A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

I’ve gotten a few questions surrounding the symbolic meaning of the penny, specifically the symbolic meaning of finding pennies on our paths.  I respond thusly:

Dear Heads or Tails:

Consider the penny as a symbol of beginnings as it holds the vibration of number One. 

The meaning of One primarily deals with strong will, positivity, pure energy.  The number One reflects new beginnings, and purity. The symbolic meaning of the penny (number One) is further clarified when we understand that One represents both kinds of action, physical and mental.

This combined with the One’s urgency for new beginnings, we intuit number One to mean it is time to exert our natural forces, take action, and start a new venture. Numeral One gives us encouragement that our actions will be rewarded in kind.

Appropriate to the theme of new beginnings, we see Abraham Lincoln depicted on this currency.  This is symbolic of founding fathers concept, and deals with foundational thoughts & constructs.  Pulled more deeply in the meaning, we can say that seeing pennies (particularly heads-up) is a message for us to re-evaluate our founding beliefs.  We may ask ourselves what core beliefs do we have, and are they serving us appropriately?

Copper also holds a symbolic resonance (at least when they were primarily made of copper prior to 1982) with the astrological signs of Sagittarius and Taurus - you can investigate the attributes of these signs for further symbolism here.

Copper is also considered a solar emblem, and corresponds with the radiant features of the sun.  This combined with a myriad of other meanings, the symbolic meaning of the penny deals with bright ideas, fresh perspectives, and incorporating these new thoughts with our existing framework.  By combining the old with the new we find our lives expanded and new directions to our path.

Many cultures have a five-fold symbol, and with each culture, there are different rules.

A more robust understanding of this symbol can be obtained by investigating the meaning of number five itself (here). The meaning of numbers give us powerful insight into the nature of symbolism, and the number five is deals with expansion, integration, and synchronistic journeying to higher understanding.

I have an explanation of the five-fold on my Celtic symbols pages - here is a link to Celtic five-fold symbol (sixth symbol from the top).

Another five-fold symbol is found in alchemy - here is a link to this alchemical five-fold symbol meaning: (refer to the “Quincunx” entry).

You might want to read the “Pentacle” entry on this page too - as this is another powerful cultural five-fold symbol. 

When considering the Pentacle, you may also want to consider consider DaVinci’s Vitruvian Man - on which a five-fold star is superimposed. As humans are in much the same shape as the star - the five points symbolize the five senses of humans….the circle around the Pentacle is symbolic of the Divine - the higher energy that encircles us - connects us and protects us.

The ancient Asian cultures were big into tying knots and/or depicting images in a five-fold pattern to represent the following:

The Five Happinesses:
The following are the “five happinesses;” ancient Chinese symbols depicted in their art and culture. They are considered emblems of good luck & joy.  They are:

• Shou (longevity symbol)
• Ch’i Lin (chimera)
• Lung (dragon)
• Fen Huang (phoenix)
• Ju-I (scepter)

The Five Noble Strengths:
In the Kung-fu tradition, students are required to learn the five noble five animal forms representing nobility, strength, wisdom and responsibility. They are:

• Crane
• Tiger
• Leopard
• Dragon
• Snake

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

• Effort
• Memory
• Faith
• Concentration
• Wisdom

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

• Speech
• Mind
• Body
• Wisdom
• Bliss

Christianity utilized a five-fold pattern called the Five Sacred Wounds (here is a link to an artistic rendition of this symbol).  This symbol dates back to the Middle ages and honors the sacrifice the Christ made through crucifixion at Calvary - depicting the five mortal wounds he endured.

In Islam the five-fold symbol is expressed in the Hand of Fatima which is a symbol of spiritual power, strength, domination, and protection. The Hand of Fatima (Muhammad’s daughter) is worn as a good luck symbol in Islam - each finger representing an attribute :

1. Faith
2. Prayer
3. Pilgrimage
4. Charity
5. Fasting

As you can see the five-fold symbol is found in countless varieties, in countless forms, with countless meanings.  Take the time to relate to this symbol and all its implications.  Devote a personal study to it - your results will be well worth your investment.

I got a message from a reader who kept seeing the number 717, to which I respond:

Dear Suddenly Sevens, 

The beauty of numbers is that you can look at them in so many different ways.

Another amazing feature of numbers is that they line up with our own vibrational frequency - we are like magnets to their vibration - we attract them into our lives.

You can see your 717 any many ways.

Add them up & reduce (which is common practice in numerology) to get 7+1+7=15 reduce 1+5=6.  Therefore, here the prime number meaning is Six: Six represents balance & truth. 

Or - you can pick out the predominant number of the sequence, which is Seven: Representative of esoteric knowledge. Seven’s deal with the activation of imagination and awareness.

Another way of looking at the sequence is seeing it visually - the power of Seven on either side of the number One.  One’s deal with new beginnings, and purity.  More on meaning of one here.

