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Giving Food Meaning and Cooperative Consumption

Friday, April 26th, 2013

What on Earth is ‘Cooperative Consumption?’

My idea of ‘cooperative consumption’ deals with ingesting foods in a natural, cooperative way.

I’ve been as guilty as the next for mindlessly gobbling down food. But these days, I am more thoughtful about consuming food, and I look at it as a co-creative experience between my energies, and the energies of the substances feeding my body.

This mindfulness is not exclusive to considering the energy expended on account of my nourishment. Nor is it exclusively about taking time to appreciate the texture and flavour of the food. Although – these focal points are vital to the cooperative consumption experience.

I’m mostly talking about the core energies inherent in that which we digest. What if everything we ate was sentient? That’s what I’m inferring.

If everything we consumed had intelligence, it would give us pause before eating. It certainly gives me pause.

Here’s where the cooperation comes in. I’ve discovered that, if I speak & listen to the core personality of the food before I eat it, my consumption experience is tremendously enhanced.

What? I talk to my food?

Yes indeedy, I do.

Our ancestors did too.

It’s not necessarily the words, but the intent. I ask permission to consume, I express gratitude, I acknowledge the symbolic qualities of the food, I observe lightly in an energetic, free-associative way.

It’s a special kind of dialogue. Devotional.

And I’ve found the practice of communicating with my food has:

  • Increased perception
  • Enhanced eating experience
  • Assisted weight loss
  • Heightened intuition

If you don’t already, give it a try for yourself. Observe differences in your dining experience and your life experience as you incorporate the practice of Cooperative Consumption.

I elaborate on this concept of giving food meaning and consuming food consciously on whats-your-sign.com . That article offers practical tips we can employ to eat with more awareness, and also learn more about what our food is communicating to us (and how we can benefit from listening to our food while we eat!). Check out my article on Food Meaning and Mindful Consumption here.

Thanks for reading, and happy eating!

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Posted in Misc. Symbolic Meanings, Nature Symbolism, Personal Observations, Symbolic Tips, Symbolism - All | No Responses »

Finding Focus in the Dance of Life

Thursday, January 24th, 2013

Whether you’re a whirling Dervish or popping turtle moves on the breakdance floor, the pros will tell you to keep your eye on a fixed object when you’re spinning in motion.  It’s the same in life as on the dance floor.

Life is a dance replete with dips, jumps and guaranteed spins.  If you think on it, our whole galaxy is spinning in motion…it’s only logical that we too should be doing the Chubby Checker Twist right along with it.

Some of us confess our lives are spinning out of control.  Others report slow spirals in-and-out of the light and dark spaces of our lives. No matter what kind of dance moves our lives are employing, on one level or another, we’re all in motion.  Motion is a natural law. We can’t beat it, so we might as well move with it.

What if we can’t seem to find our groove when our lives boogie to a tune we may deem unsavory?  We find a fixed object and focus on that until the spinning subsides, or the music of our destiny changes its beat.

In order to keep their equilibrium intact, dancers return their vision to a constant focal point upon each revolution of a spin.  When it feels as though we are careening through life, we can employ the same tactic.

What kind of focal point shall we use as an anchor while pirouetting and cartwheeling through life?

Personal preference, really.  Pick something that grounds you, a stabilizing energy, something that represents constancy in your life.  It doesn’t have to be something grandiose.  Most times, simple is better when it comes to stability.

Nature is a good place to look for constancy.  Trees, rocks, soil, roots, mountains…these are all points of focus that emit tremendous energy of long-suffering equilibrium and dependability.  Granted, all things of the Mother (Earth) will change in time, but there are focal points nestled within Her divine design that lend rock-solid support when we need it.

For every turn and twist our lives take, there is a supportive partnership in Nature that counterbalances us.

Other pages of interest:

Symbolic Meaning of Stones

Symbolic Strength from Trees

Nature Symbolism and Wisdom

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Posted in Misc. Symbolic Meanings, Native American, Nature Symbolism, Personal Observations, Symbolism - All | 3 Responses »

Feng Shui Tips Using the Numerology of Your Street Address

Friday, April 6th, 2012

Feng Shui Tips Using Numerology (image by Avia)

Did you know you can align the energy of your home using Feng Shui and the numerology of your street address?  No joke.  These Feng Shui tips really help (I’ve gotten great feedback!).  I know this is a long post, but you don’t have to read all of it.  Simply crunch the numbers to get your street address down to one digit, and look up the Feng Shui according to your home number.

Feng Shui is an ancient Asian practice in which strategic placement of certain auspicious objects in your environment can release positive energy (also known as “chi“).

Numerology is the practice of interpreting the deeper energy of a number and utilizing that vibe for optimal understanding and alignment.

By combining the energy of your home address with Feng Shui, you can encourage the flow of beneficial energy in your home.  So let’s get started!

How to get your single digit home-number:

First, you’ll need to determine the prime root number of your home address.  We do this in numerology by a process called reduction.  Here’s how to do it:  Take your street address, and add all the numbers together.  For example, if you live at 2542, add them up like so: 2+5+4+2=13.  If you come up with a double digit such as in this example, add the two numbers together like so: 1+3=4.  In this case, your prime number is four.  Of course, if your address is a single digit, you can skip this step altogether. If you come up with a 10 in your calculations, your prime number will be one.

Now that you have your prime address number, it’s time to open your home up to luck, love and good mojo!

Simply refer to the guide below according to your prime address number to stimulate your chi!

