Goat Symbolism & Meaning

Is your confidence to climb to the top in need of a boost? Do you need to reawaken the ability to see the world with child-like curiosity? Goat, as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal, can help! Goat teaches you how to navigate rocky territory with ease while teaching you the joys of being a kid again! Delve deeply in Goat symbolism and meaning to find out how this Animal Spirit Guide can support, assist, and inspire you.

Goat Table of Contents

• Goat Symbolism & Meaning
• Spirit Animal
• Totem Animal
• Power Animal
• Native American Symbolism
• Greek Symbolism
• Goat Dreams
• Astrology & Zodiac
• Back to all Mammals
• Back to all Spirit Animal Meanings

Goat Symbolism & Meaning

Goats are among my favorite Animals! I grew up around them, having had several as pets and show animals. My favorite was a rust-colored Nubian goat named Sylvia. I’ve often heard folks negatively refer to Goats. Never, ever underestimate the ‘ignoble’ Goat. They are as smart and loving as Dogs and Pigs. I trained my Sylvia to do things most people can’t get their Dogs to do. Sylvia helped open my eyes and heart to the world of Animal Communication. When I would lie down in the field, she would snuggle next to me, laying her head on my chest—always on top of my heart. She was one of my best friends, and I miss her every day.

Goat horns have symbolism in many myths and folklore as an emblem of sensuality, determination, health, and vitality. A male Goat represents virility while the female Goat epitomizes reproduction and abundance. In some areas, Goat meanings get mixed with those of Antelopes or Gazelles.

Greek mythology gives the Goat ties to virility, specifically with tales of Satyrs—creatures that are Half-Goat and Half-Man. Another story tells of a Goat allowing Zeus to suckle from it as a baby, allowing the King of all Gods to survive. Later, Goat’s horns became the Cornucopia, adding the metaphysical meaning of plenty, sustenance, and nurturing to Goat’s symbolic meaning. The Goddess Artemis’ sacred Goat is another reference to the creature, but so is the fact that one of Dionysus’ Divine Aspects is the Goat. Dionysus is the God of Wine and Ritual Ecstasy, giving the Goat ties to pleasure, delight, and euphoric experiences.

Then there’s Thor, The Norse God of Thunder. Goats draw Thor’s Chariot into battle. While a myth, the human choice to have Goats be the Animals the God of Thunder puts trust in as He charges into potential danger, says a great deal about Goats’ strength and fearlessness.

People domesticated Goats right around the same time they were doing the same with Dogs. Many parts of the Goat proved useful to travelers, from Goatskin water bags to Goat hair rugs. It’s unfortunate for Goat that the creature was also a Sacrificial Animal, which also may be where the term “Scapegoat” originates. It is hard for some people to understand animal offerings, but it was an act of respect. Any such Animal was precious, and nothing would go to waste. Using this perspective, Goat may symbolize your need to give up something to get something else that’s far more valuable.

Arabic stories give Goat a reputation for having great dignity and composed behavior, unlike the meek and mild Sheep. In European writings, Goat has symbolic ties to the tenacious side of human nature. The Chinese depict male Goats as embodying the Yang principle, overall goodness, and harmony.

Somewhere along the way, followers of Christianity began associating the poor Goat with Satan. During the Middle Ages, superstition had it that Goats could distract the saints by whispering tempting thoughts in their ears. The connection may have come from the idea Goats are lustful, leading to many paintings and drawings of Satan as having a Goat face and horns.

Goat Spirit Animal

The Goat, as a Spirit Animal, makes certain you maintain your balance. Whether climbing a narrow mountain ledge of challenges or walking a calm wooded path, Goat has sure-footed determination. See, it takes only two inches of space for a Goat to gain a solid foothold. Two inches. Can you imagine climbing a mountain with only two inches of Mother Earth beneath your feet? But sometimes, life is like that; if you want to reach for the stars, trust yourself, and find the confidence to lead your own charge. When you do, you can start that climb toward the heavens.

