What Does a Peacock Feather Symbolize?

Download Article

Look out for good luck, protection, and fortune headed your way

Co-authored by Kari Samuels and Cheyenne Main

Last Updated: October 22, 2023 Fact Checked

Download Article

Symbolism

|

Cultural Significance

|

Spirit Guides

|

Color Meanings

|

Dreams

If a peacock feather has crossed your path recently, it may mean that prosperity or an important life transformation is coming your way soon. Peacock feathers have been associated with spiritual energy throughout time by tons of cultures around the world—depending on which beliefs you look at, these feathers can have lots of different symbolic meanings. Read on to learn all about what seeing a feather from these incredibly beautiful birds means for you!

Things You Should Know

Peacock feathers symbolize good luck, elegance, beauty, immortality, rebirth, royalty, wealth, or divine femininity.
In Greek mythology, peacock feathers represent protection, while in Buddhism, they’re associated with wisdom and enlightenment.
If you see a peacock feather, it may be a message from your spirit guides that they’re watching over you and protecting you from evil forces.

Section 1 of 5:

Symbolism of a Peacock Feather

Download Article

1
Good luck In many cultures, peacocks and their feathers are considered to be sacred and are often used in religious ceremonies to bring good luck, purity, and prosperity. If you see a peacock feather, it could mean that good luck, hope, and happiness are headed your way.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- In some Western superstitions, peacock feathers are sometimes said to bring bad luck because of their association with vanity or pride.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
In ancient civilizations, peacocks were thought of as symbols of royalty and leadership.^{[3]
X
Research source} Today, peacocks are often thought of as incredibly beautiful, majestic birds, and their feathers are sometimes used as luxurious decorations inside homes. If you see a peacock feather, it might be a sign to enjoy the beauty of life and appreciate all that you have.

Advertisement
3
Renewal and rebirth Peacocks are often considered symbols of rebirth and immortality because they regularly molt their feathers and grow new, shiner ones in their place. If you find one of their feathers, it could mean you’re about to encounter new adventures and enter an unexplored, transformative period of your life.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Because of their eye-shaped pattern, peacock feathers also represent the third eye, self-realization, and spiritual awakening.
4
Protection against evil In many cultures, the all-seeing-eyes on peacock feathers are believed to provide protection against evil spirits and negative energy. They’re often tattooed, sewn into clothing, or made into jewelry to chase away bad spirits.^{[5]
X
Research source} When you see a peacock feather, it may mean that you’re being protected by a spirit, an angel, or someone in your life who cares about you.
- Peacock feathers can also be a reminder to try and transform negativity in your life into positive energy.
In some ancient cultures, peacock feathers were also used to decorate clothing and jewelry because some believed that they would bring success and fortune to the wearer. When you find a peacock feather, it may be a sign that you may encounter wealth, abundance, and financial stability soon, whether as a result of all your hard work or just because you were in the right place at the right time.
6
Individuality Peacocks are not afraid to show off their colorful plumage to mates and admirers of the bird world. In ancient cultures, their feathers were also used in rituals to help people find their inner strength and courage. Seeing a peacock feather can be a sign to let your unique personality shine.
- Peacock feathers can also remind you to be open to new experiences and ideas—although peacocks might seem odd at first, they’re also incredibly beautiful and interesting creatures.
7
Divine femininity Because they’ve been known to symbolize beauty, purity, fertility, and grace, peacock feathers are associated with divine femininity, the female goddess energy that connects and binds the world. Seeing a feather can be a reminder to pay attention to your intuition and tap into your feminine side.
- Peacocks are also associated with creativity and productivity because of their beauty and grace. If you see one, it may be a sign that a new opportunity to create is coming your way.

