Attributes
Shiva is one of the main gods of Hinduism, often considered the destroyer and regenerator of the universe. He is also associated with meditation, dance (Nataraja), and asceticism.
Correspondence table
| Stones | Smoky quartz, Obsidian |
| Planets | Saturn (for its association with time, limitation, and transformation) |
| Day | Saturday (day associated with Saturn) |
| Related deities | Parvati (Shiva's wife) |
| Creatures | Bull, Cobra |
| Plants | Bael (sacred tree associated with Shiva), Cannabis (sacred plant in some Shaivite traditions) |
| Signs | Capricorn (for its association with responsibility, discipline, and transformation) |
| Direction | North (associated with wisdom, knowledge, and transformation in some traditions) |
| Sabbaths | Maha Shivaratri (Hindu festival celebrating Shiva) |
Symbols and appearances
Shiva is frequently depicted with blue skin, four arms, messy hair with a crescent moon, and a third eye on his forehead. He often carries a trident (trishula) and is accompanied by a bull named Nandi. Shiva's cosmic dance, the Tandava, symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution of the universe.
Myths
Shiva appears in many Hindu myths and legends. He is often described as an ascetic yogi living on Mount Kailash, as well as the husband of Parvati and the father of Ganesh and Kartikeya. One of his most famous stories is his cosmic dance of destruction and creation, the Tandava. He is also known for his compassion towards his devotees and his ability to grant powerful blessings.
Spiritual message
Shiva represents the eternal cycle of life and transformation. He teaches acceptance of change as an essential part of existence and encourages the search for inner truth through meditation and contemplation.