One:
Like the song says, one can be the loneliest number.  One-energy can express isolation.  It’s the first in the procession of numbers, and it can represent a “lone wolf” feeling.  This is great if you’re a loner, but if you want to attract lots of friends, family and good juju in your home, you’ll need to jazz up the south quadrant of your home.  In Feng Shui, south represents fire, and lightning.  Activating the southern area of your home will connect the initiatory (new beginnings) flavor of number one.

  • Activate the south wall of your home by painting it with a warm, fiery color like amber, gold or blood-red. Number one is an initiator, and this color in this quadrant will enhance a quality of igniting energy, making your environment energized and welcoming.
  • Since one is a solitary number, incorporate pairs in your home.  For example pairs of fish, swans, fu dogs, geese or double lanterns are all lucky symbols in Feng Shui.  Consider hanging these items (in pairs) in the southern area of your home.  Doing so will enhance a sense of balance, partnership and equanimity.
  • The number one is a yang energy (male, aggressive, assertive), so it’s a good idea to temper that, especially if you sense a bit of assertive tension in your home.  Incorporate yin energy (female, passive, reserved) in the southern area of your home.  Some ideas for yin items include moon motifs, silver accents, flowers, or a water feature.

Two:
The number two encourages balance and partnership, which is great if you share your home with a committed partner.  Two is also a wonderful number for families.  The drawback with number two energy can be a sense of indecision, duality and doubt (inability to make your mind up about choices/decisions).  We’ll activate the northwest area of your home to neutralize a bit of that doubt. The northwest represents ‘big metal’ and activates creativity as well as paternal energy in the Feng Shui practice.

  • Consider hanging a wind chime made of metal in the northwest area of your home.  The number two is a yin (feminine) energy, and the metal or silver marries well with this chi.  The chime accentuates harmony and balance, while still activating your senses with its musical tones.  These tones will encourage clarity and mental stimulation.
  • Place a vase in the northwest section of your home.  This structure will “capture” feelings of doubt or frustration.
  • Think about painting your northwest wall a light color, like pastel blue, ecru, or ‘barely there’ pink.  These soothing colors will stimulate a sense of security and comfort, making it easier for you to know what you want, and how to get it.

Three:
Three is a number that rules creation and creativity.  It’s an outstanding number for artists with studios in their home.  However, the number three can produce too much creativity, which may lead to a sense of chaos under your roof.  Too much activity, too many ideas…these can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed, and not knowing which project/direction to pick.  We’ll look to the southeast sector of your home to neutralize that potential crazy vibe.  Southwest represents the ‘big earth’ in Feng Shui, and breeds a sense of grounding as well as receptivity.

  • Soften up some jagged nerves by placing a vase of pink flowers (peonies are especially auspicious in Feng Shui symbolism) on a delicate end table in the southwest corner of your home.
  • Another way to neutralize an over-active three vibration is to place a water plant in the southwest.  Get a lucky bamboo plant, place it in an elegant, glass vase or bowl.  Water is a purifying agent, and will cleanse your home’s aura.  The green of the plant is also a great way to attract luck and wealth! Be sure to change the water when needed, so it’s always clear and clean.
  • Take that calming water element a step further and consider getting a goldfish!  A goldfish will enhance creativity in the home, while the water will encourage emotional well-being.  The most ideal set-up would be a small aquarium with a bubble feature (an oxygenating device).  The bubbles will make your goldfish happy (you can have more than one if you like), and will activate the receptive flavors inherent in the southwest section of Feng Shui practice.  Be sure not too overfeed your goldfish. Also, change the water as needed, keeping it clean and clear of algae.

Four:
The number four is an energetic expression of community, stability and is THE number for homesteads.  It’s a rooted energy, and very structured.  Consider the four points of a traditional home foundation (most homes are square).  It’s a optimal number for building a solid home, and a solid relationship/family/environment.  The drawback is, this sense of stability can become too overbearing, and you may get a sense of rigidity under your roof.  You may also get a feeling of being ‘closed in’ if number four is too overbearing.  We’ll look to the east to balance that potential cloistering.  The east governs thunder and the ‘big wood’ in Feng Shui.  Wood will encourage stability, while thunder will insure things are not overly structured by shaking things up a little.

  • There’s no better symbol than the dragon to introduce spontaneity and vibrant chi in your home.  Display an image of a dragon, or place an ornate dragon figurine in the east of your home. Dragon energy is sure to get you out of a rut!
  • Consider shopping for a jade ornament or figurine (jade dragons, fu dogs, or turtles are perfect!) and placing it in an east corner of your home.  Jade is incredibly lucky, and wards off negative energy.
  • The jade plant (a succulent which loves bright light – perfect for an east window) is synonymous with jade stone.  This plant will oxygenate the air, which will stimulate your sense of well being, and thwart any kind of stuffiness looming in your home.  If jade plants aren’t your thing, consider orchids, or a chrysanthemum plant.  These are all very auspicious in Feng Shui.  If you don’t have a green thumb, an artificial plant will do.  Either way, pick a plant with bright green leaves, a perky demeanor. If you opt for a live jade plant, follow nursery instructions to keep it happy in your home.

Five:
The number five can be a tricky energy.  Five is always seeking to balance itself.  This number is also a very spiritual number because it represents the completion of the elements, which are: Fire, earth, air and water.  The fifth element is ether (spirit)- an ephemeral, all-pervasive essence which imbues all things.  In the home, an over-active five energy has a potential to trigger a sense of instability or imbalance.  It may also render a flighty or ‘spacey’ feel to your home – a sense of not feeling ‘all together’, but rather drifting out into space.  The west sector of your home represents focus, closure and security. West governs the ‘small metal’ in Feng Shui, and prompts joy, stability and completion.

