A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

I got an email from a gentlewoman who was dreaming of deceased people, and she requested some clarity on this issue.  I respond thusly,

Dear Dreamer,

You are going to hear a million different reasons and explanations about dreaming of the deceased (or people who have passed from this physical plane, if you prefer).  All of these explanations are slices of the truth, and so you owe it to yourself to find the meaning that sits best with your own spirit.

In my life experience I have come to know the nature of energy (including the life force that is “human”) never dies - it simply passes from one phase to another.  We see it in all of nature.  Energy simply cannot be destroyed - it is universal law.

With that foundation, we can make the next assumption that our connection with other people (connections are a type of energy) will not die either - even if their physical bodies have ceased on this earth.

Are these people that have passed away coming in your dreams to give you a message?  Perhpaps….there are many philosophies out there that will tell you this.

The psyche deals with mortality in interesting ways - this is due to our own deep rooted beliefs as well as the collective conscious’ perception of death.

Perhaps you could also entertain the idea that you are a receiver of energy.  If our energetic connections with people never cease, then it would make sense that there are places within our own psyche that will recall the energy of those who have passed.  In this light, perhaps your own inner self is sending you a message, and using the imagery of those who passed as a message.

Recall the personalities of those people in your dreams.  Is there a predominant theme?  For example, was one person a healer?  Perhaps this is a message for more healing in your life.  Was another person always angry? Perhaps this is a message to point out your own anger, and how you may work to defuse it.

When we dream of those who passed, it may also be our inner selves telling us to die to the things that no longer serve us.  In other words, dreams of people who have passed me be a message for us release grudges or ditch bad habits.

You have brought up an enormous phenomenon - books have been written about this phenomenon, and will continue to be written about it.  What is key, is that you invest the time to determine the meaning to your own personal satisfaction.

I can promise you one thing, however: These dreams would not come to you if you yourself did not have the answers to their meaning. 

You know - just give yourself the time, patience, determination, and thirst for knowledge - the answers will come.

Many of us are having more and more visions, and I often am asked to shed some light on the symbolism of visions.

Such is the case with one gentleman looking for a reading on the symbolic meanings of his vision.

This is his vision told in his words:

“In my morning meditation, somebody was suddenly right in front of my face. This person seemed to be shouting at me. Slowly, my vision expanded and I realized it was a native warrior, face painted, and a single feather rising from the back of his head. As the vision continued to expand, I could see we were in a forest clearing and it was a circle of warriors chanting and dancing around a fire. I watched them as they made one complete circle of the fire, and suddenly they were gone.

Now I realized that straight ahead of me, through an opening in the trees, something was flying towards me. As it came closer I thought it was a bald eagle. It was quite large, and I could see some white. Now it began descending. Closer and closer, lower and lower, and as I strained my neck to watch it fly directly over me, so close I thought I could almost reach out and touch it, I realized it was a pure white Raven.”

My reponse and impressions on this symbolic vision is as follows:

Dear David,

Thank you for indulging me the span of time it took to get in the groove of your vision.  sometimes impressions come in big, beautiful, fully-formed blocks of information. Other times, some stewing is required. After stewing in your visionary energies for over two weeks, these are the impressions that have come forward….I hope it’s worth the wait :-).

Before I begin, please keep in mind these impressions are coming through my own filter.  Meaning my own life experience will color the interpretations. That’s just the way it is.  I cannot separate my personality from what I am shown…and I tend to think that’s okay.

So that is why I beat the drum of independent study so vehemently. You must invest the time to know yourself, and interpret these visions as they apply to you and your life experience. 

YOU are the visionary, and the energies you deal with communicate special enlightenment for only you. My interpretation will never be the correct answer for you, but it will be an aspect of truth, as we are all connected and each of us presents a slice of the whole pie of knowing.

Enough of my diatribe…now onto the your symbolism of vision:

You prefaced the description of you vision by saying “that I don’t think I really understand it and/or, what I should be getting out of it.”