Pay attention to your Goat guide’s gender. A male Goat or Buck, as a Spirit Animal, brings you inventiveness, assertiveness, and the ability to regenerate something you thought lost in your spirit. The Buck also offers you the opportunity to reconnect with Nature and the Animal World Teachers.

The female Goat Spirit, by comparison, nurtures you and feeds your soul. Think about what you lack in your connections with the Divine and the esoteric realm. When the female Goat offers you milk, accept it with the awareness that it’s a sacred form of nourishment. For this moment, Goat is your Nanny, helping feed your soul and ensuring your growth with all things spiritual.

Also, Goat may come to you as a Spirit Animal when you grow bored with life. Goats are the world’s greatest detectives (second only to Cats). Their curiosity knows no boundaries. Allow Goat Medicine and energy to help you explore new experiences and communities. Don’t stay shackled in the pen you’ve created for yourself. Even the tiniest things in life can excite if you’ll be open to seeing them.

Goat Power Animal

Call on Goat as your Power Animal when you need independence coupled with plenty. You are ready to take on something new, and there is no need for guilt. Goat medicine gives you confidence and firm cornerstones for personal or spiritual development.

For those who find themselves stuck or wholly misplaced, the Goat Power Animal gets you moving again. Let that energy take you where you NEED to be for finding answers. Goat may not move swiftly, but slow and steady is best when you start losing balance. Once you’re on your way with Goat guiding, you’ll find the determination necessary for success.

Also, while mostly docile creatures, male Goats should never be underestimated. When battling for territory or mating rights to a female, male Goats will lock horns. The WHACK and THUD of horns hitting horns is like a mini-explosion! Hearing and seeing this in person gives one tremendous respect for the sheer strength and resilience of male Goats. Also, male Goats do not waste energy when fighting. They are patient and do not rush in. If you have a person or situation that you need to face head-on, bide your time. Stay focused. Your chance will come. When it does, do not hesitate. As long as you’ve invoked Goat as your Power Animal you’ll likely come out on top!

Native American Goat Symbolic Meanings

***Note***

Native American Tribes were introduced to Goats and Sheep during the early 1900s, so there is little talk of Goats in the Native American culture. However, stories reveal Goat Spirit as a service creature and having great curiosity and intelligence. Anything new becomes an item for exploration. Other symbolic values for Goat include tenacity bordering on stubbornness and protection.

Goat as a Greek Animal Symbol

Goats have ties to the Greek God Pan or the Roman God, Faunus. Pan is the God of the flocks and shepherds, but He is far more commonly known as “Lord of the Woodland.” He has the upper body of a man but the lower body and legs of a Goat, complete with cloven hooves. Two horns emerge from the top of Pan’s or Faunus’ head, which later makes it easy to draw a correlation between the pagan God and the Christian Devil.

Goat Dreams

Dreams about Goats may be a pictorial pun that someone is “getting your goat.” perhaps you feel wrongly blamed and have become the scapegoat for someone else. If you see a Goat climbing on rough ground or mountainous territory, you might need to find strong footing in a relationship. If two male Goats are going head-to-head, you’ll enter a period of your life where you need to keep your head down while ramming your way through one challenge after another.

Learn more about Goat Spirit by reading Dreams About Goats on WhatIsMySpiritAnimal.com!

Goat in Astrology & Zodiac Signs

In the Western Zodiac, Goat (Sea-Goat) appears as the Zodiac Sign of Capricorn. Although Capricorn’s symbol is a mythical creature, it rules the tenth house of astrology. The Midheaven defines the tenth house: the highest point of the horoscope. The Midheaven represents the highest aspirations—your vocation, calling, or life’s work. Just like Goats can climb trees and mountains with only the tiniest foothold to keep them balanced and stable, those born under the Capricorn Zodiac Sign can do the same.

On my sister-site, BuildingBeautifulSouls.com, read all about the Capricorn Sign Traits & Personality to learn more about Goat as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal.

Goat Symbolic Meanings Key

• Scapegoating
• Stubbornness
• Protection
• Conquering Obstacles
• Defense
• Harmony
• Fearlessness
• Pleasure
• Sensuality
• Abundance