January, 2008

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Symbolic Meaning of Mud Dream Interpretation

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

I am often asked to interpret dreams.  This particular email came from an individual who was convinced her dream of sinking into thick mud was a bad omen.  What follows is my second response of assurance that no, the symbolic meaning of mud in dream interpretation was not a bad omen.

Dear Muddy Waters: 

Again, I’ll encourage you to do some soul searching on your dreams and really invest the time to determine their meaning and how they fit into the life you are living right now.

I can only give you generalities of common dream meanings.  Ultimately YOU are the interpreter of your own dreams.

That said, no, dreaming of mud is not a bad omen.  Common dream symbols such as mud are the psyche’s way of giving us a tool for identifying areas in our lives that may need enhancement.  

Consider the following symbolic messages of “muddy” dreams:

  • We are stuck in a rut & may need to consider changing our habits
  • We need to become more grounded
  • We need to get “back to the basics”
  • We need to change our diet (more earth foods, veggies/fruits/grains)
  • We may be in a situation that is a burden for us & need to change direction
  • We need to focus on health and healing

I suppose if you perceive yourself or areas of your life situation to be out of balance, your dream might be an ominous message from your deeper self to call attention to these areas. 

I would encourage you to trust in yourself and recognize the sleeping (deeper) self’s ability to work with your waking self to come to a positive outcome upon whatever area may require improvement.

I trust this information helps you on your path.

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More Tips on Reading Numbers 1052 as Example

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

The following is a response to a question from an gentleman who wanted advice on reading numbers.  He consistently encountered the number 1052 and wanted the symbolic meaning of the number as well as tips on reading numbers and numerology.

Dear Number Newcomer: 

Reduced, the number 1052 is an Eight which is a numerical symbolic representation of business, success, and wealth.

This is largely due to the fact that Eight represents:

  • Continuation
  • Repetition
  • Cycles

Such elements are seen in arenas where success is obtained simply because of dogged determination and repitition by the practitioner. Also, matters of business and wealth largely depend on cycles to fulfill their manifestation. It’s like the snowball analogy: As it continues to roll, in gets bigger and bigger with each revolution.

Long sequence number interpretation of the 1052 deals with being satisfied with the way things are – being content even when the road is rocky, and having a sense of stability even in times when your relationships and circumstances may seem shakey.  1052 is about living out loud, coming into your own groove, and being aware of the fullness of your own personality and potential.

The fact that this number repeats itself to you is a message that you tend to be a stable person, even though sometimes you put yourself in unstable situations.  In fact, unstable (sometimes chaotic) people and events seem to just “find” you without you prompting – this is because you have a natural balancing effect on people & circumstances.  This happens when people and things need to be equalized…they habitually seek out others who can balance the equation.

I would encourage you to do some research on numerology and play with all the numbers in your special sequence.   Don’t feel limited to this number sequence.  Rather, play with the numerological meaning of your name, as well as the deeper number meaning of your birth date

Almost any system that has a specific set or number of symbols can be used as a telling device for more insight on your number sequence.

For example, you could utilize the Tarot to find meaning to your numbers.  For example, the number Eight as noted earlier in this message corresponds with the Strength card in the Tarot.   You may also want to investigate all of the eights within each Tarot suits of the deck.

Animals totems may serve as an oracle for you too.  Animals with the energy of Eight include:

Even the Ogham can assist you in gaining a deeper meaning.  The sacred trees of Druids are in numeric sequence so you can look up meaning associated with each tree.  For example:

Learn the meanings of each number in your long sequence inidividually and then begin to put them together.  It is like putting a number puzzle together – put them in different sequences and play with the meanings together – you will be amazed at the knowledge of numbers hold for you.

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Symbolism of Snake and Skull in Mexican Mythology

Wednesday, January 30th, 2008




I got a fascinating request for information on the symbolism of snake and skull in Mexican mythology/culture to which I respond:

At its simplest, the symbolism of snake and skull in Mexican mythology is a timeless message of impermanence.

