A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

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.
 

The symbolism of wisteria deals with:

• Honor
• Memory
• Patience
• Endurance
• Longevity
• Exploration
• Creative expansion
• Releasing burdens
• The duality of love
• Victory over hardship

In matters of love we see the wisteria’s appearance in the 1820’s Japanese kabuki drama Fuji Musume (Wisteria Maiden).  The Wisteria Maiden is depicted in a painting holding a wisteria branch, until one day she becomes smitten with a young man and steps out of the painting in an effort to capture his attention.  Unfortunately, her attempts are futile – her loves goes unrequited, and she sorrowfully steps back into the two-dimensional world of her lonely painting…still holding her weeping wisteria.

Here the symbolism of wisteria speaks of love lost, but also of the ability for the heart to endure in spite of rejection.  In other words, here the weeping wisteria expresses sorrow – but it is also an incredibly durable vine, able to live (even flourish) through mistreatment and harsh conditions.

We see more duality in love symbolism from the Victorian era, in which the language of flowers was quite intricate.  The symbolism of wisteria in this age dealt a warning of clinging love – an understanding that love is the fruit, but our obsession with it will be as choking as the vine.

Wisteria blossoms, eloquently falling in tapered clusters, are considered a visual indication of bowing or kneeling down in honor and respect in Feng Shui.  Practitioners of Feng Shui are encouraged to plant wisteria in quadrants requiring somber moments of contemplation to instill quiet honor.

Shin Buddhism also views the wisteria as a symbol of prayer, or thoughtful reverence for the same reason.  The branches and blossoms seem to lower their head in gentle supplication.  These vine gestures naturally bring to mind our need for peace, quiet, and time to honor the divine essence (of our own understanding).

Flora records indicate wisteria has been known to live up to 100 years or more, and so here it picks up its symbolism of longevity and immortality.  European families mark the ages of generations passing with the growth of this vine, and so it makes sense the vine embodies an essence of immortality (as fathers and grandfathers tell their sons of stolen kisses beneath the same wisteria that grew during the day of their great grandfathers).

Most interestingly, is the wisteria’s pattern of growth.  Like most vines (and ivy’s), the wisteria’s expansive tendrils grow out in a spiraling motion.  The meaning of spiral’s deal with expansion of consciousness.  Spiral’s also point to our awareness as the inner-most center.  This awareness spans outward in as spiraling motion to indicate our influence on the outside world.  In this manner, vines and ivy’s also remind us of our interconnectedness with everything on every level.

The wisteria is a voracious grower with the ability to spread out over acres, spiraling out into impressive expanses.  Symbolically, we might see this as an external reflection of our own expanding consciousness.

However, keep in mind the wisteria can be destructive in her growth, and requires discipline to avoid spiraling out of control (indeed, the vine has been known to take down entire buildings and trellises with her burdening weight).  Wisteria reminds us that the journey into our conscious evolution is vital to our own blossoming.  However left unchecked, or practiced without foundational discipline may cause unsavory results.

If you found this post on the symbolism of wisteria intriguing, check out these other pages of relevance:

Meaning of Flowers

Symbolism of Flower Colors

Your Flower Astrology Sign

I received a question about dreaming of blue jays and cardinals from a gentleman who left a comment on my Meaning of Feathers post here.

To re-cap the dream:

“My friend had a dream about a blue jay flying in his kitchen window and landing on his head. The bird calmly allowed him to carry it in his hands to be released out the door. Upon re-entering the kitchen, a cardinal flew in the window and landed on his shoulder. It seemed to want to stay there and resisted somewhat to being released outside. At that point, he woke up. Can you help interpret this dream?”

Dear Feathered Friend (I couldn’t resist the pun):

I’ll begin as I usually do - by saying mine is only one perspective.  Ultimately your friend will have to take the time to interpret his dream (if he hasn’t already) for himself.  Symbols in dreams (or otherwise) are intensely personal, and their meanings are like chameleons - changing according to the backdrop they’re nestled upon. 

Simply put, symbolic meanings are tailored to their master. 

That said…what a great dream!  Let’s take it step by step:

1) Symbolic Meaning of  the Blue jay deals with:

• Clarity
• Voice
• Assertion
• Curiosity

I go into the origin of these symbolic attributes in much greater detail in my page on the symbolic meaning of the blue jay here.   When we dream of blue jay’s it may be a message that it’s time to vocalize more clearly.  Does your friend need to speak out in his own defense?  Is it time he asserts himself, and speaks his mind?  Or, perhaps he’s curious about a something…a different vocation, relationship, location…the blue jay will come to us when we need a nudge of confidence in order to peek behind those curtains in order to satisfy our curiosity.

2) Symbolic Meaning of Kitchens:

Part of the wonderful crazy world of dream interpretation is that no stone is left unturned.  Every detail of the dream has unique symbolism - kitchens included.  Symbolic meaning of kitchens deal with:

• Preparation
• Creativity
• Sharing
• Nourishment

Kitchens are where we prepare nourishment for ourselves, as well as friends and family.  They are often social gathering places too where long intimate talks are held over a good plate of pasta or a cup of joe.  When we dream of kitchens it may be a message to spend more quality timewith those who are close to us.  Or, it may indicate we need to take the time to feed ourselves better (physically AND philosophically).  Is your friend getting the proper kind of nourishment (socially? physically?)?

