A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

I was recently asked about the various ways I read numbers for my clients. 

Here I respond, using the meaning of number 22 as an example.

Dear Numerically Curious:

When I offer numerology consultations , I look at all universal clues from as many perspectives as I am able.

So - to answer your question in the case of 22 I would:

• Look at the significance as 22 as a whole
• Look at the significance of 22 reduced (4)
• Then look at the significance that four split (yet another two)
• Understand this is a “master” number in numerology because it is a repeating double digit.  In this instance, the vibrational frequency of the prime number doubles in power. 
• View the number artistically, as a visual whole (two’s have a crooked feel with a straightening out that indicates initial rocky life paths with a likelihood of eventual evening or balancing out).
• Call upon other symbol resources such as the Tarot for more intuitive insight.  In this case, you may consider the Priestess as she is the second archetype featured in the major arcana.
• Draw the number. I’m often drawing the number repeatedly while consulting with my clients. I find this enhances my intuition more and allows for more creative interpretations. 

I would also take into account the ruling planet for two’s which is Saturn - this tells me there is a tendency for creativity, passionate behavior, and even though order is driving priority - there is much learning and expression to be gained while using the Right (creative) brain.

If there was more knowledge needed, I would take the entire my client’s birth-date and reduce it getting the resonating birth number. In your case this is 3.  This confirms the creativity drawn from Saturn, as you know, three’s deal with creativity.  Seems you have a knack for pulling things together out of thin air - making things happen - creating quite a bit from nothing, so to speak.

Numbers also correspond with sounds, even numbers represent major chords (open, harmonious) and odd numbers represent minor chords (clenched, seeking resolution). 

I’ve even been known to check out the elemental periodic table for guidance (no kidding).  In this case, 22 indicates the atomic number for Titanium.  Researching the properties of this metal further confirms attributes of durability, flexibility, and diversity found in the realm of two’s.

I think you get the idea - I use whatever tools I have available to me to help those who need a little additional insight about the spiritual meaning of their numbers.

I’ve been asked on several occasions what dreaming of money means, to which I respond:

Before delving into what dreaming of money means, it should be clear that we all have different perspectives and interpretations of symbols in our lives and dreams.  This means that the standard/common dream interpretations about money may differ from your own viewpoint. 

As always, I believe this is a good thing.  This allows each of us to take a personal, participatory stance on what our dream symbols mean to us in relation to our lives and reality.

Below I provide you with some common dream symbol interpretations.  Ultimately you will have to decide for yourself what your money dream means to you and your life situations.

The most obvious interpretations of dreaming of money deals with:

• wealth
• finances
• provision
• security
• comfort
• freedom

However it is little known that dreaming of money also relates to:

• sexuality
• dominance
• control
• libido
• passion

Often, dreaming of money indicates our minds are preoccupied with the need for comfort.  This is largely because the human race has long associated currency with safety (homes to live in) and provision (all needs met) these feelings translate to our level of comfort.

Dreaming of money may also indicate your level of energy.  Just as we store money in banks, we can also associate this storage/spending/receiving analogy with our energy.  In this instance, when we dream of money we might ask ourselves the following questions for more clarity from our subconscious:

• Is my emotional energy drained?
• At what levels can I mark my mental and physical energy?  High? Low?
• What can I do to increase my energy levels?
• What can I do to conserve energy in my life?

Dreaming of winning money can be commonly attributed to feeling as though you are coming into a point of power, strength and virility in your life.  It is the feeling of being “on top of the world” that the subconscious is associating to your life experience. 

Losing money in a dream can mean the opposite.  It may indicate that you are in a situation where you feel a little clammy about things, a little unsure and lacking confidence.

Again, these are merely common interpretations.  Ultimately dream symbols are quite personal and vary depending upon the dreamer and his/her life situations.

The symbolic meaning of the Raven in Native American Indian lore describes the raven as a creature of metamorphosis, and symbolizes change/transformation.

In some tribes, the Raven is considered a trickster because of its transforming/changing attributes.

Often honored among medicine & holy men of tribes for its shape-shifting qualities, the Raven was called upon in ritual so that visions could be clarified.  Native holy men understood that what the physical eye sees, is not necessarily the truth, and he would call upon the Raven for clarity in these matters.

Foremost, the Raven is the Native American bearer of magic, and a harbinger of messages from the cosmos.  Messages that are beyond space and time are nestled in the midnight wings of the Raven and come to only those within the tribe who are worthy of the knowledge.

The Raven is also called upon in Native ritual for healing purposes. Specifically, the Raven is thought to provide long-distance healing.

The Raven is also a keeper of secrets, and can assist us in determining answers to our own “hidden” thoughts.  Areas in our lives that we are unwilling to face, or secrets we keep that harm us - the Raven can help us expose the truth behind these (often distorted) secrets and wing us back to health and harmony.