More specifically, the symbolic meaning of skull and rattlesnake imagery deals with the human saga of conquering death only to discover the only option is to surrender to life. 

In Mexico, the skull is a representation of impermanence, transition, and freedom.  It signifies the liberation of worldly burdens.  The annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations of Mexico in which the skull is a prominent feature, is an extension of this liberation theme.  This is a time when veil separating the dead from the living is at its thinnest.  A time in which life and death meet, and loved ones are reunited.   

Here the skull represents the faint shadows our physical remnant leaves behind upon our death.  Beyond those gaping dark sockets is the life beyond what our eyes have seen. 

Mexican tradition honors the cycle of life and death – their symbols such as the skull are testimonies to their profound insight into such complex concepts.

The symbolism of the snake or rattlesnake is another extension of the unique Mexican perspective on life, death and the transition between the two.

Mexican mythology indicates the snake is a symbol of veneration, worship and honor.  Often a symbol of great power, resurrection and rebirth, the snake continues to be a powerful emblem of renewal and transition. 

Further, the snake is recognized as a symbol of humanity as a whole.  Interestingly, the Mexican perspective provides hope for mankind to aspire to great heights as it correlates the shedding of the serpent’s skin to man’s ability to change his own circumstances and overcome adversity.

To summarize the symbolic meaning of the snake and skull in the Mexican mythological realms indicate:

  • Duality between mans identification with conflict between life and death
  • The impermanence (illusion) associated with this conflict
  • Man’s ability to recognize this message of impermanence
  • Man’s ability to utilize the power available to him to over come this conflict
  • Ultimate ascension & surpassing of conflict & illusion altogether.

I also have an entry on the skull as a good luck symbol here.  You may also be interested in the snake totem symbolism, or snake symbolism in dreams.

You may also be interested in my page on Halloween Symbols and their Meanings here.

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Symbolic Meaning of Number Thirteen

Sunday, January 27th, 2008




Symbolic meaning of number thirteen
is surrounded with controversy.  Is it lucky?  Unlucky?  Only you can decide for yourself this post and my other more detailed page on thirteen may help you with your decision.

For those of you who want fast, quick references, the following attributes have been associated with the number thirteen:

  • Completion
  • Magic
  • Intuition
  • Psyche
  • Warning
  • Power
  • Creativity
  • Betrayal

This snapshot of meanings comes from a variety of different sources.

Its primary claim to foreboding fame is the number thirteen’s association with the Last Supper in Christian history.  There were thirteen people present at this gathering, the Christ and his twelve disciples. 

In France the number thirteen referred to as le point de Judas, to mark Judas’s betrayal of Christ.  This term also suggests an omen as Judas was the first to leave the table at the Last Supper, and also the first to die.  Also in France it is still the practice to hire a quartorzieme, or a fourteenth guest to a dinner party if only thirteen were in the original total.  This is said to assure a problem-free event.

The letter “m” is the thirteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and was said to bring bad luck because it is the beginning and end of the word mem which means death.

Interestingly, the number thirteen is assigned to the Death card in the Tarot deck.  Here the number takes on a meaning of transition, surrender, and recycling.  More information on this can be found on the number thirteen death card page.

On a more positive note, the number thirteen is sacred and honored in ritualistic practices in many Native American tribes. 

The Aztecs also hold the number thirteen sacred and divided their week into thirteen days.  Each day is ruled by a god.  The thirteenth day is ruled by Tezcatlipoca, who represents: Mystery, Psyche, Illusion and Magic.

Similarly, within ancient European cultures as well as earth-based religions it is well known there are thirteen moons in a year.  Here the thirteen is aligned with all the associations of the moon:  Emotion, Cycles, Intuition, Mystery, Devotion, and Influence.

It is also seen as a sign of good fortune in ancient Greece where it is associated with the Zeus because he is the thirteenth and most powerful of Greek gods.

For more information, visit my full-detail page on the Symbolic Meaning of Number Thirteen.