However, your vision begins with a human face confronting you very directly. Eye-to-eye. Nose-to-nose. Direct challenge, direct confrontation.  This initial face-to-face impression in your vision flies in direct opposition of this statement.  Symbolic stand-off’s such as this indicate you DO know precisely the matter and message of this vision. You may be at a “face off” in which there is something you must face or deal with. There may be a part of you that does not want to face the issue – but you certainly know what it is.

Expanding the vision, we see it is a warrior facing you – complete with war paint.  Our energetic lineage retains rituals of our ancestors. As such, we know the painting of native bodies and faces was/is a ritualistic practice carried out with deep sobriety and somber respect for the intention. Meaning, application of markings and color to the body was done purposefully and with focus. So this intentional ritual of marking the body with intent to battle begs the questions: 

• Who or what are you at war with?
• You have taken steps, made action, gone through modern-day rituals yourself…but to what end?
• What is the motivation of your prime action?
• Where is your focus?

The warrior has one single feather erected from his crown chakra. You can read about my thoughts on the symbolism of feathers (on my symbols website) here, and then more on this subject on my blog here. Briefly, feathers deal with:

• Ascension
• Spirituality
• Clarity of thought

Combined with this feather’s location on the crown chakra the theme of the vision deals with very high ideals:

• matters of enlightenment,
• conscious evolution, and
• energetic advancement.

That there is only one feather calls attention to the symbolism of one:

• One path,
• one direction,
• action,
• beginnings,
• foundations,
• solidarity of thought,
• singleness of purpose,
• activity of focus.

When we combine these concepts with the heady aspects of feathers and the 7th chakra, we begin to ask questions such as:

• Is there one path to freedom?
• Am I aligned with that energetic channel that seeks the highest vibration?

The feather points up  in your vision – does it not? I would encourage you to meditate upon that image – the feather pointing up with its base nestled in your divine crown. It’s a powerful symbol, capable of launching you into intense epiphany.

Moving further into your vision we see a forest clearing. Trees hold symbolism  that goes way beyond  my capacity for words.  The outermost philosophical branches of trees express symbolism of:

• Life,
• strength,
• resource,
• evolution,
• knowledge,
• provision

Trees encompass such massive and diverse energy that pinning single meanings takes some deep (and personal) contemplation.

However, that there is fire within your visionary forest, this indicates you are using resources at hand. By burning of the wood, you are igniting creative fire in a controlled methodical, ritualistic fashion.

Indeed our cosmic energy reveals our ancestors burning wood in order to obtain the secrets pressed within the flesh of sacred trees. Our energetic ancestors recognized trees as esoteric tablets of wisdom – capable of expressing and transferring that wisdom to us when we activated the indwelling passion (igniting the fire).

Furthermore, fire is symbolic of:

• passion
• spirituality
• creativity
• desire
• action
• possession
• energy
• intensity

Within these analogies we may ask questions such as:

• What surrounds you that sparks your passion?
• Is there an equal balance between your cool forests and the burning fire you create?
• Are you “burning out” your resources?
• In your practices, are you extracting the knowledge and experience you seek?

We cannot ask “what is consuming you” because we see order within your imagery of fire. But we may be bold, and ask if you feel conflict or war is required in order to have peace?

This is asked when we see your warriors circling around your flame. Circles are symbolic of:

• connectivity
• infinity
• evolution
• cycles
• repetition
• union
• eternity

Can you see the theme of balance within your vision?  Throughout your vision we see contrast:

• Peace vs. aggression (feathers vs. war paint).
• Spirituality vs. physicality (Sahasrara chakra vs. human form),
• Passive vs. active (trees vs. bonfire).

The Raven in your vision is replete with transformational symbolism, as it is typically black yet your vision indicates the Raven as white in color.  This offers further validation to the balance-seeking theme of the vision.

In other words, we see catharsis, release, and transformation as your deeper self propels the traditional imagery of the Raven, which is black, into a pristine white symbol.

Air animals are archetypes of living our lives in higher realms. Birds are symbols of:

• higher thought,
• higher intelligence and
• higher ideals

This is because birds are (metaphorically and mythologically speaking), situated in proximity to the higher energies of the Universe.

Ravens are no exception to this underlying symbolism of air totems. However, Ravens are special among their airy clan as they are the symbolic containers of:

• mystery,
• magic,
• secrets, and
• even deception.

