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Spider Bunny ~ Astrid Weaves Some Creative Magick With Her Friend
This was too cute and special not to share here. Yesterday’s moments captured were of Astrid communing with her spider friend. She retreated to the exercise room – a favorite getaway for her that is next to our Wonderland room. She was having one of those evenings of quiet time to herself in a meditative zone and then I realized she was communicating with this spider you see to her right. They stayed like this quite a while.
Then she did a big energy stretch, yawn, and release to move and shift the energy all the way down through her toes. It was fascinating to watch. They continued to stay together after that and I left them alone, returning about five minutes later and the spider was gone.
Astrid spent a lot of time meditating in this spot before and after and was also tuning into the plants in the garden tower, as they’re right outside this door. I love when she takes time to herself away from her normal routine, as you know she’s up to something big with her own work.
There’s indeed a lot of transmutational rebirthing energy spiraling around and Astrid is helping to weave that into form with me. Spiders are abundant and more so downstairs in our realm where we do the underworkings of things. Astrid’s definitely not put off by shadow work.
Anyway, I remembered sharing a post on spider symbolism and when I found it I smiled at the synchronicities of the timing of that blog and the similar experiences then, happening now.
This post: Crossing Path With Tarantula ~ Messages of Timing & New Doorways of Opportunity is from four years ago, mirroring yesterday’s post about the synchronous things happening in my life now that were happening then. And now this little spider reminder had me finding this blog post from that time period as well.
Here are a few excerpts from that post that speak to me on my life and writing focus, but for the full explanation on spider medicine and things that were occurring then, you can visit the blog link above.
…Generally speaking, Spiders are the weavers of experience that desire to share that creativity with others. They are the assertiveness of Creative Force in communication of all forms, seeking to discover and create the reflection of your heart’s hidden desires, and to fulfill your dreams through the wisdom of what you weave…
…Spiders help you to tune into the ancient wisdoms and integrate them into your life, realizing that everything you now do is weaving what will come to be. You are remembering your role as a keeper and writer of your own destiny, and just as the center of the web is always small (representing you), the web is eternally expanding (representing your unlimited, creative potentials). You are limited only by your own view of self…
…Spider also teaches the written alphabet, runes, and symbols so they help with weaving your words, creating deep meaning, and writing with creativity and power that brings others into greater connectivity with your message…
Crossing Paths With Tarantula – Messages of Timing & New Doorways of Opportunity
It was a beautiful evening last night and after a productive day of work I decided to go on a sunset hike. It was such a clear sky that you could see Catalina Island (seen in photo above) from the hill top. And the sky turned lovely shades of blue and orange, or lilac and blue, depending which direction you looked.
I haven’t taken my cell phone with me on a hike for quite some time, but for whatever reason I felt I would see something I might want to photograph. And I did.
I’d just seen another of my Red-tailed Hawk friends sitting on a light post before arriving at the trail head, but this evening it was Tarantula Medicine that spoke to me most.
I haven’t actually seen one since I was a little girl. We had a lot of them in the area where I grew up in Diamond Bar, CA, as we moved in when homes were just being built. We’d see them on walks in the neighborhood and one day a large green one was in our garage hanging out on the garage door itself.
But since then, I haven’t seen any in the wild. That is, until yesterday evening.
Just as I was walking across from one hill to another, a Tarantula began its stroll across the path way I was approaching. I stopped to check it out and it seemed curious and interested, making its way toward me rather than running off away.
I love spider symbolism and how amazing they and their webs are, but only so close is too close for physical comfort, so at about a foot away from my feet was near enough especially since I hike in my flip flops. 🙂
It was a curious one though and kept following if I moved. Then decided to make its way fully across the path and back into the brush where it is hidden from sight.
Being that I haven’t seen one of these in years, it felt like an opportunity to look into some Tarantula Medicine, especially since spiders seem to be around a LOT lately.
