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Contractions and Expansions – Spiraling Fractures Shedding Their Way to the Pearl Within
So yesterday I shared some thoughts and experiences surrounding the energy of my birthday and one of the things that I mentioned had to do with growth cycles as contractions and expansions within a spiraling experience.
One thing I didn’t mention from my beach adventure, was that I was also gifted a special “spiral” shell that may appear ordinary, but to me was significant and extraordinary. It’s symbolism immediately stood out, the moment my eye caught it in the water my feet were immersed in alongside of it.
I also instantly recognized the lovely synchronicity connecting it to the card my parents had sent me for my birthday, which I mentioned the message that was inscribed within, also in yesterday’s share.
You can see both my shell gift and card above.
Perhaps you have already noted, if you see things like I do, that this shell not only has the same exact shape as the ivory one on the card (just spiraling the opposite way), but that part of the outer brown “shell” encasing had been “shed”, revealing a gorgeous, rainbow-infused, mother of pearl, sparkly inner layer.
And perhaps this already speaks for itself, but in case not, I saw it immediately as the evolutionary growth process of shedding of old structures, illusions, veils, and layers – peeling the onion so to speak – to reveal the vulnerable and valuable “pearl” core essence that is at the “heart” of things.
I love that the shell is “in process”, as it perfectly mirrors my own journey and each of our journeys, constantly and eternally shifting and recreating itself through the wisdom of experience, integration, and learning.
Powerful stuff! And it was another beautiful part of yesterday’s meaningful impact.
But what it also speaks to is something else that had recently happened, and the meaning for me that it has personally. This part of the story may sound a bit odd – you’ll understand as I share it – but as I mentioned yesterday, I simply can’t NOT express my truth and what feels to be wanting to channel through.
First off, let me recap part of yesterday’s post about the above mentioned cycles. I shared:
…These choices and growth cycles come with times of contraction, in order to create huge spurts of expansion. Within the contracting may be pains, facing fears, and feeling the challenges to their depths, but then that naturally comes with the counterparts to all of these, as we partner in the dance of life and make leaps forward, sideways, and ALL ways. And this natural pulsing of going within, then emanates more largely with each cycle, as it begins to remember and experience the fullness of All That Is while still enjoying every unique expression within that Source field…
…I’ve come to be okay with making so-called “mistakes”, stumbling, looking awkward as I grow, or saying something that makes no sense in my spiral efforts to keep moving energy in order to flow into the next phase of my growth expansion and experience.
And while I do this, I also do my best to support others to do the same and remind myself that they are merely spiraling along their own contractions and expansions to embrace more of their own pulsing hearts…
And just a reminder on spiral symbolism:
Symbol of creation, movement, fluidity, surrender/releasing, holistic growth, and awareness of the one within the context of the whole. It reveals the cyclical nature of life, the consciousness of nature from core center expanding outward, and the relationship between unity and multiplicity. It is the limitless spirals that move both “inward towards the Source of creation and eternally outward with Source’s continual self-creation.” In this way, the spiral reflects the contiguous journey home to who you really are and the journey to be one with Source.
And so that brings me to the recent “happenstance”, although I see it as another Divine reflection of evolution on my journey home to who I really am, which took place the day before my birthday, this past Tuesday, February 24th.
I had just returned home the night before and the next day was out doing errands. I mentioned in yesterday’s birthday post how my car was graced by a bunch of little moths that were fluttering about inside and on me. Moth symbolism is about transformation, ease of movement in darkness/shadow, psychic awareness and deeper inner knowing, otherworldliness, dreams, vulnerability, determination, intuition, and faith, to name a few things.
Moths move in blind faith, trusting and relying on their intuition solely, as they are nocturnal. This speaks to living YOUR life by intuition and with faith in yourself and your abilities, but with wise discernment and conscious observance. If you aren’t listening to your intuition, then Moth will remind you to do so.
Avia Venefica shares this:
Even in navigation, when we observe the moth to fly into artificial light or flames, the moth demonstrates its faith and determination.
It is still unproven as to why the moth is driven to light – but the best hypothesis is that the moth navigates by lunar light. In the absence of moonlight, the moth moves to the next best thing: man-made light.
Even at the risk of losing its life, the moth is ever-vigilant in following its path of light. This may also serve as a moral to us to keep our own vigilance, but not fall victim of blind faith.
Here we see a fragile vulnerability in the moth. The moon is her mother, and she will follow her course at all cost. This makes her open to distraction, vulnerable to harm. Here we may find another message to adjust our course as our path indicates, rather than drive forward without heeding important signs along the way.
As a creature of the night, and by her navigational devices, we see the moth is highly influenced by the power of the moon.
This all is very meaningful to me and speaks to the messages I’ve been channeling as important to be embracing and consistently practicing – trusting in myself is “key” and something I can’t afford NOT to do anymore.
The interesting part that stood out most, was the part about “adjusting your course as your path indicates, rather than drive forward”, is exactly what I got from part of the message of my experience. I actually used the same words when describing it to my mom yesterday.
So what took place on my way home from grocery shopping, with moths in my car, was any ordinary kind of thing. Stuff that I had sitting on the passenger seat fell onto the floor and while I was stopped at a red light, I decided to retrieve them.
I did unbuckle my seat belt and leaned to the right at a forward angle to reach the things, retrieving some of them. Determined to get all of it and quickly before the red light turned green, I then thrusted and “drove myself forward” hard and with extended effort, achieving my intent (cause), but not without result (effect).
I heard a small crack, but wasn’t sure what it could be. I just knew my right side hurt a bit, but wasn’t anything horrible and didn’t seem unusual given I had thrust into the side arm of my chair when reaching deeply forward.
Things I could have done differently? Not worry about picking them up until I got home, which was in another 3 minutes or so. Lifting the arm of my chair to make it easier. 🙂
I didn’t think much of it, but noticed a tiny bit of ache on my right that evening, intermittently. The next day was the same – on my birthday. I didn’t notice much of anything, until the evening and then realized that my side was starting to ache a lot more than I thought when I did anything utilizing/straining that area like bending/lifting, sitting/laying a certain way, sneezing, coughing, and laughing even.
Then I started to realize, “I think I’ve cracked my rib/s”.
And today I felt confirmed that this was an actuality, as I had all the symptoms (the sensitivities to things when that part of my right side rib cage is activated) that were exactly like what I experienced when I fractured my tailbone back in 2001 or so. You don’t realize how much every little bone in your body is integral to your day, until it doesn’t function “normally”.
It’s not a big deal, in terms of “bone fracturing”, as it just simply needs its time to heal naturally, but I found it relevant and interesting that it happened the day before my birthday/new cycle (this is a big year for me energetically) and nearly perfectly mirrored the timing of 2 years ago in 2012 when I fractured my left foot twice within two months! The first of those two fractures (a perfect spiral fracture to my left metatarsal) happened one week, to the day, of my birthday that year and when it healed, I then fractured my left pinky toe.
This makes 5 fractures in my lifetimes (5 is my favorite and magickal number, so let’s see if this is the charm rather than 3 lol!), but I have to say that like with my “aging” process I shared about yesterday, I simply don’t find any problem or negativity from this experience. Rather, and this is part of what may sound odd/weird, I find it to be an amusing and perfect gift.
Now that’s not to say I think that everyone should go around breaking bones. lol! However, for me, it is simply part of my “contracting” and “expansion” that I am experiencing, along with that shedding of old structures – which the bones and skeletal system of our bodies represent – in order to shatter what is no longer necessary so that the new can fully emerge within the regenerative process of integration in a new way and form.
I also know that the sign of Capricorn rules the bones and is connected to the Male or that “Father”principle, if you may. So shattering this would be moving through the processing of “old and traditional, out-moded, and over-used Male energy, and working at integrating the Divine Male into harmonious dance within.
