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Symbolic Meaning of Gold

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Tags: Alchemy | Natural Symbolism

Symbolism of Gold

Symbolism of Gold

Technically (and alchemically) speaking, gold is a soft, shiny, yellow, heavy, malleable, ductile metal.  It is also a trivalent and a univalent which means it’s a transitional metal.

As a transitional metal, gold is symbolic of flexibility on our spiritual path while life experience galvanizes our faith.

One of the more valued elements, gold represents perfection in all matter, on any level. It also symbolizes humankind’s quest to perfect, illuminate and refine his/herself.

Because of its resistance to heat and acid, gold is a symbol of immutability, eternity and perfection.

Because of its golden color, it is almost universally associated with solar symbolism.  This gives gold such attributes as:

  • Vitality
  • Life
  • Health
  • Radiance
  • Wisdom
  • Clarity
  • Unification
  • Virtue
  • Light

In Christian symbolism, gold is considered an attribute of virtue and golden hues are used quite often in Christian art to convey divine love.

The infamous legend of alchemists turning common metals into gold is actually a parable for the human quest to change base vulgarities like greed, hate and selfishness into qualities like love, virtue and compassion through the process of self-purification.  Ergo, gold is symbolic of this transition of the soul.

Other symbolic fodder:

Symbolism in Alchemical Elements

Symbolism of Silver

Symbolism of Copper and Finding Pennies

Symbolism of the Diamond in Alchemy

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Grasslands of Dreams: Meanings Behind Dreaming of Grass

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009


Dreaming of Grass

Dreaming of Grass

Tags: Nature | EcoIntuition | Dream Meanings
 

Dreams pave the way to our most profound knowing.  Lately, I’ve been dreaming of grass.  My meditations have been of a grassy nature too.  I thought it would be nice to share a few thoughts on the symbolic meaning of dreaming of grass.

Some observations:

Green Green Grass of Home:
Grass is green (at least, most of it is).  This puts my dreaming mind in the Anahata chakra - the heart chakra, as this energy center swims in veridian waves.  The heart chakra governs health, healing and high-hearted aspects like inclusion, connection, empathy and love.  The heart is the engine of the body, and the Greeks felt the heart fueled our spirits with emotional power and inspiration.  So, dreaming of grass can suggest our attention be directed to the function of the heart – emotionally and physically.  Innumerable cultures believe the heart is the home of the soul too.  So dreaming of grass can be a call to return to our homes – a call to return our attention to our soul-center.

Get a Grip:
Grass is symbolic of a vast system of inter-connectivity.  If you’ve ever observed the root system of a patch of grass, you have the perfect illustration of connection.  There is no separation.  Dreaming of grass is a message of connection with community or even re-connecting with our personal roots (history, emotional centered-ness).  Furthermore, grass has been utilized by savvy agriculturalists as a means to prevent soil erosion.  The grass serves as a matrix that grips the soil and keeps it in place during times of flooding.   There is symbolism in this.  Dreaming of grass could be a message for us to get a grip on our foundational beliefs – don’t get washed away in the floods of life.

Grass Roots:
This brings me to my final symbolic observation about dreaming of grass – grass roots.  Grassy dreams are often a message for us to get to the root of issues that are in our fore-thoughts.  If something is causing us stress, it’s time to get to the root of it.  However, in dreamy grasslands, we see the roots are all interconnected – so we may have to do some digging.  In other worlds finding one root of a problem may lead us to several other issues.  In this case, it’s important to honor the process of working through our perspectives and beliefs about troubling matters.  Be patient, and nourish yourself as you get to the root-heart of various matters of conflict.

Grass is a vast ecosystem in itself, and as such, it is symbolic of nourishment.  When analyzing your own dreams, be mindful to feed yourself compassionately – it’s the only way to insure a properly rooted foundation in your interpretations.

