A video chat of me, Anna Richardson and Michele Knight of the UK discussing the symbolic meaning of Ladybug as it applies to love (and a bit of sex).
For more information, visit:
Symbolic Love Animals (including the ladybug)
Symbolic Ladybugs (video chat on love)
Written by avenefica on November 2nd, 2009
Samhain and the Seven Swans of Virtue
Written by avenefica on October 23rd, 2009
Samhain and the Seven Swans of Virtue
As we approach the cross-quarter holiday of Samhain, it’s a great opportunity to dive into ancient myth and stories. Why? Because ancient parables connect us with our ancestry and offer magnificent lessons we can apply to our modern way of life – thus making our experiences richer and more meaningful.
Now, I realize surface research into Samhain uncovers some potentially disturbing and macabre symbolism involving death and dark powers. But, as with anything worthwhile, we’ve got to explore beyond the surface before striking true gold.
There is priceless philosophical gold surrounding Samhain. One of these golden nuggets is nestled deep in the folds of Bardic wisdom (the realm of sacred Celtic storytelling).
It’s the story of the Seven Swans of Virtue, and it unfolds, thusly:
Once upon a time (I know, how trite…indulge me), there was a behemoth egg and the Universe was curled within it, growing steadily over millions of years. At the moment of its fullest development the Universe quaked inside the egg and cracked open.
The yolk poured out of the egg and formed all matter/mass and this energy ruled the day (light).
The albumen (egg white) spilled out to create all the heavens and this energy ruled the night (dark).
But that’s not all that emerged from the great egg. From the intimacy shared between light and dark whilst incubating within the cosmic eggshell, seven magical swans were born and their names were:
- Faith
- Truth
- Purity
- Strength
- Patience
- Kindness
- Temperance
These were known as the Seven Swans of Virtue and although they lived brightly in the heavens, they had the ability to shift between the two realms (Light/Material/Earth and Dark/Immaterial/Skies) at whim.
Now as the ever-progressing wheel of time continued making its revolutions, humankind evolved from the mix of heaven and earth. In the beginning, humans were content to simply swim in the cosmos, satisfied with reveling in limitless bounty.
But after awhile, humans craved more diversity, and so they were offered a choice to experience a new way of life. In this new way of living humans could experience their world through tactile (physical) form while simultaneously having access to heavenly (spiritual) experience too. The contrast between physical and ethereal would be distinct, but access to both realms could still be obtained. This offered humans a greater dimension of experience.
Unfortunately, the choice to live in enhanced contrast backfired for many humans. The physical aspects of life proved to be utterly consuming. The body and all the physical trappings that came with it caused humans to lose focus on their heavenly, celestial connections.
Eventually, the human race forgot their lineage and denied their divine connections to the heavens altogether.
Throughout humankind’s blindness, the Seven Swans of Virtue remained vigilant in their celestial connection to the human soul.
The choice to ascend self-imposed prisons of physicality was always available to mankind. By simply acknowledging their eternal connection to the seven virtues, the heavenly Swans were able to bridge the gap between light and dark and the soul of man would be balanced; renewed.
But it required fortitude and commitment from mankind to sustain the memory of their divine lineage.
Sadly, most humans at this point were simply maddened by the compulsive wants and cravings perpetuated by physical illusions. These compulsions continued to feed a deep imbalance within humankind and led to manifestations of lust, greed, lack, sloth, envy, gluttony, hate (the antithetical flip-side of the Seven Virtues).
Observing this difficult transition over the ages, the Seven Swans of Virtue conceded humankind was doomed to live out a endless cycle of illusory strife and struggle. Without some kind of guidance, humankind would be lost in a chaotic abyss of misdirection.
Wanting to honor their choice to experience diversity, the Swans vowed to intercede on behalf on mankind, but with conditions.
So, the Seven Swans of Virtue agreed to shapeshift to earth and make themselves abundantly accessible to humankind, but only twice a year:
- Once on Beltane in honor of the cosmic yolk (light) and
- Once again on Samhain in reverence of the celestial albumen (dark).
