A. Venefica’s Weblog: Symbolic Meanings

Symbolic Seven ’s are found throughout history and cultures.  To wit, here are a few symbolic associations with number seven to help us further grasp the symbolic meaning of seven:

In astronomy’s infancy there were initially seven planets identified:

• Sun
• Moon
• Venus
• Mercury
• Mars 
• Jupiter
• Saturn

In ancient Sumaria each of these planets were identified with seven gods which shared the same name:

• Sun = Shamash (the law giver)
• Moon = Nanna (lord of destiny)
• Venus = Ishtar (the pristine)
• Mercury =  Nabou (the jumper)
• Mars = Nergal (the smoulderer)
• Jupiter = Marduk (the one who glows)
• Saturn = Ninurta (the constant)

With each of these “planets” and gods, correlate seven days of the week (and each of these days are symbolic as you will see on my post here).

Seven musical notes and seven prismatic colors:

• Red
• Orange
• Yellow
• Green
• Blue
• Indigo
• Violet

Seven primary chakras (composing the chakra spine):

• Muladhara
• Swadhisthana
• Manipura
• Anahata
• Vishudha
• Ajna
• Sahasrara

In Christianity the Bible is rife with symbolic seven ’s - too many to mention, but here are a few:

• Seven pairs of clean animals & birds retained in the ark parable
• In the same parable seven marks the passage of time
• Seven virtues
• Seven sins
• Seven sacraments
• Seven joys
• Seven sorrows of the Virgin
• Seven seals
• God’s blessing on the seventh day 

In Judaism:

• Seven branches of the Menorah
• Seven heavens
• Seven feast, festivals and purifications
• Seven pillars of wisdom
• New year begins the seventh month
• Sabbath occurs every seventh year

In Buddhism:

• Seven heavens
• Seven emblems of Buddha

In Hinduism:

• Seven symbolic rays of the sun
• Seven symbolic faces in the world mountain

In Islam:

• Seven heavens
• Seven hells
• seven earths
• seven seas
• seven doorways to paradise
• seven ambulations around Ka’aba at pilgrimage

In ancient Egypt:

• Seven gods of light
• Seven gods of darkness

These are just a scant few references to symbolic seven. 

What other symbolic seven’s can you contribute to this post?

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

Here is a recap of her dream:

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

Dear Dream Queen:

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

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

That said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bumble bees in dreams speak of:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Namaste,

A.

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 another comment on my post about Finding Feathers on Your Path in which the reader intimated a desire to have a dream interpretation, as well as an interpretation of a magnificent phenomenon. 

To re-cap his comment:
“In 1977 I was on a trip in Hagerman, New Mexico. I was on the seventh day of a fast when lots of little birds landed on my body as I lay on the ground resting. I had a dream after that and I could see old model cars and rooftops only. The little birds left feathers all around me.”

The following are some thoughts on interpreting these events:

Dear Eagle Feather,

Fascinating!  Thanks for sharing this experience - absolutely fascinating.

I get completely jazzed when I learn of animals making a connection with us (in your case, literally) – coming so close into the human aura – I imagine for them it may be like visiting another planet….a place with similarities, but so vastly foreign.

You point out the seven’s in your experience  - certainly understandable as this number is ruled by Saturn, and therefore exudes qualities concerning:

• Knowledge
• Consciousness
• Awareness
• Activation of Imagination

These qualities of the number seven are set in an esoteric framework.  The meaning of seven does not normally speak of a day-to-day awareness, but more a cosmic blossoming of presence. 

Saturn (ruler of seven) is a complex energy, to be true – but at its core is a singular pulsing eye of consciousness that is accessible through our activation of it. 

I believe your post-fasting experience is a manifestation of this in which you essentially activated (opened) this eye of the storm – the calm within the cosmic consciousness, causing a chain of events – your bird visitation being one of these events. 

We can find confirmation of numerological phenomenon of seven by peeking at the preliminary number you shared: 1977.  If we reduce the number (which is a common numerology practice; an example of this can be found here) we get the number six (1+9+7+7=24, 2+4=6). 

Sixes are the embodiment of our physical completion.  To illustrate: Myth indicates the world was created in six days.  Further, the human has developed its most primary essentials for functionality within the womb after six months.  There are other clues that indicate the number six is the culmination of physical completion.  Six is symbolic of one totality – but on the precipice – only a starting point.   (note: I’ve written a brief summary on numbers meanings here). 

