Manta Ray
Meaning & Symbolism
The Manta Ray symbolizes grace, emotional depth, and the power of aligning with the flow of energy. Manta Rays are known for their gentle yet powerful movements as they glide through the ocean, adapting seamlessly to the currents around them. This ability to move with the flow rather than against it teaches us the importance of working with the energy present in our lives. By recognizing and adjusting to the subtle emotional or energetic shifts around us, we can conserve our efforts and move forward with greater ease and efficiency. Instead of fighting against obstacles, the Manta Ray encourages us to flow with the natural rhythm of life, trusting that things will unfold as they should.
One of the most striking behaviors of Manta Rays is their tendency to swim with their mouths wide open, allowing them to collect an abundance of plankton as they move. This behavior reminds us to approach life with an open heart, ready to receive the opportunities and abundance that come our way. When we keep ourselves open—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—we create space for positive experiences to flow toward us. Just as the Manta Ray trusts the ocean to provide for its needs, we can trust that the universe will support us when we move forward with openness and intention.
Manta Rays also demonstrate the importance of self-care and maintaining healthy connections. They frequently visit “cleaning stations” where smaller fish remove parasites from their bodies, ensuring they remain healthy and free of burdens. This is a reminder for humans to surround ourselves with supportive, positive influences that help us cleanse any negative energy or emotional debris that may accumulate over time. By nurturing strong, healthy relationships, we can refresh our minds and spirits, ensuring that we are always in a good state to face life’s challenges. The Manta Ray teaches us that it’s okay to ask for help and lean on others to maintain our well-being.
Lastly, the Manta Ray’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature while diving deep into the ocean symbolizes our capacity to remain balanced even when exploring the depths of our emotions. Just as the Manta Ray can dive into the cold, dark waters while keeping itself warm, we too can dive deep into our emotional or spiritual journeys without losing ourselves. The key is to remain present and mindful as we navigate the more difficult or complex aspects of our inner world. By practicing emotional awareness, we can explore our depths while still staying connected to the surface of our day-to-day lives.
-Tanya Casteel ©Cosmic Animals
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I want to hear about your Manta Ray experiences. What stories or dreams have you had? Please share and join in the conversation below!
My husband died on the 30th June 2020. His 3 year old grandaughters were very close to him and saw him everyday through his illness as we live on the same property. We took about 30 photos in the swimming pool on Saturday and what i think looks like a “manta ray”shape appears in 3 photos above their heads. It took me a while to recognise the shape and I cant stop thinking about whether it is a trick of light or if in fact it is a message. What are your thoughts. i would love to send you the photos if you could email me.
During a journey to find my power animal a shape appeared over my right shoulder above me. At first it looked like a woman with a dress that looked like wide wings or a kite but then the image got clearer and I recognised that it was a manta ray. I asked the ray if it was my power animal and it swam right in front of my face and smiled (yes I know strange but true) and nodded (again yes strange) yes. Since that journey two days ago it flits in and out of my periphery excited and anticipatory like my dog before a walk. I have named her Luna. She is real. I feel it.
Thanks for your beautiful website and artwork.
This is sooooo excellent, and real! Your description of how the Manta Ray interacted with you during them mediation (and now in your everyday experience) is very similar to how I experience animal energies. I love the name. Thanks for sharing.
Last summer I was out on my paddleboard in Atlantic Beach, FL. I saw a fast moving object headed directly toward me. I wasn’t frightened. I knew it wasn’t a dolphin or a shark. As it moved under my board, a huge wing came out of the water. I knew then it was a Manta Ray! I felt special and blessed!
I dreamed I was told by the universe to prepare a large and deep pond, for a manta ray. It was like preparing for a new baby. But then I found out how huge the manta ray would grow to be- and had no idea how I’d be able to find a way to provide it the massive depth and spaciousness it would need to grow!
I know the feeling… sometimes I feel inspired and guided to do something and after I’ve committed or begun I start to realize just how vast the project actually is. I usually find myself feeling grateful that I didn’t fully know what I was getting myself into in the first place because I suspect I would have never started or tried. I grow and learn so many lessons through the process of experiencing life’s vastness unfold before me. Thanks for sharing this dream!
Once, I was snorkeling above a ship wreck in the lagoon at Kwajalein in the Marshall islands. I was so absorbed with the wreck that I did not notice the manta ray coming up next to me, when one of them actually touched my arm with the tip of its wing as it swim next to me. At the time it shocked me, but since undergoing a spiritual awakening several years ago, I believe it was a portent of my spiritual awakening.
Such a magical experience. Yes, I agree. Thanks for sharing.
entering a pool of clear water the manta ray approach my feet open mouth felt so real this morning dream about this sea creature.
Hola! I had a incredible manta ray dream (first ever) and one of the most powerful parts of it was that my son (8) who was sleeping next to me woke up the same morning in bed to tell me he had a dream about a manta ray too! I can give more details about each if you want!
Wow that is amazing! I love when shared dreams happen. Yes please share your dreams with us if you wish. I would love to hear.
I was swimming in a super high tide with massive waves of dark green waters. The first dive or two, I was focused on getting under the crest of the wave before it broke, then I noticed I was surrounded by manta rays in the water. I knew not to freak out or be scared, that the mantas could sense my energy and emotional state. I think I felt a sort of companionship from them after the initial surprise of their presence. I proceeded to swim safely into shore as the mantas gradually decreased in size and disappeared underneath the sand!
Sounds like a really nice experience.
beautiful! Thank you!!