As I mentioned in an earlier email to you, Ravens do not give up their secrets easily.  They love to watch us marvel over their messages.  Ravens demand our commitment to learning their wisdom, and do not reveal their meanings unless they are convinced we’ve devoted ourselves completely to the path of understanding (both dark and light sides of) energy.

However, your vision demonstrates the most fundamental concept of alchemy which is: Transition and Transformation.

What is dark (traditional black Raven) becomes light as we see in your white Raven. We may interpret this into an alchemical formula: “With balanced mixing of appropriate energies, dark unknowns (black Raven) become known (white Raven).”

In other words, through the consistent unveiling of your inner depths, and the positive/active utilization of these inner impulses the esoteric secrets become exposed to the light of your own consciousness.

Are these interpretations deep? By gosh yes, they are deep. It’s a deep vision you’ve had.

It is no simple mind that summons the Raven. That is why I disagree with your earlier statement that you don’t think you understand the vision. This is poppycock (and I mean that lovingly).

The Raven will never come to a person who is not advanced enough to read the deeper meanings behind its presence. Ravens are cunning, selective creatures – if you did not already know the answers, you would have never had the vision.

David, I’ve laid a lot on your proverbial table here. It’s time for you to further prepare your table and feast on the wealth of knowledge that is before & within you. Seat yourself in the center of your own internal abundance. Know that your life experience is a grand banquet, and celebrate your own absolute knowing that is infused in every fiber of your being.

Thank you for sharing your vision. Moreover, thanks for indulging me this time of philosophical waxing and honoring my perspective (even if somewhat eccentric).

Namaste & brightest blessings to you,
A.

As part of our current synchroblog topic, I chose the number 11 as a symbolic concept of duality.

Seeing number 11 is not an uncommon phenomenon.  Indeed, I get many emails from folks who see the number eleven consistently, and in response, I’ve written about the symbolism of number eleven on this blog here, and on my website here.

As you will see on these posts, I propose the symbolism of number eleven deals with:

• Congruency
• Opening
• Balance

We garner these meanings through an understanding of numerology (both in the traditional Pythagorean sense, as well as an intuitive/interpretive psychic sense). 

We glean information on the number eleven by investigating its numeric master, which is number one.   The meaning of number one  speaks of:

• Beginnings
• Action 
• Focus
• Union

However, reduced the number eleven morphs into the vibrational resonance of number two (1+1=2). The meaning of number two deals with:

• Decision
• Polarity
• Reproduction
• Balance

But what does this have to do with duality?  Everything, when we dance in the peripheries of symbolism.

Investigating the numerical significances of number eleven gives us gossamer glimpses into the meaning of the number.   

On the one hand we march in time with
structure, stability, consistency and sure-footing (number one). 

On the second hand we dance the two-step with
choice, duplicity, option (free will) and diversity (number two).

After years of number eleven presenting itself to my attention at every turn (on clocks, dates, money, tickets, seats, rooms, pages, totals - you name it), I’ve had countless opportunities to meditate on its presence, and ask myself the questions: Why am I seeing number 11 everywhere?  What does it mean? etc.

After exhausting numerological possibilities, my dissatisfaction lingered.  These surface meanings never slaked my need for further clarification.  There must be more depth to match the breadth of 11’s constant appearance in my life.

As is often the case, when we cock our philosophical heads to the side to take an unorthodox view of a thing, we begin to gain profound clarity of its meaning.  And so, after using visualization techniques with the number eleven, its meaning began to come more alive in my understanding.

In my personal experience I’ve concluded the number eleven represents a metaphorical gateway, whose entrance beckons the integration of the duality or opposition inherent in human nature (consider the image in the upper right - do you see the 11 in the form of pillars to an entryway?).

Delving further into the metaphor, my mind turned to the symbolism of the Tarot in which the Priestess card as well as the Justice card resonate with the number eleven.  Both cards depict two pillars on either side of the archetype.  Essentially, a number 11.