  • If you’re in a mental fog, or feeling discombobulated, consider placing a metal gong in the western section of your home.  The roundness of the gong encourages a sense of cohesion (circles are symbolic of unity).  Give that gong a whack when the urge comes to you.  The tone of the gong will chase away any fuzziness in your home’s energy.
  • Five-homes are prime headquarters for spiritually minded people.  Remember, five is the number of ether (or spirit).  You can enhance a sense of spiritual connection by placing unique crystal elements in the west.  A crystal ball, crystal vase, candle holders…these are all perfect features.  Ideally, place these crystal accents in a window, and watch the setting sun make prismatic patterns on your walls.  This will activate the rainbow within you!
  • Find a sun-and-moon motif and hang it on your westwall.  The union between these two energies will offer balance and stability, while still encouraging a celestial connection for you in your home.  The sun is a yang (male) energy and moon is yin (female) – these are ancient archetypes for perfect harmony.

Six:
The number six is the perfect number for sensual evenings by your hearth fire, and romantic interludes.  It’s because the six is the number of love, sensuality and romance.  It’s also a number for nurturing (great for raising families in the home) and physicality.  There’s a flip-side to six if it’s over-active in your home’s energy.  Too much six vibration can lead to obsessive-compulsive tendencies.  If not in balance, the number six can lead to jealousy or potentially abusive behavior.  It’s the passion backing number six that causes a backfire if the vibration in your home is out of whack.  Incorporating Feng Shui practices in the southeast area of your home will assist in keeping that six energy loving and bright.  The southeast region in Feng Shui represents the ‘small wood’, and governs the element of wind.  This Feng Shui sector is also the region of gentleness and clear communication.  Activating these elements will keep your six-house in perfect order.

  • Red is an energizing and passionate color.  Temper that powerful essence by incorporating soft, comforting fabrics in the southeast area of your home.  Lush, velvety pillows or rich window treatments will activate that sexy-six vibration while the soft tactile fabrics gives a mellowing effect.
  • Crystals, like quartz and amethyst are perfect accents for your six-aligned home.  Make a Zen rock garden with a bunch of your favorite crystals and place it in the east corner of your home.  Crystals (especially amethyst) will boost positive chi in your home, while at the same time, eradicate any negative energy looming.
  • Hang a light from the ceiling to unify heavenly and earthly energies for harmony.  Pick out a pretty crystal chandelier.  Or, get a candle holder that hangs from your ceiling for the same energetic effect.

Seven:
Seven is the number of scholarly pursuit, higher education and serious study.  If you have a seven house, it’s a great place to learn new things, and explore new topics.  Seven also has an introspective quality; its vibration prompts us to go within, reflect, ponder and meditate.  Clearly, these attributes of number seven are valuable, but if the energies in your home are not in balance, seven can bring about a hermit mentality within the home.  If there’s a tendency for you to want to withdraw to an unhealthy extent, or you’re spending too much time holed up in your house – it’s time for a little Feng Shui to put the balance right.  The northeast should be activated in your home to counteract any unhealthy, or overly cerebral tendencies.  In Feng Shui, the northeast rules the element of the ‘small earth‘ which will put a grounder on overactive intellectual pursuits.  The northeast is also a representative of mountains, which will enhance studious behavior too.  Mountains are grounding, while promoting mental/spiritual ascension at the same time. It’s all about balance, so incorporate these Feng Shui elements to get the energy in your seven-home just right.

  • If you’re feeling too much “in your head” consider placing a stone/marble statue in your northeast corner.  The stone will effectively ground you.  Some suggestions for statues to bring you back to earth include: The horse, fu dog, bear, elephant, or a tiger.
  • Warm metals like bronze and copper are nice energetic conductors for mental energy.  They enhance alacrity, while disbursing it too, so your mind doesn’t have a tendency to get all clogged up.  Think about stringing Chinese amulet-coins (they have a square hole in the middle and are marked with Chinese writing characters) on a red ribbon and hanging it on your northeast wall.
  • If you have moments when you feel withdrawn and overly introverted, grab some bright vermilion candles and light them in the northeastern section of your home.  This will energetically illuminate you, and bring you out of yourself.

Eight:
Eight is a very cyclical energy.  It represents change, seasons, time, and the realm of the infinite. Eight is a great number for a home because it maintains the emotional flow of its resident’s.  Eight speaks to us of balance, and consistency.  As with the rest of our Feng Shui numbers, these awesome qualities can backfire if the energy of your home is not harmonious.  Some negative results of unbalanced eight energy include stagnation, anxiety and lack of motivation.  Off kilter eight energy may also incite sudden, unpleasant changes in your home, causing arguments and unrest.  Feng Shui can help!  Avoid these unwanted scenarios by sprucing up your west wall with some Feng Shui power symbols.  The west rules the ‘small metal’ which serves as a conduit, keeping chi flowing on a steady current.

  • Adorn your west wall with an elegant arrangement of Chinese fans.  Fans are very in auspicious in Feng Shui, and are believed to deflect negative energy.  Fans will also keep the chi flowing smoothly in your home.
  • Get creative an consider painting the image of a lotus on your west wall.  Or, find a pretty print or painting of a lotus and mount that instead.  The lotus is a symbol of enlightenment, progress, purity and perfection.  This peaceful blossom will insure to keep anxiety at bay!
  • The moon is a universal symbol of cycles and phases in the universe.  Because the number eight is also a cyclical vibration, consider placing a moon motif in the west segment of your home.  The moon is also associated with metal in Feng Shui (silver).  Here we have similar energy between the moon and number eight which deals with cycles, while we have a metal conductor to keep the energy electric and flowing smoothly.