And being that I had just recently gotten a sacred and potent tattoo on my right arm, to help empower and integrate this “new” Male energy (as your right side of the body is connected to your left/male oriented side of the brain), it wasn’t surprising that some shifts would be taking place both literally/physically and symbolically/energetically.
I also see bones in what may seem to be an interesting way, which is something new I’ve explored in the last couple of years since my last fractures. I have mixed feelings on needing to get my bones stronger, so they don’t crack so easily, as while on one hand I believe in supporting our bodies to be strong (which I am mindful of in the food and nutrient, exercise that works for me, and lifestyle choices I make daily), I also am seeing these “rigid” structures – represented by bones – in a productive light of breaking down to expand, transmute, and regenerate into something new and more representative of the freeness we are manifesting into.
They need to be strong, but flexible, and not so rigid and “dense” and that may be about the restructuring of DNA and molecular patterning that we are experiencing and will continue to, as we are shifting into new and luminous human beings.
It immediately reminds me of how we look and form like a fish when in the womb, but then go on to have more dense bones and skeletal systems than fish, reptiles, and sharks, which are more flexible. Sharks, and some fish, in fact have skeletons made of cartilage and are known as cartilaginous.
Now I know we aren’t living in the ocean – although that sounds like a fun plan to this Pisces fish 😉 – however there’s an interesting evolutionary process here that indicates differences between flexibility and rigidity of the different species. And we aren’t even talking about beings “not of this world”.
I’m no scientist, doctor, or evolutionary expert, however I do know that change is happening and this includes our body structures that will reflect the shifts we are making on levels of consciousness and that are taking place with transmutational evolution, as we are expanding that consciousness.
Fun stuff! And needless to say, I have a cracked rib or two, but fully am delving into the messaging and symbolism of this experience, feeling the potency of the shifts I have been making, while heeding that reminding advice to “adjust my path based on the intuitive and discerning messaging I’ve been receiving, rather than drive forward quickly” – even if I can see the target clearly and know I can achieve it, as it simply may not be the result that I ultimately want and may not be for the highest and most harmonious good of all concerned.
I LOVE how everything we need to know is right here (inside of us and reflected all around us), if we truly believe and open our eyes, listen, embrace it, and put it to active practice.
This rib fracture is merely a contraction to expansion and part of the spiraling cycle of natural growing pains that do not need to be fueled with negativity, sympathy, sorrow, dwelling, anger, frustration, or anything else of that nature. It simply needs to be surrendered into, as the seasonal change that has its own wisdom and divine unfolding.
An accident? No. Could it have been avoided? Sure. However, if the totality of learning that was received in this experience wasn’t integrated, then it was inevitable something else would take place at some unknown time.
I’m grateful to have it be as such, and I embrace the vulnerability that is being revealed, like that mother of pearl like core essence of the shell I found, as I shatter, shift, and shed each old layer and “make leaps forward, sideways, and ALL ways.”
A reminding bone, rather than a thorn, in my side, helping to reveal the pearl of wisdom and wholeness within.
I told you this may sound a bit odd, but then I never claimed to be anything but. 😉
Personal Empowerment Mandala/Visionary Dream Catcher Sacred Tattoo Design
It’s been quite the energetic week and continues to be so. I’ve been immersed in a bunch of creative projects, as well as new things for 2014 and all I can say is that I’m grateful to have learned balance and flow in my life.
Today I would like to share one of the several new sacred tattoo designs I’ve been working on. Creating this piece was like weaving a tapestry. It required a piece at a time, and it revealed itself in much the same way – never something to rush.
Working with these sacred tattoo designs reminds me of the abundant and infinite creative energy in the Universe and how truly unique each soul is, even though sharing the collective energetic themes. The way an individual’s frequency comes through will always have it’s own unique shine.
This piece is quite a large one and will be complimenting an already beautiful design that my client has on her back. Her current piece is also quite large extending from lower back, up half way and then flowing up to the right and across the left of lower back.
This piece will be at the upper back center and flowing down to the left in the open space she has and will tie in with her gorgeous large peacock that sits in front of a cherry blossom tree which extends up to the right, and that has a lotus sitting at the peacock’s feet, center.
I was given ability not only to create purely from channeling, but to tune in to any other area, besides the back she was thinking of, that may have been calling forth for a design. But, indeed the back was coming in clear for this piece of her journey. It was also very clear that the Higher Heart area, with synergy of Throat and Heart Chakras, was the place of power to ignite. All of these to help express her creative self through love and to be and speak truth with clarity, and always from the heart. The Higher Heart is the area where intent originates. It supports speaking your heart’s whispers and it connects the emotions of divine love, truth, compassion and forgiveness with your way of expression. This area is the etheric heart and helps in releasing fear so you can come into that divine love and way of being. It is the bridge between your emotions and intellect and makes a connection between your soul and physical body.
That being said, this design will be sitting at the top of her back/just under neck, in that Higher Heart area, with some of the design extending onto the back of Throat/neck and the rest flowing into Heart and then flowing into integration of drawing energy down and balancing her more “right focused” piece that flows up with “left focused” energy.
The new piece helps to emanate and move energy in all directions and will balance and integrate, while empowering the specific energies embodied in its symbolism.
Being that this piece is going to be part of what she already beautifully had on her back, it needed to have a tie-in and flow, which revealed near the end. The current piece has a mix of very organic energy and also a symmetrical flow right now and I wanted to compliment that, as well as add some new elements, yet keep with the integrity of her current design style.
What came to me was to create a Personal Empowerment Mandala, but it is simultaneously an organic version of a visionary Dream Catcher as well. I wanted it to be extremely potent, but to also be delicate and graceful, and to include Nature elements to convey her connection with it, an organic feel, but also a little subtle sacred geometry aspect.
The layers of the personal Mandala came through in vision, as I don’t think about the energies, until later. Below I will share some of the energy each element has. The bottom blossom/feather flowy extensions tie in with her current cherry blossom tree. I call them cherry blossom feathers, as instead of creating the feathers you normally see at the bottom of a Dream Catcher, I felt that the lightness and grace of the cherry blossoms appearing as if they are flowing on the breeze, felt more appropriate and not to mention perfectly compliment the more grounded and rooted full cherry blossom tree with a nice integrating element.
For people who like to know about symbolism, here are the individual elements and their energetic messages:
Hummingbird: The hummingbird symbolizes timeless joy and the Nectar of Life, as well as a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible and will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances. They also symbolize energy, vitality, renewal, sincerity, healing, persistence, peace, infinity, agility, playfulness, loyalty, and affection. They are also messengers of hope and remind us to be persistent with the pursuit of our dreams. Apparently, a not-so-known fact is that their wing flutters move in the pattern of an infinity symbol, which then embodies the symbolism of eternity and continuity of infinite cycles. They are seen as being tireless, always seeking the good and beauty of each moment and day – and yet let us know that the sweetest nectar is found within. Since hummingbirds call our attention to how we expend our energy, when they appear it heralds us to honestly look at how we are managing our energy – are we wasting it on needless things like fears, worry, or unimportant details and things to avoid something? Or, are we staying well-balanced and efficiently honing in on productive use of our energy? (I created the hummingbird in a mix of organic and ethereal, with wings and tail that end in flowing spirals)
Spiral: symbol of creation, movement, fluidity, surrender/releasing, holistic growth, and awareness of the one within the context of the whole. It reveals the cyclical nature of life, the consciousness of nature from core center expanding outward, and the relationship between unity and multiplicity. It is the limitless spirals that move both “inward towards the Source of creation and eternally outward with Source’s continual self-creation.” In this way, the spiral reflects the contiguous journey home to who you really are and the journey to be one with Source.