The Priestess is traditionally seated in the center of the symbolic pillars of Boaz and Jachin representing foundational strength (physical) and intentional directed energy (spiritual).  These pillars of the High Priestess card illustrate duality through long twisty roots running through the most esoteric layers of knowledge.

Further, her equal-armed cross signifies an ability to balance between the gateway of duality.  For eons, ancient wisdom has driven this point home:  Equalibrium is available within the center of perceived opposition.

This concept is a rhythmic theme drummed into every line of alchemical texts:  Humankind must appropriately and mindfully mix the elements of duality together to conjure the elixir of enlightenment.

The meaning of eleven, in this visual sense, illustrates this profound potential: We reach our zenith by seating ourselves in the midst of duality (just as the Priestess is purposefully poised between the pillars of Boaz and Jachin).  

So rather than tip the scale, choose a side, or invite imbalance - the great wisdom teachings of our kind (in all manner of metaphor) beckon us to settle BETWEEN the dualities. 

Essentially, we have the ability to levitate between an elegently slender gap,  gracefully slipping betwix such starknesses as:

• Black - White
• Day - Night
• Elation - Depression
• Introversion - Extroversion
• Physical - Spiritual
• Action - Rest

As our energetic ancestors have always known, it is in this subtle space we find our true home.

This is what years of seeing number 11 have brought to bear in my own understanding.  What has it revealed to you?

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Duality Synchroblog.  There are some incredibly passionate and insightful posts on the topic.  I would encourage you to read them all:

 
• Between Old and New Moons
• Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism
• Goddess in a Teapot
• The Aquila ka Hecate
• Full Circle Earthwise News
• Mythprint (all the myth that’s fit to print)
• Stone Circle
• Women and Spirituality
• Frontiers of Wonder
• ReligionThink
• Paleothea - Sing, Goddess
• Quaker Pagan Reflections
• Heart of Flame
• Pitch 313
• Executive Pagan
• Druid’s Apprentice
• The Druid Journal
• Manzanita, Redwoods and Laurel
• Dream Builders: A Figment of Imagination
• When Isis Rises: Archetypes in Duality

I got an intriguing post from a reader who requested a dream interpretation .

Here is a recap of her dream:

“The main parts of the dream were about three buried bumble bees, and one ruby slipper, buried by a shaman, in order to ’summon’ me? I came to him with utter confusion about finding three bees and a ruby slipper.” To which I respond…

Dear Dream Queen:

I’m happy to regurgitate the impressions I am shown about your dream. However, it is always you who is the interpreter - and only you are able to apply the meaning of your dream to your own life situation.

By translating the dream into how it applies to your life you are able to join two worlds - the mundane with the mystical. By joining these two halves to make a whole, you essentially lift yourself into a higher state of consciousness. With that kind of gravity, you can see why you really owe it to yourself to investigate all angles of meaning to your dreams.

That said:

Slippers or shoes are typically dream symbols that indicate our path in life and they ask these questions of us:

• Is the path I walk congruent with my beliefs?
• How is my spiritual walk?
• How do I feel about the direction my life is taking?

I’ve written an interesting post on shoe symbolism and lore here.

That your slipper is buried may indicate there is neglect within an important aspect within your life-walk, or something that you may wish not to reveal to others. Alternatively, buried slippers may hint to a meditative state - a time of resting from action and contemplating the path you’ve strode thus far.

That there is only one slipper may indicate a sense of either incompleteness or a narrow minded approach to your life’s journey (only moving in one direction with resistance to other options).  One slipper may also indicate taking the first step as we see an aspect of number one in numerology deals with new beginnings.

Rubies - (including ruby colored shoes or ruby slippers) are symbolic of the passion that sparkles brightly within our selves. For many of us, the subconscious mind associates the ruby with life, passion, and action as it’s deep, rich color is linked with such primitive forces as blood and fire.

The dreaming mind’s reference to gems speaks of unlimited potential and our inherent ability to create exquisite beauty by working hard towards our heart’s goal. We gather this analogy from the back-breaking work in mining for gems, and then undertaking the arduous task of forming the gem into its finished faceted glory. This is analogous of the chiseling of the soul…chipping away at the superfluous parts of ourselves to retrieve our innate finery.

