Behold the Mermaid!

🔱In pursuit of the myth:

Historical accounts of many explorers, even the famous Christopher Columbus, documented sightings of what they described as mermaids with masculine features.

Historians today believe the odd reports were actually documented visits from manatees, also known as sea cows. This confusion is even reflected in the scientific order for manatees and dugongs by labeling them as ‘Sirenia’. This term is derived from the Greek myth of the sirens, which were half woman/ half bird creatures who like mermaids, also lured sailors with their enchanting songs.

A perfect storm of circumstances likely led to the repetitive misinterpretation of sea cows for mermaids.

• Human like features such as finger-like bones, ability to stand on tails, turn heads & appearing to have upright posture
• long voyages caused fatigue & isolation, leading to disorientation & hallucinations
• Poor visibility, storms, fog/mist blurred shapes, & distorted lighting

🌊 Deep Symbolism & spiritual meaning:

Mermaids are associated with:

• Duality and balance
• Blending of spiritual & physical realms
• Connection of human & animal nature
• Beauty
• Wisdom
• Mystery / unknown
• Power of the sea/water element
• Danger & temptation
• Psychological concepts, such as escapism, transformation, & a deep connection to the unconscious self

Mermaids were often believed to have magic powers, including ability to control water, summon storms, communicate with sea creatures, heal the sick, bring good fortune, and hypnotize with their songs.

🎞 Depictions in media & pop culture:

Cinematic depictions of the mermaid can be traced back to the turn of the 20th century, long before the 1984 film Splash, which originally sparked my interest as a child and still remains a nostalgic fave to this day! Last year, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1984 film, BBC Radio 4 screenshot hosts recapped the most memorable of mermaids in film across time.

• 1904 ~ cinema pioneer Georges Melies featured a mermaid, turning into a woman, in his silent, trick film, titled The Mermaid.
• 1916 ~ Australian actress Anne Kellerman, starred in the now, sadly lost film, A Daughter of the Gods, and was featured swimming in synchronization with over 200 mermaids.
• 1948 ~ British actress & singer Glynis Johns portrayed a mermaid in the comedy titled Miranda.
• 1948 ~ American actress & singer, Anne Blythe portrayed a mermaid in the romantic comedy, Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid.
• 1952 ~ American swimmer & actress Esther Williams portrayed Anne Kellerman in the biopic Million Dollar Mermaid. Although she didn’t appear as an actual mermaid in her films, Esther became known as the “million dollar mermaid” due to her ability to act & perform so well underwater.
• 1984 ~ Disney & Touchstone pictures released the romantic comedy Splash, about a mermaid named Madison, which starred Daryl Hannah & Tom Hanks, and was geared toward adult audiences.
• 1989 ~ Disney released the family- friendly, animated adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid, which included a musical soundtrack belted out by teen Mermaid Ariel & her sea creature companions.

🔗 Connecting to Mermaid energy:

There are many ways to explore connecting to mermaid energy through mermaid, inspired rituals, and self-care practices such as:

• Bathing or water site visits
• Sea/ ocean/ water energy meditations or ambience, which can easily be found on YouTube (see links below)
• Create a water themed altar
• Wear mermaid themed / inspired jewelry or clothing
• Mermaid themed music or movies

Some great links to set the mood:

• Mermaid Grotto Ambiance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCZUu1gOvgM
• Mermaid’s Slumber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ft1lULIX8Y
• Mermaid Sirens’ Warning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBedPwE6Um8

🗝 Conclusion:

So, while there may be no scientific evidence of the existence of mermaids, their enduring folklore has resulted in a legend as deep and mysterious as the waters they were believed to have inhabited. A deep dive into the origins of mermaid mythology will no doubt unravel an ancient and mystical tapestry.

🕳️ 🐇 Resources + Credits:

• “How did manatees inspire mermaid legends?” NationalGeographic.com, 2014
• “Unlocking the Mermaid Spiritual Meaning” Atoleajewelry.com
• Radio 4 Screenshot: “The Most Memorable Mermaids on Screen” BBC.co.uk, 2024
• Madison photo credit: Touchstone/Buena Vista Pictures,1984
• manatee picture credit: naturalhistoryonthenet.com, 2025

Thank you for reading & joining me down the rabbit hole!

❕Please don’t forget to click the ☾ if you enjoyed this topic!