Chinese Symbolism

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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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Year of the Rat Meanings

Monday, February 11th, 2008




This Chinese new year is the year of the rat.  Meanings dealing with this animal of the Chinese zodiac include:

  • Industriousness
  • Ingenuity
  • Necessity
  • Resourceful
  • Production
  • Foresight
  • Luck

Rats cycle an appearance every 12 years.  Rats also occur on even-numbered years (1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, etc.). 

To begin interpreting the meaning or portents of this year within the context of its identification with the rat, we could begin by combining the above listed Chinese attributions with its numerological associations.

 For example even-numbered years are symbolic of :

  • Balance
  • Duality
  • Compensation
  • Partnerships
  • Judgement
  • Choice
  • Planning
  • Joining

 This year is about structure, and completion only for us to turn around and see something new pop out and surprise us.

This is the year to finish long term projects that have been hanging over our heads for far too long (years long even).  Whatever loose ends we have been slack in tying will be snipped this year if we don’t tend to their completions once and for all.

The message of this year is preparation.  The more prepared we are, the more able we are to roll with the flow this lunar year.  If you’ve had control issues, anxiety issues or a need for dominance, begin to slip out of these behavioral patterns as pedestal-toppling is likely this year.

 This is also evident in the leap year which we are now currently experiencing.  It’s only one extra day, but it’s vastly significant in the churn mill of consistent energy.  In other words, leap years are a bit like wild-cards. 

Leap years take place every 28 years. 

In numerology, we practice reduction of numbers to bring down a sequence to a single numeral (making it easier to handle). 

When we reduce the 28 year leap year cycle – 28 is reduced to number 1.  Similarly, 2008 is also reduced to a number 1.  This number is symbolic of new beginnings, and can be further interpreted from the Magician card in the Tarot deck.

What does this mean?  Just as we work to tie up those loose ends, something new is going to fall right into our laps.  The sky certainly isn’t falling chicken little – but there is a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on. 

Of course, that’s just my view – ultimately you are the only observer & therefor the only accurate interpreter. 

Do some research on the Chinese culture and how they interpret various symbols.  Do some reading on their concept of time, and their perspective on cycles. 

Meditate on the year, does it have a feeling to it?  Look at all the variables and subtle differences this subject presents – bring them all together and draw your own well-informed conclusion.

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Chinese Symbols – Common Five Asian Attributes

Thursday, November 1st, 2007



Asian culture is stuffed with symbolism geared to bolster the human condition. 

Ancient Chinese symbols and their meanings are a product of a very savvy people who understood the human need to progress in conjuction with their propensity to link positive change with visual/allegorical concepts. 

In other words,  the Asians keenly understood that the human mind easily grasps commands & concepts through the use of symbols and/or symbolic, “story” concepts.  

Chinese symbols, if kept foremost in our conscious awareness, can serve as powerful tools for enhancing our behaviour, our situations, our perception, and ultimately they can serve to change our lives. 

As with all symbols,  the following Asian/Chinese symbols and their meanings have the potential to positively impact our lives if we choose to consistently hold them in our awareness for a length of time so that these attributes become part of the fabric of our existence. 

The Five Happinesses:
These Chinese symbols are found in most ancient Chinese art and are considered to foretell good luck.
They are:

The Five Noble Strengths:
In many Asian martial art forms, students are required to learn the five noble animal forms representing specific and honorable attributes.
They are:

Five Human Powers:
Also in the Asian tradition, the Buddhists refer to the five human powers.
They are:

  • Effort
  • Memory
  • Faith
  • Concentration
  • Wisdom

Five Aspects of Enlightenment:
Also in the Buddhist tradition - mandalas are often incorporated in meditations. Within many of these mandalas are representations of the five states of enlightement. 
They are:

  • Speech
  • Mind
  • Body
  • Wisdom
  • Bliss
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Chinese Symbols for a Welcoming Home

Monday, August 27th, 2007

A frequent visitor at one of my websites was expecting guests from China to visit his home in California.  He asked me what kind of Chinese symbols he could put in his home to warmly welcome his guests. 