Offhandedly, does the Wizard of Oz have something to do with the symbolism of your ruby slipper? Is there some kind of symbolic archetype there that your subconscious is tapping into? Are you looking for a way back home (philosophically speaking)?

Bumble bees in dreams speak of:

• industry,
• action,
• communication, and
• our ability to consciously choose the results we want in our lives

Bees also point to spiritual gifts as we incorporate the treasures of (golden) honey as their industrious byproducts. When we dream of bees it may be an indication that we are ready to communicate our spiritual gifts, or perhaps we should more clearly recognize the treasure the resides within us.

That your bees are buried may indicate you’re holding yourself back, or your voice (communicating your needs) is stifled for whatever reason. Alternatively, buried bees may hint to a hibernation, a time of holding back in self-reflection and I speak more of this later.

Even the number of bees may assist in identifying what kind of concepts the subconscious (dreaming) mind is presenting. Three is symbolic of creativity, and joining together higher aspects to create a unified whole - an end product (whether it be wholeness, art, enlightenment, or accomplishing a goal). I’ve written more on the symbolic meaning of three here. - it might be worth a gander.

Shamans are archetypes of primitive power. These beings can breathe in-time with the pulse of the earth. Likewise they move in-step with the primal rhythm of the Mother (earth, that is). That he is summoning you may indeed be a literal translation - your higher self - or the part of you more in-tune with the Divine may be calling you forth on a new path (harkening back to the symbolic slipper).

This symbolism combined with the earth (in the burying bees & slipper) bring about an intuitive glimmer that speaks of needing to be more rooted in the core of your beliefs. I’m talking about anchoring, rooting, and becoming wholly centered within your own Source of power.

I’m particularly fascinated with the burying aspect of your dream - not only can this be symbolic of holding back, or covering up - it may also indicate a need to ferment, or a time of hopeful germination. Are there aspects of yourself that are still in development (like seeds buried in the ground waiting for the right time to spring forth)? Or, do you have ideas that need to compost a bit before you can develop them?

I hope these ideas give you a bit of a nudge in a direction that might help you apply more personal meanings to your dreams. I know you will be able to read this and weave many tapestries of personal understandings that will weave through your daily life.

I would encourage you to continue to develop your own understanding of the many aspects of your dream life and then lay these meanings on top of your life situation like a template.

By doing this we can see through the transparencies and begin to formulate meaningful insight into the greater context of our lives.

Thanks for posting your dream, and for allowing me to reflect upon it.

Namaste,

A.

Over the last few months, a community of brilliant bloggers (see list below) joined together to share viewpoints on various topics from their own perspective niche.

Mahud at the Sundoor to Yonder  was the first to launch the idea of “synchroblogging” amidst this special community of bloggers. 

To continue the momentum, I’m proposing our third consecutive (monthly) synchroblog. 

And the topic is (drum roll, please):

What do I mean by duality?  What are the mythological, spiritual, or symbolic implications posed by duality?  For example:

• Good - Evil
• Conscious - Unconscious
• Night - Day
• Male - Female
• Light - Dark
• Sun - Moon
• Up - Down
• Earth - Sky
• Black - White
• Hot - Cold

The possibilities are endless, as the concept of duality weaves itself infinitely throughout our specialized fields of knowledge (in our community’s case: myth, lore, spirituality, dreams, psyche, and uncommon esoteric genre). 

So, to all interested & participating bloggers, let your creative writing juices flow into the possibilities of the concept of duality within your chosen niche. Deadline for this post is May 1, 2008.

The synchroblogging invitation is extended to all those who were included in the previous posts (and a few new friends I’ve made along the way).  Here’s our list of invites: 

For those of you unfamiliar to the term, synchroblogging is when a group of bloggers get together to write on the same subject within their own realm of expertise.  

Traditionally, links to all participating bloggers are posted within each blog post.  You can see an example of my participation in previous sychroblogging events here and here. 

Synchroblogging is a great way to stimulate the community with new ideas, have fun, and enjoy other perspectives.

-Hope to see all of you participating, and remember the deadline for this synchroblog is May 1, 2008.

Blessings & Smiles,
A.

