated with rebirth.
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   Persephone Persephone is the Greek goddess of spring and fertility. She spends half of the year on earth and the other half ruling the Underworld with her husband, Hades. Because of this, she represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
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   Hades Hades is the Greek god of the dead and the Underworld, and in some Orphic traditions, he is linked to the cycle of reincarnation. He oversees the “descent” part of the life-death-rebirth cycle, and he is married to Persephone, who represents life and fertility.
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   Jarylo In Slavic mythology, Jarylo (also spelled Yarilo) is the god of vegetation, fertility, and springtime. Until the 19th century, many countries celebrated a folk festival called Jarilo in the late spring or early summer, presumably to celebrate new life.
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Section 5 of 6:

Numbers That Symbolize Rebirth

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   111 Numerologist Novalee Wilder says the number 111 is associated with “new beginnings, creation, and initiation. Repeating ones are like a pointer saying, ‘Right here! Pay attention!’ Something is beginning… The world is opening something for you—an opportunity, a shift. It means you’re aligned with your path.”

   • 1111 is also associated with new beginnings and transformation. Numerologist Kabita Giri says, “The number 1111 usually carries a wish-fulfilling energy. It means that the time for manifestation has come.”
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   555 “The number 555 usually carries the signification of change and transformation,” explains Giri. “You might find yourself getting rid of situations that no longer serve you or that proved to be too stagnating, stifling, and stultifying. Embrace the change that life brings, as it is for the best.”
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   888 According to numerologist Kari Samuels, “Eight is the symbol for infinity, sideways. [It’s] a reminder that you always have infinite potential or infinite possibilities.” When you see several 8s repeating, like in 888 or 808, it often signifies that positive life changes are headed your way.
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   999 Numerologist Michelle Arbeau says, “9 is the highest change number, symbolizing change on every level of life—love, money, health, career. It is also the number representing the end of a cycle. When multiple 9s appear in a row, it often stresses the need for upcoming big changes.”
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Section 6 of 6:

Tarot Cards That Symbolize Rebirth

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   Death Death is a largely misunderstood tarot card, as it doesn’t signify physical death. Instead, tarot card reader Nico Pires says it represents closed chapters and new beginnings. It symbolizes the natural cycle of letting go to make room for new growth.
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   The Fool “The Fool represents a fresh start,” says tarot reader Mechila Blake. “This card brings new experiences, some fun and exciting, others uncertain or risky. But ultimately, it’s about embracing new beginnings.” It signifies leaps of faith and untapped potential and reminds us to approach life with curiosity and a childlike wonder.
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   The Hermit The Hermit is associated with the idea of transformation through wisdom. It represents a period of soul-searching, self-reflection, and spiritual enlightenment. It encourages you to focus on yourself and meet your own needs so you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and what you want out of life.
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   The Magician The Magician is associated with the number 1 and embodies the idea of new beginnings. This card encourages us to tap into our full potential rather than holding back, especially when there is a need to transform something. It’s a sign that positive change is coming your way.
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   Strength Strength symbolizes inner strength, courage, and compassion. It represents our ability to transform ourselves by taming our emotions, fears, and impulsive instincts in order to become wiser and more enlightened. It suggests that persistence is key to success.
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   Wheel of Fortune The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes destiny, karmic cycles, and pivotal change. It represents turning points and new opportunities. If you feel stuck in a cycle, it’s a reminder that you have the opportunity to jump off the wheel and transform your life.
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