Butterfly: Butterfly medicine symbolizes transformation, celebration, transition, lightness, soul, time, grace, elegance, freedom, joy and bliss, miracles, flexibility, cycles of life, creativity, gentleness, preciousness of life, as well as the medicine the ability and clarity of mind needed before self-transformation. This Butterfly also represents the more feminine aspects with her gracefulness and curved wings and design, and that connection with understanding both the strength and fragility simultaneously in life. (the butterfly is integrated over the center of the Mandala design, emerging from it)
Heart Chakra Symbolism: In the human energy system, the source of powerful and creative, unconditional love energy lies at the center of your chest in the Heart Chakra, or “Anahata,” in Sanskrit. From its middle position as fourth in a system of seven chakras, it is the balancing integrator of opposites (between body and spirit, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity) and acts as an energetic “bridge” between lower and upper chakras. It is symbolized by a lotus of twelve petals and the color green, with emerald as one of its associated gemstones. (the Heart Chakra symbolism was created by the twelve petaled Mandala with inner layers of another 12 petals and then double 6 petaled or pointed stars at the core – representing the depths of integrative healing and core activation)
Six Pointed Star: (or hexagon/hexagram. Here is a post I did on the energy of this: Hexagons and Healings
Maple Leaves: Just as the sweet rich sap produces Maple syrup, so too does the Maple leaves serve as a love symbol, as they depict the sweetness and wonder of love in everyday life. (there are two at both bottom sides of the Mandala)
Cherry Blossoms: The breathtaking but brief beauty of the cherry blossoms, according to Buddhist tradition, symbolizes the transient nature of life. They also reflect, in traditional Japanese values, that of purity and simplicity. The cherry blossom is also tied with the samurai culture, representing the fleeting nature of the samurai’s life and symbolic of drops of blood. They also represent the arrival of Spring, end of Winter, end of difficult/challenging periods, joy, beauty, freshness, new generation, life cycle, feminine principle, beauty and sexuality, love in a language of herbs, promise of fruit to come – fruits of your labor revealing in abundance. (there just so happened to end up being 12 cherry blossoms, which was not consciously intentional – this mirrors the 12 petaled lotus Mandala, as well as 12 being symbolic of the creation of the universe, but combinations and repetitions of 1 and 2 together share that our thoughts are like seeds that are beginning to sprout and a sign that things will and are growing in terms of our intents. It also breaks down to the number 3 which is the Trinity, Union of Divine plus Human, Manifestation, Positive, Negative and Neutral, Expression, Subconscious Mind/Imagination, Creativity, Optimism, Enthusiasm, Expressiveness, Humor, Fun)
Dream Catcher: The dream catcher can also be a medicine wheel and with specific intention, with all the parts of the dream catcher having meaning. To begin, the web represent the spider forever repairing the eternal web of life. Thus weaving your life dreams and energy in the universe when you dream. The ring represents the earth mother and the humble walk we do upon her. As we believe that we are related to all things and that all things are part of us then the Dream Catcher and medicine wheel is a representation of such sacred belief. The ring and the woven web represent love, honesty and purity. All of the elements of the dream catcher together represent the earth, fire and water. Things we need to live. It represents the ability to be love and to love, to take the risk and get out of the nest and fly on your own, the ability to live beyond your shadows. The web is from the spider whose web represents the cycles of life – in each time of life there are many forces that can help or can interfere with the harmony of Nature. The web is a perfect circle with a hole in the center, to be used to help yourself and others reach their goals, making good use of their ideas, dreams and visions. If you believe in the Great Spirit, the web will filter your good ideas and the bad ones will be trapped and will not pass. The legend of the Dream Catcher is that it captures the bad Spirits and filters them. Protecting us from evil and letting through only the good dreams. It is believed that each carefully woven web will catch bad spirit dreams in the web and disappear by perishing with the first light of the morning sun. The good spirit dreams will find their way to the center and float down the sacred feather. Dream Catchers are believed to bless the “sleeping ones” with pleasant dreams, good luck, and harmony throughout their lives. It is how lessons were remembered and where visions were received. It is said that when you get a good night sleep you can remember when the spirit has talked to you.
Personal Empowerment Mandala: Mandalas are geometric figures representing the universe. In this case, she IS the universe and this empowerment mandala is a reflection of the very “fabric” (my client actually loves fabric) of her You-niverse – the core of her being and aspects of her higher self to help her to move more gracefully into expressing that. This mandala will help her to focus her energy in a way that is connected to her authentic self.
In totality, and not limited to, this sacred design will help her to embody:
- more of her authenticity
- help remind her to flow and let go
- embodies that joy of life and will penetrate that integration through to her heart
- help her to have more courage and step out and into her expression
- will help to integratively heal old emotions and help her step more into the freedom of who she truly is
- will support her through the changes in life with continued promise of renewal and light at the end of each dark tunnel
- reflects her inner spark, connection with self, and the rhythms of nature with her animal totems
- help draw out her passions and come into her fullness more
- feel more peace with each step of transition knowing she is beautiful and loved as she is
- has a regal quality in its design almost like a personal soul crest
- will help create a powerful sense of boundaries when needed
The design as you can see at top and bottom and all sides, keeps the energy flowing and moving through and extends that centered energy it resides in at Higher Heart through all that she does through the journey of her life.
I was honored to be able to create this for her, as I am with each piece I help to co-create. My only hope ever, is that each design will touch the soul it is intended for, as each soul touches me.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com. Remember that there is currently a waiting list and price changes are going to be in effect at start of 2014.
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
Inner Goddess Revealed – The Alchemy of Wholeness Through a Sacred Tattoo
Another sacred tattoo journey births into being. I had A LOT of fun creating this piece and enjoyed being able to work with the Egyptian energy again, for part of it, as that is rich in my own soul history.
This is one of those times I was given creative freedom and liberty to fully channel from that connective heart space of tapping in to the energy received and how it wants to manifest. I was also given a whole back as my canvas to work with.
The original of this drawing is done to scale and is quite large (stretching into a space of 20″ long, 13″+ across at top and 11″ across at bottom) and will fill most of my client’s back. We may integrate more into it down the road, or flowingly extend into her sides as her journey of evolution continues.
But for now, I tapped into what was most supportive and empowering for where she currently is in life.
There are always so many elements intertwined in these soul tapestries that are created. I felt into the things that were shared and then intuitionally pulled from this, the things that felt most important at this time, along with some new elements that came into awareness through the tuning in phase of the process. It was so fun to hear how the parts I intuited, had a tangible experiential connection and stories that were shared with me after I presented the piece to my lovely client.
And of course, as with the designs I co-create, there is a visual story layered in symbolism – more than I can even describe. These designs act as portals, as well as are sacred ingredients for the recipe of soul integration and wholeness.
I will share the basics of the elements and symbolism involved (gathered from several resources and myself) for anyone wanting to know more meaning on these. I find people enjoy knowing how these elements are much more than simply images and things they may have found pretty, or that they were drawn to, but not ever really knowing why.
The Goddess Isis: Her main roles are Mother and Fertility Goddess and Goddess of Magic and Healing. She was a great magician. The titles: Great Goddess, The Divine One and The One Who is All are a testament to the power and appeal of this Egyptian Goddess. She was described as the Goddess of Magic, Great Lady of Magic and Lady of the Words of Power. This was in recognition of her magical gifts and understanding of power of magical words. Together with Osiris she ruled the Gods. Isis was called the Mother of Life, but she was also known as the Crone of Death. Her immense powers earned her the titles of “The Giver of Life” and “Goddess of Magic”. Her best known story illustrates why she is simultaneously known as a creation goddess and a goddess of destruction. As the personification of the “complete female”, Isis was called “The One Who Is All”, Isis Panthea (“Isis the All Goddess”), and the “Lady of Ten Thousand Names”. The goddess Isis, a moon goddess and goddess of rebirth, gave birth to Horus, the god of the sun. Together, Isis and Horus created and sustained all life and were the saviors of their people. The ancient Egyptian goddess Isis has many gifts to share with modern women. Isis embodies the strengths of the feminine, the capacity to feel deeply about relationships, the act of creation, and the source of sustenance and protection. At times Isis could be a clever trickster empowered by her feminine wiles rather than her logic or brute strength, but it is also the goddess Isis who shows us how we can use our personal gifts to create the life we desire rather than simply opposing that which we do not like. The myths of Isis and Osiris caution us about the need for occasional renewal and reconnection in our relationships. Isis also reminds us to acknowledge and accept the depths of our emotions.