This is my response:

Dear Hesitant Host:

How very thoughtful and considerate of you to incorporate well wishes and special signals of greetings to your friends from China.

Here are some simple suggestions – items you can easily find this time of year that will symbolize your well wishes to your friends:

If they have not arrived already, I would recommend a light energy cleansing of your home with incense.  Sandalwood, lavender, lemon grass, or sage are perfect scents for cleansing and welcoming.  Simply burn one or two sticks in each of the four major corners of your home.  This is a practice that is very effective for clearing out stagnant/old energy, and welcoming new friends, family, laughter and bright energy in the home.

Yellow Chrysanthemums are wonderful to display in your home or present as a gift to your friends.  They symbolize long lasting relationships and durability.  They are also symbols of love, welcome, and good luck.

Oranges signify gold, and are seen as emblems of good fortune.  Present fresh oranges to your friends, and you will wish them good luck and fortune for the coming 12 months.  These are often given during the new year to wish luck for the whole year.

A bowl of fresh fruit in your dining room is a symbol of luck and prosperity to all those who dwell in your home.  It is a symbol that your friends and family will always be provided for by the most bountiful harvests.  Display fresh summer fruits.

As one of the eight auspicious Buddhist objects, the vase symbolizes a receptacle of blessings from the Buddha.  The vase is a symbol of peace and harmony – if you put your Chrysanthemums in a vase – this augments your message of well wishes.  Even empty – a lovely vase with happy colors will encourage happy times with your friends.

If you wish to assure complete good fortune to all your household, you may want to display all eight auspicious objects together to seal your intent for good times and good fortune for your house-guests.  They are:

  • The Lotus – A symbol of purity and perfection – In Buddhism it represents the attainment of enlightenment.
  • The Wheel -  Symbol of noble truth – and a symbol of the wheel of life, it represents the Buddha’s doctrines.
  • The Jar – a vase with a cover – typically holding ancestral relics (memories and power of our forebears).
  • The Mystic Knot – the knot that never ends – symbolizes no beginnings and no ends as well as a representation that we are all united or intertwined in our lives.
  • The Conch Shell – Symbol of prosperous voyaging – great luck in travel. Also a symbol of royalty.
  • The Double Fish – Fish are a symbol of wealth, abundance, harmony and bliss. When shown in a pair, it is a symbol of harmony between partners.
  • The Canopy (or umbrella) – is a symbol of protection from negative influence, and is a show that the highest respect is being paid to someone.
  • The Vase – whose symbolism I’ve conveyed above.

You may display each of the eight Buddhist auspicious objects together or singly.

What is most important and effective is that you are mindful and willing to be a gracious host, and you are wishing your guests to have every comfort available to them.  These attributes you have are first & foremost the MOST auspicious elements your guest will appreciate.

I hope you this information helps you.  Enjoy your guests.

Regards & blessings to you,
A. Venefica
www.Whats-Your-Sign.com
A Guide to Symbols and Signs

www.TarotTeachings.com
A Guide to Tarot Symbolism & Interpretation for Growth

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Exploring the Dragon as a Chinese Symbol for Strength

Monday, August 27th, 2007


A friend of mine asked if I could confirm whether or not the dragon is a Chinese symbol for strength, and if I knew of any more animal symbols representing strength. 

I reply:

Dear Dragon Lady :-) ,

Absolutely – on top of the list of Chinese animals that symbolize strength is the Dragon.

The Chinese dragon is symbolic of:

  • power
  • courage
  • ferocity
  • wisdom
  • balance
  • good judgment
  • protection
  • loyalty
  • good luck

The Chinese have long honored the dragon for these attributes, and call upon various types of dragons to bolster strength when needed.

Although the dragon is a major power symbol, there are other Chinese animal symbols that represent strength are:

I hope this helps you on your journey,

Regards & blessings to you,

A. Venefica

www.Whats-Your-Sign.com
A Guide to Symbols and Signs

www.TarotTeachings.com
A Guide to the Tarot

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