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Symbols for Divine, Divinity Symbols

Saturday, January 26th, 2008

An interesting request from one of my readers…she wanted a symbol for divine, or divinity symbols to which I respond: 

Dear Symbol Seeker,

The Divine is a broad subject, but below are a few symbols that represent Divine, or Divinity.

In Alchemy – the human body is considered a symbol of the divine

In Native American symbology (specifically plains tribes) a large, equilateral triangle pointing downard represents trust in divine guidance. It is a symbol of our ability to join with the divine and have a divine perspective.  Further in this genre, an equilateral triangle pointing heavenwards represents the divine point, the highest point of knowledge (cosmic awareness or higher spirit if you will).

In most cultures, a crown is a symbol of not only royalty and nobility – but also divinity.  For example deities and Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt wore double crowns to signify their divine stature as well as mark their endowment of divine power.  In some religions, including Christianity, the crown represents divine glory and crowns were placed on the heads of newly deceased as a sign of their union with God upon their passing.  In Eastern religions the crown worn is a sign of spiritual evolution – one step closer to divinity.

In the animal kingdom we find more symbols of the divine…

In Christian traditions, the dove is a symbol of divinity as it is the representation of the Christ.

Further, the starfish is considered a representation of the Virgin Mary in Christian iconography and as such is a symbol of the keeper of divine wisdom.

The dolphin is considered a divine messenger of the sea by some Native American cultures.

In the Orient as well as Celt, Norse and Greco-Roman mythologies the horse is thought of as a divine messenger too – a carrier of high divine insight for the Gods & Goddesses it serves.

In various cultural & mythological realms (Christian, Greco-Roman, Native American, Byzantine) the eagle is considered a divine creature of the air and held firm as a symbol of the divine.

In other areas of nature such as the plant world, we find more symbols of divinity.

The peach has long been symbolic of divinity as well as longevity, good fortune and paradise to the Chinese and Japanese.

The pine cone is a symbol of immortality and the divine in earth-based religions (i.e. paganism) as it is an evergreen.

Another earth-based symbol of the divine long honored by the ancient Celts and Norse is the acornDruids swallowed the acorns whole in order to touch the divine mind.   They were sacred to the god Thor, and in Norse mythology the Tree of Life was an oak (from which the acorn springs forth).

The number ten is symbolic of spiritual achievement and return to unity.  Consequently, many systems of thought treat this numeral as a symbol of the divine. Specifically, the sephirotic Tree of Life of the Kabbalah is made of ten sephira – as such it represents unity, spiritual attainment, and divine accomplishment.

The Tarot holds infinite symbols for divinity.  The Hierophant is a symbol of uniformed or contained divinity where the human may pour out the prescribed nature of divine to the public.  Also in the Tarot, the Moon is a symbol for the divine.

As you can see, symbols of the divine are numerous.  Even in our day-to-day lives we can find symbols that vibrate with the divine.  Even candles -long thought of as carriers of divine light in places of worship and occasion of ritual.

In considering symbols for the divine, I would encourage you to find elements in your life that focus upon your own unique perspective of what is divine for you.  Meditate upon divinity itself, and your own special symbols will come to you from your effort.

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Quickie Symbols for Friendship

Friday, January 25th, 2008

I get requests for quick & easy symbols.    After countless attempts to explain the intricacies of symbolism, I finally save my breath and throw a bone or two.  So,  for those of you who would rather not invest much thought to the depth of symbolism, here are two basic symbols for friendship:

Shown left are the Arrows of Friendship.  In Native American cultures (primarily plains tribes), the owner of an arrow would always leave a mark on the shaft, indicating its maker (i.e., the makers mark). 

Hence, two arrows together in such a fashion is symbolic of bringing together two people or two tribes for the common goal of both parties as well as friendship.  

These interlinked hearts shown left are another symbol for friendship.  The hearts side by side symbolize togetherness.  The symbol is for good fortune, and is a good omen for a lasting relationship.

These are nice if you are looking for a fast fix (or worse, a no-brainer tattoo).  If you are willing to dig a little deeper, my post on the Celtic symbols for friendship  as well as my comment on the Celtic dolphin as a symbol for friendship may be interesting for you.   The cardinal bird is also a friendly symbol, and here I have the Chinese symbol writing for friends.