These dates were chosen because of they are at their peak of cosmic balance. It was during these times that the channels connecting physical and spiritual are opened at their widest, affording humankind to retrieve their Truth and reestablish their hereditary balance.
And so, upon midnight on Samhain, these majestic beauties begin their descent to earth whereupon they gather up the virtuous of heart who truly wish to know the Truth of their divine births as well as know the true ways of the Universe.
The Seven Swans of Virtue make themselves more openly known during this time so humankind may be apt to transcend the prison of illusions and re-embrace its cosmic connections.
The Seven Swans of Virtue still descend to Earth today. The Celts knew this, and that’s why the constellation of Pleiades marked the cosmic opening from which the celestial Swans flew to visit the Earth. These two dates (Samhain and Beltane) are the gateways to transformation for humankind.
So, this time of Samhain affords each of us the grandest opportunity for renewal, enlightenment and metamorphosis.
-The End-
If nothing else, the Seven Swans of Virtue is a great story to tell ’round your Samhain or Halloween hearth fire this year.
I’ve written a background article on Pleiades and its connection with Samhain. It’s a good one, and substantiates a bit of this story too. Check it out here:
Samhain and Pleiades: The Celtic Connection
Other links of interest:
Symbolic Meaning of the Swan (on Whats-Your-Sign.com) includes Celtic symbolism.
Renewal and Personalizing the Meaning of Halloween (written for Colette Baron-Reid’s blog)
Halloween Symbols and Meanings (on Whats-Your-Sign.com)
Halloween Insights from Michele Knight.com
Symbolic Meaning of Number Eleven
Written by avenefica on October 21st, 2009Tags: Numerology | Tarot
A 10 minute video on the surface and deeper symbolic meaning of number eleven. Enjoy!
Links for more information on Meaning of Number Eleven:
- Spiritual Meaning of Number Eleven (on Whats-Your-Sign.com)
- Meaning of Eleven (on this blog as part of a Synchroblog project)
- 11:11 and Synchronicity (on TokenRock.com)
- Eleven Meanings as observed by Richard Merrick (on TokenRock.com)
- Meaning of 11:11 by Slade Roberson (on ShiftYourSpirits.com)
Other links of importance to this topic:
The High Priestess card (image & meaning)
Tooting My Own Horn (and why you can toot too)
Written by avenefica on October 8th, 2009
Avia Toots
I rarely self-toot, but yesterday forced me to take a look at all I do and appreciate my versatility.
Every entrepreneur and business owner is a “one-man-band” (or “one-woman-band” as the case may be) in that all the parts are typically played by the owner. It goes beyond that, really. The music (creative vision) is often conceptualized, written, composed, conducted and of course performed by the entrepreneur too.
When people talk to me, they’re flabbergasted to discover I do it all.
Aside from conceptualizing, building and maintaining five websites, I balance my own financials, figure my own taxes, write my own material, do my own HTML coding, editing, IT troubleshooting, programming, networking, graphic design, audio, video, correspondence, scheduling, website optimizing, marketing, R&D…the list goes on and on (and on). Factor in speaking gigs, symbolic readings, commissioned work, collaborations, & (attempts at) answering 100s of emails… -I’m inevitably asked “How do you find the time?” (I marvel about it too, but it all works out).
When I come up with new ideas, I’m both ecstatic and vexed because I know the time involved in learning the ropes to make that idea a reality. This new Symbolic Audio Download project I’m working on is a perfect example. When I started this project months ago, I had no clue.
Now, coming to the final stages (insert “happy-dance” here) of this audio MP3 project, there are even more challenges with uploads, downloads, storage space, third-party plugins, formatting. Yesterday had me turning cartwheels in directions I never dreamed.
So what’s my point? Other than tooting, I’d like this post to serve as an example of the potential indwelling every human with a Vision.
To use the old cliche “If I can do it, anybody can do it.”
I have no formal training in any of this techie stuff. But my Visions and Muses DEPEND on me to figure this stuff out in order for creative ideas to be born into reality.