I received the following question via email:

“I am getting a chakra tattoo.  Is it ok to get the third eye chakra tattoo’ed on my wrist? I ask because the wrist is not where the actual third eye chakra is located in the body.  Am I going to mess something up if I get the tattoo there?  I really love the symbolism of this chakra and want it someplace I can see it all the time.”

I respond to this question about getting a chakra tattoo thusly:

Dear Indelible Ajna:

Have you ever seen the image “Oversoul” by Alex Grey?

Go to http://www.alexgrey.com/ (under “Paintings” then “Progress of the Soul” on the right menu to find “Oversoul”) or Google images for this magnificent painting by Alex Grey.

You will note in this painting the predominance & repitition of the eye theme.

There are philosophies that maintain every cell in our body is infused with the watchfulness that the Anja (Third Eye) chakra represents. 

This is a kind of observation that is powerful, spiritual, and outside of our form-based concept of reality.

You’re not the first to ask me about the protocol of getting a chakra tattoo  elsewhere on the body (not associated with that chakra).

My answer is always - it’s your decision.

Symbols…their meanings to us, what they represent, and what we do with them is all a very personal matter.

Furthermore, symbols (including chakra symbols) are languages to help us learn the truth about who we are. 

If a Third Eye chakra tattooed on your wrist brings you closer to the truth of who you are - then by all means, happy tattooing.

Light & love,

A.

I got the following question from a reader of my Symbols website:

“My neighbor suggested I have some sort of evil eye symbol placed on my doorway to my gallery, (I expect as a symbol for protection).  I feel the place is protected because I ask for protection.  What are your thoughts?”

My response:

I agree - our energy is protected (or otherwise) when we consciously choose to make it so…a physical symbol of our intent is unnecessesary.

Symbols are useless to us if we do not believe in their vibrational potentional.  Similarly, it is not the symbol that holds the power - it is the intelligence that holds the symbol that commands power.

In other words, the fire of human belief fuels the implied meaning of a symbol.

As you know, our ancestors used symbols frequently for drawing in or banishing various essences.  As humankind moves forward, we see these old ways dropping off more and more.  I think this is because humankind is beginning to understand the Hermetic axiom “As within, so without - As above so, so below.”

• Now it is no longer the symbol holding the power - it is US! 
• Now the esoteric art of symbolic interpretation is even more profound because it is our human heart that forms the meaning. 
• Now the symbol merely serves as a reminder to us of the attributes we embody, the ultimate reality of our infinite potential.

So what is our infinite potential? We can answer that with another question: What are the symbols we hold?  With what are we aligned?

This cycle of reason reminds me of: “Which came first - the chicken or the egg?” because our symbols can define us, or we can define them.

And then, for another philosophical turn in your question:  If you DO put an “evil eye” symbol above your doorway with intent for protection - does that not imply an existing level of UNprotection?

Meaning, if we feel we must have a symbol to protect us, then we are coming from a position that we are unprotected.  I propose that protection (from a symbol or otherwise) need not be an option, because we are already protected 100% and at all times (just as you said “I feel the place is protected because I ask for protection” - simple as that - done deal).

Let’s just say we wanted to put an intentional exclamation point at the end of your request for protection.  Fending off an evil with an evil eye is highly ineffective.  If a space resonates evil, it will draw unto itself the same resonance.

In essence, Evil Eye’s wink back to evil, and say “come hither.”  Whereas, something with the verities of purity, love, compassion would be more suitable.  Love always trumps.  I’ve written a summary that’s kind of an antithesis of the Evil Eye here.

And I love this question - it’s one I’ve given tremendous thought to because I’ve asked it of myself…thanks for indulging me the expression of these thoughts.

Brightest blessings to you,
AVenefica

I got a question about seeing symmetrical number sequences and its meaning.  For example, this person continually saw numbers in perfect beginning and ending sequences like: 1221, 707, 53035 (the same numbers at the beginning and ending of a series providing a symmetrical frame). 

She went on to tell me she was finishing up a book deal, and wanted to know if these number sequences had a meaning pertaining to this phase of her life.  My response follows:

Dear Digitally Mastered:

Congratulations on your book deal!