See also: Feather Symbolism in Native American Indian lore

I often get requests from folks wanting symbols for survivor.  The following is my response to one such request:

Dear One Day @ a Time:

As I often explain, symbols such as these are vast and vague simply because of the countless cultures who view the concept of “survivor” differently.  

Ideally, I would encourage you to determine your own personal symbol that encapsulates the meaning of survivor to you.  Ultimately this approach will lead you to the most appropriate and powerful symbol for you.

That said, the following are a few common symbols for survivor:

The kangaroo & panda have long been ancient animal symbols of survival because of the overwhelming odds their offspring endure in order to become adults. Born a fraction of the adult size & incredibly vulnerable, the kangaroo & panda youth double their status of endurance as they must endure a long trek upon the mother’s body in order to reach her nutrients.  For them, it is truly a matter of will in order for their survival.

Polar bears are also symbols of survivor and endurance as they all most overcome seemingly insurmountable odds just to survive in their environment. Their ability to be resourceful, and reserve their energy is legendary. They seem to carry with them a sixth sense - that of survival instinct - moreso than most species of the animal kingdom.

Outside of the animal kingdom - we turn to fauna for inspiration on your symbol.  The oak tree has long been a symbol of longevity, strength, endurance as survival.  This strain of tree is long-standing - roots delving deep and holding fast to their stance - never loosening - even under the mightiest forces that nature can dish out.  The oak is a solid symbol of perserverance against all odds.

Another such symbol is that of the bamboo - Bamboo is a Chinese symbol for longevity and endurance because of its durability, strength, flexibility and resilience. It survives in the harshest conditions, and seems to endure through all the brutalities presented by harsh environmental conditions - it is ever diligent to standing tall, and staying green year-round. Its flexibility and adaptability are a considered life-lessons among the Chinese to be go with the flow rather than be inflexible (for to be inflexible cause breakage).  Another tid-bit on bamboo: Feng Shui practitioners recommend putting bamboo plants in the front of your home to assure long life for all those who dwell there.

Many people have told me they use Tarot symbolism in life-survival situations.  Specifically, while in the midst of struggle, carrying the Tarot card of Strength with them instills a sense of peace combined with strength.  For these people it represents surviving while accepting their circumstances.

If you are looking for a specific graphic symbol - you might consider Adinkra symbols.  These are symbols from the west Africa region.

Here is a link to two resources of Adinkra symbols that represent “survivor” . I did some follow-up, the symbols are valid:

The Adinkra symbol for Hyew

The Adinkra symbol for Aya (shown upper left)

I hope you have found this information useful on your journey.

There are hundreds of Native American tribes who have evolved and developed their beliefs and rituals over the span of hundreds of years.  This being the case, it is difficult to pin point one single, specific meaning of feathers to Native Americans.

However, I have read legends in which the Hopi used turkey feathers in various symbolic placements and rituals.  The number of Turkey feathers used is four.  The Turkey is a symbol of the wildness of the Earth, and the number four represents the four winds.  Together, this is a symbolic message that the Earth is a wildnerness that man can never control.

I also know that the Sioux would use feathers in headdresses (reserved for the higher-minded or wiser souls, tribe noblemen, soothsayers, etc).  Twenty eight feathers were used in Sioux crowning rituals.  Twenty eight is sacred to the Sioux to represent the life of the Moon breathes within a span of twenty eight days.  There are also twenty eight ribs within the cage of the Buffalo, which was/is sacred to this tribe.

Also among the Sioux, the Eagle (specifically, the Golden Eagle) was a sacred symbol, and twelve of her feathers were used in ritual, ceremonial events to signify the number of months in the year as well as the twelve symbolic rays of the sun.

Other information on feathers:

Symbolic Meaning of Finding Feathers on Your Path

Symbolic Meaning of Feathers (general/cultural)

I get many emails on how to balance the chakras.  There are many ways, but the following is my response offering two different ways I use to balance chakras through symbolic visualization:

Two methods of balancing chakras through symbolic visualization

I find the best way to balance the chakras is to visually meditate upon them.  Find some good illustrations of them and picture each chakra in your mind.

Now…visualize each center lotus within the chakra as a pinwheel…spinning and moving.  When you are in tune to the being that is you - you will notice some of the “pinwheels” in your chakras are moving faster than others.  For example, when I first started this excercise, I noticed my solar plexus chakra was moving very slowly, yet my crown chakra was spinning wildly. This is an indication of an imbalance.

The object of this practice is to maintain all your chakras spinning at about the same rate…and this should be a smooth steady pace…as if the loving universe is the calm wind, gently turning your pinwheels in a peaceful easy rhythm.

You see?