3) Symbolic Meaning of Windows and Doors:

As we would imagine, the symbolic meaning of windows and doors in our dreams speak of openings, entryways, and portals.  They also speak of two-way directions (letting in, and letting out).  Windows in our dreams ask us what kind of opportunities are we facing right now?  Are we shutting out our highest good, or opening the shades and letting in the light?  Interestingly, windows are like eyes to houses.  Houses are symbolic of solid foundations, with windows looking out…is your friend seeking out other structures?  In need of a new foundation? It’s a stretch…but something to consider.  Also, if they are clear glass windows, it is often a message of clarity of thought (this ties in with the blue jay too).

4) Symbolism of the Head:

Here again, no dream-point is moot.  The blue jay landed on your friend’s head.  This is symbolic of thoughts, contemplation, sorting out a problem.  The blue jay confirms this symbolism as it is symbolic of clarity.  This imagery speaks of a need to get clarity of thought - or better yet - get focused and assertive with some thoughts or ideas.

5) Symbolic Meaning of the Cardinal Deals with:

• Passion
• Boldness
• Nobility

I’ve written more about the origins of these meanings on my Symbolic Meaning of Cardinal page here.  The cardinal flying into the window of your friend’s dream may indicate a returning of a love that was once lost, forgotten or buried in the past.  I’m not necessarily referring to a romantic love - but something your friend was passionate about yet had to give up for one reason or another.  Perhaps your friend might want to re-visit some passions that were left behind.  By doing so, his sense of confidence may be boosted.

6) Symbolism of the Shoulder:

Shoulders in dreams may indicate a burden is being carried by your friend - the cardinal landing on his shoulder may be a message that your friend has or is grappling with the loss of this love I mentioned in the above paragraph.  Shoulders are also our starting point of strength.  Consider, from our shoulders span our arms which are symbolic of strength and power. 

I’d like your friend to consider the occurrence of air totems in his dream.  Creatures of the sky speak to us of thoughts, higher ideals, spiritual enhancement, even enlightenment.  They are creatures closest to the heavens, and so they are the messengers of the gods (your Native American blood knows this, no?).

I love the implications of color in this dream: one red bird, one blue.  Red and blue are vibrant power colors by themselves, to be true - but if we put them together, we get violet.  Here again we see a symbolic undertone of richness, high-mindedness and devotion in the color of violet. I’ve written a bit about symbolism of colors here (it’s my Tarot site, but the core insights are consistent).

We can even investigate your dream from a numerological perspective.  Two birds - the meaning of two  deals with choice, balance, opportunity, and so much more as indicated on my study of the number two here.

It should be clear the symbolic possibilities of this dream (any dream for that matter) are endless.

When your friend has meditated and contemplated all these beautiful symbols in his dream, it’s time for him to begin putting the puzzle pieces together.  When he relaxes with all the symbolism, they will begin to morph into a template he can lay on top of his life situation.  This will provide amazing clarity as to the true meaning of his dream.

Just keep in mind this is only one perspective (and a brief one at that - years could be devoted to the many nuances this dream presents).  Please tell your friend it’s his responsibility to charm the meanings out of this dream.

I hope this dream interpretation of the blue jay, cardinal and other dream symbols is helpful to your friend.  

Granted, it’s rather lengthy - but I couldn’t help it - so many neat and subtle meanings peering out - just had to let loose.  Thanks for indulging in my verbosity!

Some attributes and symbolism of the pheasant include:

• Solar/Sun/Energy
• Refinement
• Sexuality
• Nobility
• Virtue

The pheasant is a native bird of China where it is revered for its beauty, and thought of as a solar animal.  Indeed, the Golden pheasant’s body is a shock of flaming red; its head a ruddy yellow.  So intense are these solar colors that there is some debate as to whether or not the Golden pheasant (image shown right) may be linked to the legendary phoenix.

Whatever the case, the pheasant represents yang energy and so it carries attributes of fire, life, summer, male, and action to name a few.

Also in China the pheasant is a symbol of nobility, and is associated with high-rank in political office and civil service. 

In Japan the pheasant is a divine messenger for Amaterasu, the great sun goddess.  Amaterasu is a focal point of the Shinto pantheon.  She is the ruler of the heavens, so her association with the pheasant made this creature an important symbol of power, abundance and promise.

Native American lore considered the pheasant a symbol of protection and concealment.  Presumably because regardless of their airborne capabilities, they prefer most of their time hunkered down in tall grass, concealed from sight.  Further, unlike most winged creatures, the pheasant nests on the ground rather than trees. 

Pheasants are considered symbols of sexuality because of the amazingly attractive male.  Furthermore, the male’s appearance is quite effective, and often wins him a harem of females. 

Lastly, the pheasant is a cousin of the peacock, and its symbolic attributes are similar to those of the peacock which can be found here.

Pheasants make excellent animal totems for many reasons.  Their energy stimulates sexuality, encourages creativity, and enhances energy.  I’ve gone into more detail about the symbolism of the pheasant  (including the types of people who attract pheasants as an animal air totem) here.

