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Symbolism of Yantras

8/30/2022

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We're beginning our seventh week of the Artist Way class. Part of the course is drawing mandalas daily after each journaling session. One of the participants mentioned the "yantra". When I was in India, Swamiji had a huge yantra in his ashram. Memories! Anyway, it prompted me to revisit the yantra. I found this in Wikepedia. Being aware of the symbolism of the shapes will make constructing the mandalas more meaningful!  


Yantra
 (यन्त्र) is the Sanskrit word for a mystical diagram, especially diagrams or amulets supposed to possess occult powers in astrological or magicalbenefits in the Tantric traditions of the Indian religions. Traditionally such symbols are used in Eastern mysticism to balance the mind or focus it on spiritual concepts. The act of wearing, depicting, enacting and/or concentrating on a yantra is held to have spiritual or astrological or magical benefits in the Tantrictraditions of the Indian religions.

Shapes and patterns commonly employed in yantra include squares, triangles, circles and floral patterns but may also include more complex and detailed symbols, for instance:

  • The lotus flower typically represents chakras, with each petal representing a psychic propensity (or vritti) associated with that chakra;
  • A dot, or bindu, represents the starting point of creation or the infinite, unexpressed cosmos;
  • The shatkona (şaţkoņa) (Sanskrit name for a Hexagram) is composed of a balance between:
  • An upwards triangle which according to Tantra denotes energy, or more specifically action and service (seva). It may also denote spiritual aspiration, the element of fire, or Shiva. It is also said to represent the static substratum of the cosmos;[citation needed]
  • A downwards triangle which according to Tantra denotes spiritual knowledge. It may also denote the creative power of the cosmos, fecundity, the element of water, or Shakti;
  • A swastika represents good luck, welfare, prosperity or spiritual victory;
  • Bija mantras (usually represented as characters of Devanāgarī that correspond to the acoustic roots of a particular chakra or vritti).
Geometric element meanings:

  • Circle = Energy of the element water
  • Square = Energy of the element earth
  • Upward-facing Triangle = Energy of the element fire; energy
  • Downward-facing Triangle = Energy of the element water; knowledge
  • Diagonal line = Energy of the element air
  • Horizontal line = Energy of the element water
  • Vertical line = Energy of the element fire
  • Point = Energy of the element ether
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Mistletoe’s Lesser Known Virtues

12/12/2021

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​The legend states, "those who kiss  under the mistletoe
will fall in love and stay  in love."
​

Memories of mistletoe may be pleasant for some, but my most frequent experiences were sheer panic, as I realized, often too late, there was a cluster over head and the wrong guy standing next to me. 
Romantic novels, and some friend’s stories, give a different perspective. They describe an opportunity to finally have an  innocent kiss  with your heart's desire and  find out if there is a  special spark. If the legend holds true, this is followed by a guaranteed happily ever after. 

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MISTLETOE Caution - POISON
Gender: Masculine
Element:  Air
Planet: Sun
But this year, the coronavirus, masks, and distancing will eliminate what we have probably all thought of as mistletoe’s one and only role in holiday celebrations. We think of it as the  ‘kissing herb” and further examination probably  ends. When we apply labels, positive or negative, we tend to stop looking for other characteristics. 2020 has given us the  opportunity to view almost everything from a different perspectives, and taking a closer look at mistletoe may be surprising and beneficial!
Mistletoe, like most herbs, has a variety of folk names. One is All Heal, referring to its long, historic  role  in providing protection and healing. It has been carried to prevent, or cure, plague. It also ensures safety from fires and lightning, and will bring about good luck and fortune. Some sources  go  so far as to suggest there are spells using mistletoe to help you obtain immortality!
If you see mistletoe this year, I suggest  you abstain from kissing, but give some thought to attributes you might not have considered. We could all  use a bit of protection and healing from the plague, and mistletoe, all heal, will serve  us well.  
You might want to use the same approach with friends and family. What gifts and talents have been hidden in others  because they are over shadowed by a more dominant  label?   Holidays will be less  hectic this year and we’ll have more time to hunt for previously unnoticed treasures. Are there people in your life who have gifts and talents  you hadn’t noticed? Look beyond their most obvious talents and discover what you’ve been  missing!
Have  you discovered aspects in yourself that you have kept hidden? Do  you have interests  you’ve wanted to explore but haven’t taken the time to research or practice? You may  have an affinity  for music, but  focused  only on team sports. You might want to learn a  language and  study another  culture  so you’ll be ready  to visit exotic lands when  its safe to travel again. You might have  considered writing a novel but never made  the commitment to  follow through. These long dark days of isolation can give  us  an opportunity  to  explore and  develop new, or dormant, talents and skills. 

Nature is filled  with lessons.  Being more aware of mistletoe’s role in  lesser known virtues may guide  us to  insights about ourselves and  others we might not have considered. 
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Sweet Remembrances

12/9/2020

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The last time I  saw  Susan she was  three  years  old. 