I keep finding myself “walking into spiderwebs”, as Gwen Stefani sings in No Doubt’s song “Spiderwebs” (there’s a blast from the past), all the time at home, outside, and all around the perimeter of the house. Seems anytime I walk through a doorway, passageway, or bend down to do something, there they are all over me. It happens even when I’m away from the house too. And spiders are around a lot, including several Brown Widows I’ve been seeing. Likely the weather has brought them out, but never have I walked into so many spiderwebs and gotten them all on my face and body, like I have been the last few weeks.
Quite a bit of transformative energy entering my life, as well as a lot of shadow integration for greater perspective and wholeness, and timely and intricate, creative weaving. So it wasn’t too surprising that after all of this spider and web energy showing up that I’d finally come upon Tarantula as a climax.
“In the beginning, there was the dark purple light at
the dawn of being. Spider Woman spun a line to form
the east, west, north, and south. Breath entered man
at the time of the yellow light. At the time of the
red light, man proudly faced his creator.
Spider Woman used the clay of the earth, red, yellow,
white, and black, to create people. To each she attached
a thread of her web which came from the doorway at
the top of her head. This thread was the gift of
creative wisdom. Three times she sent a great flood to
destroy those who had forgotten the gift of her thread.
Those who remembered floated to the new world and climbed
to safety through the Sipapu Pole the womb of Mother Earth.”
~Navajo Creation Story~
Generally speaking, Spiders are the weavers of experience that desire to share that creativity with others. They are the assertiveness of Creative Force in communication of all forms, seeking to discover and create the reflection of your heart’s hidden desires, and to fulfill your dreams through the wisdom of what you weave.
They herald a period of transmutation in order to create anew and to rebirth into a more aligned experience of yourself in the now. Divine inspiration, industrious focus, and tearing away illusions may be needed at this time, as you seek to begin new projects and experiences in one or all aspects of your life.
Spiders teach balance, the spiral of reality, strength, gentleness, heightened sensibilities, the interweaving of all things, and support development of your craft and skills.
Their energy will assist in discovering the inner workings of personal dynamics at an increased level in your life and with completely new perspectives infused with infinite possibilities. Since their bodies are shaped similar to an infinity symbol (the number eight) and they have eight legs, this speaks to that boundless energy and the eternal state of being.
Spiders help you to tune into the ancient wisdoms and integrate them into your life, realizing that everything you now do is weaving what will come to be. You are remembering your role as a keeper and writer of your own destiny, and just as the center of the web is always small (representing you), the web is eternally expanding (representing your unlimited, creative potentials). You are limited only by your own view of self.
Life is always an evolution and Spider reminds you not to get stuck and complacent, but to continue to weave anew and to see the value in anything that comes into your field of experience (your web), as even if it doesn’t appear to have meaning and purpose right now, it may prove useful later.
Spider also teaches the written alphabet, runes, and symbols so they help with weaving your words, creating deep meaning, and writing with creativity and power that brings others into greater connectivity with your message.
Spiders are the feminine energy, but in that embodiment they teach us to balance with and honor the male energy, integrating the productive aspects of each. Her beautiful web is a message telling you to create, take note of opportunities, use wise discernment, and know when to make a move that takes into account everything gained from the perspectives available.
Although Spiders represent the wheel of life and opportunities, it is up to you to be decisive about things and not to let fear, illusions, and limitations hold you back.
Spiders bring a message of change to belief systems and dropping away anything false that was conditioned as a child. Interesting that the last time I saw a Tarantula was as a child. Definitely a sign of old foundations continuing to be removed and to pay attention to any last pieces that still have yet to be transformed.
Different types of Spiders will carry unique energy within the general symbolism just shared.
Tarantula from hike last evening
Perfect timing is a gift of Tarantula, while staying focused on the center of things. If a Tarantula crosses your path it speaks to a need for patience right now, as everything you’ve been working toward, creating, and asking for, has been percolating and is coming to fruition from behind the scenes. It’s time to just take a step back so that the new can take hold and create a solid foundation.
If you move too quickly, you could undermine the hard work you’ve been doing, so it’s a time for pure trust and faith that everything will come to you when you need it, and only when it is necessary and timely for the next move. Then you must act upon it and be decisive when the timing aligns.