Does your numerical phenomenon have something to do with it?  I would say that what we observe in our physical reality is directly linked to what we’ve focused our attention upon in our non-physical reality.

Meaning, our external observations are mirrors of our most constant internal thoughts.

Numbers are the most responsive symbols to our vibratory energy because their own energy is simple, and consistent.

I’ve written a bit about this here:
Symbolic Numerology: Meaning of Same Sequence Numbers

The types of numbers you’ve described indicates an orderly mind-set. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that you take great measures to be orderly yourself, and partake in planning, organizing, and pay attention to fine details in your daily life.

A sequence of numbers that are framed with like numbers (i.e.18081 - with One’s being the frame in this instance) indicate a need for clean distinctions - a clearly defined beginning as well as a definitive ending.

I would look to the meanings of numbers for further information too. 

For example: “161″ might indicate a clear beginning of a project dealing with harmony and love (or a new relationship) that may only last for a certain period, ending as clearly as it began.  It may also indicate a need for action in relationships.

Here “6″ is symbolic of harmony and relationships.  “1″ is symbolic of new beginnings and action.  So, we can take the meaning of One as the frame or the settings of the stage - and the meaning of Six to be the player on that stage.

Finding the meaning of these numbers in your life depends upon your interpretation.  Once you begin to learn the basic core meaning of each prime number - begin to translate these meanings into your own life circumstances.

For example the core/base meaning of “4″ is about structure and stability. If you see many “4’s” in your life you may apply this to your life circumstances (do you have enough stability?  Too much?).

Then, take the meaning of each symmetrical number and frame it around the center numbers for a “big picture” meaning.  Then lay this upon your life circumstances as a template.

Working with number meanings is like putting a puzzle together….but once you have all the pieces in place the results in your understanding will be profound.

I’ve also written a post about seeing numbers in time that might be helpful:
Symbolic Meaning of Clock Faces and Seeing the Same Time

Brightest blessings to you,

A.Venefica

I’ve been asked about the symbolic meaning of the moth. 

 It took me a few days to really jive with this amazing creature, but once allowed access, I was given some incredible insights.  These (intense) thoughts can be seen here on my symbolic meaning of moth page. Here are some other observations:

Moths are nocturnal, and much of their symbolism deals with:

• Intuition
• Psychic perception
• Heightened awareness

Indeed, many people who are spiritual practitioners (particularly of an esoteric ilk) attract the moth as their animal totems. 

As if being a night-dweller weren’t enough, the moths are babes of the moon.  They follow the mother moon as a source of light, and this connects them with some powerful moon associations such as:

• Knowledge of the Otherworld
• Second sight
• Influence
• Prophesy
• Clarity

However, as I mentioned in my in-depth page on moth symbolism here, those of us who fly high with the moth must be mindful to not be too carried away by her influence.  Moon creatures such as moths ask us to have a firm foundation before lunar journeying. 

The moth expresses some tender vulnerabilities, which I’ve mentioned here. We may take this as a message to be open to our heightened spiritual experiences yet allow for adjustment and protection too.

Indeed, we find this theme of protection in the moth’s chrysalis.  Unlike her cousin, the butterfly (with whom the moth shares many symbolic attributes), the moth’s coccoon is like an internalized womb with a hard casing, allowing more protection against the elements.  (the butterfly has an externalized womb, more exposed and subjective to the environment).

This may be analogous of garnering protection for ourselves in our spiritual practices.  The moth reminds us to have a willing heart in our spiritual growth, but realize the heart is a treasure to be taken care of.  Part of this caretaking involves nurturing and protection during times of development.

I’ve written more about the moth’s message of balance, grounding and protection (particularly in terms of its attraction to light and flames) here.

As a dream symbol, the moth may be interpreted as a message to listen to our inner voice.  Dreaming of the moth may also indicate we are on the path to attracting love into our lives (see more about the moth and love symbolism here). 

Another dream animal aspect of the moth deals with influence.  Here, our dreaming mind may ask our waking mind what is it that rules our attention, or what are we allowing to overly influence us in our daily lives?
 