Dragonfly: The Dragonfly symbolizes prosperity, good luck, strength, peace, harmony, purity, but also change, change of perspective, going beyond the surface to the deeper meanings of life, power, poise, maturity, elegance, grace, defeat of self-created illusions, clear vision into the realities of life, discovery of your own abilities and your true self, removal of doubts, self-discovery, removal of inhibitions, living in the moment, living to the fullest, and ability to see beyond human limitations. I created the Dragonfly as a mixture of magickal and organic to be that energy of Divinity within the Human Temple Body where physical and spiritual meet, and created it in a more flowy quality to bring in that femininity and natural elegance.
The Goddess Bast: Egyptian goddess of sensual pleasure, protector of the household, bringer of health, and the guardian saint of firefighters — she was the original mistress of multi-tasking. Also called Bastet or Basthet, the goddess Bast is widely known today as the “Cat Goddess”. Legend has it that, by day, Bast would ride through the sky with her father, the sun god Ra, his boat pulling the sun through the sky. Ever watchful, she protected Ra from his enemies. Thus she became known as the Lady of the East, the Goddess of the Rising Sun, and The Sacred and All-Seeing Eye.But by night, she was a different creature entirely! Bast transformed herself into a cat (renowned for its superb night vision) to guard her father from Apep (also known as Apophis), a serpent who was her father’s greatest enemy. Ra’s priests burned wax models of the snake and wrote his name with green ink, trying to put a “hex” on him — but to no avail. Finally, with her cat eyes shining in the dark, she managed to kill the evil serpent. Credited with killing the vile Apep, the goddess Bast ensured the warmth of the sun would continue to bless the delta of the Nile with fertile soil and abundant crops and was honored as a goddess of fertility. Because of her all-seeing sacred eye (called the utchat) that magically saw through the dark, Bast is one of the few sun goddesses that is also classified as a moon goddess, with her glowing cat’s eye reminding us of the moon that it reflects. She holds the title of Goddess of protection. In this role she became Goddess of the rising sun and holder of the Utchat, the all seeing eye of Horus. Statues of this Goddess would be placed in households to protect them from thieves. In the Book of the Dead she is mentioned as destroying the bodies of the deceased, with the royal flame, if they failed the judgment hall of Maat. Later she was depicted with the head of a domestic cat, representing her more nurturing aspects. Woman of the time would buy amulets of this Goddess illustated with different numbers of kittens, representing the number of children they wished to have. The links to fertility and childbirth were further strengthened by the Greeks. They likened this Goddess to Artemis and she also became associated with the moon and children. As a cat Goddess she also protected houses from rats and snakes and so ensured the health of the occupants. The Goddess was linked to the music and dance due to the special rattle that she carried known as the Sistrum. The rattles were used to celebrate her festivals. She was connected with perfumes as she shares a hieroglyph with that which represented the bas jar. These were ceramic vessels used to hold expensive perfumes. A Patron Goddess of fire fighters due to the Egyptian belief that if a cat ran through a burning household she would draw the flames out behind her. The Egyptian goddess Bast reminds us of all that is feline and feminine. Her gifts, very cat-like in nature, include the refusal to be at everyone’s beck and call and an insistence on the freedom of expression. She teaches us to relax and never waste energy, reminding us to luxuriate in beauty, perfume, and to sway in graceful movement. Bast refuses to take anything too seriously. But most importantly, Bast leads us to accept the true nature of things (ourselves included) and helps us remain unswayed by the opinion of others. Curled up like a cat lying in the sun, the goddess Bast foms a complete circle – a symbol of the eternal.
The Eye of Horus/Thoth (as Bast’s eye): an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power and good health. It is also known as ”The Eye of Ra”. It has great healing and protective powers. The Eye of Horus represents a sign of power given to the wearer by the gods of the time. It can also be a symbol that you are protected from harm by the god represented in the eye. The Egyptian word for this symbol is Wadjet, which literally translated means god or goddess. Horus himself was the falcon headed Egyptian god that originally represented the sky, but also came to be recognized as the sun and moon god as well. His right eye was associated with the sun god, Ra. The eye symbol represents the marking around the eye of the falcon, including the “teardrop” marking sometimes found below the eye. The mirror image, or left eye, sometimes represented the moon and the god Thoth. The eye of Horus was often used to symbolize sacrifice, healing, restoration, and protection.
Elephant: Marveled by the Chinese, Indians and Africans as the most auspicious symbol from the animal kingdom embodying strength, dignity, virility, fertility, prudence, wisdom and intelligence, the elephant is worshipped and honored, sacred and loved. In Buddhism, the elephant is one of the eight precious holy animals and the India God Ganesha (remover of obstacles) is pictured as having the head of an elephant – signs of revered greatness. In Feng Shui, the Elephant is considered a sacred symbol. Although it is often used to symbolize power, wisdom, strength and fertility, it can also be used to symbolize longevity and success. It can act as the grantor of wishes and as the protector of the household. For most feng shui applications, the elephants are usually depicted with the trunk up, as this symbolizes the showering of good luck, prosperity and victory. Elephant Wisdom: Strength, Royalty, Connection to ancient wisdom, Removal of obstacles and barriers, Confidence, Patience, Using education opportunities
Tiger: Power, Energy, Vitality, Health, Royalty, Protection, Generosity, Illumination, Unpredictability…Tigers are considered a yang energy, and are also a solar animal which associates them with symbolisms of the sun, summer and fire. In ancient Chinese myth there are five tigers that hold the balance of cosmic forces in place and prevent chaos from collapsing into the universe. The primary meaning of the tiger spirit animal is willpower, personal strength and courage – ability to overcome obstacles and fears, your personal power, strong positive expression of your sensuality, helps you to be aware of your aggression, shadow or part of you that you would normally try to hide or reject, unpredictability in life, actions or feelings. Tiger helps you to learn how to deal with strong emotions that once felt threatening, but are becoming more and more manageable.
Lotus: The Lotus 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.
Heart: the source of the most powerful energy – unconditional love and compassion that helps to integrate, balance, and create harmony within all experiences
Spiral: symbol of creation, movement, fluidity, surrender/releasing, holistic growth, and awareness of the one within the context of the whole. It reveals the cyclical nature of life, the consciousness of nature from core center expanding outward, and the relationship between unity and multiplicity. It is the limitless spirals that move both “inward towards the Source of creation and eternally outward with Source’s continual self-creation.” In this way, the spiral reflects the contiguous journey home to who you really are and the journey to be one with Source.
Portal energy vortexes: doorways or gateways to access new dimensional experiences. The swirling energy also mirrors the spiral energy and the spiraling of the Chakras when they are in flow, unobstructed – a good example for how to flow with life naturally.
Some connections with it all, but there is more than I can share:
Isis came to me immediately for this particular client, feeling there was a strong Egyptian tie from past lives and the sense of her being a priestess of Isis. So this felt like an important aspect to bring into the mix. Isis to me not only represents an aspect of her in her highest and wholeness, but holds the space for her to continue that evolutionary journey, integrate soul gifts into the now, as well as supports the process and enchants with her magic along the way. Her wings are not only of the nurturing aspects within my client to mother others, be of service, etc., but to take care of herself and mirror her intents towards helping others. The wings also double to me as an angel and therefore represent the angel energy she so resonates with and has around her always, guiding, protecting and watching over her.