If you look at the attributes of the number Seven and apply it to the One - you could say that you are in the process of beginning artistic endeavors (first Seven) you are are pure in your commitment (middle One) and you shall end your endeavor with a better understanding and higher awareness (last Seven in the sequence).

I also like to encourage people who see number sequences to draw the numbers - play with them artistically - you can draw or visualize the sequence as a gate (the two Seven’s on either side of the One - hinging open into a new begining) contemplate the various symbolic representations this number sequence can provide.

When we let our minds relax, and just play with the numbers, encourage our minds to dream of them before falling asleep, paint them, write about them, meditate upon them - answers inevitably come to us.  Approach your sequence in new & creative ways - you’ll be amazed by the answers and inspirations you will receive.

I got an email from my Tarot website  asking me for advice about setting on “the path” to psychic development.  This person was frustrated and overwhelmed with her progress in advancing her knowledge & psychic abilities. I responded thusly:

Dear Seeker, 

You’re right, there IS much more to learn.  Our learning is infinite - we’ll never “learn it all” because the nature of the universe is ever-changing.

You are acknowledging your gifts, and increasing your awareness through books & Tarot - this is excellent.  We can only progress on our path when we continue to take steps forward (even if they seem like small ones).

Each path is different, so I cannot say what will help you on your path.

I can share a few things I’ve learned on my path (not in order of importance):

• Meditate, meditate, meditate
• Know yourself
• Never give up
• Live with compassion in your heart (for self & others)
• Be patient
• Stay in the present moment - present awareness
• Question everything to your satisfaction
• Read, research, study…the path of knowledge never ends
• When in doubt, go within (seek answers within yourself, not outside of yourself)
• Meditate (I know I mentioned it already - but it’s really important)

These are a few states of being & thinking that have served me the most along the way. 

Have I mastered these or any other techniques?  Nope.  Not even after 20 years of thinking about this kind of stuff. 

I’m not yet convinced that mastery is available to humans.  If I adhere to the belief of the universe as ever-changing (and I do), this would discourage the concept of mastery because as soon as knowledge is achieved on one level the construct changes - thus requiring a new perspective and a re-investment in learning.

This is a big pressure release.  It takes the goal away, and leaves us to simply be as we are - beautiful beings with incredible power - expanding and growing all the time (hmmmm, just like the universe, eh?). 

But I digress (as I often do on this subject)….back to your comment: 

Helping others with your psychic ability is certainly admirable; it’s also a massive responsibility.  It requires daily practice as well as faith, discipline, love, patience and equanimity of mind.  It also requires a commitment & a devotion to yourself as well as all of life.  And these elements are required at all times (not just in the beginning as you are learning, and not even after 100 years of learning & practice). 

Go within.  You are beautiful & divine.  You are also your best source of information.  That’s a promise.

With highest regard & blessings to you,
A. Venefica

www.TarotTeachings.com
A Guide to the Tarot

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

www.AVenefica.WordPress.com
My Symbol Meanings Blog

“You are your own finest design and made more brilliant by engaging in the art of self-expression.”  ~Me.

“There is only one guaranteed no-risk, high-yield investment, and that is SELF-investment.” ~Me.

A reader of mine purchased a piece of jewelry (shown left) because she was drawn to it.  She did not, however, know the full extent of its symbolism.  She asked for my assistance - to which I respond:

Some may call this the Star of David - or the Magen David (Shield of David), and may recognize it as one of the most common signs of Judaism.  It derives its association with David because he bore this symbol on his shield when he faced Goliath - the symbol has since been affiliated with victory and strength.

However - there is much more to this symbol than that.

This is also an alchemical emblem with some heavy meanings.

Made of two interlocking triangles, this symbol represents the union of opposites.  The top point of the triangle symbolizes fire and the downward triangle symbolizes water.  Alchemists believed that if two opposing forces were joined, in shrowded terminology, transmutation occurs in which ”common metal” is transformed into gold.  This is of course analogous with man’s philosophical allowance of the combination of opposites thus enhancing his path to enlightenment.

This symbol has long been used by alchemists as a protective, magical emblem.

I’d like you to pay close attention to the threes - there is a triangle in the center as well as a triskele revolving around that.  This is symbolic of change, revolution - and incorporates the creative vibration that the power of three’s represent. I’ve written a piece on the power of the triad/triskelle , it’s meanings.

This star symbol is also found in the heart chakra within the Eastern Indian philosophy.  The heart chakra facilitates  Protection, love, harmony, and connection. When we focus on our heart chakra is releases the fear of rejection and augments energies of love and compassion.  For more information on chakras, you can view my chakra page .

Also in this culture (Hindu/Eastern Indian) the upward triangle of this symbol represents Shiva - the supreme reality - and the male force principle.  The downward triangle represents Shakti - the objective universe - and the female principle.

