Anchored in Luck: The Seahorse in Nature and Myth
Seahorses (also known as cavalli marini) are a marvel of nature amid the rhythmic sway of sea grasses and coral reefs. While most of us will never come into direct contact with a seahorse — unless we visit an aquarium or a sanctuary — that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from them.
Collection of dried seahorses; photo courtesy of The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Seahorses, a rarity in the animal kingdom, are known for their monogamous partnerships and the extraordinary role reversal where males carry and birth their young. Their curled tails, adept at clinging to seaweed, seem to tether them to luck itself, holding fast in the currents of life.
But the seahorse’s significance extends beyond the ocean—it has left its mark within us, too. The hippocampus, a critical structure of the brain responsible for memory and navigation, takes its name from the Greek words hippos (horse) and kampos (sea monster). Shaped like the curving body of a seahorse, this part of the brain serves as our own compass, guiding us through the labyrinth of time and space. Just as the seahorse anchors itself to the seafloor, the hippocampus anchors us to our memories and sense of self.
The hippocampus, a neural structure in the temporal lobe of the human brain.
Ancient mariners believed seahorses were messengers of Poseidon, the god of the sea, protecting sailors and ensuring smooth voyages. Today, their gentle presence reminds us of the importance of patience and adaptability in life's journey.
Historically, seahorses have been used as powerful talismans and amulets. Dried seahorses are used in traditional Chinese medicine and as protection charms, believed to ward off the Evil Eye and avert ill fortune when displayed in homes. In some countries, such as the Philippines and Malaysia, dried seahorses are hung as amulets to dispel evil spirits and ensure safe passage across turbulent seas. And even facsimiles of seahorses in glass, metal and other materials have long been tied to safeguarding loved ones and attracting good luck.
Blue glass seahorse, used as a charm; Venice, Italy; from the collection of The Pitt Rivers Museum
Dessicated and painted seahorse, as found, House of Good Fortune Collection
Amulet, silver filigree seahorse, with chain for suspension; Naples, Italy; from the collection of The Pitt Rivers Museum
Seahorse “fetish” from the collection of the Smithsonian Institution: “worn over the breast by women of some countries to promote the flow of milk”
Seahorse charms and brooches; House of Good Fortune Collection
Yet, like the charms showcased by The House of Good Fortune, seahorses also warn us about fragility. These tiny creatures, with their delicate bodies and slow-moving ways, rely on thriving marine habitats for survival. They are both a symbol of hope and a call to action to protect the delicate ecosystems they inhabit.
So when you think of the seahorse, imagine it not just as a marine creature but as a talisman of the ocean—and a subtle reminder of the power and beauty woven into the structure of our own minds. It teaches us to navigate life with grace, cherish love and partnership, and hold on tightly to the things that anchor us.