August, 2009

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Pitching Wu

Thursday, August 27th, 2009
Shyun Tai Chi - Avia Venefica

Shyun Tai Chi - Avia Venefica

I’m in my 5th year of Shyun style Tai Chi & Chi Kung.

Before the beginning of each set there is a moment of ‘wu.’

It’s an endless, unfathomable moment of depth and expanse.

A miniscule span in time when the soul is both nestled into nothing and swimming into everything.

Really inexplicable. In fact, words sort of cheapen the experience as there is nothing comparable to the ‘wu’ sensation.

Over time, I’ve come to refer to these purposeful moments as ‘pitching wu’ because I’m forever seeking to woo and lure moments of active/passive sensation into my experience.

In these suspended states, every moment becomes symbolic.

What do you do to nurture the nucleus of each moment into blossoming awareness?

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Spider Messages

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Tags: Nature Symbols | Insect Totems | Spider Symbolism

Spider Messages: Avia's New Roommate Shares Sage Advice on Life

Spider Messages: Avia's New Roommate Shares Sage Advice on Life

It’s been a brutal few weeks, but I’ve gotten by with a little help from my friends (shout out of “Thanks!” to my soul sisters, Donna Faber and Michele Knight  for helping me keep it together).

I want to also acknowledge gratitude to my new eight-legged roommate.  She moved into my home office window three weeks ago.  On the lunar eclipse (and full moon) to be precise and that she made herself known to me on this auspicious date should have clued me into the revolutionary writing on the walls.

Without going into too much detail (as my friend Donna says, I’m still percolating), I did want to share a few ”instant spider messages” my orange arachnid roomie had to share to date:

  • Who is Weaving Your Web?
    My spider sage asked if I was the weaver of my own life experience, or if I was letting my life weave circles around me (and consequently allow myself to be consumed by the process of living).
  • How Divine is your Design?
    Messages tumbled out of her spider web as if to say “See my design? I made it purposefully.  Each loop, turn, cross and connection was strategic and tailored to my own ideals.  Be as purposeful as I am in building your experience and you won’t have these problems, Avia.”
  • Get Real!
    I love how my roommate looks so pissed off in this picture.  That look was conveyed in a few spider messages too.  She expects me to tow the line, and that stern look is a confirmation.  She’s asking me to sift through the illusions and get real about focus.

To be sure, more spider messages are coming, with more on the way. 

If you’re working with Spider Energy, you might be interested in my full article on Symbolic Meaning of Spiders here

I’ve also written about symbolic suggestions when we experience spiders and other creepy crawlies in the home here (with “creepy” being a term of endearment, of course).

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Reviewing Human Design Reading by Kim at Love Your Design.com

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
Review of Human Design Reading provided by Kim at LoveYourDesign.com

Review of Human Design Reading provided by Kim at LoveYourDesign.com

Let me say from the outset, it takes a lot for me to commission a reader.  I have to feel safe and trust the spiritual practitioner 100% before moving forward with a personal reading. 
 
After following Kim Gould on Twitter, viewing her website (www.loveyourdesign.com), and reading her regular blog posts on the LoveYourDesign Blog,  it became clear Kim is a unique soul with valuable insight. 
 
By getting to know her in this way first, I recognized Kim’s knowledge of the Human Design system was both expansive and impressive.  She did not disappoint either.  Kim’s interpretation of my Human Design was extremely valuable for my personal growth.
 
I love where she is coming from in her readings.  She takes into account what is present on the HD read-outs, but also pays special attention to the subtleties of the results.  Meaning, she’s just as attuned to the obscure shadows of her client’s design as she is to the obvious.
 
Further, I appreciate how Kim has a deep respect for the human soul.  For example, she found no fault or error in  my design.  Rather, she could interpret certain weaknesses as strengths, and she put a hopeful/uplifting spin on a few areas of my design that could otherwise be viewed as “dark.”
 
Kim puts emphasis on the flexible nature of both humankind and our designs.  My impression is that she sees no limit to each humans potential – and so her readings are incredibly inspirational.
 
Her respect for soul-growth is further evident in her unspoken commitment to liberating limitations – her interpretation of the HD system is about pointing out our tendencies, and proclivities in order to enhance a richer, deeper flow of energy through our minds, bodies, souls, hearts – and ultimately experiencing a magnificent current of growth throughout our entire lives.
 
My favorite part of Kim’s HD readings is that she gave me specific and detailed suggestions about how I can more effectively work WITH my design.  She points a clear path to embracing our inner facets and working with ourselves in order to live life to its fullest.
 
I also loved hearing Kim’s sing-song voice on the recording.  She has a naturally soothing expression, which I found very comforting.  Her voice is almost angelic, and I felt instantly calm while she spoke of my Human Design.
 