I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on potential meaning of dreaming of grass.  Here are a few other links that may hold interest:

Nature Symbols

EcoIntuition

Shamrock Meanings

Dream Meanings (common)

Chakra Color Meanings

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Video on Symbolic Meaning of Spirals

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

My favorite quote:

“The human mind always makes progress, but it is a progress in spirals.” ~Madame de Stael

And that brings me to this latest video offering on the symbolic meaning of the spiral:

For more information on the symbolism of spirals click here.

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Robert Phoenix Rising: Astrology Review

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
Robert Phoenix Astrology

Robert Phoenix Astrology

I’ve been following Robert Phoenix’s work for awhile, but not until recently did I commission him to cast his perceptions upon my astrological chart.  This blog post is a review of Robert’s services as a practitioner of astrology.

From the onset I was impressed with Robert’s apparent expertise in the field of astrology.  His analytical response to my signs, planets, transits, etc. were accurate and confirmed my own understanding.

Anyone who seeks deeper wisdom from the heavens knows identifying motions/placements on a chart is only a crack in the grand canyon of astrology.  The real magic is in the interpretation of stellar activity.

Robert’s approach to interpreting astrological data is refreshing.  It’s apparent he draws upon a vast stockpile of unique education & perspective.  I found his observations to be mind-broadening.  The way he expressed certain features in my chart allowed my perceptions to shift.

All outside opinions can be catalysts – but I found Robert’s view to be particularly kindle-worthy.  In other words, his insight is motivating.  Inspirational fuel.  That’s what a catalyst does…affects the molecular structure of a thing just by introducing itself to the mix.  Indeed, Mr. Phoenix’s astrological reading was impactful and affecting.

I appreciated Robert’s ability to express his opinions candidly.  He was straight-forward and delivered his perceptions without apology.  Honesty is vital in these scenarios – beating around the bush has no place in interpretations and I value Robert’s candor.

What’s more, Robert is a perfect blend of mystic and pragmatist.  He extolled ethereal/esoteric wisdom with aplumb and ease.  With the same easy charm he offered practical advice that played with my astrological proclivities.

  • If you’re the kind of person who cannot tolerate fluffy, woo-woo astrological readings, Robert Phoenix is the astrologer for you.
  • If you need clarity/confirmation on who you are & where you stand in the grand scheme of current times, Robert Phoenix can assist.
  • If you are seeking inspirational fuel to ignite your spiritual/psychic/creative flames even higher, Robert Phoenix is your lighter fluid.
  • If you need practical, stable guidance built upon educated astrological interpretations…you guessed it, Robert Phoenix can dispense.
  • If you need accurate astrological information from a trustworthy, soulful mage – Robert Phoenix can fill that tall order too.

To be clear, I do not endorse unless I’m whole-heartedly satisfied about the practitioner.  Ergo,  it should be clear I highly recommend Robert Phoenix as a remarkably talented, high-integrity, qualified astrologist.

His rates are extremely reasonable tooBook a reading with Robert Phoenix here.

Or, read through his tremendously unique and thought-provoking blog here.

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Changed Names and Name Number Meanings in Numerology

Thursday, September 10th, 2009



Tags: Numerology

NameNumberMeaningI get many questions about name number meanings. I’ve offered a lot of thoughts about this and the topic of symbolic numbers in general.

This blog post addresses a question about the consequence of changed meanings of name number when our name is changed.

{Fuzzy on how to calculate your name number?  Go to my Name Number Meaning page for explanations.}

What is the impact if we take a different name? What if we have a nickname?  How do we interpret the numerological meaning of our “real” name in relation to our adopted/married/nickname etc?

Traditionally, numerologists recommend using the name with which we are most familiar.

When dealing with several names to uncover meaning with numerology, I conduct readings on both names.

Why?  Because I know nothing happens without some deeper reasoning.  Ergo, I know significant numerological meanings  can be found in both names.

When I play around with name number symbolism, I’ll first ask for the name most used or common.   For example, a friend of mine has been called “Butch” for 40 years.  I interpreted his nickname first as his primary reading.

But, I’ll almost always do a second reading with a formal (less familiar) name too. I’ve encountered doing this gives an added layer of clarity. It’s almost like revealing two different personalities:

  • a side we show to everyone, and
  • another side we keep more private.