The thorns on your symbol are symbolic of the trials and tribulations that we as humans are apt to suffer as we attempt to find balance in all six prime areas of our life:

• Soul,
• Spirit,
• Intellect,
• Emotion,
• Divinity, and
• Relationship. 

In all six of these areas we will inevitably fell the pricks of the thorns of learning upon our path.  However, with the thorns, we gain strength in each lesson - our being progresses and evolves with each lesson learned.

Note here that even the spiritual meaning of number six holds symbolic importance as it represents tolerance, truth, balance, love, justice, sincerity.

When wearing this symbol, it serves as a reminder that you are a Spiritual being in a physical body and it is your destiny to find balance as such.  This symbol will serve as a protective amulet against wayward thinking, and idle beliefs that tend to lead you off your path of right-mindedness.  This symbol also serves as a reminder that with the thorns comes strength and perseverance as you make your way into this physical world with a spirit of love in your heart.

A reader of mine asked me about Shinto symbol meanings.  Specifically, had a piece of jewelry upon which a dragon and a shrine were impressed.  Below is my repsonse to his question about these Shinto symbol meanings:

Dear Seeker,

The native religion of Japan, Shinto translated means “the way of the gods.”   It is an ancient & complex religion, and as such, it should be resepected by devoting ample investigation into its complexities. 

Here I am giving you a brief explanation according to my personal understanding of Shintoism.  To really experience the richness of this faith, I would encourage you to examine Shintoism for yourself to provide more meaning within your own personal reality.

That said, at the center of the Shinto belief system are divine beings or forces in nature called “kami.”

According to Shinto belief, the universe is saturated with sacred spirits (called kami) - some of these even serve as Shinto deities.  The world of the kami may also have other inhabitants such as impressive natural objects (rocks, trees, waters), as well as creatures of nature, people and ancestors.

Great festivals are held in honor of various kami and all through Japan one will see countless shrines (structures called “torri” - image shown above) to honor and worship various kami.

Your piece of jewelry shows a Shinto dragon (a kami) on one side  and the symbol on the other side is a shrine (a torri) to honor the dragon kami.

The torri are thought of as gateways.  Torri symbolize a separation between the high-vibrational energy (sanctity) of the kami world and the lower vibration of the mundane world.

Each kami represents different attributes. 

Your dragon kami represents:

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

The torri on the other side of the ring symbolizes the gateway - the entrance into which you are capable of walking through in order to access the attributes of the noble dragon kami.

We enter the torri by first bowing in respect to the universal forces (the kami).  This sets our essence into a framework of honor, wonder and stillness as we begin to step into the realm of infinite possibilities.

The kami and torri are fantastic symbols that we can use to enhance our evolution and even aid us on the path of enlightenment.  The Shinto were very much aware of this, and as such, still incorporate such symbols in art and jewelry today.

 In closing - these are only my personal interpretations.  You must comit yourself to the study of this vastly colorful belief system yourself in order to derive your own more intimate understandings.

I often get the question: “how do I go about finding my animal totem?” or “what is my animal sign?” 

The answers are as many as the number of paths we take to find ourselves, but the following is my response to finding your animal totem … it might narrow down the search .

There are many ways to identify ourselves with specific totems, and most people want the quick/easy way.  Here are a few:

Most obvious ways to obtain our animal totems are to consult various zodiac sources.  The Chinese have their own animals for the zodiac.  Click here for Chinese zodiac animal information. 

Or, we may also consult the common Native American zodiac   for determining our animal totems.

Legend has it that the ancient Celts would adopt animals according to the season in which he/she was born (this was particularly useful in indicating newborn male children predispositioned to be warriors). 

The Bull is the sign of Summer.
The Cat the sign of Winter.
The Dog is the sign of Spring. 
The Goose the sign of Fall. 

You can discover these and Celtic animal symbol meaning on my symbols website. 

These are quick/easy ways of finding animal energy that resonates with your own. 

However,  I would encourage you to open communication with the animal realm.  Invest the time to meditate and contemplate, and really reach out to the realm of animal spirit.  You will find that these animals are quite willing to communicate with and, and their knowledge is profound.  It’s worth the time you invest.

Furthermore, we find that animals are willing to share their attributes and wisdom with us out of an innate knowledge that this will both benefit ourselves, and will benefit the animal kingdom. 

We take take all these paths and more to determine our animal totems.  Ultimately, however it is up to us to open ourselves to the natural realm.  Finding our animal totem is a mutual process between you and the animal/natural world.  It takes time, meditation, soul-searching, and a clear understanding who we are in relation to our planet. 

Yes, it is a big deal.  Taking up union with an animal energy is something quite larger than just flippantly claiming an elephant as one’s totem.  It is about honor, awareness and devotion to both self & the natural world.