In superstition: A white moth is said to embody the soul of a loved one.  White being the symbolic color of purity of the soul, and the embodiment comes from an ancient idea that the night (realm of the moth) is a dwelling place for souls (in terms of the Underworld or Otherworld).

Another superstition connected to the moth is that when one is seen, an important letter or message will arrive (I have yet to find an origin for this one – if you know where this folk-myth came from, feel free to comment).

But don’t rely on superstition to receive an important message.  Take some time to connect with the moth…she may be a bit elusive at first, but she’s worth the persistence for the wisdom she imparts.

For more information on symbolic meaning of the moth click here.

Other insect totem information can be found here.

I’ve also written about other animal totems; a list can be found here.
 

A reader wrote to me saying she was seeing the same sequence numbers all the time. For example, she would see 111 on her digital clock, 444 on her parking ticket, 888 as her change back from a purchase, etc.

She was curious about the meaning of same sequence numbers, and asked my thoughts about the phenomenon, to which I respond:

Numbers have very clean energy. They are what they are - they are consistent and timeless.

This is why they are so great as oracles or messengers because they provide a foundation (i.e., A three will always mean the same. Likewise, an eight will always carry the same meaning too).

The only variables will be the context in which we observe these numbers. For example, our observation, thought, even our life situation is a variable against the structural foundation of numbers.

Numbers are made of energy - just like you and me.

It is my belief we coax experiences to us. Meaning, your 111’s, 222’s, 333’s, etc. come about due to a specific energetic frequency you are emitting these numbers find attractive. Like a magnet, they are drawn to you.

We might even say our own deeper selves are serving as ventriloquists - speaking out an energetic echo that is returned to us. These echo messages often come to us in numbers BECAUSE numbers are so clean, simple, and universal. Whereas other energetic systems might be more difficult for our every-day-consciousness to pickup & interpret.

When we see the same number repeated, it often indicates an ordering in our lives. A desire, thought or will to have more order and organization in our lives.

On the flipside, I’ve also had people tell me repeated numbers come to them when they are trying to over-control the situation, and they’ve interpreted the recurring repetition as a message to let go, or surrender to a situation in which they have no real control.

Same number sequences also speak to us of repetition. It brings to mind the adage “practice makes perfect.” Repeated numbers sometimes come to us as a message telling us we must not give up on our mission, we must endeavor to persevere.

Repeating numbers are also an emphasis of the original meanings. For example, if you see repeating 1’s this energy is asking you to bring home, or center upon the meaning of the prime number (one).

You can look at some basic meanings of numbers on my website here where I have the prime meanings listed: http://www.whats-your-sign.com/spiritual-meaning-of-numbers.html

I’ve also started an intensive study on prime numbers here: http://www.tarotteachings.com/meaning-of-numbers.html

That you are seeing three of these numbers in a row suggests a desire to express creativity, as the number three is about creative flow, reproduction, and manifesting results in our lives by combining our creative talents.

Three’s repeated in same number sequences (like you’ve indicated: 111, 222, 777, etc.) also serves as a calling out for us to culminate our energies into one driving force. Three is a special sequence - it presents a center core with two supporting elements (think triangle).

Therefore, sequences of three may be asking you (the core) to incorporate support (side elements) in your endeavors. 

It is important for you to know these are just suggestions and ideas. Even the website references I’ve given you are merely pointers in a direction.

Only you are able to interpret the meaning properly. Use these suggestions as a loose guide until you work with these numbers to the point in which you’ve satisfied your own curiosity.

How can you work with numbers to reveal their personal meaning for you? Here are some ideas:

• Draw them
• write them
• journal them
• paint them
• sing them
• dance out numbered rhythms
• drum their rhythms
• find them in the clouds
• observe them in the Tarot
• count them out in your M&M’s or cornflakes
• speak them
• count backwards
• breathe in number patterns
• count stitches (yes, like needlepoint)
• randomly open your favorite book & observe the number page for assistance in meaning.

In all of these activities, be mindful of each number. Be present to each moment and be with each number wholly. Answers will come when we are diligent, willing, and still enough to listen.

My light and best wishes to you.
A.Venefica