If you have several names here’s a way to interpret your name number meaning…

Common Name:  Determine your number according to the name you are most comfortable/familiar with.  This could be your nickname, birth name, whatever.  This is the name you call yourself (and likely the name most of your friends/family know you by too).

The number associated with the name you are most intimate with will be metaphoric of your intimate path in life.  This number will speak to you about:

  • what is close to your heart,
  • what you comfortably show, share and express with others
  • how your common, daily life experience is unfolding
  • how you connect & interact in family and social settings

Other Name:  Now determine the number for the name that is not as familiar to you as your common name.  Perhaps it’s a newly discovered adopted name, or a change from maiden name to married name – or perhaps you’ve taken an assumed name.  The name number meaning associated with this newer name in your awareness could potentially reveal:

  • long term views or focus in personal development
  • the hand of fate or destiny playing a role in your life
  • internal or hidden sides of personality – traits not likely expressed outwardly
  • a persona you want to express, but has been latent (or is not yet comfortable to reveal to others)

Important note: Be mindful of how you feel about this secondary name.  Is there joy surrounding the less familiar name?  Did you pick it yourself and love it?  Your feelings associated with your names (both common and uncommon) will affect your name number interpretation too.

I’ve known people who had names divinely spoken to their psyche – these are spiritual names that belonged to these people even before they were born into this lifetime/place.  In this instance, that name is going to have a wholly different meaning in numerology.

This brings me to a final important point.  It’s a good practice to combine your name number meanings

For example, if your familiar name-number is a 2 and your married name-number is  7, combine these two numbers to make 9 and begin to research the conjoined symbolism from there.

Overwhelmingly, I’ve found combining these name numbers to be extremely enlightening as to my client’s personality, personal development and multi-dimensional progress.

I hope this information proves helpful to each of you as you seek out innovative ways to uphold the most important tenet : “Temet Nosce”

Other pages of interest:

Meaning of Numbers

Personality Number Meanings

Lucky Numbers

Chinese Number Meanings

Name Number Meaning

Numbers in Tarot

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Symbolic Meaning of Nine on 09/09/09

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

In this video, I discuss a bit about the symbolic meaning of nine on this auspicious day.  Click links below the video for more information on the meaning of number nine.

More on this subject:

Meaning of Nine an Expanded View (on Tarot site).

Symbolism of Numbers (in general)

Number Meanings in Dates

Meaning of 911 (on my blog)

Links to Michele Knight articles:

Meaning of 999

Meaning of 09/09/09 (written by Michele Knight)

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Dreaming of Tattoos

Friday, September 4th, 2009


Dreaming of Tattoos

Dreaming of Tattoos

 

My friend Sue Samuels called this morning and asked about the symbolic meaning of dreaming of tattoos.  I found this synchronistic as I’ve been feverishly working on  my new tattoo site, so I was completely engaged in her question.

Although unsure about what everybody else says, I’m certainly clear on my brand of understanding about dreaming of tattoos.  Here is a quick list of concepts conveyed in dream tattoos with an explanation of my conclusions to follow:

 

  • Ritual
  • Devotion
  • Lineage
  • Initiation
  • Permanence
  • Heritage
  • Ancient connection
  • Historical reference
  • Drawing attention
  • Creative expression
  • Commitment
  • Alteration
  • Metamorphosis

How am I coming up with all these symbolic meanings for dreaming of tattoos?

Some are self-explanatory.  Tattoos are permanent, and so when we’re dreaming of them it conveys a sense of unaltered choice.  To use the adage “the dye is cast” is appropriate.  Dream tattoos speak about irreversible choices we make in our lives that affect us on deeply personal levels for the rest of our days.

Concepts like “drawing attention” and “creative expression” are pretty obvious too.  When we dream of tattoos, our inner voice is telling us to express ourselves more outwardly – share our gifts and talents with the world.