Find more information on identifying animal totems here.

I hope this helps you in your search to obtain that which you seek. 

Attributes & symbolic meanings of the hawk:

• Attention
• Vision
• Power
• Energy
• Leadership
• Intensity

We take these indications from observing the hawk in nature.  Here we see the hawk has tremendous vision.  Their eyesight is phenomenal and a key factor in their incredible hunting abilities.  Here the hawk is a message for us to keep our eyes (both physical & spiritual) keen on the areas that most require our attention.  Specifically, the hawk beckons us to hone our focus on the areas that are out of balance in our lives.  Recognition is the first step to solution.

We derive the essence of power, energy and intensity just by visually appreciating the hawk.  Consider its powerful beak and impressive talons.  It’s steely stare and intense focus also contribute to the aura of power the hawk holds.  As such, the hawk asks us to be aware of the power each of us has over others.  Further, we must each respect our potential positions of authority (leadership) and honor all those with whom we interact.  It is abhorrent to the hawk’s spirit when we are careless with our power (or worse, dominating, arrogant or mean) when dealing with others. 

Furthermore, the hawk is a solar animal which makes it kin to all the attributes summed up by fire and sun.  Attributes such as brilliance, clarity, energy, and unification.

In dreams, hawks represent our yearning for freedom and clarity and is often considered a message from the subconscious to use our intellectual power to obtain the freedom we desire in lives.

I’ve been asked on more than one occasion for a symbol representing the Celtic Tara landmark and/or a Celtic symbol for beauty held in this place.  The following is my response:

The area of Tara (shown upper left) that is commonly referred to as a symbol of Tara itself.  This lemniscate-like design is formed by trenches or moat-like formatations outlining the Hill of Tara. 

This landscape design can certainly be used to represent this place of power.  Other Celtic symbol sthat represents beauty pertaining to Tara are found below.

Celtic Tara is the place of great brilliance, wisdom, and power as it was the ancient home of the Celtic kings.  It was also thought to be a portal for cosmic forces - as such, the location itself represents vision and great strength.

This in mind, we can turn to two Celtic systems of symbolic language for symbolic representations:  The Ogham and Rune systems are quite helpful in lending symbolism to the phenomenon of Tara (and beauty).

 The Ogham can provide many symbolic images for us as we seek depth in our world.  As you may know, the Ogham is the ancient Celtic art of divination using the poetic language of trees.

The Luis (its Ogham symbol & natural likeness shown left) is a radiant representation of beauty and vision. The Luis (of the Rowan tree) produces the fruit of the Gods in Celtic legend, and emits a power of strength, courage, and protection to all who bear its symbol. Noble, sturdy and divine, the Luis is also symbolic of steady wisdom and honor.  It is also a symbol of classic, timeless beauty.  These qualities and it’s growth in the Tara region make the Luis an excellent symbolic conveyance. 

Next we can consider symbolism of the rune system.  Although Nordic in origin, many Celtic tribes adopted the runes in their symbolic language as well as used them in their divining needs.

The Ing rune (shown left) is the Accomplishment rune and is quite suitable for representation of Tara and/or beauty as it was a revered symbol among kings and queens alike.  This is due to the fact that this rune is/was seen as a symbol of good fortune it is also a symbol of wise judgements, turning points, patience, decisions, renewal, as well as nobility.  The Ing is also symbolic of meeting challenges (as Celtic warriors are apt to do) head-on, and dealing with these challenges with strength as well as diplomacy.  Foremost, it is a symbol of serenity and calm mind which and ultimately a symbol of quite force of beauty and strength…the very concepts that are the embodiment of Tara.

The symbolic meaning of Christmas trees originates in pagan culture where the evergreen represents life, rebirth, and stamina needed to endure the winter months.

Scandinavian and Norse traditions honored the winter solstice (December 25) by decorating evergreens.  At this time fir trees were also burned to commemorate the life that stirs even in the most frigid grips of winter.  These traditions also marked the end of the old year and the beginning of a new year.

Pagan lore indicates the time between December 25 until about early-mid January are some of the coldest days of the year.  It was believed evil spirits were at their strongest during these months.  To thwart the nasties, evergreens were brought into the home as symbols of protection.  These evergreens were alight with candles, the idea here was to “light up” the darkest, coldest conditions and thereby shoo away naughty spirits. 

 It wasn’t until about the nineteenth century that we find Christianity absorbing the bright, cheery symbolism of the Christmas tree.  The Christians had long held the fir as a symbol of the Tree of Life.  Early Christians knew their symbolism well, as they added candles and apples to their Christmas firs.  These candles represented the light of Christ.  The apples symbolized knowledge which spawned man’s original sin according to Christian belief.  Here we see the light of Christ absolving the “fall of man” within the immortal symbol of the Christmas tree.