How many of you use reference to animal attributes?

[LittlePerson]

When doing a spell do you use reference to animal attributes? For instance I'm thinking of doing a self-esteem spell and using the Lion as a symbol for pride. I wouldn't have the actual lion, that'd be funny and dangerous, and expensive, ... but it would be written into a speaking part of the spell. I also thought of using a swan in this manner for beauty.

[Ahautenites]

It's kind of built right into my religion to use animal references, mostly because the gods and goddesses to call on for particular things tend to have animal heads that reflect the desired traits that would be beneficial to the prayer or spell.

[Fideal]

Heres' an article you might be interested in: Celtic Animal Symbolism (http://www-personal.umich.edu/~lars/rel375.html)

I sometimes use animal symbology, but mostly in divination and not spells.

[LittlePerson]

Thanks for the replies.

[Silverwings]

I use animals for all sorts of things, I see them as omens and such for divination, and I use them in certain spells. Yeah I used Lion once for self esteem, it worked rather well ^^