I have surrounded Isis with many of the magic animal spirit guides connected to my client and that hold a wisdom and power for her life. The also represent her love for and connection to animals in general, and the connectiveness of all living creatures on earth. In one wing she gently cradles an elephant with trunk raised (for good luck) and gently also nuzzling her neck in reciprocation. This depicts her being of service in greater ways and of course the elephant holds the energy explained above. I love that her delicate wings shows that there is strength in tenderness, vulnerability, and grace, as it is able to support the very powerful and substantial elephant. And the elephant shares his trust knowing he is supported by her and therefore these qualities are available for the soul who wears this as her spiritual skin.
Her other wing she opens, revealing her heart energy spiraling and emanating outward from which a magickal dragonfly emerges, carrying its messages as shared above, and represents her coming into and living to her fullest. Isis’ wing also opens revealing her magickal healing energy that emerges into the spiraling portal vortex from which she can create from her intents into manifestation. This portal will sit at the higher heart area (between throat and heart) empowering it.
To her right sits the Goddess Bast enraptured by the dragonfly and shares an innocence and “joy for life” energy that is playful and youthful, despite all of the wisdom and power that these symbols all represent and despite all of the challenges and hardships that may have otherwise hardened her. This also is stemming from the heart energy, bringing forth that vulnerability mixed with strength. Bast here not only represents the energy as shared above, but came through to also represent the beautiful cat companion she has in her life, named Raseya. This was another immediate intuitive hit to have Bast. And when I learned of Bast’s father being the sun god Ra, I knew instantly why. Ra is part of Raseya’s name and also so closely tied to the special friend, Ras, from whom Raseya was named after and came from. Seemed very appropriate that Raseya is coming through as Bast in this piece, as her familiar from beyond just this life, who is providing so much to her in support. Seemed fitting to have her in this aspect, as part of the guidance and protection that is empowering her life, as well as having Bast as a part of her own energy to access.
She of course has the Eye of Horus, but in this case, it being the left eye, is really the Eye of Thoth to many and represents this great alchemist, hence providing the doorway to her own personal alchemy to create what she desires.
There is an opened lotus and a lotus bud at the bottom in the second chakra area, which represents aspects of her and her journey – coming into her fullness and the continual evolution of birthing and cycling into new aspects of herself and her experience. I added its stems and the roots turning into another whirling portal vortex at the base, which not only anchor a very integrative energy of this lower chakra in balance with opening the upper one, but of course the roots and lotus story – coming from the depths of the murky waters and mud, sharing how my client has risen above and out of the darkness and will continue to do so and always come into the light. This reminds her to trust she will always be ok. The roots also anchor her into the lower chakra and Earth chakra.
And to the left, lies a powerful tiger amidst the lotus leaves in this second chakra area as well, in a more restful and vulnerable state, demonstrating that strength in vulnerability, but also ready and alert, able to take on whatever comes and isn’t taken by surprise as all senses are still and focused. In this second chakra area he helps her to manage emotions, her sensual aspects, and bringing this through her creative power in a focused and strengthened way. He helps to tune in to feelings, senses, and instincts, and embrace all parts of herself, including the shadows, and then integrating them in productive ways. The tiger also assists in creating more independence and liberation from sense of duty and responsibility, bringing it back to the responsibility of her path to keep focused on.
The whole energy of the piece moves in a flow from left to right, to left and then again back to right, creating a sublet “s” shape and like that spiraling up of the serpent and kundalini energy. All of the beings are looking up, while the dragonfly looks down and the tiger stabilizes at center focus. This provides all seeing in and anchors in presence of as above, so below.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to support others with the gift of these channeled and sensory-encoded, frequency-shifting “spiritual skin” portals.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com. Remember that there is currently a waiting list and price changes are going to be in effect at start of 2014.
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
From the Ocean’s Creative Depths a Cosmic Rebirthing Emerges Through an Enchanting Underwater Sacred Tattoo Design
I really enjoy each of the sacred tattoo designs I have the honor to assist with and this one was an added joy, as it blended dear elements of my own heart, as well as was for a dear soul in my life.
I wanted to make sure to create something that was reflective of my seeing her in her wholeness, yet that would also hold the space for her highest potential through a graceful and flowing journey of evolution.
She already had an older tattoo (as you see pictured left), which was my foundation to work from, and then I had to incorporate the new elements to transform it into the new energy of who she is now and is becoming.
The result was this channeled creation you see above, which is almost like a cosmic, underwater enchantment scene that is the landscape of her essence as seen from within, reflected out, and will hold the space and energy of this. It also reflects within this, the concept of “as above, so below”, as well – helping to create the core foundation that supports and sustains her new birthing into being.
She shared with me some of the symbols she is drawn to and having known her story, I was guided to use the symbols of the lotus, dolphin, mermaid and spiraling energy of water and cycles of life for this creation. These seemed to speak through her most at this time in her life and as most reflective of her journey in essence. A couple of additions that came through were a sort of cosmic infinity flame at center of the dolphin and mermaid and the two spiraling nautilus shells anchoring the energy below.
The design she already had directs energy both down to her Root Chakra and the Earth, through the point at the bottom, as well as up and out in all directions of the wave spirals.
The design I created adds to this with drawing energy up through the highest point at top, furls out through the opening lotus petals, and spirals in all directions with the extended side designs of what I see as reflective of the water’s energy, spirals of life, and also of the stems and roots of the lotus below the water that anchor and ground.
The top of the design is more organic and then blends into a symmetry and balance of delicate flow, rooted in the ancient nautilus shells that have a feminine curving grace, from which the spiraling energy emerges.
The design will slightly and gracefully wrap around to the sides with a flowing essence that moves the energy not only up and down, but circling around, left and right as well – the four directions. I wanted to try to make the design look like it was meant to be created as one piece, rather than looking like we are piecing things together – like it was meant that way originally. In a way, it has sort of a henna-like design quality/feel to it with a two-dimensional aspect, plus some three-dimensional aspects at top.
The essence of the piece captures a rebirthing process, an integration of duality into wholeness, a partnering of the twin soul aspect within self and then respectively, also with another.
The mermaid – an aspect of her, as well as the dolphin.
It carries the magical flow essence that creatures of the ocean know very well how to do, the continuous evolving through the spirals of life, the waves of the ocean, the nautilus symbolism, healing others through the healing waters represented in the spiraling waves, as well as the dolphins in their nurturing gentleness and Universal Love nature that knows the connective state of each other as a collective community, and it embodies peace, harmony, joy and love that she wanted.
It even has the quality of “Namaste” emanating subtly that she had mentioned wanting too, as there is a subtle design aspect that I added to be like two hands coming together in prayer/honoring that you can see the top of the fingers of, at center top of the design/doubling as lotus petals (which are also like cosmic flames themselves) – and the dolphin and mermaid are each aspects entwined into one of what would be the two hands at either side.
I added a cosmic infinity flame I created between the two, where the lotus unfurls to birth this fusion of divine union.
Dolphins symbolize playfulness, transcendence, gentleness, harmony, intelligence, contentment, friendship, community, resurrection, generosity, power, compassion, well being, purity of heart.
As I shared from astrologer Cathy Lynn Pagano in my earlier post today on the Full Blue Moon in Aquarius:
“The Sabian symbol for the Sun at 29* Leo is: A mermaid emerges from the ocean waves ready for rebirth in human form. In one sense, a mermaid symbolizes a new feeling arising from the collective unconscious. Part woman, part fish, the mermaid brings us news of what is going on in the creative depths of the ocean which gave us all birth. A new manifestation of the Anima Mundi or World Soul yearns to be reborn as Lady Wisdom.
This felt so perfect for the symbolism of the mermaid in the design.