Nine:
Nine is a number of happy returns and completion.  It’s symbolic of attainment, wealth, abundance and full potential.  For a home, nine is a supremely optimal number because it proposes that you have achieved an ideal residence with positive energy for you and your residents.  Gone awry, nine energy can produce negative qualities like unhealthy egotism (cockiness), greed, lust, mistrust and envy.  Not good.  To keep things in perfect prime, activate the north region of your home.  North governs the element of water in Feng Shui.  North also rules the winter, so it has a cool energy, just the thing counteract a potential powder keg in the home.

  • Consider adopting a live turtle and setting upan aquarium along your north wall.  Turtles are symbolically synonymous with nine energy.  They stand for accomplishment as well as long life.  Incorporate an aeration element (bubbles) in the aquarium to get that vital chi moving.  The water in the aquarium will serve as a purifying agent and marries nicely with the northern energy.  Be sure to care for your turtle, and keep the aquarium clean and clear.  If turtles aren’t your thing, you can get a statuette/figurine or a picture of a turtle will do nicely too.
  • Water is an essential element for nine-homes in the north.  Consider a water feature, like a fountain.  These accentuate the beauty of the home, while assuring continual energetic . If this isn’t an option for you, perhaps you could play a CD with water sounds (waterfalls, the ocean, babbling brooks, etc) in the north region of your home.  You could even paint a water scene (or buy a painting) on your north wall.
  • Adorn the north area of your home with a large, ornate vase.  Vases ‘contain’ good luck, and are symbolic of harmony, wealth and peace.   Choose a vase with lucky symbols on it.  Some suggestions are: Peacock, phoenix, fish, seashells, or floral prints.  Take the power of the vase a step further and place long stemmed flowers in it.  Choose white or red flowers for optimal energy.

As you can see, it doesn’t take a home renovation to adjust the energy of your domain.  Just a few simple additions will do the trick to make the right shift.

I trust these Feng Shui tips will offer you optimal levels of love, luck prosperity and contentment in your home.

Check out these related links on whats-your-sign.com:

Yin Yang Symbol Meanings

Chinese Symbols and Meanings

Chinese Symbols for Longevity

Chinese Flower Meanings

Chinese Dragon Meanings

Number Meanings

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Posted in Chinese Symbolism, Misc. Symbolic Meanings, Numbers, Personal Observations, Symbolic Tips, Symbolism - All | No Responses »

Can You Tell Me What This Means?

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Searching for Clues (image by Avia)

I get a slew of emails, and most of them are entreaties for me to interpret symbolic phenomenon (“Avia, can you tell me what this means?”). There was a time when I answered each and every request for clarity.  These days…not so much.  I feel crumby about it, but the nature of my time simply won’t allow me to respond to everybody.  Perhaps one day I’ll be gifted with a crackerjack Personal Assistant who can help me out, but until then, I don’t want to leave you in the lurch…so I have a few tips that might help you answer the age-old question…”What does this mean?!?”

  1. Self-Invest: Meditate, contemplate, ruminate, dream, relax into your own soul-knowing. Swim in the answers within your own energetic oceans of knowledge. This is the optimum and ideal way to obtain symbolic interpretations. Be determined (but be kind to yourself!). Be patient. This is an investment in increasing the value of your soul.  Submerge into the greater, more expanded aspect of who you are.  I know, I know…that’s easier written than put into practice.  Indeed…stepping into the ethereal/energetic version of you takes practice and effort.  But, the energy on this planet today is much more conducive to tapping into our divinity….so now is a perfect time to start diving into our deeper selves!

  2. Keep Seeking: Just because answers don’t come in our own time-frame…it doesn’t mean they aren’t available.  There’s tons of resources, both conventional and non.  I’ve written hundreds of pages on potential symbolism and symbolic suggestions. Using the Search box at the top of each page on my websites (this blog, whats-your-sign.com or tarotteachings.com) will give you results on the topic you’re wanting clarity about. If I have not written about it, seek other authorities you trust on the subject. And, by all means, support your local library! Libraries are our modern/physical version of the Akashic records – they’re cram-packed with value on your quest for enlightenment. Plan a day at the library to research ancient wisdom about your symbolic episodes. Doing this kind of research is rewarding in an educational sense…even if you don’t get the answers at first…it’s always good to expand horizons.

    Some non-conventional means for insight into your symbolic phenomenon include experiential methods.  Stuff like travel, communing with Nature, lucid dreaming, meditation, journaling about your experience, brain-mapping about it, join a drumming circle (these tap into some primal roots within us, and often evoke cool insights), get some exercise (blood to the brain and heart makes for sharper understanding).  You get the idea.  Answers won’t always come from a book or a website.  If you can’t find what you seek from conventional methods, try a tactic outside-of-the-box.  Heck…get out of the box no matter what! :)

  3. How to Know for Sure: Not a day passes when I’m asked “Avia, how do I know the correct symbolic meaning for my dream/vision/experience, etc.?” Your symbolic episode is unique to you. A majestic version of yourself conjured this experience. It is NOT external. These are internal manifestations – personal messages from you – but from a broader perspective. Not knowing if a meaning is appropriate to your experience is akin to not knowing if your heart is beating within your chest. You will know. You will feel the rightness of a concept in the marrow of your bones. It feels like a reunion – you will know because your whole being will resonate with the Truth of it. Trust yourself. Trust Nature/Creation. No one is so disconnected that they do not know inherent Truth when it comes.

These quick tips have worked for me, and lots of other seekers I’ve communicated with over the years.  I hope they work for you too.