Effectually,

• Six is the point of wholeness primed for further transformation.
  
• Seven marks the point of a new phase of growth.

And so essentially, on the 7th day, you rested into a new phase of energetic presence.  The manifestation of your descending birds serves as an exclamation point to your experience. The symbolism of the bird indicates a direct energetic match with your state of receptivity at that time. 

Quite fitting as animal totems (birds) are symbolic of:

• Higher mind
• Consciousness
• Imagination
• Dreams
• Intuition
• Thoughts
• Spirit

As you likely know, many Native American  philosophies honor the bird as kin to the gods, as its home is within the heavens.  Further, birds hold special power as they move in two worlds.  Birds are buoyed by the air and ever-connected with divine mind – yet able to touch down to the ground, sit with the Mother (Earth) and become anchored to primitive roots of being.

I think your dream is a reflection of this duality.

Your dream cars seem to be juxtaposed to your whole sequence of events, don’t they?  However, when we see they may serve as a hook back into your earthly matters, they take on a different meaning.  Your cars settle on the ground, and may serve as a message of anchoring too.

But the cars say so much more – as vehicles of transportation they symbolically speak of:

• Motion
• Direction
• Progress
• Direction
• Navigation
• Motivation
• Advancement

Dream cars ask us “how do I get from point A to point B?” Perhaps this question was posed to you in a spiritual/philosophical sense due to the prevalence of birds (symbolic of higher thought and spirituality).

I like that you’ve pointed out these cars are old models.  I believe this is symbolic of :

• an old modality of thought,
• an old way of functioning or
• an older belief system that no longer serves you (in getting you from point A to point B) after experiencing the phenomenal events leading up to your 7 day fast.

Like most dreams, we could spend years delving into the variables, and subtle symbolism’s to gain more insight. 

Dreams are energetic lives played by our more childlike persona’s within an ethereal (often surreal) theatre. 

Part of the fun of dream interpretation is to interconnect the theatrical production with the backstage events (your “awake” life).

I’ll leave these ideas with you, with the hope they will spark clarity in your own pesonal interpretation. Ultimately, you are the ONLY interpreter.

In closing, thanks for indulging me this lengthy response.  I get really inspired by certain things, so I tend to philosophically wax (going on and on - usually getting really “far out”).

I suppose I need to learn there is never an ending (and maybe I should learn to paraphrase better :-).

In love & light,

A.
 

I’ve always marveled at the symbolic meaning of the uroboros (also spelled ourobouros or ouroboros) and have adopted it as a personal symbol - using it in meditations and incorporating its symbolic meaning into daily thought patterns where a shift is necessary.

I’ve written a bit on the uroboros on my symbolic Alchemy Animals page here, but was prompted to write more after seeing this post by Eksith Rodrigo who describes how to make your own Uroboros on this post.  

Using his instructions, I made my own uroboros (shown right).  I added a snaggle tooth & curly horns….I’ve got a thing for horns….but I digress..

The symbolic meaning of the uroboros is replete with concepts such as:

• Cycles
• Eternity
• Rebirth
• Potential
• Perpetuity
• Actualization

The alchemists illustrate this serpent wrapped around the cosmic egg, signifying the life span of the universe.  Furthermore, the center opening shown in typical uroboros illustrations may also symbolize the egg which speaks of :

• Inceptions
• Beginnings
• Openings
• Latent power
• Limitless potential

This opening upon which the serpent is clenched is also symbolic of the number zero and all it implies.

The serpent itself is symbolic of regeneration and the cycle of time as we observe in the shedding of a snake’s skin.

The eating of it’s own tail declares the statement “The end is the beginning”  and reminds us of the eternal nature of energy which cannot be destroyed, only transformed. 

I rather like the implication that only by devouring ourselves can we find our true nature.  To further this point, I think of the constrictive nature of the snakes feeding pattern; its inner muscles press upon prey (in this case, itself).

This makes me think of the birthing  process of diamonds.  It takes a lot of pressure to make a diamond from coal.  Likewise, it takes a lot of constriction for our best selves to be squeezed out of our false identities.