Keep in mind, adopting symbols to represent your own life situations is a very personal endeavor & deserves personal participation!  Research, contemplation and meditation are strongly recommended before dedicating a symbol to represent the aspects of you or your life.

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Symbolic Meaning of Labyrinth

Thursday, January 24th, 2008



The symbolic meaning of labyrinth is also associated with the various symbolic meanings of the spiral  in that we can trace our footsteps (both metaphorical and literal) back to and from the Source (center or core).

Labyrinths have been used for ages.  Native Americans used the labyrinth as a symbol that represents birth, rebirth and/or transition from one world to the next.  Specifically, as a Hopi symbol,  labyrinths are depicted with a cross near the center which represents the four cardinal directions and their attributes.  The spirals encircling this compass are symbolic of the waves or cycles of creation all of life experiences.

 On a philosophical level, the symbolic meaning of labyrinth is as complex as the symbol itself.  With many twists and turns, the labyrinth does not share its secrets easily. 

On the surface the symbolic meaning of the labyrinth deals with:

  • passage of time
  • spiritual growth
  • enlightenment
  • connection to source
  • rebirth
  • resurrection
  • emergence
  • evolution
  • progress
  • spiritual path
  • initiation

The labyrinth can be a powerful tool for inner enhancement and development.  It is designed specifically for this purpose.  When walking the labyrinth, we find our perspective constantly changing.  Our vision and physical bodies are never facing the same direction for long.  This is a technique to coax our inner knowing out from within.  

Further, the spiraling inward motion is a physical replication of our spiritual tendency to seek within the highest truths in order to find eternal freedom.  When we are moving outward from the source, it is an action that we have made the divine connection and now we are expressing our completeness outwardly – essentially sharing our highest good with all around us.

It is important to note that walking the labyrinth (mentally or physically) is not intended to be overly challenging.  There are no dead-ends with the labyrinth, only meandering waves of smooth lines designed to gently nudge us back to our destination.  This is where labyrinths are often confused with mazes.  Big difference.  Mazes are designed to challenge intellect and strategic skills.  Whereas the labyrinth is an exercise in soul development.

Animals associated with the labyrinth are:

Further reference:

Symbolism of Spiral

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Symbolism of the Octopus

Saturday, January 19th, 2008



I recently had an email from a woman, whom after a great many years, discovered the octopus was her totem or guide.  She asked for the symbolism of the octopus, and I respond:

Dear Cuttley: 

Identifying the symbolism of the octopus can be daunting  & not for reasons you’d think.  

Namely because the octopus participates in the universe on many different levels.  As such, it’s symbolism is vast and related discussions could potentially last forever.

As if the massive depth of the symbolism wasn’t overwhelming enough - try to getting past the visual effect the octopus has on us. 

We look at the octopus and it draws us in wholly.  Mesmerizing & chilling, it’s motions are hypnotizing.  So I’ll start there, the symbolism of the octopus born from it’s sheer physical presence.  The more ethereal symbolism’s deserve an entire book for room to expound, but I have written more about this amazing creature here.

 Of its many aspects, here are just a few symbolic meanings of the octopus:

  • Complexity
  • Diversity
  • Variability
  • Intelligence
  • Insight
  • Vision
  • Mystery
  • Illusion

With eight arms, the octopus shares some symbolic meanings with the spider as well as the meanings of number eight. 

Observed these eight arms circle out in motion – calling to mind the concept of spiral - this forms a symbolic bond between the octopus and the meanings of the spiral or whirlpool.

Being a creature of the sea, the octopus also shares commonalities with and symbolic meaning of fish.

Adornments like octopus medallions were worn by sailors to ward off evil.  Seamen understood the eerie magic of the octopus.  It’s black ink-jet expulsions and other-worldly appearance struck awe (and terror) in the observer.  Hence, it makes an incredibly powerful totem, carrying great status – a symbol of protection and good luck.