Section 2 of 5:

Cultural Significance of a Peacock Feather

Download Article

1
In Hinduism, peacock feathers represent wealth, luck, and protection. Peacocks are the national bird of India, where they originate from. Thrones of royalty were often carved with peacocks encrusted in gold and jewels. It’s believed that keeping peacock feathers at home brings good luck, prosperity, and protection to the home.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Peacock feathers are also a symbol of immortality and a reminder that after death, you will continue living on through your children and in the next karmic cycle of life.
2
In Buddhism, peacock feathers symbolize wisdom and enlightenment. Peacocks are able to eat plants and fruits that are toxic to humans, which Buddhists believe symbolizes a person’s ability to take in the more harmful, negative aspects of life and continue on toward enlightenment.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- In architecture and art, peacocks can often be seen eating the “three poisons” in Buddhism: greed, hate, and delusion.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
3
In Christianity, peacock feathers represent resurrection. In ancient times, peacocks were believed to have skin that resisted decay, even after they died. Because of this belief, and because peacocks also molt annually and grow new feathers, peacocks are often a sign of immortality, a reminder of heaven, and a symbol of Jesus’ resurrection.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- During the Middle Ages, the eye on peacock feathers also reminded Christians of the all-seeing eye of God.
- Guardian angels were often described as having wings covered in peacock feathers, which is probably why seeing a peacock feather can be a sign that your angel is watching over you.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
4
In Greek mythology, peacock feathers are a symbol of protection. Peacocks are considered the sacred bird of Hera, the queen of the gods, wife of Zeus, and goddess of marriage and childbirth. When Zeus spent too much time with one of his mistresses, Hera sent Argus to watch her with his hundred eyes. When Argus was killed, Hera set his eyes on the tail of a bird to honor him and created the peacock, which later protected her.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Hera also chose peacocks to pull her chariot.
5
In China, peacock feathers represent power, beauty, and divinity. Peacocks have been admired by many cultures for their beautiful, colorful feathers, and in China, they’re known as kind, intelligent, powerful birds.^{[12]
X
Research source} With its eye-patterned tail, peacocks are also often associated with Guan Yin, the goddess of compassion who is said to have a thousand eyes.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Peacocks also represent yang—the light to the dark, or the positivity over the negativity.
6
In Feng Shui, peacock feathers attract good luck. In the home, they’re believed to be a symbol of peace and harmony. Display peacock feathers or images of a peacock in the living room facing inwards into the house. You can also place them at the south corner of the work desk or office to bring you more opportunities, or in your car to symbolize protection and safe journeys.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- You can also place peacock feathers on the east wall of your living room in a cluster of 7—the number that represents completion.

Section 3 of 5:

Peacock Feathers as Messages From Your Spirit Guides

Download Article

If you see a peacock feather, your spirit guides are watching over you. Spirit guides, whether they’re spirit animals, guardian angels, or another mysterious force, can communicate through signs and objects. Seeing a peacock feather in your daily life could be a reminder that someone is there to guide, heal, and protect you.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- If you find a peacock feather in your bag, car, or home, it may be a sign that you’re being noticed by someone in the physical world. If you find it outside, it could mean that someone or something is watching you from above.

Section 4 of 5:

Peacock Feather Color Meanings

Download Article

The color blue can be associated with the sky or sea, so it often symbolizes freedom, peace, exploration, and infinite possibility. If you find a blue peacock feather, it may be a reminder to embrace inner peace, communicate with your spirituality or nature, and trust the universe.^{[16]
X
Research source}
The color green is often associated with nature, plant life, and the green heart chakra. If you see a green peacock feather, it may mean that you’re about to encounter a period of personal growth and emotional healing. It could also be a reminder to connect with the natural world.^{[17]
X
Research source}
3
White peacock feathers symbolize rebirth, wisdom, and kindness. They’re incredibly rare, and are often associated with inner light and renewal of one’s spirit. If you see a white peacock feather, it could be a sign that you’re about to encounter a period of transformation.^{[18]
X
Research source} If someone has wronged you in the past and you forgave them, it could be a symbol of good fortune because you chose forgiveness over hate.
- White peacock feathers are also associated with divination—if you encounter a white feather, it could be there to help you see and understand the future.

Section 5 of 5:

Peacock Feathers in Dreams

Download Article

A dream about peacock feathers can indicate a new phase of life. Peacock feathers are related to new opportunities, new beginnings, and the ability to rise above any challenges in your way. If you’re feeling stuck, this could be the sign that you need to make a change.
- If you’re feeling stressed in your waking life, dreaming about a peacock feather can also be a sign to take time off to relax and recover from your daily routine.