Happy hunting! :)

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Posted in Misc. Symbolic Meanings, Personal Observations, Symbolic Tips, Symbolism - All | 1 Response »

Presenting Celtic Symbols at Women’s Retreat

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

I’m Giving a women’s winter retreat presentation next month for Gaia’s Womb. Won’t you join me?

A Winter Retreat for Women
March 2, 3, & 4th, 2012
DeKoven Center, Racine, WI

This presentation explores the importance symbols and markings in connection with ancient Celtic queens and goddesses. Findings and historical connections are based upon studies of Celtic anthropological research paired with Celtic legends as well as Celtic lore, folk tales and Avia’s own observations. Discussions will include relevance of symbols such as the triskelle, moon markings, agricultural symbolism, and highlighted Ogham properties. Special attention will be paid to goddesses such as Epona, Danu, Macha as well as Celtic warrior queens such as Boudicca and Cartimandua. We’ll look at how these powerful women are a reflection of this era of Celtic life (La Téne Iron Age) and how Her symbols still empower modern women today. The goal of this presentation is to tap into prime Celtic anima (feminine) energy via her symbols, step back in time and come back into the present with renewed understanding about the rich heritage of the goddess and global womanhood.

To learn more and register, visit the Gaia’s Womb website via this link: Gaia’s Womb Women’s Retreat

See you there!

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Posted in Celtic Symbolism, Misc. Symbolic Meanings, Personal Observations, Reviews, Symbolic Tips, Symbolism - All | No Responses »

11.11.11 Meaning and Thoughts

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011




It’s coming up, 11-11-11, and I’ve gotten requests for reflection on this numerologically significant day.  I pull from a myriad of resources while exploring symbolic potential of a number, and investigating 11-11-11 meaning has offered rabbit trails of possibilities.  So, thanks for all the requests, and here are some ideas about what this number meaning might imply for upcoming developments.

Congruency:  Sometimes when I’m meditating with numbers, I’m coached to view them visually rather than as numbers.  When this happens, I’m struck with the conveyance of perfection and balance.  In this light, 11-11-11, might be a message to give thanks for that which is working perfectly in our lives.  This perspective also talks about things “lining up” – this could mean things are lining up in our lives in ways that influence what we’ve been focused on in our lives.  This visual approach to number-interpretation also bears a message of balance.  This upcoming date might be the perfect opportunity to achieve more balance by lining up our own thoughts and environment – putting things in order.

Yang: Ones are yang energy, so there’s no denying a very male, assertive, expressive energy in this number combo.  When we’re contemplating 11-11-11 in the context of archetypal gender, the number one vibrates with an motivated, ambitious energy.  Historically, male/yang energy is also very protective too.   Ones are governed by the Sun (also male in most cultural views, not all), which is a symbol of vitality, energy, health and generosity.  These are some symbolic ideas to keep in mind while contemplating the upcoming potential of 11-11-11.  Oh, and for those of us who know there can be no yang force without yin…I thought of that too.  I was first concerned about the lack of yin energy in 11-11-11, but the feminine is there.  She is either implied (hyphens), or female energy can be found in the groupings of three (three sets of 11).  Yin energy to this number combo will be strongly supportive in matters of creativity. [More on Yin Yang symbolism here.]

Numbers: Reduced, 11-11-11 meaning boils into the number six, which is ruled by Venus - so we’re talking about harmony, also balance.  Venus (Aphrodite), as we all know, is a love-goddess.  There’s an undeniable love-energy associated with this number combo…both in the six vibration and the three vibration (three sets of 11).  In my meditations, I have felt very distinct love-goddess energy connected with this number/day, but it’s been kind of a domestic love, not so much a amorous feeling.  Meaning, this day may offer the opportunity to be swept off your feet with the simple joys life offers.  Through tenderness and a renewed outlook, many of us will have a chance to fall in love all over again – but in a unique sort of way. [More on number meanings and symbolism here.]

Creativity:  As mentioned, there are three groupings of 11′s, and this speaks to me of intense creativity.  Backed by yang energy, we’re talking about ‘in your face’ creativity…really powerful and expansive.  Do you have creative goals, projects, desires you need to tend to?  11-11-11 will be great energy to see those creative visions into reality.

Change & Choice: Anytime I see number 11, I’m compelled to see a doorway – a doorway of choice.  Eleven’s signify a clear choice to be made (1+1=2).  Visually, the 11 looks like two pillars one could walk through and between.  Sometimes I use the appearance of 11 in my life as a way to find that “in between” space…the space of total balance in which no choice is required (which is really a choice in itself).  In meditation, I see myself moving through the “zero” (no choice) implied between the two one’s of a binary code.  Try it some time.  Trippy, fun, clarifying.  My point here is…for some of us, 11-11-11 will be a major portal – a moment in time we can walk through with the promise of change and choice on the other end. [More on 11 as gateway here.]

Tarot: Because I see 11-11-11 more visually sometimes than as a number, it’s natural for me to see one’s as rods (or wands) in the Tarot.  So, I revisited the six of rods in the Tarot. [More on six if rods symbolism here.]  (You could also research the Justice card, 11 of the Major Arcana for more insight into 11 energy).

The Tarot as delivery system of wisdom asks us these questions in relation to 11-11-11 energy:

  • Can I maturely handle public acclaim and success?
  • Now that I’ve reached a zenith, what’s my next step?
  • Am I recognizing partnerships that have facilitated my success?
  • Positive recognition from others is great, but am I still letting my inner voice take the lead in my decisions?
  • What is my guiding force?
  • Am I prepared for the responsibility this public success and exposure implies?

And lest we forget the 20 energy (2011), which tends to speak to us about choice (2). For me, this date (and the times associated with it) talks about making some clear choices and being surrendered (0) to the results.  Surrendered?  Yeah, zero has a very zen vibe, it asks us to release to the moment…to be okay with the void.