The lotus is a powerful and ancient image symbolizing 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 Nautilus shells to me are of an ancient nature and with its integrated chambers is symbolic of continuous progress, balance, new ideas, visionary discoveries, innovation and inspiration, renewal, eternal continuity, expansion, consistency, evolution, interconnectedness, divine perfection, natural flow, stability and internal harmony within regeneration, abundant creative energy – in general, a symbol of life and “the journey home” to Source within All That Is, through a succession of transcendent spirals. When gazing upon the Nautilus it provides a serene sense of balance and well being.
The spiral itself is a symbol of creation, movement, fluidity, surrender/releasing, holistic growth, and awareness of the one within the context of the whole. It reveals the cyclical nature of life, the consciousness of nature from core center expanding outward, and the relationship between unity and multiplicity. It is the limitless spirals that move both “inward towards the Source of creation and eternally outward with Source’s continual self-creation.” In this way, the spiral reflects the contiguous journey home to who you really are and the journey to be one with Source.
Overall, there is a feeling of connection both to the Earth and Cosmos, that is grounded, yet flowing, as well as continually blossoming with renewal, the quality of Divine Goddess energy that is whole in sacred union from within, there is a sense of her exquisite nature and simplistic elegance, loving tenderness, yet empowered beingness, nurturing and creative passion of her spirit that is being both celebrated, as it blossoms, AND shared with others, and inner peace in all of life’s cycles.
I’m sure there is much more that can be found and felt. And really the details don’t matter as much so as the essence of how it feels when it is worn as a mirror of the soul, and gazed upon by anyone who mirrors that reflection.
I so love to see what channels through with each person, as I truly believe that the essence of the soul is reflected in the design that emerges. True beauty is all I see when I work with each person, and the result of that in manifested design, is the unique channel of the soul mirrored.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com. Remember that there is currently a waiting list and price changes are going to be in effect at start of 2014.
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 and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
Pre-Order Special – Prints Now Available of Eternal Harmony – The Journey Home
Eternal Harmony – The Journey Home by Tania Marie
30″ x 40″ Acrylic on Canvas with a touch of Metallic Gold at Center
There was an amazing response to this painting I posted a few weeks ago that really kind of blew me away. I was so moved by the sharing of feelings that people had from viewing this and the extent to which they described those feelings and what it reflected for them.
This inspires the creative force behind what I do, as while I express my authenticity, I am aware how it simultaneously is collectively connected in service.
When I create a channeled painting, it is always Source from which I am creating from that comes through my individual connection and expression of that.
Because of this and after receiving several messages from people that were interested in ordering prints of it, I looked into making that possible and am happy to share that this will be so.
It really meant a lot to me to feel what others received from this channeled creation, as it reflected something very pure birthing forth.
I was deeply touched by this expression that someone shared when they saw it:
“What a breathtaking painting, Tania. The energy of Love you infused into this is as unmistakable as the essence of Divine Inspiration that gave birth to it. It truly represents our collective journey Home, with the various swirls symbolizing the various life experiences that all serve to lead us to a beautiful and infinite space in the center of the Universe….which can be said is our Heart and Soul.”
I shared about this piece when I first posted it, which you can read here: Eternal Harmony – The Journey Home
All of that being said, Pre-Orders are now available for this painting, while it is in process of recreation.
So if you are interested in this piece, you can place orders now at Special Pre-Order Discount Prices of 20% Off until September 22nd, 2013 (Fall Equinox), after which the full pricing will go into effect.
Eternal Harmony – The Journey Home will be available in 3 sizes and 2 different options of fine art paper or gallery wrap canvas (gallery wrap means the image will flow over in extension, onto the sides of the canvas so that you do not end up with white/blank sides, but a beautiful extended image that does not need to be framed, as it beautifully creates a flowing/continuous image).
Each giclee on canvas will be hand-touched with metallic gold by me, so you will have the same effects as the original, along with the personal artist touch to each.
Here are the options and pricing for pre-orders (along with the full pricing) – Shipping/Handling not included:
9″ x 12″ Giclee on Fine Art Paper – Pre-Order Special Price: $48 – (Full Price: $60) = 20% Off
22.5″ x 30″ Canvas Gallery Wrap – Pre-Order Special Price: $400 – (Full Price: $500) = 20% Off
30″ x 40″ Canvas Gallery Wrap (original size) – Pre-Order Special Price: $640 – (Full Price: $800) = 20% Off
Payment Plan Options Available – Contact me at tania@taniamarie.com with inquiries and orders.
“Eternal Harmony – The Journey Home” – Painting Inspiration Comes to Life
Eternal Harmony – The Journey Home by Tania Marie
30″ x 40″ Acrylic on Canvas with a touch of Metallic Gold at Center
Today’s post is on the inspiration behind a commissioned painting I just completed. I was given creative and intuitional license to bring a vision to life for a long time, dear friend and client’s partner who is turning 60 next week.
He has always been a huge supporter of my art, for which I am grateful, and had recently purchased two of my Crystal Illuminations paintings, of which were an energetically complimenting pair that perfectly mirrored him and his girlfriend/partner.
This piece he brought home to her ignited the energetic connection between us, creating a thread for channeling from her to me, and vice versa.
I have yet to meet her in person, but knowing my friend and having this energetic connection through him and the piece of art she has, I instantly had a sense of the essence for this painting when my friend first asked me if I’d like to help him create this special gift.
The only guideline I was given was something in the “earth tones”, but the rest was up to me, as he shared he fully trusted my intuition and vision. I was really touched by this and felt that this creation would be a very special piece on many levels, especially given the very transformational time I know she is in, on her journey of life. Immediately I asked him if she had a connection/resonation with the beach, of which he stated, “Boy, you never fail to astound me. She loves the beach!!! You are connected. I leave it in your hands.”
The essence of the beach and ocean were my muse for this piece, and the time I’ve spent recently there collecting sea treasures of shells along the water’s edge have been feeding my inspiration. I knew this would be a very symbolic and more abstract/impressionistic vision that would be created, but it would be imbued with the nurturing harmony, balance, and rhythmic flow of eternal life that being on the sand and feeling the renewing water roll over them, brings.
I kept seeing touches of teal for the painting, even though “earth tones” were the focus, and this not only felt perfect in mirror to bringing in the ocean’s energy in synergy with the crystal-infused sands of the beach, but also created the balance and flow, the other elements of her energetic footprint, and reflected the color of one of her cherished crystal friends – an aqua aura quartz – that I found out she had after the vision of this color’s frequency spoke to me as needing to be woven in.
Combining all of these elements, along with:
- feeling the simplistic elegance of her nature
- the loving tenderness, yet power she embodies
- her nurturing and creative spirit that is now needing to balance out with focus on herself more
- the journey she has been on in coming to find that inner peace in knowing herself amidst the ever-changing experiences
I then saw/felt the clarity of what was to take form.
Not only can the image take on different forms, depending on who is viewing it, as at times I see a whirlpool or the inside of a wave. At times I see butterfly wings or the feathers of birds. Sometimes it is a blossoming rose. But underlying it is a portal of experience and ultimately it is a visionary impression from the vision that manifested as inspiration from the Nautilus Shell and its connection to the “spiral of life”. And while painting it, I was so in the “vortex” of creation, that the journey flowed magically like the cosmic ocean of experience life indeed is.
Life is a spiral of new cycles and opportunities. It is a spiritual journey of nonlinear evolution to pass through similar points with different perspectives each time.
“The human mind always makes progress, but it is a progress in spirals.” ~Madame de Stael
The Nautilus is a tropical cephalopod with a multi-chambered, spiral shell. Its chambers are in perfect proportion as they continually grow to create new and more expansive ones, without changing shape. Because there is a common shared “lifeline” that weaves the connection between each chamber of “life experience”, all parts are integral to the entire journey and are part of the whole – never forgotten, but ever-changing. The structure of its shell is connected to a mathematical curve called a logarithmic spiral, Fibonacci number, and golden ratio.