Tarantula also messages you that positive changes are happening and for you to continue to integrate spiritual and physical, as you continue to move forward, remaining curious and trusting your intuition every step of the way. In so doing, new doors to new things will open and deeper self-discovery will take place.
There is a calm gentleness and strength to Tarantula that models what would be of best practice to your journey right now, which includes calming and centering yourself enough to hear her/your messages. Her presence shares a heightened time to be ultra aware and to make your moves with confidence, as you attune your senses to feeling every subtle vibration around you.
Ask yourself if you are creating to your fullest potential and then realize that Tarantula indicates you are facilitating your own path, so ultra awareness of everything you are doing and not doing becomes key.
Tarantula also messages your ability to shed your outer skin, to stay grounded, look at things from multiple angles, create a healthy boundary of self protection and preservation, and knowing how to blend and shift with the changing environment.
People with Tarantula medicine are creative, think outside the box, walk their talk, understand the right moment and purposeful actions, and prefer to do things on their own.
I’m always grateful for the messages gifted.
Divine Mother & Creator “Web of Life” Mandala – Sacred Tattoo Design
I was so excited and grateful to work on this sacred tattoo design in between my journeys to Bimini and Alaska. I finished it right before leaving on my current vacation actually – a great send off!
I always marvel at the timing of designs and how they are always infused by all that is going on individually with my clients, me personally, and the collective energy at large.
This design also spoke loudly to a personal Mandala wanting to channel through, although this one will be worn over my beautiful client’s Heart Chakra on her back.
I find myself continuing to stare at it and being drawn in deeper with its layered motion. It feels so alive and fluid with movement and really powerful, yet in a divine feminine way. And it’s no wonder, as my client so beautifully walks in this energy.
I keep seeing more in it as I look at it and I’m sure many of you will too.
This wove itself into a Divine Mother and Creator Mandala, but rich with layers of symbolism and a little Celtic flair.
Here’s a little bit about what is in the design:
I wanted it to have an organic and vibrantly alive feeling, even though sacred geometry speaks through as well with the Mandala, as if it is fluid, moving, emanating, creating and weaving itself – soft and feminine, yet strong and powerful.
At center is the Triskelion. It felt important and so beautifully created the focal center, anchoring point to the design flow.
I love the multi-layered symbolism in this symbol, which provides depth to the design, but ultimately reflecting the depth of my client.
Its symbolism includes: action, cycles, progress, revolution, moving forward, spirit – mind – body, mother – father – child, father – son – holy ghost, past – present – future, power – intellect – love, creator – destroyer – sustainer, creation – preservation – destruction, the otherworld – the mortal world – the celestial world, the trinity, mystery, feminine, intuition, subtleness, subconscious, spirituality, illumination, hidden desire, personal growth, human development, and spiritual expansion.
During the process I kept getting a lot around the number three and that Trinity energy for her, which you also see in the Triple Motherhood Knot that were woven in, in three areas. These are the three heart entwined symbols bottom, left and right. It’s stylized to symbolize a parent and child embracing to convey the enduring bond between them. This symbol looks like 2 hearts created out of knots – one lower than the other but intertwined eternally. And my client truly is the epitome of that loving mothering energy that is not only so important to her, but truly is her strength and gift to share in service, in and out of the home.
The number three also speaks of the Triple Goddess and Maiden, Mother, Crone energy. This felt significant and honoring, not just for aspects of her and the cycles in her life that they represent, but also represent her and the two women dear in her life that have recently transitioned – her great aunt and grandmother.
Three also from Tarot, is the Empress card, which really spoke to me for my client with her symbolism of the archetype of feminine power, mother, healing, water energy, creation, creativity, abundance, fruitfulness, fertility, intuition, emotions, passions, prosperity, productive action, nurturing, love, harmony, union, sensuality, continual growth, all things beautiful and lush, and Mother Earth.
Then the number six also came through, which you see in the white parts of the design.
But first let’s back up. There is an organic lotus underneath the layered design, that peaks through the other parts. And layered over it is a stylized Tree of Life that reaches above and below in mirror with its limbs and branches, as well as extend out and around to create a six petaled temple-like design that draws the limbs together at the top of each sacred temple.
