symbolism
Language Of The Tarot
When reading Tarot, it is always important to consider each card in the context of the spread. Each card has differing meanings, based on the context of the whole.
For example, the Three of Swords represents heartache, sadness, loss, grief. However, let’s say it comes up along with the Chariot, which represents moving forward with success. Together, the context of these two cards might shift to something like moving beyond sadness. However, this meaning might shift even further, based on the rest of the cards in the spread.
Reading single cards only, would be like trying to convey a message with just one word. Instead one should think of a Tarot spread as representing a full sentence, while each card represents a word in that sentence. Continue reading
Feng Shui Your Home For A Happier Life
I am very much into how our thoughts and feelings help create our future. However, it needs to be asked what external factors affect those thoughts and feelings in the first place, such as our environment, for example. Therefore, the ‘Queen of Clutter’ (that being myself) would like to discuss how Feng Shui could help you attract better fortune into your life. Feng Shui is an ancient art from China, which involves balancing energies in any particular place. Here is how you can do it.
Begin With The Bagua
A bagua map (also called pakua) consists of nine squares, each one symbolizing an essential part of a balanced life. This map can be used in any room in your house, as a guide to finding the right area for positioning things. Continue reading
Finding A Snow White Feather
Some time ago, I was sifting through my box of notes and papers collected over the years, and among all the documents and media cuttings, I found a list which describes the symbolic meaning of various colored feathers. Finding the list was a lucky coincidence. Or was it?
My husband and I live in a rural area outside a small town in South Eastern Spain. The people here are very friendly. Yet, without intending any disrespect, it is unlike many beautiful Spanish towns. I guess you could say that ours is somewhat soulless? It certainly is devoid of much in the way of any natural beauty, or cultural architecture. Another thing we don’t see much of either, is bird life.
More recently, I was thinking hard about an upsetting situation, while leaving the town hall. The outlook of the problem I was dealing with seemed bleak. But, as I left the building and turned a corner, I looked down and there was a beautiful snow white feather! A sign, or another coincidence? Continue reading
Recognizing The Color Of Your Door
Since I was a very young child, I always believed I would become a teacher and held on to that belief until I was somewhere in my late 20s. It came as a complete surprise to me to discover that this was not where my life purpose was heading. It is so easy to see where misinterpretations occur as one tends to look back.
Teachers commonly resonate with the color brown. They are usually, calm, dedicated, certainly prepared for the unexpected, as this is sure to happen occasionally when dealing with children of any age.
Teachers and instructors are most often also the ones who will donate extra time and energy to outside causes and have a general concern for what is happening in their environment. Good teachers usually volunteer to assist with extracurricular activities and do not anticipate a payback relating to their time and energy. Continue reading
The Spiritual Symbolism Of Labyrinths And Mazes
As a child I always enjoyed visiting the English Tudor homes open to the public, particularly Hampton Court, which had a maze to run into, hide in the hedgerow, get to the centre and then find my way back out. Hearing the cackle and playful squealing of other children, even bumping into others as I turned a corner, and encountering many dead ends en-route to the centre, made for a thrilling experience.
I also remember at the circus being in a maze of the hall of mirrors and trying to find my way through so many weird reflections of myself. Frustration would rise up inside of me as joy turned to brief concern or panic. Later I moved to solving mazes in the puzzle books.
There is a distinct difference between a maze and a labyrinth. Mazes are often thought to have, in earnest been established circa 13th century, with one of the most famous being Hampton Court in England. Yet, in fact, maze-like structures were found under buildings from the Roman Empire days, and even used around castles in Medieval Europe to confuse the enemy. So, mazes demonstrated or represented a challenge, it creates the potential for confusion through its many changes in direction and dead ends, forcing one to retrace ones steps. Continue reading
Angels Nearby
Ever felt a reassuring hand on your shoulder, heard your name whispered, or experienced a deep sense of love and warmth, only to turn around and see no one? That’s unmistakably the sign that an angel is nearby. Our protective angels let us know they are there… if we take the time to look.
Our angelic guardians, who see all the things we do not, want us to notice the beauty around us! Take a moment away from work, put away the electronic devices, and really observe…there is so much you probably never saw before.
One of the first and most obvious places to look is the skies. Clouds, to be specific. Finding shapes like wings, hearts, or halos in the otherwise random cloud formations is a sure sign of angelic presence. Animal shapes might appear too – some angels walk on four legs! Continue reading
Raccoon Medicine For Thanksgiving
When you see a raccoon, be it live or in a picture, what comes to mind? Is he cute and innocent looking, or does he remind you of a little outlaw? Or do you fear the creature you see?
Raccoons are indeed considered to be night varmints and scavengers. They can destroy property and be a real nuisance. However, spiritually the raccoon has a much more constructive significance and they are the perfect animal totem for Thanksgiving.
Traditionally, the raccoon, when it comes into your life, is referred to as “the one who carries the medicine of the protector of the underdog” and “the one who provides for the young, infirm and the elderly.” Because of its mask-like features, it is often unfairly referred to as The Masked Bandit, but when a raccoon comes into your space, you are being asked to contact your inner warrior, to become a protector and generous provider for those in need. Continue reading