Wikipedia shares:
“Approximate logarithmic spirals can occur in nature; golden spirals are one special case of these. It is sometimes stated that spiral galaxies and Nautilus shells get wider in the pattern of a golden spiral, and hence are related to both and the Fibonacci series.”
The Nautilus with its integrated chambers is symbolic of continuous progress, balance, new ideas, visionary discoveries, innovation and inspiration, renewal, eternal continuity, expansion, consistency, evolution, interconnectedness, divine perfection, natural flow, stability and internal harmony within regeneration, abundant creative energy – in general, a symbol of life and “the journey home” to Source within All That Is, through a succession of transcendent spirals.
When gazing upon the Nautilus it provides a serene sense of balance and well being.
The spiral itself is a symbol of creation, movement, fluidity, surrender/releasing, holistic growth, and awareness of the one within the context of the whole. It reveals the cyclical nature of life, the consciousness of nature from core center expanding outward, and the relationship between unity and multiplicity. It is the limitless spirals that move both “inward towards the Source of creation and eternally outward with Source’s continual self-creation.”
In this way, the spiral reflects the contiguous journey home to who you really are and the journey to be one with Source.
The painting I created has multiple layers, but at the core it is supporting the path of least resistance, as growth and change CAN be much easier than we choose to experience it. A gentle reminder that subtle changes and changes of perspective, one after the other, bring big and beautiful results along your blossoming path.
I am grateful for the opportunity to channel this creative vision and bring it to life from my heart to the heart of all who will experience it, but most importantly to whom it was created for and in honor of.
Native American Indian Sacred “Soul Tapestry” Tattoo Design
Another week of sacred tattoo designs is in flow again. I love these individually unique journeys I am honored to get to take with each of the beautiful souls I co-create with.
Today is the first of three new designs I’ll be sharing. I was inspired by Native American Indian energy and art I’ve experienced, which spoke loudly from the get-go for this client, the minute I started to tune in. I later found out she was part Native American when I shared my feeling of direction I was going. It also felt to be a powerful bleed through from past life experiences and energy that was prominent.
Without much to go on except some themes, I worked away at receiving what wanted to through to assist in the essence of intents she had.
This piece is intuited for her upper back/higher heart area and as always I created the design in shades of blacks and grays, which can then be decided upon with the tattoo artist if it will remain as such or be added to with color. My client was feeling drawn to delicate colors and this I feel would look lovely if chosen as such, or as it is. Staying light and ethereal for this would will add to its energy I feel. The original design is 7” wide by 11” high. When working with detail it’s not recommended to go small in order to retain the delicate touches. Bigger is always better and will be more pleasing over time.
As mentioned, I kept getting native American Indian energy from the get-go. So I was pleased to hear the connection and her resonation with this. And a lot of powerful symbolism wanted through which I enmeshed in this Native American Indian woman’s (representing my client) shawl. She stands empowered, grounded, integrated, centered and looking up and beyond to the left, welcoming courageously, peacefully and with great heart joy, the new found wisdom and direction her journey is now taking her.
She is illuminated by the Great Central Sun’s radiating beams that also seem to emanate from her. That spiral at her Crown Chakra, which is the oldest symbol known to be used in spiritual practices, reflects the universal pattern of growth and evolution. The spiral represents the goddess, the womb, fertility and life force energy. Reflected in the natural world, the Spiral is found in human physiology, plants, minerals, animals, energy patterns, weather, growth and death. The Spiral is a sacred symbol that reminds us of our evolving journey in life. When used as a personal talisman, the Spiral helps consciousness to accept the turnings and changes of life as it evolves. The acceptance of change is one of the greatest freedoms a human can experience, putting consciousness in the present moment where the power of creation is condensed. On a larger scale, using this symbol assures all beings are reminded of their inward and outward evolution, a balanced and centered state of mind.
The spiral repeats throughout the design and I also incorporated a moth with spiral antennaes that shape a heart at her Heart Chakra, lotus designs, buffalo medicine (white one in this case) and horse medicine (black one in this case), as well as butterfly and leaves of the Earth that all flow up and down her Chakras and anchor her, as well as give flight to her journey with each of their symbolism they carry.
I felt something very grounding, integrative, forward moving, expansive, and opening to another level of drawing in a new frequency of energy, was wanting through (keeping with that natural harmony within and without) and so this interwoven tapestry of wisdom and empowerment came through as her Higher Self wisdom revealed.
Here is some more on the specific symbolism included.
Lotus symbolism: This 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.
I love the symbolism that Avia Venefica always has to impart. Here is some information on the rest of the symbolism included.
Moth symbolism: vulnerability, determination, subtlety, intuition, faith, dreams, shadows, otherworldliness, secret knowledge, psychic awareness…The moth is a nocturnal creature and even in navigation, when we observe the moth to fly into artificial light or flames, the moth demonstrates its faith and determination. It is still unproven as to why the moth is driven to light – but the best hypothesis is that the moth navigates by lunar light. In the absence of moonlight, the moth moves to the next best thing: man-made light. Even at the risk of losing its life, the moth is ever-vigilant in following its path of light. This may also serve as a moral to us to keep our own vigilance, but not fall victim of blind faith. Those with the moth totem will find this creature a magnificent assistant in developing higher awareness, and psychic enhancement. We gather these symbolic attributes because night creatures conduct their life-sustaining activities in complete darkness. As humans, we may translate this as symbolic of living our lives by intuitive feeling rather than physical sensory perception. Philosophically speaking, night creatures do not tumble in the dark, and neither do humans. We use our dreams, our awareness, and our deeper, inner knowing to navigate through the darkest hours of our lives. Faith is another tool we use to move through shadowy times of uncertainty, and the moth also shares this aspect. The moth never questions provision. She has complete faith that all of her needs will be meet each night.
Buffalo symbolism: provision, gratitude, abundance, consistency, strength, stability, blessing, prosperity…the Buffalo is a sacred animal the Native American Indians and is a true reminder of the greater whole. The Buffalo is like a hologram – one example of abundance – it’s behemoth features are a physical manifestation of the store-holds available in the energetic realms. The White Buffalo is considered incredibly holy. When the White Buffalo comes into our awareness (dreams, vision or even while hiking) it is a huge sign of promise, and great prosperity is soon to come after sighting this regal creature. Buffalo reminds us that we are always provisioned and our attitude towards abundance influences the rest of this planet.
Horse symbolism: power, grace, beauty, nobility, strength, freedom…The Horse symbol meanings of power are widespread through most cultures, and it is linked as an emblem of life-force. Many cultures assign the attributes of the four elements to the Horse: Earth, Fire, Air and Water. As a Native American symbol, the Horse symbol meanings combine the grounded power of the earth with the whispers of wisdom found in the spirit winds. The Horse has long been honored has helper, messenger, and harbinger of spirit knowledge to the Native American. Considered wild and an emblem of freedom, the Native American sees many potentialities in the symbolic nature of this noble creature. Another aspect of Native American symbol meanings of the horse comes with the understanding that the wild freedom of the Horse can be harnessed and used to the benefit of the tribe. This understanding comes only when man and beast enter a silent contract, acknowledging mutual respect and awareness of responsibility to each other. Black Horse: mystery, death, night, secret, messenger of esoteric knowledge.
Butterfly symbolism: Butterflies are messengers of powerfully transformative healing and regenerative energy and symbolism to the indigenous peoples across time. They symbolize the precious miracle of life, hope, love, transmutation, magick, joy, reincarnation – to the Maya, butterflies are seen as ancestors returning for a visit to physicality and have a very earth and cosmic bridging connection (ex: the galactic butterfly symbol – Hunab Ku powerfully broadcasts your reaching to actively join the consciousness of our galaxy), resurrection, transition, communication, celebration, lightness, time, soul, unquestioning embrace, freedom, keeping the faith, grace…phew!…it felt to be speaking to another aspect of my client in this greater expansion sense with her shifting work, community sharing, spreading of her wings in deeper ways of service and heart-deepening, more and more.
