A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

Symbolic meaning of octagon deals with:

• Regeneration
• Totality
• Infinity
• Rebirth
• Transition

The octagon is found in baptisteries as a symbol representing eternal life as - likely because the number eight is symbolic of renewal.

We see further religious architectural connections when we recognize many sacred buildings (churches, temples, etc) were designed with octagonal structures supporting a dome on top. 

This interplay between circle (dome) and square (found in the angular octagon) speaks of the transitional dance between earth and heaven.  The circle is symbolic of the heavens (also eternity/infinity) and the angularity of the square is symbolic of earthly presence. 

This is an amazingly profound concept - one that many ancient orders were aware of (including the ever-symbolic Masons), and so took the time to design their places of worship with no symbolic detail unmissed.

An interesting side-note: The eighth step upon the sacred stairway ascending to the first heavens climbed by Muhammed lead to a sea of illumined angels in deep and focused meditation upon the highest of holies.  There’s a nice post about this topic on this blog here. 

I like looking at the symbolism of the octagon from a navigational standpoint.  Specifically, I like to imagine each point of the octagon as one among the four cardinal directions and the four intermediate points. 

I occasionally use this imagery in meditations in conjunction with the Buddhist concept of the eightfold path:

• Right View
• Right Thought
• Right Word
• Right Action
• Right Livelihood
• Right Effort
• Right Mindfulness
• Right Concentration

Other related posts that may be of interest:

Meaning of Number Eight 

Meaning of Hexagon

Symbolic Meaning of Numbers

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
• Bubo’s Blog - Duality Entry

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.

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

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!

I received an email from a gentleman who asked for assistance in interpreting a symbolic fox sighting. 

He encountered the fox at noon while he was contemplating his future plans.  I respond with some ideas about his symbolic fox and direct him to more thoughts on my fox animal symbolism page.  Here is my response:

Dear ShadowFinder:

Indeed, fox are small, but they can project a very large presence.

They are the natural shape shifters of the animal kingdom, and their shifting powers are at their peak on prime clock-time points of noon and midnight…inherent times of transformation.

Fox have very clarified and pointed energy - they serve as index fingers pointing in specific directions….they are focused and driven.

They are also quite clever and can reveal resources or advantages to your soul that your mind might never conceive.

What does your experience mean?  Only you can determine that.  Sorry, no free rides in the realm of oracle interpretations. Personal soul-searching is a requirement if you need to know the keys that unlock your doors of mystery.

One thing is certain.  The fox does not idly choose who she reveals herself to.  This encounter is unique to you, it’s your responsibility to follow the energetic trail of the fox for clarification.

Read over what I’ve written here, as well as this page I’ve written about the animal symbolism of the fox:

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/fox-animal-symbolism.html

Ditch the stuff that does not jive with your soul.  Grab onto the threads that resonate truth. Keep pulling at these threads (researching, contemplating, meditating) until you reach a satisfactory end (a fitting answer to this phenomenon).

Further, call upon the energy of the fox.  Be honorable, and be like still water as you invoke.  The fox will come and will give you answers, just as long as you approach her as the noble she is.

Thanks for sharing your symbolic fox sighting. 

Love & blessings to you.

A.

I received an email from a gentleman who wanted to know about interpreting oracles.  Specifically, he wanted to interpret an oracle in finding a deceased black bird on his front porch.  My response:

Dear Ornithological Ovate:

Like you, I also find symbolism in everything so there’s no need to feel akward about sending me your request for more information.  It is the most curious among us who find the brightest gifts of enlightenment.

Interpreting oracles in common (or uncommon) occurances in our lives is easier when we gather all the facts. 

Symoblic interpretation can be like unraveling a mystery - we observe, we look for clues, we contemplate, we experiement, we compare.  The more unorthodox and persistent we are in our research, the more profound our revelations.

In looking for clues we may consider a few of these factors (upon the time we encounter our oracle, in your case the black bird): 

• Specific breed of bird
• Cardinal direction (location)  
• Weather conditions
• Time of day
• Day of the week or year or season
• What was happening at the moment of the discovery?  What were you thinking? 

All of these little details (and more as you find your own) begin to add up to tell you a story.  You can then layer this story on top of your life situation like a template.  This allows you to see patterns in your life happenings against the template of this oracle. 