Another separate practice I enjoy is to focus on the colors of the chakras. Also while meditating…go through each of the chakras and focus on the color of each.  Feel the color, taste it, hear it…what does the color of the heart (green) chakra feel like?  Taste like?  Sound like?  Imagine that every cell in your body is flooded with the color.  Your blood is the color of the chakra (this gets kind of trippy with the blue throat chakra…or any of them that is not what the mind typically considers the red color of our blood)…visualize your hair, nails, and teeth the color of the chakra…BE the color of each chakra.  Go through each chakra color, practicing the experience of each color. 

You will find after awhile you will become more intimate with the concept…the feeling of each chakra…their purpose, and prime essence…this, in turn, will enable you to more easily go about the business of balancing them.  You will find as you learn and understand more about your chakras - you will begin to instantly be aware when one or several are out of balance.

Symbolic meaning of the Ladybug:

Perhaps best known as an emblem of luck.  When a Ladybug lands on you, it is said your wish will come true.

Asian traditions hold to the belief that if caught and then released, the Ladybug will faithfully fly to your true love and whisper your name in his/her ear. Upon hearing the Ladybug’s message your true love will hurry his/her way to your side.

In Ireland, the Ladybug is said to be a symbol of protection.

Ancient farmers of the land have considered the Ladybug a good omen as she controls aphid populations.

As a love symbol, this insect totem has been the subject of many wive’s tales in which the number of spots on a Ladybug’s back is said to indicate the number of months to pass before the wish for love comes true.

The symbolic meaning of number 30 deals with explosive creativity and discovery.   We derive deeper meaning from thirty when we break down the whole number into separate parts.

Starting with the symbolic meaning of threes which deal with:

• new ideas
• advancement
• expansive development

Also, threes deal with partnerships that lead to new births (of ideas, directions, motives, etc.).

This comes from the concept of 1 + 1 = a third (3) party; reflecting past - present - future as well as mother - father - child (see more about the triad concept on my Triskelion Celtic Symbol Meanings page).

When we combine the three with the power of ten - all these attributes are amplified into the whole number. 

By itself, the symbolic meaning of number 10 holds a ideas of:

• completion
• unification
• settling into a place of royal comfort.

The consistent & repetitive presence of the number thirty in your life is a message that new, brilliant and creative directions are coming into your life.  Always good luck sign - the 30 is telling you that great things are coming your way.

I got an email from someone wanting to know the symbolic meaning of black rabbits, as she kept seeing two of them on her front porch.  She specifically wanted to know if the color black was significant in this case.  My response follows:

Dear Black Hare Beauty: 

Yes, the coloring in animals that cross our path is very important.

Black colored animals typically call out to our deeper feelings - as they are dark - they symbolize the shadows of our thoughts, the “nighttime” of our minds - the dreams we keep tucked away from the forefront of our everyday thoughts.

Rabbits are symbolic of:

• family
• community
• awareness
• caution
• curiosity

Perhaps your two black rabbits are sending you a message to be more reserved (behind the shadows) in your dealings with others.

Or perhaps, they’ve crossed your path to let you know that the power in ourselves is sometimes found in the most unexpected (night/dark/black) places.

Black is also a symbol of silence, perhaps your rabbit friends are trying to tell you to take assurance and peace in your own stillness…silence may be the best answer.

The specific number (two) may also bear a message as symbolic meaning of two’s deal with balance, choice, judgment, relationship.  Perhaps this is a message for balance for you, or clarifying the point in which you might be of “two minds” about a decision or issue in your life.

These are some very basic/common generalities about the symbolic meaning of black rabbits.  Ultimately it is YOU who must decide what their appearances mean to you.  Adopting animal symbolism to enhance our own personal perspective is the goal here.

I would encourage you to meditate upon these two black rabbits when they come to visit you.  Often, animals are just as willing to speak with us as we are to learn from them.  We must simply be open to their communications. 

One of my readers asked me about the meaning of Native American starburst symbols, to which I respond here:

Multiply the hundreds of Native tribes, by the hundreds of eras of their existence, by the hundreds of regions they have inhabited, by the hundreds of artistic renditions of the Native starburst motif, by the hundreds of interpretations of that starburst pattern designated by each tribe…this may explain some of the difficulties in narrowing down one meaning to a single starburst symbol for which you seek.

However, here are a few meanings: 

Many (plains tribes) Native American starburst are simple triangles formed around a circle.  Within the circle is usually depicted a stick figure of a man or animal to symbolize strength, courage and virility.

The starburst symbolism for many tribe deals with cosmic union - and man’s strength derived from such connection.

Algonquin and Arapaho would often draw these starburst patterns as a record of dreams or vision quests.  They were also drawn in manhood rituals - a right of manhood - coming of age ceremony.