Minoan art depicts the octopus (particularly on bowls or vases) unfurling.  This is thought to be symbolic of the creating and the expanding of the universe.

Other associations of the octopus include:

As a side-note, the octopus is also associated with the Priestess and Moon card in the Tarot deck.

Take the time to research more about the octopus – it will be worth the investment of your time.  Meditate upon the octopus – focus your awareness on this amazing creature.  You will find it an empowering agent for your growth.  Consider yourself blessed.

More information on the animal symbolism of the octopus can be found on this page.

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Symbolic Meaning of Puma

Monday, January 14th, 2008

Tags: Animal Totems | Solar Symbolism | Nature Symbols

 


The symbolic meaning of puma, as one would expect, is about pouncing into action into our lives.

This is a intensely powerful animal.  The puma cuts right to the point – there is no fluff, no waste and no fooling around.

If the puma is coming into your awareness, it means there is a dawning of new understanding.

What do I mean by that “dawning” of awareness?

To countless cultures, the puma is associated with solar powers.  The puma IS a solar animal.  It’s golden body sizzles in a coppery shine when viewed in the light of the sun (particularly against the backdrop of stoney mountains where it is want to be seen).  Can you fathom that sight?

Our ancestors could, and thought the puma was made of gold itself (more solar symbolism).

As such, the puma is also an animal with strong spiritual associations.  If the puma has become your counterpart, spiritual awakening, growth and re-discovery is pawing its way into your life right along with the presence of the puma.

These developments will likely come about in obscure ways.  The puma is about elusiveness.  It stalks its way – undetected, and tackles the objects of its desire without ever being known. 

This can be translated into your own experience.  What happens when the puma comes to us is this: 

Personal power and inner growth begins to take place within us in surreptitious, mystical ways.  These changes are not immediately obvious (that’s not the way of the puma). But puma augers profound inner changes, nonetheless. 

I’ve devoted a whole page on the symbolic meaning of puma, and you can read more of these details here

You may also be interested in my page on Tips to Knowing Your Animal Totem here.

 

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Symbolic Meaning of Birch Quick Facts

Wednesday, January 9th, 2008

Here are some hard, fast, quick-facts on the symbolic meaning of Birch:

Birch is symbolic of beginnings, renewal & starting over.  The Birch is in the primary position within the Ogham.

Ancient Siberians hailed it as sacred – calling it the ladder that spanned the gap between heaven & earth.

Used by the Native American Indians as the center pole in yurts & tee pees.   This was symbolic of new beginning – the center must start fresh the process of gathering, shelter, and all other representations of home.

Ancient Europeans also hold the Birch as a symbol of hearth & home.  Bringing in twigs inside the home is a physical intention of invoking protection.

Further, the best brooms are considered to have Birch branches at the end as they are thought to “sweep away” negative energy.

Symbolic meaning of Birch continues with the Gauls who used Birch twigs in marriage ceremonies.  Traditionally, branches would be lit during marriage as a sign of good luck and an omen for a long, happy marriage.

It was also considered a sacred tree to the Germanic gods Freya, Thor & Donar.

As a Chinese symbol, Birch is honored for its attributes of protection, communication, & rejuvenation.

Click here for more on the Birch and other trees from the Celtic symbolic Ogham perspective. 

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Days of the Week Symbolic Meanings

Tuesday, January 8th, 2008



We’ve all heard of the Monday’s Child nursery rhyme:

  • Monday’s child is fair of face
  • Tuesday’s child is full of grace
  • Wednesday’s child is full of woe
  • Thursday’s child has far to go
  • Friday’s child is one of giving
  • Saturday’s child works for a living
  • And the child born on the Sabbath day (Sunday)
    is bonny, blithe, good & gay

Where do these days of the week symbolic meanings come from? 

The following are a few correspondences to the days of the week that may lend more clarity to the week-day symbolism.

Planetary correspondece with the days of week:

  • Monday = Moon
  • Tuesday = Mars
  • Wednesday = Mercury
  • Thursday = Jupiter
  • Friday = Venus
  • Saturday = Saturn
  • Sunday = Sun

Each planet has a character to it.  These planetary characteristics are shown below (and see how they compare to the age-old nursery rhyme!).