The uroboros makes its appearance in several cultural myths.  Quickie symbolism of the uroboros in cultural myth:

• Egyptian: Symbolic of the sun - it’s rising and setting signifying the cycle of the day
• Gnostic: Oneness of all life, the constant process of re-recreation and the unity behind all duality
• Roman: Eternity, time and associated with Janus the god of the new year
• Greece: Death and rebirth as illustrated in the Orphic creation myth - another reference to the cosmic egg symbolism
• African: Here it is known as the “rainbow serpent” or Aido Hwedo and is an emblem of sustaining life, protection and creation

The overwhelming message the uroboros provides is “all is one” - the concept of connection and the totality of all.  Other thoughts that come to mind with the uroboros include:

• Beginnings, endings, and all that’s in-betwix
• Life, death and what we do with ourselves in between
• Reintegration, disintegration and the phases each of these processes undergoes

No doubt, this symbol is a powerful one - we can easily see how all of its symbolic implications can reap a dramatic effect on our thoughts.  I invite you to settle in with your own personal concepts of the uroboros, and see what kind of transformations come up for you!

I got an email from a reader who sighted about 200 red robins at her home on March 8th.  She was curious to know the symbolic meaning of robins - and what kind of portent this experience held.  I responded thusly:

Dear Rockin’ Robin:

Wow, that’s a lot of robins!

Ultimately only you can determine the meaning of this event and how it applies to your life.

However, intuitively I would take this as:

• new beginnings, a fresh new start
• a sign of inspiration
• an encouragement for creativity
• a reminder that you have infinite resources at hand when working with matters of renewal, joy, and spiritual growth

I come to this conclusion because the robins are about happiness, satisfaction and new beginnings - I’ve written an entire page on the symbolic meaning of robins here:
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/animal-symbolism-robin.html

The robins came to you in March - the third month of the year.  The number three deals with creativity, inspiration and spirituality.  I’ve written more on the three here:
http://www.tarotteachings.com/meaning-of-three.html

Lastly, you experienced these robins on the eighth day of the month.  Eight deals with infinity, cycles, and opportunity.  Again, I’ve written about the eight here:
http://avenefica.wordpress.com/2007/08/31/symbolic-meaning-of-number-eight/

If you factor in all of these symbolic meanings you come out with an incredibly auspicious portent - a sign of promise and renewal.  Congratulations and ride the wave!

I trust this information helps you on your path.

With high regards & blessings,

A.Venefica

I received an email from a gentleman who was experiencing the phenomenon of 37 reoccurring in both his and his girlfriend’s life on a consistent basis.  This is a fascinating phenomenon in which two people consistently experience the same number sequence over and over.  Below is my response to the symbolic meaning of numbers repeating: 

Dear Ephemerally Numeralized,

Numbers offer us so many messages and endless ways for us to interpret.

You can look the numbers separately, together, combine them, add them, divide them…even interpret them visually.  Numbers are crazy-fun to play with in the world of symbolism.

Furthermore, each number carries with it a vibration.  In the realm of energy, each vibration will attract a similar one.  Essentially, you and your girlfriend are vibrating at the same frequency as the energy in number 37 and vice versa.

That said, I would encourage you both to do a personal study on numbers and their meanings.  Then play with this number sequence of yours and begin to see how its various meanings weave meaning/insight into your lives.

Individually, your number expresses creativity and perfection.  It’s a charming number with promise of new ideas, new projects, and creative ventures with the promise of stability ahead.

Learning or education may be required in order to launch these creative endeavors…but that’s okay, because you both will enjoy the process.

This is also a very grounding number…again promising stability.  It’s also a happy number and the vibration is very high.

In numerology a common practice is to “reduce” a number sequence.  In this case: 3+7=10  Ten’s are all about completion, satisfaction, and coming full circle….this leads us back to the assurance that creative endeavors will come full circle, and will “land” you into more a more satisfactory state.  Interestingly, 10 indicates the Wheel of Fortune card in the Tarot.

Visually, this number beckons you maintain balance.  You have the erratic curves of the three juxtaposed the very strict & staunch looking seven. This is a warning that you must not let one aspect (creativity) outweigh another (structure/order).

This gives you and your girlfriend a start, the rest is up to you both to explore.  Have fun with your continued experience with the number 37. 

The more you play with these numbers and research their meanings as applicable to your lives, the more rewarding and meaningful your number journey will be.