My point is this: There is no limit to your creative genius.
Where there is Vision combined with fearlessness (no fear of failure, or hard work come to mind) the potential for your growth is infinite (especially in this day & age).
These aren’t cheap words.
If I may add a few more logs to the fire of conviction: I’m a 2 time college drop-out, a recovering alcoholic & drug-addict and have mucked around in more manure fields than I care to recall. I’m telling you…if I can hold to a Vision and coax it into reality – you most certainly can too.
So rock on, and start tooting!
Symbolic Meaning of Gold
Written by avenefica on October 7th, 2009Tags: Alchemy | Natural Symbolism
Symbolism of Gold
Technically (and alchemically) speaking, gold is a soft, shiny, yellow, heavy, malleable, ductile metal. It is also a trivalent and a univalent which means it’s a transitional metal.
As a transitional metal, gold is symbolic of flexibility on our spiritual path while life experience galvanizes our faith.
One of the more valued elements, gold represents perfection in all matter, on any level. It also symbolizes humankind’s quest to perfect, illuminate and refine his/herself.
Because of its resistance to heat and acid, gold is a symbol of immutability, eternity and perfection.
Because of its golden color, it is almost universally associated with solar symbolism. This gives gold such attributes as:
- Vitality
- Life
- Health
- Radiance
- Wisdom
- Clarity
- Unification
- Virtue
- Light
In Christian symbolism, gold is considered an attribute of virtue and golden hues are used quite often in Christian art to convey divine love.
The infamous legend of alchemists turning common metals into gold is actually a parable for the human quest to change base vulgarities like greed, hate and selfishness into qualities like love, virtue and compassion through the process of self-purification. Ergo, gold is symbolic of this transition of the soul.
Other symbolic fodder:
Symbolism in Alchemical Elements
Symbolism of Copper and Finding Pennies
Symbolism of the Diamond in Alchemy
Grasslands of Dreams: Meanings Behind Dreaming of Grass
Written by avenefica on September 30th, 2009
Dreaming of Grass
Tags: Nature | EcoIntuition | Dream Meanings
Dreams pave the way to our most profound knowing. Lately, I’ve been dreaming of grass. My meditations have been of a grassy nature too. I thought it would be nice to share a few thoughts on the symbolic meaning of dreaming of grass.
Some observations:
Green Green Grass of Home:
Grass is green (at least, most of it is). This puts my dreaming mind in the Anahata chakra - the heart chakra, as this energy center swims in veridian waves. The heart chakra governs health, healing and high-hearted aspects like inclusion, connection, empathy and love. The heart is the engine of the body, and the Greeks felt the heart fueled our spirits with emotional power and inspiration. So, dreaming of grass can suggest our attention be directed to the function of the heart – emotionally and physically. Innumerable cultures believe the heart is the home of the soul too. So dreaming of grass can be a call to return to our homes – a call to return our attention to our soul-center.
Get a Grip:
Grass is symbolic of a vast system of inter-connectivity. If you’ve ever observed the root system of a patch of grass, you have the perfect illustration of connection. There is no separation. Dreaming of grass is a message of connection with community or even re-connecting with our personal roots (history, emotional centered-ness). Furthermore, grass has been utilized by savvy agriculturalists as a means to prevent soil erosion. The grass serves as a matrix that grips the soil and keeps it in place during times of flooding. There is symbolism in this. Dreaming of grass could be a message for us to get a grip on our foundational beliefs – don’t get washed away in the floods of life.
Grass Roots:
This brings me to my final symbolic observation about dreaming of grass – grass roots. Grassy dreams are often a message for us to get to the root of issues that are in our fore-thoughts. If something is causing us stress, it’s time to get to the root of it. However, in dreamy grasslands, we see the roots are all interconnected – so we may have to do some digging. In other worlds finding one root of a problem may lead us to several other issues. In this case, it’s important to honor the process of working through our perspectives and beliefs about troubling matters. Be patient, and nourish yourself as you get to the root-heart of various matters of conflict.