  • Monday/Moon = Moods & Emotion
  • Tuesday/Mars = Aggression & Achievement
  • Wednesday/Mercury = Strategy & Purpose
  • Thursday/Jupiter = Power & Expansion
  • Friday/Venus = Love & Beauty
  • Saturday/Saturn = Suspension & Prevention
  • Sunday/Sun = Expression & Confidence

Symbolic numbers assigned to the days (planetary correspondences):

  • Monday = 7
  • Tuesday = 9
  • Wednesday = 5
  • Thursday = 3
  • Friday = 6
  • Saturday = 8
  • Sunday = 4

Got a hot date? Click here for number meanings for each day of the week – great tool for determining premium days for your plans.

Alchemical elements corresponding to the days of the week:

Astrologically, we can use the Myanmar-Burmese Zodiac animal signs to bring color and character to our weekdays:

  • Monday = Tiger
  • Tuesday = Lion
  • Wednesday = Elephant
  • Thursday = Rat
  • Friday = Guinea Pig
  • Saturday = Dragon
  • Sunday = Garuda the Bird King

Click here for more on Burmese Astrology and find out which animal sign you are according to the day you were born.

The old Monday’s Child nursery rhyme was instrumental in teaching youngsters the days of the week, but when we delve deeper into the week day meanings & origins, we can incorporate these meanings in our every day life.

If we follow the belief that each day is ruled by a specific planet, we understand that each day holds a specific vibrational frequency.  To take this a step further, we may be able to enhance our days by taking specific actions on appropriately aligned days. 

To demonstrate, here are a few things we can do on certain days of the week to enhance our everyday living.

  • Monday’s:  Get in touch with your feelings, be mindful of your moods, purify your surroundings, show compassion
  • Tuesday’s:  Express your passion, get some exercise, release pent up frustration/energy
  • Wednesday’s:  Study, travel, research, meditate
  • Thursday’s:  Donate to a charity or worthy cause, make an investment, show your appreciation
  • Friday’s:  Appreciate the people in your life, go on a date, show your love, recognize beauty, make new friends
  • Saturday’s:  Clean your house, take a break, finish a project, meet a deadline
  • Sunday’s:  Take time for you, take a nature walk, get in touch with your spirit, meditate

I hope you have enjoyed this bit on symbolic meaning of days.

Other pages of interest:

Symbolic List of Planets

Planet Names and How They Came to Be

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Symbolic Meaning of 222

Friday, January 4th, 2008

As is often the case, requests for number meanings come in waves.  Recently, I’ve had a wave of questions asking about the symbolic meaning of two, and specifically the meaning of 222, to which I respond:

Two’s deal with balance, opposition, flexibility, partnerships, awareness of connections, travel, division, creativity, and duality.The fact that you see 2’s tripled indicates that you have the law of three’s working on your behalf.  The law of three’s is a universal guideline that states whatever energy a person puts out into the world, (positive or negative) will be returned to that person three-fold.

Two’s also deal with flux & change in your life.  You may be seeing this number sequence at a time when there is a lot of changes going on – particularly in your work and business relationships.

Visually – this number sequence has a serpentine feel to it – this is symbolic of flexibility, adaptability and rebirth.  This is a signal that you may be in a time of intense growth or development…a time of changing directions or gaining new insight into a life direction.

On the whole your 222 indicates that you are a positive and open-minded individual with a strong will.  This number also indicates that you are a very balanced and orderly person – sometimes overly so with a need to be in control of the situation.  Nevertheless – you have an even temper and rarely let others get the best of you.

As a passing note of interest, two is the numeric placesetting for the Priestess card in the Tarot deck.  You may do well to investigate the meanings of this Tarot card for more insight on your phenomenon of recurring two’s.

See also symbolic meaning of 22 and my other blog entry “Why Do I Keep Seeing the Number Two?” Symbolic Meaning of Two

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