Post Script: Thank you Petra for this magnificent photo!
 

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.

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. 

I often get emails from people seeing the same numbers popping up in their lives.  This email response is to a woman who asked me why she keeps seeing two’s in her life:

Dear Duplicitous: 

Two’s represent balance, weighing decisions, and planning. The energy of Two helps us with harmonizing, and not taking hasty actions.

Two: The symbolic meaning of number Two is kindness, balance, tact, equalization, and duality. The number Two reflects a quiet power of judgment, and the need for planning.

Two beckons us to choose. The spiritual meaning of number Two also deals with exchanges made with others, partnerships (both in harmony and rivalry), and communication.

Two’s urge us our of our indecision, calls us to unite with like-minds, and like-ideals, as well as exert our natural flow of judgment to do what is best for our souls.

When numbers keep occurring in our lives, we need to pay attention to their meaning - their representation - in this, we can find the meaning behind the message of their constant appearances.

Your repeating Two’s may mean:

• more balance in your life is required
• a need to draw a line - form a boundary
• A need to embrace duality (male/female, good/bad, light/dark, yin/yang - here again - the theme is more balance).
• Is it time for a partnership in your life?

There are common applications of life-meanings.  Ultimately  you must determine what the meaning of Two’s in your life means to you personally.

Two’s correlate with:

• Planet: Saturn
• Color: Black or Brown
• Letters: B, K & T
• Astrological signs: Cancer & Pisces
• Tarot: High Priestess

Contemplate this information in relation to your life - particularly at the MOMENT you see your Two’s appear.  When you are mindful to the messages of the Two’s - chances are the answers of the Two’s will be easily revealed to you.

One of my readers contacting me as she was having reoccuring dreams about a white widow spider. My response to her message follows here: 

Dear Web Weaver:

I trust you have read my Spider symbolism page: Spider Symbol Meanings Page

The widow is a beautiful symbol of honoring the feminine energy within each of us.  Nurturing, comfort, patience, and wisdom.

Further, the widow is a creature of the autumnal equinox…this season we are entering now…a symbol of harvest and preparation.

Often the widow comes when it is time to prepare our homes and hearts for new events in our lives…to get ready for a new turn in our life’s direction.

The widow also comes as a message of peace and patience.  When we may be anxious or edgy the widow reminds us that all things come into (our web) understanding in good time.  Simply continue about the business of preparation (spinning) and all good things will come.

This message of patience is also consistent with spiders being symbolic of the passage of time.  Many Native American tribes see each round within the spiders web as a certain span of time…as such, many tribes see the spider as the mother of time itself.

The color white is symbolic of purity, enlightenment, and clarity.  When white is associated with totems within our visions it is a sign of blessing…a confirmation that our intentions are true, and that we are pure of heart in our endeavors.

I have a brief summary of color meanings on my Tarot site. These meanings are not restricted to the Tarot….rather these meanings spiritually based symbolisms.  Here is the link:  Summary of Meanings of Colors Tarot & Otherwise  

I trust this information helps you on your path.

Regards & blessings to you,

A. Venefica

Below is a brief summary of the meanings of colors.  These little tidbits are useful as we become more aware of the symbolism provided in every-day events in our life.  By deriving meaning in the common - we discover the uncommon.

Red: Think fire and blood - Red rushes to us with messages of passion, primal urges, action, pleasure, vibrance, radiance, and love.

Orange: A nice subdued blend between the aggressive red and the high-pitch of yellow - Orange is about harmony, aspiration, sociability, contentment, and intelligence.

Yellow: Worshipped in the form of the sun - Yellow is all about radiating creativity, protection, intellect, positivity and clarity.

Green: The fresh start of spring brings oceans of Green and with it comes attributes of youth, sentimentality, nature, adventure, growth and health.

Blue: Look to the sky for the meanings of Blue - open spaces, freedom, imagination, expansiveness, inspiration, and sensitivity.

Indigo: Similar to the attributes of blue, but Indigo’s energy runs very deep - consider the unknown depths of the sea along with emotion, strength, fluidity, persuasiveness, expressiveness, and pervasiveness.

Violet: The hue of fragile flowers and sleepy sunsets, Violet reminds us of spirituality, communion, grandeur, high-ideals, devotion, and peace.

Brown: Anybody who has squished their toes through the rich moist earth has got Brown down - groundedness, earthiness, tangible, practical, stable, nurturing, and solid.

Gray: When fog rolls in and we’re surrounded with the haze of Gray we understand its message of - uncertainty, neutrality, mystery, intensity, and austerity.

Black: Black is required for all other colors to have depth and variation of hue - it’s a forceful feature and represents formality, dignity, force, convention, stability, and zero-tolerance.

White: Contemplate the brilliance of a new white snow and how it pulls a blanket of peace over everthing it touches - White stands for peace, cleansing, illumination, purity, innocence and the highest kind of understanding.

 Get another layer of symbolic color meanings here, on my meaning of flowers color page.

Of course - these are just one perspective.  I encourage you to adopt your own special symbolic meanings of colors.