Grass is a vast ecosystem in itself, and as such, it is symbolic of nourishment. When analyzing your own dreams, be mindful to feed yourself compassionately – it’s the only way to insure a properly rooted foundation in your interpretations.
I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on potential meaning of dreaming of grass. Here are a few other links that may hold interest:
Video on Symbolic Meaning of Spirals
Written by avenefica on September 16th, 2009My favorite quote:
“The human mind always makes progress, but it is a progress in spirals.” ~Madame de Stael
And that brings me to this latest video offering on the symbolic meaning of the spiral:
For more information on the symbolism of spirals click here.
Robert Phoenix Rising: Astrology Review
Written by avenefica on September 16th, 2009
Robert Phoenix Astrology
I’ve been following Robert Phoenix’s work for awhile, but not until recently did I commission him to cast his perceptions upon my astrological chart. This blog post is a review of Robert’s services as a practitioner of astrology.
From the onset I was impressed with Robert’s apparent expertise in the field of astrology. His analytical response to my signs, planets, transits, etc. were accurate and confirmed my own understanding.
Anyone who seeks deeper wisdom from the heavens knows identifying motions/placements on a chart is only a crack in the grand canyon of astrology. The real magic is in the interpretation of stellar activity.
Robert’s approach to interpreting astrological data is refreshing. It’s apparent he draws upon a vast stockpile of unique education & perspective. I found his observations to be mind-broadening. The way he expressed certain features in my chart allowed my perceptions to shift.
All outside opinions can be catalysts – but I found Robert’s view to be particularly kindle-worthy. In other words, his insight is motivating. Inspirational fuel. That’s what a catalyst does…affects the molecular structure of a thing just by introducing itself to the mix. Indeed, Mr. Phoenix’s astrological reading was impactful and affecting.
I appreciated Robert’s ability to express his opinions candidly. He was straight-forward and delivered his perceptions without apology. Honesty is vital in these scenarios – beating around the bush has no place in interpretations and I value Robert’s candor.
What’s more, Robert is a perfect blend of mystic and pragmatist. He extolled ethereal/esoteric wisdom with aplumb and ease. With the same easy charm he offered practical advice that played with my astrological proclivities.
- If you’re the kind of person who cannot tolerate fluffy, woo-woo astrological readings, Robert Phoenix is the astrologer for you.
- If you need clarity/confirmation on who you are & where you stand in the grand scheme of current times, Robert Phoenix can assist.
- If you are seeking inspirational fuel to ignite your spiritual/psychic/creative flames even higher, Robert Phoenix is your lighter fluid.
- If you need practical, stable guidance built upon educated astrological interpretations…you guessed it, Robert Phoenix can dispense.
- If you need accurate astrological information from a trustworthy, soulful mage – Robert Phoenix can fill that tall order too.
To be clear, I do not endorse unless I’m whole-heartedly satisfied about the practitioner. Ergo, it should be clear I highly recommend Robert Phoenix as a remarkably talented, high-integrity, qualified astrologist.
His rates are extremely reasonable too! Book a reading with Robert Phoenix here.
Or, read through his tremendously unique and thought-provoking blog here.
Changed Names and Name Number Meanings in Numerology
Written by avenefica on September 10th, 2009
Tags: Numerology
I get many questions about name number meanings. I’ve offered a lot of thoughts about this and the topic of symbolic numbers in general.
This blog post addresses a question about the consequence of changed meanings of name number when our name is changed.
{Fuzzy on how to calculate your name number? Go to my Name Number Meaning page for explanations.}
What is the impact if we take a different name? What if we have a nickname? How do we interpret the numerological meaning of our “real” name in relation to our adopted/married/nickname etc?
Traditionally, numerologists recommend using the name with which we are most familiar.
When dealing with several names to uncover meaning with numerology, I conduct readings on both names.
Why? Because I know nothing happens without some deeper reasoning. Ergo, I know significant numerological meanings can be found in both names.
When I play around with name number symbolism, I’ll first ask for the name most used or common. For example, a friend of mine has been called “Butch” for 40 years. I interpreted his nickname first as his primary reading.