The number six is also significant and felt meaningful for her. It represents harmony, balance, soulful integration, perfect union, communication, sincerity, love, truth, enlightenment, naturally revealing solutions for us in a calm, unfolding manner, delicate diplomacy in sensitive matters, reliability, lighting our path in areas we require spiritual and mental balance, and encourages compassion and forgiveness. It is connected with the very powerful Hexagon and Merkaba.
There is then an interlaced eight pointed Octagonal flower that weaves through the petals of the lotus and the limbs/temples of the tree. The symbolism of eight has to do with continuation, repetition, cycles, inner strength, patience, wisdom, gentle power, faith in your abilities, courage, protection, energy, vitality, good health, healing, empowerment, endurance, success, manifestation, prosperity, balances material and spiritual worlds. Octagons symbolize regeneration, totality, infinity, rebirth, transition, and are considered good luck for the Chinese. It represents a Bagua, which is a Feng Shui tool for flow of Chi, but also represents the constantly changing forces and natural phenomena of the Universe as described in the I-Ching.
I then carried through more spirals to frame each of the six points and tie in with the Triskelion at center, but also to move the energy in all directions and keep it fluid, while also balancing masculine points with feminine curves.
The Lotus itself is a powerful and ancient image symbolizes harmony, spiritual illumination and unlimited potential. The lotus is a type of water lily which rises from the sludge of muddy waters and opens into a beautiful flower. It is often used as a mandala, or circular symbol, but any way you use the Lotus in a spiritual practice, it will provide a resonant field that reinforces the concept of resurrection. Human mistakes and challenges are the fertilizer for brilliance and awakened creation as the Lotus shows us. Born in the murkiest of ponds, Lotus still emerges pure. Use the Lotus as a reminder that “this, too, shall pass.” Be assured that all fertilizer nurtures a beautiful new life. In the greater world, Lotus is a peaceful cosmic beacon for forgiveness, gratitude and compassion to prevail where the sludge of conflict has resided. Using this symbol on water invites a balance between humility and pride.
The Tree of Life captures the essence of Celtic belief in the interconnectedness of all things – earth and sky, plants, animals and all beings – in the cycle of life. This Tree of Life depicts a tree, leaves opening in the new Spiral cycles of life into eternal journeys that lead to abundant of heart expansion in the process. The trees roots grounding in the earth and the limbs reaching in different directions of where the path will lead on the continuous journey of enlightened awareness. These roots grounding you with the Earth and the relationships and aspects of life you hold dear, keeping you balanced, as well as nurtured in giving and receiving.
I curved some of the inner branches for a feminine flow, also to double as the center of the Lotus, and to create a hint of loose, open heart shapes – the source of love in giving and receiving.
There is an abstract suggestion of almost a Spider-like quality to these limbs, which I noticed after the design was done. I found this very interesting, as I began the channeling by asking my client’s Animal Spirit Guide – the Spider – to help guide me in weaving this creation for her.
The Spider symbolizes strong feminine energy, creativity, life spirit, weaver of destiny, patience, receptivity, tuning into life’s ebbs and flows, integrating shadow self, spirit of creation, and in many traditions is the totem symbol of the Mother. For example, in Ancient Egypt the Spider represents the Goddess of the Divine Mother, Neith and in some Native American Indian tribes she is the symbol for the Creator of the World.
And so I see this as the “web of life” that my client is weaving from the source of her heart and soul. It feels that the Spider has guided this creation and that this is her Magickal Web Mandala of all things dear to my client, all things to support her, and all things that she will continue to weave, create, share, nurture, and contribute through the love of her heart.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred visionary piece of artwork or tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
There is currently a waiting list, which I am moving through as quickly as I can. I can only provide a guesstimate on timing. You can easily make your deposit at the link provided below to embark on this journey in partnership with me.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin ~ Sacred Tattoos: More than Skin Deep, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle format here: Spiritual Skin
You can also order your personal copy here: Signed and Inscribed Copy of Spiritual Skin
Tania Marie 