She lived in my hometown and was Julia,  my  best friend’s, little sister. I was thirteen  years old when my  dad died and we left the town where he taught at the  local college. Mother  got a  job out of state and I lost touch  with both sisters. Years  later, Julia and I reconnected, followed  by my reconnecting  with Susan. We became Facebook friends and were in touch almost daily.  Her creativity, compassion for others, and  energy, were a breath  of fresh air. 
On October 9 this year, Susan passed unexpectedly. When I  saw  her  daughter’s  post on Facebook, announcing her Mom’s death, I  was heart sick. Even now, thinking  of it gives me  a lump  in my throat. 
A few days ago, I found  the Christmas card  Susan sent me last year.  
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This is so much more  than  a Christmas card to  me. It is a reminder to take the time to let  people know  how you  feel. Susan’s card will inspire me to send physical  reminders to  let others know  they  matter to me, and why.
Years ago,  I  read  that sincere compliments are so rare, we remember them  for a lifetime. At my age, a physical  reminder is helpful. In the age of everything quick,  reactionary  and electronic, a personal note is especially treasured. This year may be the perfect time to send a hand written note to  loved ones to  let them know you  care.  
Stay safe and share your love and light. No day is  promised. 
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Celebrating Autumn’s Golds

11/18/2020

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Sassafras
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Aspen
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Poke
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Maple
Writing for NaNoWriMo is going well but I miss playing with colors! Love autumn’s golden palette!
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Collecting Firsts

10/20/2020

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I started Collecting Firsts years ago, when I  was weary of the  same house, job, drive to work, etc., and I decided if life was  going to be more varied  and vibrant,  it  was up to me to take a more creative   and proactive approach. It  never occurred to me that my ‘first’ plague was in the future, or the first time watching my  youngest daughter struggle with Covid 19. 
On  a brighter note, as she began to slowly  recuperate, inspite of on going  after effects, she asked me if I’d like to  participate  in the virtual Baltimore 26.2 mile crabby walk. At 70, I knew it would be a challenge as it was my  first, but wanted  to support her, so  I agreed. 

On Saturday,  October 10, we completed our required miles and yesterday  our t-shirts and medals arrived so  we opened them together  on a Zoom call! 

We’re planning to do  the turkey trot  on Thanksgiving Day and run a marathon in the  spring. Setting goals together has helped to make this bittersweet year a little  more  bearable. Even during a pandemic, there are ways to  collect firsts. I hope you are all setting goals and making wonderful memories. 
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Cherishing the Moment Feeds the Soul

9/16/2020

 

 “Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the whole world revolves. 
Slowly, evenly, without rushing towards the future.”
 ~ Thich Nhat Hahn


We live in an “instant” world. Handwritten letters, carefully thought out and elegantly penned, were once delivered  by mail. The anticipation of an artistically caring response could last for days or even weeks, and reread for a lifetime. Now we send rapid fire e-mails and abbreviated text messages and respond within seconds, often more reactive than thoughtful.

At one time, preparing a meal, from harvesting to artistic preparation and delivery to the table, could take hours. Once seated at at the table, which was often adorned with handmade linens and a center piece, we took the time to savor the flavors, share conversation, and recognize and appreciate the effort that went into the meal. Now, too often we fly through the drive through window on the way to here or there to buy over processed, fatty and over-salted food. At times, a meal is rapidly devoured in the car, or taken home to be gulped thoughtlessly in front of a television set blaring with upsetting messages. No wonder we’re still hungry after the meal. We haven’t really been fed!

During leisure time, people gathered  to share hobbies: to knit, crochet or make quilts that took months to finish. Now many of us have no idea what it is like to experience the satisfaction of completing a long term project, either alone or with others. Taking time to learn new skills and complete creative projects feeds the soul in a way that nothing else can replicate.

Even simply drinking a cup of tea can be done without presence or appreciation. Finding ways to slow down and value each moment will enrich every aspect of our lives.

Action:
Slow down. This activity is one of the most powerful concepts you can apply. Pay attention to the moment. Live mindfully. Take the time to experience the senses, the flavors, the simple joys that we often rush through.

There are two steps to this process. The first is awareness. The second, consider ways to  become more mindful. 


1. Awareness
Buy or create a notepad that is beautiful and romantic. Why would you use anything else, now that you’ve discovered how much beauty can enrich your life?  As you go through your day,  make notes when you find yourself beginning to rush. Don’t judge or make any changes - just capture the activity or moment when you find yourself rushing instead of savoring. It might be a hurried exit after gulping breakfast. Or a quick goodbye to a family member, sharing a conversation that you don’t even remember moments later.  Keep your notepad close at hand and add throughout the day and into the evening. 