But, I’ll almost always do a second reading with a formal (less familiar) name too. I’ve encountered doing this gives an added layer of clarity. It’s almost like revealing two different personalities:
- a side we show to everyone, and
- another side we keep more private.
If you have several names here’s a way to interpret your name number meaning…
Common Name: Determine your number according to the name you are most comfortable/familiar with. This could be your nickname, birth name, whatever. This is the name you call yourself (and likely the name most of your friends/family know you by too).
The number associated with the name you are most intimate with will be metaphoric of your intimate path in life. This number will speak to you about:
- what is close to your heart,
- what you comfortably show, share and express with others
- how your common, daily life experience is unfolding
- how you connect & interact in family and social settings
Other Name: Now determine the number for the name that is not as familiar to you as your common name. Perhaps it’s a newly discovered adopted name, or a change from maiden name to married name – or perhaps you’ve taken an assumed name. The name number meaning associated with this newer name in your awareness could potentially reveal:
- long term views or focus in personal development
- the hand of fate or destiny playing a role in your life
- internal or hidden sides of personality – traits not likely expressed outwardly
- a persona you want to express, but has been latent (or is not yet comfortable to reveal to others)
Important note: Be mindful of how you feel about this secondary name. Is there joy surrounding the less familiar name? Did you pick it yourself and love it? Your feelings associated with your names (both common and uncommon) will affect your name number interpretation too.
I’ve known people who had names divinely spoken to their psyche – these are spiritual names that belonged to these people even before they were born into this lifetime/place. In this instance, that name is going to have a wholly different meaning in numerology.
This brings me to a final important point. It’s a good practice to combine your name number meanings.
For example, if your familiar name-number is a 2 and your married name-number is 7, combine these two numbers to make 9 and begin to research the conjoined symbolism from there.
Overwhelmingly, I’ve found combining these name numbers to be extremely enlightening as to my client’s personality, personal development and multi-dimensional progress.
I hope this information proves helpful to each of you as you seek out innovative ways to uphold the most important tenet : “Temet Nosce”
Other pages of interest:
Symbolic Meaning of Nine on 09/09/09
Written by avenefica on September 9th, 2009In this video, I discuss a bit about the symbolic meaning of nine on this auspicious day. Click links below the video for more information on the meaning of number nine.
More on this subject:
Meaning of Nine an Expanded View (on Tarot site).
Symbolism of Numbers (in general)
Links to Michele Knight articles:
Meaning of 09/09/09 (written by Michele Knight)
Dreaming of Tattoos
Written by avenefica on September 4th, 2009
Dreaming of Tattoos
My friend Sue Samuels called this morning and asked about the symbolic meaning of dreaming of tattoos. I found this synchronistic as I’ve been feverishly working on my new tattoo site, so I was completely engaged in her question.
Although unsure about what everybody else says, I’m certainly clear on my brand of understanding about dreaming of tattoos. Here is a quick list of concepts conveyed in dream tattoos with an explanation of my conclusions to follow:
- Ritual
- Devotion
- Lineage
- Initiation
- Permanence
- Heritage
- Ancient connection
- Historical reference
- Drawing attention
- Creative expression
- Commitment
- Alteration
- Metamorphosis
How am I coming up with all these symbolic meanings for dreaming of tattoos?
Some are self-explanatory. Tattoos are permanent, and so when we’re dreaming of them it conveys a sense of unaltered choice. To use the adage “the dye is cast” is appropriate. Dream tattoos speak about irreversible choices we make in our lives that affect us on deeply personal levels for the rest of our days.
Concepts like “drawing attention” and “creative expression” are pretty obvious too. When we dream of tattoos, our inner voice is telling us to express ourselves more outwardly – share our gifts and talents with the world.
Symbolic meanings of “alteration” and “metamorphosis” connect with tattoos being a form of changing our appearance. Body modification is personal transformation taken to the extreme(with internal/spiritual consequences too), and so when we dream of tattoos it’s a reference to major changes.