Ultimately, only you can determine the interpretation of your oracle because it came to you and only you.  I can give you a few ideas:

For example, if you are sure it is a black bird on your front porch, it is symbolic of your ability to find your voice in a crowd of others.  Black birds are song birds, and as such, they are symbolic of creativity, voice, and expression.  Here, the death of the bird may be symbolic of a tendency to stiffle or silence your creativity and/or freedom of creative speech.

If your bird is a crow or a magpie, we are dealing with symbolism of mystery and secrets.  Perhaps you’ve been given heavy information that must remain with you and only you.  Perhaps you’re struggling with that secret (or keeping it).  

If your bird is a raven, which is one of the Native American symbols for mystics or seers, it may be a message that an area of your spiritual realm may be coming to an end and another beginning is on the horizon.  The message here is “get ready” because the shifts in your spiritual perspective may be intense.

 Again, it’s important to take its location in consideration.  That you found it on your front porch may be indicative of:

• Facing forward
• New beginnings
• False pretenses
• External appearances
• Preparation for company (of any ilk)

Assuming your front porch has a door is another major consideration. 

Doors are symbolic of beginnings, but also openings, arrivals, gateways (portals).  Keep this in mind as you apply the various symbolism of this bird’s appearance to your own life situation.

At its simplest, your black bird may be an oracle of a balance between endings (symbolic of its death) and beginnings (the front door).  Or, it could also indicate a need for grounding.  Birds are air animals and deal with higher thought.  Your bird has landed (indefinately in a physical sense) and this may be a sign you may need to ground your thoughts or get a little more practical.

You can see the variables are endless.  This is why only you can crack the oracle code because the details will relate to your own life experience.

I would encourage you to call upon the spirit of the black bird for clarification.  Animal energy is infinite, and incredibly generous when we are willing to learn their language. 

Meditate, be still and calm - your black bird will come to you when you are open to receive her.   Express your gratitude - for both her physical presence as a sign in  your life, and for her spiritual guidance too. 

The symbolic meaning of the dragonfly deals with:

• Mind 
• Dreams
• Balance 
• Thoughts
• Awareness
• Living to the fullest

Because of it is a creature of water (which symbolically deals with thoughts, dreams and intuition), the dragonfly is a symbol of our thoughts.  We can use it as an emblem of balanced mind because the dragonfly represents the two realms of thought. 

The dragonfly skitters across the surface of the water which is symbolic of our “top thoughts” the daily, surface thoughts that primarily keep us in auto-pilot. 

But the dragonfly knows she is standing on the vast watery depth of endlessly profound and potentially life-altering thoughts: The murky mass of thoughts that represent our primordial divinity - a virtual powder-keg of expansive expression.

And so, the dragonfly is the fulcrum between mundane and mystical.  She is the balance keeper between the “little me” and the “God self.”  This is why the dragonfly is a perfect tool for meditation, and is often used by spiritual practitioners in meditation practices (an example of using the dragonfly in a meditation can be found here).

Additionally, as creature aof the wind, the dragonfly totem represents change. It’s iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows - lest we run into stormy weather.

The Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. This lesson is huge for each of us. When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.

Dragonfly Totems Facilitate:

• Greater attention to the nuances and subtleties around us
• Awareness & gratitude of inner beauty
• Awareness of outer beauty, and ability to share it modestly with the world
• Knowledge of life’s brevity, and understanding the importance of making every minute special

It should be clear this insect totem has endless potential in changing our perspective, and enhancing our life experiences.  Take the time to connect with this and other insect totems and you will be amazed at the doors they can open for you.

One of my readers asked the question: “What does a dreaming of God mean?”  The following is my response:

Dear Divinity Dreamer:

I could never presume to know.  Each of us has a different and special relationship with God.  Indeed, each of us has a different understanding & interpretation of the concept of God.

And so, dreaming of God can mean many things to many different people.  Ultimately your own heart determines the meaning in your mind.

However, a some symbolic meanings when we dream of God include:

• Wanting a closer connection with the divine
• Feeling confident in a situation
• Seeking answers in your life
• Seeking deeper spiritual connection
• Wanting to discover the meaning behind a secret
• Wanting a burden to be removed in your life
• Wanting to feel lighter, more carefree
• Wanting to be understood
• Wanting to feel more powerful

These are just some general directions.  I would encourage you to meditate (think/focus/concentrate) on the dream and its details.  This will provide you with more clarity.  Write down your thoughts and experiences.  The more you contemplate the dream, the more understanding will come.

Again, ultimately your own heart and soul can tell you the true meaning of this dream.