As with all my writings, these are just my own musings.  I would highly encourage personal reflection and contemplation on this subject – especially if the date and number combo feel important to you.  The following are some potentially helpful links for your research into 11-11-11 meaning and implication:


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Real Riches with Tanna Corona

Monday, August 1st, 2011

I’ve had the serious pleasure of exchanging uber-keen symbolic insights with Tanna Corona, host of Real Riches Radio.  I adore Tanna’s style – smart, savvy and sagacious.  I think you will too.  That’s why I’m encouraging you to take a listen to her talk show, every Monday night.

And if her radio show isn’t enough to make you adore her too, here’s Tanna’s impressive bio:

—

Tanna Corona  is a professional Certified Life Coach, Master Spirit Life Coach and Member of the Certified Coaches Alliance. Her expertise is in the fields of prosperity consciousness, love relationships, the Law of Attraction, metaphysical Christianity, and communications. Tanna is also an ordained Minister with the Universal Life Church.

Tanna (pronounced Tah-nah) is producer and host of the REAL RICHES show on BlogTalkRadio.com (RealRiches), where she interviews Spiritual, Law of Attraction and New Thought practitioners and proponents.

Tanna holds a Bachelor’s Degree (with Latin Honors) in Communication Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She worked in the legal field for many years, and she parlays the disciplines of that profession into her current work.

Tanna is self-taught in the realms of divination, self-knowledge and tapping into inner wisdom, such as the Tarot, numerology, runes, acrophonology, feng shui, meditation, and visualization.

——–

Here’s Tanna’s blog for more information.

And don’t miss her show on Blog Talk Radio.

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Poof! You’re a Toad (the dangers of totem-assignment)

Sunday, July 24th, 2011

Personal Investment is Key to Totem Identification

Don’t let the title of this blog post fool you.  I’m not waving my rowan-wood wand, turning folks into toads (yet, lol).

Rather, this post is about the tricky business of assigning animal totems to folks wanting to know.

Not a day passes when someone doesn’t send in an email with a question like: “Avia, can you tell me what my animal totem is?”

On the one hand, I’m thrilled with these inquiries.  It suggests a desire to re-connect to animal kin.  It’s a sign that folks are becoming more attuned to the wild and wonderful realms of the Mother [Nature] – and that is uber-awesome.

On the other hand, I’m often distressed by the lack of personal investment in re-connecting with our animal brothers and sisters.  Connections to our animal kin is a deeply personal act.

What’s even more irking is the idea that a virtual stranger can arbitrarily assign a totem to another person.  To explain, I’ve been known to listen in on certain radio show discussions about totems and neo-shamanism.  I’m not naming names, but I’m suspect when these totem-experts get callers on their show with the inevitable question: “Can you tell me my animal totem?” and I’m floored when the totem-practitioner pops off a critter to the caller – essentially assigning a totem to him or her in the span of two seconds.

How can that cosmic connection be gleaned from a distant second party?  It feels like “slot-machine logic” – an answer spit out at random.  I could be wrong. These totem experts could be mightily connected to their spiritual council, and so they are fed this totem information to present to the caller.  Still, I have doubts.

On my most connected days, in which unification with my own Spirit Council is super-tight, I am fed information in terms of “seeing” woodland creatures or other critters scampering around my client’s energy.  These visions give me a good idea about the inquirer’s totem affiliations.  Nevertheless, in the midst of these visions come strong admonishments from the Council.  Admonishments like: “These are the animal energies communing with the human – but he/she must establish the connection.”

Historically, shamans could succinctly identify totems to the members of their tribe/village.  There’s a reason for that.  Shamans, elders, seers, and wise-women of a tribe typically hold their positions in the group over long spans of time. They live, learn, love together in a tight-knit community, intrinsically linked to the clan members. They often oversee the birthing of new members, and are participants of that member’s life from day one.  This gives them special knowing, they see the patterns between a tribal-member’s aura, energy, personality that link to the like-energy of their totem.  Simply put, tribal shamans have had a long-standing connection with their people, and are therefore in a better position to identify the individual totems of their tribesmen and women.

So what if we don’t live in a native setting in which an Elder knows us and can help us retrieve our animal totem identities?

The onus is on us.  We must be the ones to invest the time to re-connect with our animal guides and guardians.

Asking others to identify our totems isn’t a bad thing, but I’d be leery of pat answers from virtual strangers.  Those who ask me what their totems are often get frustrated with my round-about answers.  I offer information that my Council feeds me, but not without belting out a few paragraphs about the importance of personal meditation, research and investigation into the matter.

Let’s face it.  Most of us wouldn’t ask a stranger “Who is my life-partner?” and then marry the first person named Joe or Suzie just because we’ve been given a pat answer to this question.

In my opinion, re-partnering with our animal totems is no less serious.  Our animal totems are profound partnerships – indeed, a marriage.  They deserve our time and attention to get to know them.  We deserve the investment to familiarize ourselves with our connection to them.  So, be wary of the “poof! you’re a toad” syndrome.  Pat answers to complex questions like these are to be approached with caution.

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Join Me for Symbolic Talk with Tanna Corona

Sunday, July 10th, 2011
Avia V. - Guest Speaker for Real Riches by Tanna Corona

Avia V. - Guest Speaker for Real Riches by Tanna Corona

Tanna Corona is the brilliance behind “Real Riches,” a popular Blog Talk Radio show she hosts every week.

Tanna’s show features superior gems of insight for demonstrating abundance, prosperity and love in all areas of life.