Now to my favorite parts of this topic. Dream tattoos can pertain to heritage, lineage and archetypal identity because our collective consciousness is fully aware of the historical human practice and purpose of tattooing. As humans we all share ancient memories and common lineage (there is only one ethnicity: “Human”).
Our subconscious has access to all this hereditary memory. Ergo, when we dream of tattoos (specifically dreaming of tattooing in progress), we are experiencing a sacred process our ancestors practiced for eons.
From an ancient perspective, tattoos are ritual. They galvanize the human saga. They mark initiation. They concretize identity. More specifically, our ancestors used tattoos to commemorate rites of passage (coming of age, marriage, battle victories, etc). They also used tattoos to document historical importance’s within the tribe. In this instance, the skin is a scroll upon which the history of the family clan is recorded.
So, dreaming of tattoos in this sense is a message that we are infinitely connected with our ancient heritage. It holds meaning of tribal awareness, and our infinite link with the sacred nature of the human saga.
I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on the symbolic meaning of dreaming of tattoos. Get more information on tattoo meanings by visiting the new website I just started this summer: www.Tattoo-Symbolism.com
You might also be interested in my articles on Dream Meanings:
- Dream Meanings on Whats-Your-Sign.com (portal page)
- Common Dream Meanings
- Meaning of Dreams: An Introduction
PS: For inquiring minds, the tattoo image on this post is mine, done by my dear friend, Johnny Rotten of Rotten Ink Tattoos.
Dreams An Illustrated Guide by Adam Fronteras (book review)
Written by avenefica on September 3rd, 2009
Dreams: An Illustrated Guide by Adam Fronteras
I’ve had the utter pleasure of owning and reviewing a book on dream interpretation entitled: Dreams – An Illustrated Guide by Adam Fronteras, edited by Rashid Ahmad.
From the outset, this book is wholly enchanting because of its presentation. Bound in a lovely cover with a page-placement jacket design – you can mark your place easily as you journey through your dreams.
Dreams – An Illustrated Guide is indeed every bit a guide. I highly recommend taking this book with you on all your dreamy transits. Reading the book from front-to-back as a novel will prove to be engaging as well as enlightening.
Alternatively, if straight-though isn’t your style, Dreams is a perfect reference guide to assist with dream interpretation. Keep this book by your bed stand and refer to it upon waking. Look up specific symbols in your dreams in the book and you will receive outstanding insight.
It’s clear Mr. Fronteras has done his research in compiling this vast array of dream symbolic meanings. All the common dream symbols are covered in the book, and the explanations are clear, accurate and germane to the deeper psyche.
I’ve used this guide on many occasions of the last few weeks. I kept it by my bedside and consulted the dream interpretations offered in the book after each dream sequence. Each time I was pleased with the interpretations offered by Mr. Fronteras.
As a matter of fact, the dream interpretations in the book spoke to me on an archetypal level. I felt connections being made between my ancient perspectives and my psyche. This kind of connection is a gift that few people are able to give. That gift is extended graciously in Dreams – An Illustrated Guide.
Part of the books power comes from the selection of images chosen. You can tell a great deal of thought has been invested in the imagery used in this book. I loved the vibrancy of the pictures, and these special images enhanced my interpretations too.
The book is extremely organized. This isn’t a banal dictionary of dream meanings spewed in alphabetical order. Rather, this is a thorough guide ordered in essential sections. Each section offers a host of dream meanings. Here are a few of the many areas of dream interpretations offered in the Guide: Animals, Environment, Relationships, House & Home, Cycles of life, Space and more.
The Guide also offers case studies and real examples of dream interpretations. The introduction of the book is equally enlightening as it explains the purpose of our dreams and how to harness dream power for personal development.
It should be clear I highly recommend Dreams – An Illustrated Guide for both experienced and novice dream weaver. If you are looking for dream meanings book that has depth, substance and profound power in tapping into the dreaming realms – this book is for you.
Get your copy here: Dreams – An Illustrated Guide by Adam Fronteras.