Symbolic meanings of “alteration” and “metamorphosis” connect with tattoos being a form of changing our appearance.  Body  modification is personal transformation taken to the extreme(with internal/spiritual consequences too), and so when we dream of tattoos it’s a reference to major changes.

Now to my favorite parts of this topic.  Dream tattoos can pertain to heritage, lineage and archetypal identity because our collective consciousness is fully aware of the historical human practice and purpose of tattooing.  As humans we all share ancient memories and common lineage (there is only one ethnicity: “Human”). 

Our subconscious has access to all this hereditary memory.  Ergo, when we dream of tattoos (specifically dreaming of tattooing in progress), we are experiencing a sacred process our ancestors practiced for eons.

From an ancient perspective, tattoos are ritual.  They galvanize the human saga.  They mark initiation.  They concretize identity.  More specifically, our ancestors used tattoos to commemorate rites of passage (coming of age, marriage, battle victories, etc).  They also used tattoos to document historical importance’s within the tribe.  In this instance, the skin is a scroll upon which the history of the family clan is recorded.

So, dreaming of tattoos in this sense is a message that we are infinitely connected with our ancient heritage.  It holds meaning of tribal awareness, and our infinite link with the sacred nature of the human saga.

I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on the symbolic meaning of dreaming of tattoos.   Get more information on tattoo meanings by visiting the new website I just started this summer:  www.Tattoo-Symbolism.com

You might also be interested in my articles on Dream Meanings:

PS: For inquiring minds, the tattoo image on this post is mine, done by my dear friend, Johnny Rotten of Rotten Ink Tattoos.

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No More Tarot Readings

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
TarotSymbolsIntuition

No More Tarot Readings

I am no longer offering general-public Tarot readings. The decision has been building for months.

There is a time and a place for intuitive & Tarot readings. To be sure, psychics, Taroists and other intuitive practitioners can certainly offer extreme value to seekers and questioners.

However, it’s become increasingly clear this is no longer my path.

I’ve read for years, and have learned so much in the process. Reading has been an expansive part of my growth. It’s also provided a pleasing side income.

Some may say I’m shooting myself in the foot by closing this door, but I have no doubt - the choice is sound.  I have no mixed feelings about ceasing my reading services.

Why the choice?

In spite of my continual admonishment that oracles are not the true path to Light – I still sensed the message was left unheard. 

Ergo, by continuing to offer Tarot readings, I felt like I was feeding an unhealthy dependency. 

The Light is within, not without. The Clarity is internal, not external.  The Answers are…well, you get the idea.

This is a sign of the times

More and more each of us must rely on our own souls, hearts, minds, beliefs, intuition, etc.  The more we externally seek out satisfaction – the further away we move from our potential divinity. 

“Temet nosce” (know thyself).

This is not to say I have parted from the Tarot path.  Quite the contrary as I am still a devotee of Tarot wisdom, and shall continue to build on the premise that the Tarot is a magnificent tool for personal/soul development via my Tarot website:  www.TarotTeachings.com

But the impressions, revelations and messages I’m getting are clear:  Serving as a reader is counterproductive to the current paradigm.

That said, I shall continue sharing my perspectives/methods to gaining personal clarity and answers via unique oracles within our own reach: from nature, from inner impulses, from divine energy, etc.

Furthermore, I continue to maintain my established clientelle as you/they understand the genuine value and philosophy behind the Tarot and a good Tarot reader.  Plus, you guys are like family – it’s an honor to continue this unique connection we have together brought about through the Tarot.

And although I’m no longer offering Tarot readings to the general public, I am still serving in a consulting capacity with my Symbolic Interpretation Services.  These services are for those of you who have mined the cavernous wealth of self-knowledge for deeper meaning about a particular symbolic phenomenon (dreams, totems, number meanings, astrological symbolism, ect) and still require a bit of objective insight.

Thanks to everybody for allowing me to serve, and mostly thanks for understanding and honoring this choice I’ve made.

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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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Vishudha and Blue Jay Messages

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

Tags: Bird Totems | Nature Symbolism | Chakra Symbolism

Blue Jay Messages

Blue Jay Messages

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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