I’ve had such a great time talking about symbolic portents with Tanna, and that conversation will continue on her talk show this Monday, 7/11/11 at 11:00 pm.

Come join us for a chat about living a symbolic life – it’s going to be a groovy show!

Thanks goes to Tanna for allowing me to be a guest on the show!

I’m jazzed about connecting with you all ethers this Monday! :)

(click this photo or any of the links in this post to listen in!)

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Reborn Through Art and Ink (a personal essay)

Saturday, July 9th, 2011

The Journey of a Tattoo

The tattoo gun murmurs its Morse code on my Manubrium, the hard bones perched just above soft curves of cleavage.  From the first tip of costal cartilage, down to the fourth Line of Union on my sternum, I feel the tattoo engraved upon my chest and the fusion is finally complete.

When I discovered the tattoo design, I knew it would be mine.  I knew where it would float above my bones and swim inside my skin.  I wondered, only briefly, about the implications of tattooing a corporate logo on my outrageously anti-establishment design.  But the Nippon Gaikku logo was born in the 1800s, and was crafted with integrity, a brand of honor that now chokes on the smog of modern-day mechanization.

The tattoo design on my chest is the progenitor of the Yamaha logo, the very first to establish its presence for proud craftsmanship of elegant musical instruments.  The tattoo-logo is a Hoo (pronounced haw-oh). It’s a Chinese Phoenix with a tuning fork clamped solidly in her beak.  The Hoo and I may have been married through ink and blood only two years ago, but our journey began many years prior to her debut on my chest.

History between this Yamaha Phoenix and I started in elementary school.  Crippled by grade-school awkwardness, I recall gimping into a tiny music room.  My ungainliness swelled at the site of Mrs. Roan.  She was my 3rd grade music teacher and the object of my youthful and bungling adoration.  Her dark beauty, her zeal, her penchant for tailored white suits and black paten leather shoes with killer heels and pointy tips – so exotic, and all so uncharacteristic of the school-marm stereotype.   I remember the silk of her pant suit elegantly shifting as she walked around the stuffy music room, rounding all her students up in a circle.  She passed out a series of musical instruments to each of us, the first of which was a Yamaha French Horn, an instrument Mrs. Roan professed being quite adept at playing.

The horn was passed from one pair of grubby hands to another round the circle.  Each child attempted, unsuccessfully, to birth sound from the bowels of the nickel-plated beast.

Lastly, the bright, silvery horn was passed to me.  Its metallic skin was bruised from peanut butter and jelly smears left by chubby kid fingers, still unwashed from consuming cafeteria lunches.  I cradled the horn lovingly and I remember whispering to it: “I know you’re magic. You’ll play for me.”

My tiny lips pressed against the cold metal mouthpiece.  With the corners of my mouth downturned, brows furrowed, mind honed on the bull’s-eye of sound, I willed my lips to putter quickly through marble-like mouthpiece.   My efforts were rewarded by a crystalline bellow, a clear herald of the horn’s brilliance, a solid ‘middle c’ note emanated from the horn.  Mrs. Roan stood akimbo in response, her cinnamon eyes glowing in approval at my victory; I won her favor, a cold rose plucked in a moment of sun-kissed glory.  I coaxed sound from this mass of twisted tubing and unlikely metal.  Magic was mine.

Standing in the center of that circle, horn in trembling hands, my peers beamed at me with tooth-missing grins.  In that moment I recall feeling gift-wrapped in attunement;  a Yamaha French horn trumpeted the surprise arrival of homeostasis, and magic.

Years passed and I continued to cut my embouchure on dented King’s and tinny Conn’s – all rented French horns of  dubious quality.  But I persistently played these metal beasts – chromatic scales groaning through the walls of school practice rooms and childhood hallways.

The Summer transitioning between junior and senior high school was one of prolonged anxiety;  try-outs for high school concert band were held the first of August, and I was struggling to spin melodic gold from a deflated, barren Elkhart horn.

A fluke of nature intervened. A serious eye infection threatened to take my vision that July, which would make my right eye a vacuous hole of non-sight.  Laying in the hospital, agony scraping at my optic nerves, my dad fidgeted by my bedside.  My awareness flickered between pain and pain-killers, but I remember my dad’s words uttered from the anxiety of his daughter facing a life of half-blindness.  “Make it through this,” he said, “and I’ll buy you the best damn French horn you’ll ever lay hands on.”

I made it out of the procedures with eyesight intact, and dad made good on his promise.  He bought me a Yamaha 668, the elite of the fleet for its day.  A professional horn with seamless nickel streaming like smooth ripples of water in my hands.   It resonated in my arms.  Within this bright horn, there was music tingling, aching, itching to be released.  I was reborn after playing the new horn for the first time.  The sound I could produce was tangible lusciousness, like being robed in musical satin. That horn took me to 1st chair all through high school, prestige in college years, and even serving as a free-lance musician for both symphonic bands and chamber orchestras.

Now, decades later, sitting in a battered dentists chair doubling as a recliner for tattoo initiates, I think on these memories mixed with melodic overtones.  As my friend and tattoo artist coaxes life from ink, etching the Yamaha Chinese Phoenix on my breastbone, I reflect on the appropriateness of the symbolism.  Reborn indeed.

Was it happenstance that my eyesight was saved?  I don’t think so.  Rather, I believe it was the restorative power of my heartfelt devotion for creating good music, and my love of the French horn rescued me from  living a half-blind life (physically and metaphorically).

Thankfully, it’s not the first time artistic expression has lifted me out of a pile of life’s potentially suffocating ashes.  Good music, played rightly, is nothing short of pure enlightenment and I’m lucky (despite my uber-awkward youth)  I found illumination that day long ago while rendering clear tones from that sticky silver horn in the third grade.