It should be clear I highly recommend Kim’s Human Design service.  Kim’s compassion and empathy sparkle in every aspect of her readings.  Further, the expertise and insight she offers in her interpretations are valuable beyond price.   
 
If you have a strong grasp of who you are, and are comfortable with your inner landscape, Kim Gould of Love Your Design will launch you into new levels of awareness.  She will assist you in cultivating that inner landscape to bring about a magnificent garden of meaningful inner-knowing and wisdom.

Visit Kim at www.LoveYourDesign.com say hi, and get a Human Design reading from her.  You won’t regret it.

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Book Review: Family Sun Signs by Adam Fronteras

Friday, August 14th, 2009
Family Sun Signs by Adam Fronteras

Family Sun Signs by Adam Fronteras

I’m still marveling over how Adam Fronteras was able to cram such a treasure trove of vital information in under 200 pages.

His book, Family Sun Signs is remarkable in that it is a concise guide on the interplay of sun sign personality types within the family dynamic.

This is a mammoth subject of discussion that could potentially fill libraries.  But Adam has successfully whittled down the information to a vital core.  He cuts away superfluous trivialities and really gets to the heart of these astrological personalities.

Family Sun Signs is a masterful guide in showing us how various signs interact to each other in relationships.  Adam doesn’t stop at love relationships either.  He dives into sun sign dynamics between children, parents, siblings and grandparents too. 

Adam thoughtfully investigates the propensities of each sun sign and observes potential pitfalls and promises for each sign’s relationship.  Moreover, Mr. Fronteras offers these suggestions from an open-minded view. 

He makes us aware of the tendencies for each sign as a tool to enhance our relationships, not judge them.

Family Sun Signs also stands-alone as a great primer for astrology.  The book starts off with a great “in-a–nutshell” history of astrology and also takes a look at how astrology works in our relationships.

Adam goes over the top in his book by offer uber-cool bonuses for the reader.  Like what kind of car you are most likely to have, or the one best suited to your sun sign (he called mine! Off-roading, all terrain vehicle!).

Adam also adds advice on the best pets according to your sun sign!

It should be clear Family Sun Signs is an incredible value to anyone wanting insight into relationships from an astrological point of view.  Adam’s thoughtful stance on the subject will bring new clarity to all your relationships!

Get Family Sun Signs by Adam Fronteras here!

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Vishudha and Blue Jay Messages

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

Tags: Bird Totems | Nature Symbolism | Chakra Symbolism

Blue Jay Symbolism

Blue Jay Symbolism

A few weekends ago, I had the utter pleasure of attending a workshop offered by Colette Baron-Reid along with Sandra Anne Taylor at the legendary LilyDale.

The discussion ranged from quantum philosophies to ecological intuition.  The wealth of information was magnificent and riveting. 

So why was my attention drifting to one lone blue jay?  Invisible no less.  All I could hear was his rhythmic vocalizations.

The LilyDale auditorium is open-air.  Attendees can see out into bright sunshine, gemmy green trees and feel ephemeral breezes on backs of necks.

It would seem, given the setting, my attention was destined to stray.  Suffice to say the messages for me that day were not only dispensed by the speakers, Colette & Sandra, but also by the blue jay.

With astral vision wandering through branches to spy the jay, I let ruminations drift over the bird and its implications.  This is when I got the connection between Blue jay and Vishudha.

I’ve discussed the symbolic meaning of the blue jay in previous installments:

  • Confidence
  • Territorial
  • Protection
  • Communication
  • Vitality

All these meanings of the jay were cartwheeling in my musings when a shock of cyan hit me full-center.  And then it occurred to me, the blue jay is the perfect mascot for the Vishudha center.

Vishudha is the throat chakra.  Brilliant blue – just like the blue jay.

The Vishudha or throat chakra is symbolic of:

  • Expression
  • Vocalization
  • Creativity
  • Assertiveness

During this workshop, whilst great wisdom was being extolled – I got electrified by a true-blue insight from the jay. 

At that point in my awareness, the message was clear and dealt with:

  • self-assertion,
  • self-expression and
  • rediscovering the will to communicate without reservation. 

Precisely the message I required at the time.

This is how animal messages come.  Meanings are a marriage between animal expression and human perception.  It’s a two way street.  We’ve got to meet these creatures on their turf, then mingle our own foundational understanding with these animal encounters in our lives.

Had I not allowed those moments of free-association and drifty dream-thought, the message would have been utterly lost. 

So, the next time you feel like you should be paying attention to something, and a blue jay or some other creature demands your focus away from the conventional…by all means, drift! 

Drift away from convention and allow yourself to be drawn by the prime forces of nature calling you.  The messages will always be profound.

For more information in this genre consider these other pages:

Chakra Meanings

Chakra Color Meanings

Symbolic Meaning of Blue Jay (full article)

Knowing Animal Totems and Animal Signs

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