2. Consider alternatives to create more mindful awareness
Find a quiet time to sit and reflect on each item. What could you do differently? How could you slow down and savor the moment? Are you aware of activities that you rush through because of poor planning? Are there thing you do you don’t enjoy that could be delegated or completely discarded? Is there a way to increase the joy so that you truly want to slow down and savor the moment?


As with previous action plans, you’ll find that change begins with awareness.  When you are ready, apply the changes that you’ve noted. Begin to thoughtfully incorporate a slow and deliberate, mindful awareness and appreciation of your life’s precious moments.

This morning I was rereading one of the sessions in the Take the Rose Instead course and thought this might be a helpful reminder for all of us. One of the benefits of the  pandemic is many are being more mindful of the present moment and the rewards of slowing down. 

Playing with Papers

8/21/2020

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Creating Herbal Collages

8/10/2020

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"I just love this new look you've been creating, it's got all the details of a good botanical illustration AND it's super artistic and original. Go you!"
~ Paula Swenson-Zografis

~ Paula Swenson-Zografis, Artist-Illustrator
Lives in Vila Nova De Ceira, Coimbra, Portugal

​Creating collages has been my main distraction during this pandemic. It has kept me productive and occupied. My youngest daughter fought the virus for over a month and thankfully, is now recovering. My oldest daughter was married a couple of days ago and I wasn't able to attend the wedding. Turning to gardening and art has been a comfort and therapy. 

​So far, I've created 105 collages!

A friend recently asked for more information on  the process so I've included the steps below. 
Most of the plants I sketch are from my gardens. Planting and watching them grow is one of most  rewarding parts of the process!
There's a saying - 
"When the world wearies, there is always the garden."
​I don't think it's ever been more true than in 2020. 

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The next step it so paint them. When I did my course on Enhancing Your Life with Herbs, I painted over 200. It's a six week course and I've delivered it four times, always taking in fresh cuttings to pass around the class so they could experience the fragrances, textures, color and at times, the flavors. Unfortunately, since our class will be on Zoom this year, we won't have that opportunity. Having the illustrations will be even more helpful this year. 
After I create the paintings, the next step is the tedious, but satisfying job of cutting them out. 
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Painting the papers comes next. The papers can be used as backgrounds, or torn or cut to create images. Using the best quality paints ensures the colors are intense and vibrant!
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Finally, all are combined to create my collages!
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Comfort Journals

4/8/2020

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A post from last year. Seems like an appropriate time to repost.
​Sending prayers and comfort to those who have lost loved ones. 


In February a dear friend's mother died. I created a comfort journal to help her process her loss and give her comfort while remembering her loved one. Since then I have made several more but this is my favorite - probably because her mother's favorite flower was the rose.  The comfort journal provides quotes, writing prompts, and a list of ideas for self care. I asked her a few questions about her mother so I could customize it - her favorite color, flower, song, etc. If you have a loved one who has lost someone dear to them and likes to journal, you might want to make a comfort journal for them. 
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The Power of Words

1/24/2020

 
Words are so powerful.
Last night I found this note from one of my participants. It warmed my heart and reminded of how fortunate we are to be able to lift up ourselves, and each other, using 26 little marks!

"As always, you and your work are my highlight of the day!  Thank you so much for reinforcing affirmations and words/thoughts I say about myself.  I need to be reminded repeatedly.  You are truly a gift. I am so grateful for the gifts you are sharing with me!" 

As I consider the power of words, I'm reminded of one of my favorite insights on resources - a quote taken from an advertisement  to promote local libraries.  

​Roger von Oech, author of A Kick in the Seat of the Pants and A Whack on the Side of the Head, shared his perspective from an advertisement for a library

Miracles at Your Local Library!

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


“At your local library they have these arranged in ways that can make you cry, giggle, love, hate, wonder, ponder, and understand.

It’s astonishing to see what these twenty-six little marks can do. In Shakespeare’s hands they becameHamlet. Mark Twain wound them into Huckleberry Finn. James Joyce twisted them into Ulysses. Gibbon pounded them into The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. John Milton shaped them into Paradise Lost.”


What can you do with these 26 letters to honor yourself? I challenge you to arrange them in a way that will inspire and delight!! Make a gratitude list, write a thank you note to yourself, capture your treasured memories in a journal, write a poem or a song! Be kind with your self talk! Use affirmations.
 

If we use our words to inspire and nurture ourselves in the same way we use them to honor others, our entire perspective about who we are and what we can accomplish will change. We will step into a whole new world of miraculous possibilities!
​

What can you do with 26 little marks?

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    Welcome!! I’m Mikell (pronounced Michael). If you love spicing up your life with herbs, recipes, decorating and crafts, symbolism and rituals like I do, I hope you’ll sign up for  my newsletter and free Enhancing Your Life with Herbs e-book!

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    Mikell 

    Mikell is a writer, artist and professional treasure hunter, finding the greatest treasures in the wonderful people who enter her life!

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