There’s always so much more to the designs than I can possibly write about, but I like each person to feel what it speaks to them and to know that energetically so much is imbued and will be felt and activated regardless of whether or not we are literally aware of the specifics.
I’m grateful for this opportunity to support another soul’s beautiful and transformational journey and to help manifest a sacred design, soul-mirror-template for empowerment.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
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, 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 and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
Celtic Butterfly and Tree of Life Sacred Tattoo Design
As mentioned, I’ve been in flowing with the beautiful Celtic energy this week in the most recent wave of new sacred tattoo designs. I had a lot of fun working with this current piece and the essences of things my clients wanted to see embodied in this design.
Each piece I design is so unique because they embody the energy of each individual soul and so they take me on these limitless journeys that not only creatively challenge me to draw from the limitless source of the Universe, but beautifully fill me with the honor of experiencing such brilliant lights along the way.
This sacred design combines the symbolism of Butterfly medicine, the Tree of Life, Spiral and Heart energy, and the Trinity Knot. Interestingly, this pieces is ALSO going on my client’s inner left forearm. Quite the synchronicities flowing energetically with these!
The image that first came to me in right away was a butterfly for this client. Butterfly medicine symbolizes transformation, celebration, transition, lightness, soul, time, grace, elegance, freedom, joy and bliss, miracles, flexibility, cycles of life, creativity, gentleness, preciousness of life, as well as the medicine the ability and clarity of mind needed before self-transformation.
I felt to create a more abstract butterfly, as is mirroring of her unique style, with beautifully Celtic-inspired wing designs that held symbolism in them as well. I included Spiral and Trinity Knot designs that it unveils with spreaded wings. A Spiral, signifying growth, spins into a Trinity Knot, symbol of eternity – therefore symbolizing a spirit journeying into the infinite.
This Butterfly also represents the more feminine aspects with her gracefulness and curved wings and design, and that connection with understanding both the strength and fragility simultaneously in life.
I set it off with a stylized Tree of Life that blends the Spiral energy throughout and merges the top Spirals into Hearts. 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.
There is a vulnerability of Heart (hence the addition of the Spirals creating Hearts at top – also to represent the deepening and opening of my client’s own heart to embrace unconditional love and compassion for self and others always through the journey) and strength present. There is also a focused energy in creating the very clear and asymmetrical design with symbols that have both Triangular points and Circular energy (which we learned in the last Celtic design post are both symbols that represent clarity). The Circle symbolizing also your self-awareness within the construct of the universe and cosmic consciousness and of course, eternity. The Trianglular shapes of the Trinity Knot pointing upright is a visual symbol of ascension and brings the concept of duality to a third position of integration and harmony. The peak at top symbolizes higher thought, inspiration, enlightenment, oneness of mind, aspiration, focus, unity consciousness. In this way it helps to focus and center the inner conflicts in order to be in stillness of peace with the wholeness of who you are and within that peace to be guided by your authentic voice.
The Butterfly and Tree of Life merge at center and share the same body from which their energy unfurls into individual beautiful through the growth cycles. This shared body creates a strong foundation that is grounded and focused, yet from this center of groundedness, has the freedom to take flight and flow – the root wholeness and sum of the individual paths taken along the soul journey.
These symbols felt very empowering in terms of the energy intents to embody – those of enhanced feminine power, sweetness, yet strength, tenderness, awareness, gentleness, clarity of mind, and a time of honesty within self.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
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 and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
Sacred Celtic Mandala Tattoo Design
I love observing the shifts that take place and the energy that flows in at any given time. It’s all very telling…always. They seem to come in waves and this especially holds true with the sacred tattoo energy I help co-create. There definitely feels to be an energetic pattern or commonality that aligns.
As shared, there was a big surge of “Africa” energy for a while and a lot of Divine Male clients all at once, then a major shift into Shamanic energy, and now we come into the enchanting Celtic flow.
It’s really fun to be able to travel the eclectic, mystical waters as I dive into where the next co-creative sacred tattoos will take me.
Today’s design I’m sharing is what channeled through as a sort of magickal Celtic Mandala integrating both a sacred geometry and organic energy together. The symbols that came through for it (mirroring of my client) were the Spiral, Triple Spiral, Triangle, Circle, Daffodil, and Dragonfly. This piece was intuited for my client’s left inner forearm, at the widest area just under the vein where you give blood.
A little about the symbolism in it, as I know everyone likes to see what all is possible to bring into sacred tattoo designs:
The Triple Spiral represents drawing in the three powers of the Maiden, Mother, and Crone and is a sign of feminine power and empowerment through transition and growth. It’s called the Threefold in this case when that center triangular shape with hole is present, representing the hub and signifying unity of the three power.
The Spiral, which I added to the Triple Spiral arms and inside of the Dragonfly represents ethereal energy radiating both outward and inward and symbolizes growth, birth and expansion consciousness, as well as the continuous cycles of life.
Both the Circle and Triangle commonly symbolize clarity. The Circle symbolizing also your self-awareness within the construct of the universe and cosmic consciousness and of course, eternity. The Triangle pointing upright is a visual symbol of ascension and brings the concept of duality to a third position of integration and harmony. The peak at top symbolizes higher thought, inspiration, enlightenment, oneness of mind, aspiration, focus, unity consciousness. In this way it helps you focus and center the inner conflicts in order to be in stillness of peace with the wholeness of who you are and within that peace to be guided by your authentic voice.
My client resonates with wild flowers, like me, and Daffodils immediately struck me. The daffodil has beautiful symbolism that felt very balancing for this piece. Daffodils are symbols of rebirth, new beginnings (as they are connected to March and the Spring Equinox that heralds a new season), good fortune and luck (you never want to have or give just one as it is said this will not bring good fortune, but more than one is fortuitous – I added three in the design to keep with the energy), ray of hope and light ahead, assists in reminding you to be in your heart and not let ego lead you, purity, the sun always shining down upon you, and joy. The flowers I felt to make more organic, to balance the more abstract qualities to bring in that energy of sensitivity, sweetness, tenderness, and gentleness, as well as connection to the Earth Mother and Nature.
The Number 3 generally symbolizes creative power, growth, magic, intuition, expression, versatility, pure joy of creativity, celebration, very goddess energy connected and reflective of the Empress in the Tarot, overcoming duality, manifestation, integration, complete cycles, flow.
The Dragonfly symbolizes also prosperity, good luck, strength, peace, harmony, purity, but also change, change of perspective, going beyond the surface to the deeper meanings of life, power, poise, maturity, elegance, grace, defeat of self-created illusions, clear vision into the realities of life, discovery of your own abilities and your true self, removal of doubts, self-discovery, removal of inhibitions, living in the moment, living to the fullest, and ability to see beyond human limitations. I created the Dragonfly as a mixture of magickal and organic to be that energy of Divinity within the Human Temple Body where physical and spiritual meet, and created it in a more flowy quality to bring in that femininity and natural elegance.
I integrated all of them to create a very potent and focused energy that also had room to flow and grow in an organic nature – balancing right and left brain and bringing a wisdom and alchemy of how to work in that middle space that knows how and when to use each part in the attainment of the whole. While the Mandala itself was lovely, I felt that combining a magickal dragonfly flying toward it would signify the continuous journey of evolution and to work towards consistence presence and mindfulness in your conscious awareness and choices. There is also a sense of drawing energy inward and outward at the same time within the Mandala, and a blossoming energy, along with a bit of alchemical mysticism.
This all felt to be perfectly mirroring of the essence my client had expressed and that came through for where she is at, what she is celebrating, and what she is moving into and intending to create.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s journey, as we continue with the Celtic flow.
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
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 and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
Tania Marie 