The tattoo gun finally ceases hammering at my breast plate, and I walk to the mirror to behold the new scenery on my skin.    Looking in the mirror, I could swear the phoenix winks back at me – a knowing wink, a shared acknowledgement of restored vision, a confirmation how the drive for creative expression can give way to ascension, leading a willing heart out of the dark.

Avia V.
11/28/10

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Introducing Valerie of Pacific Sound and Voice

Saturday, June 4th, 2011
Valerie Piacenti of Pacific Sound And Voice

Valerie Piacenti of Pacific Sound And Voice

Part of the thrill of being involved in an online tribe is meeting incredibly gifted souls along the way.  One such bright soul is Valerie Piacenti.  We’ve known each other for a few years now, and it’s been an utter pleasure to share life’s journey with her.  Valerie has been a beacon in my life for her refreshing outlook and her consistently uplifting perspectives.  Her passion is in sharing the gift of music as a catalyst for healing, expression and expanding awareness.  It’s clear I adore Valerie, her music, and her mission.  Everybody knows a good thing becomes great when it’s shared with others, so I’d like to take this opportunity to share a little bit about Valerie and the value she offers.  Check out her info, contact her, ask her questions – she’s a gem to chat with!  And feel free to leave comments, I know she’ll relish the feedback!

Valerie Piacenti has long been interested in how music, sound and voice can be used to soothe, inspire and heal. She is a certified Cross Cultural Music in Healing Practitioner and Founder of Pacific Sound and Voice, having completed a two-year course of study in Therapeutic Applications of Cross-Cultural Sound and Music with Pat Moffitt Cook, Ph.D. and Director of the Open Ear Center on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Valerie has been involved in extensive personal transformation, spiritual work and meditation for over thirty years, over six of them in sacred sound. Last year, she completed the program Spiritual Health Through Sound and Music, also taught by Pat Moffitt Cook and continues with this program several times throughout the year.

In addition to sound healing, Valerie uses her vocal talents as a professional singer and performer, having appearing on stages from Broadway to London.

Pacific Sound and Voice is a company focusing on the many applications and therapeutic benefits of using sound and music. Current services available for both individual and group clients include sound programs, chant and mantra meditation, prescriptive music and vocal coaching.

The practice of sound and music for health and well-being is ancient. It can easily be traced back 3,000 years and more than likely, it stems from thousands of years earlier.

Throughout history, the use of music and sound have been used successfully to reduce stress, control pain, to entertain, provide a shift in mood and emotion, induce and enhance awareness, as well as provide complimentary techniques to medical practices.

Using the tools of the voice through humming, toning, chant and mantra, the singing bowl, and prescriptive music we can help bring about increased health and well-being.

Some of the benefits of using sound, music and voice include:

  • Focus, clarity and calm
  • Stress and emotional relief
  • Increased breath and lung capacity
  • Synchronize and balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain
  • Balance the chakras or energy centers
  • Improvement of overall health, energy and well-being
  • Enhance meditation or spiritual practice
Are you intrigued?  You should be!  Valerie is a powerhouse of knowledge, talent, and intuitive excellence.  In fact, I have several of her CDs and they are a delight and a joy to experience. The instrumentation she chooses for her pieces are truly soothing and obviously crafted with care.  Furthermore, Valerie’s voice and musical affinity is superior in my opinion.

Check out Valerie’s website here (and check back on her website in a few weeks, because she’s working on adding new information).  If you want to talk to Valerie about her melodic awakening practice, here’s how to reach her at:  valerie{at}pacificsoundandvoice.com -or- give her a call at: 206-931-3771.  When you talk to her, tell her Avia says “hi”! :)

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Animal Messages: The Good News

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Animal Messages - It's All Good

In one capacity or another, I’ve been dipping into animal consciousness and interpreting symbolic messages they contribute to the greater/global consciousness.

An email I got from a reader of my main website (whats-your-sign), asked a great question:

Hi Avia, I love your work and reading your animal insights have really helped me on my life’s journey.  A few years ago I was having a terrible spell of bad circumstances.  The Owl kept visiting me, and I was convinced it was a bad omen.  Do you remember me emailing you about this several years back?  You responded with a link to an article you wrote about symbolic Owl meanings, and it helped.  It also made me explore more of your animal interpretations, and I noticed something.  All your interpretations are positive.  It seems there is nothing but good news coming from our birds, fish and mammals from your perspective.  Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a criticism, but even your ideals about Snakes and Spiders (critters who aren’t my favorites, lol) are positive and uplifting.  Can you tell me why is it all good news?  Don’t animal messages sometimes include negativity, or at least a warning of bad things to come?  Thanks for your work.
Love,
Beth

Beth makes a good point.

I look at animal consciousness as an extension of the Unified consciousness (call it the God, the Goddess, Christ consciousness – by any name,  it’s that omnipresent, pervasive, supportive intelligence unifying all energy).  I mention on many occasions that the creatures of our planet are (mostly) clarified energy – they don’t have the weirdies of mentality like humans often exhibit.  Because our creatures are clarified, they’re a pure channel for Unified consciousness.

So, when I dive in for data about animal messages, animal meanings, etc., it just makes sense the information retrieved will be a bright reflection of the Unified field – supportive, buoying, brilliant.  In short, the Natural Realm lives closer to, and indeed, is one with God.  Naturally, their communications will reflect that relationship.

If you dig this post, you might also like:

Getting Messages from Nature

Nature Symbols

Animal Totems & Animal Symbolism

Tips to Knowing Your Animal Totems

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