Symbolism: Connecting with the Energy Around
You
Connecting in a conscious way with Nature, Fire, Earth, Mineral and
Water
September 26th 2008 - Oftentimes, living in this culture, we
are immersed in a social agreement that emphasis the mind, the linear, the
logical and the rational. The story is told from point A to point B in a
straight line. We are taught that this is the right way to go about living in
the realm of ‘right and wrong�? Ritual and Ceremony, however, remind us that the
story is really multidimensional and the richness of the experience of living
happens amidst a tapestry of flavors, textures, sounds, sights and waves of
energy. To be able to taste & see the many dimensions and frequencies that
surround us and flow through us is food for the Spirit and Soul.
“Symbols
are the inner workings of the veins and arteries of the world. When the savoring
of symbols is depleted, the world becomes anemic. The world is constantly being
remade and rebuilt. Without awareness and experience of symbolism, there is
often a starvation of soul and spirit and a longing for reconnection with what
people have referred to as ‘the Beloved�? Spirit, Creator, Connection, Unity.
Many people today are in a state of longing for home, for the Sacred. We were
once connected to it or we wouldn’t be able to long for it.�?(paraphrased from a
talk given by Malidoma Patrice Some�? Poets, artists, bards and musicians
attempt to bring this taste and experience of symbolism back into our realm.
Nature does this too.
We live in a world rich with symbolism and,
without much effort, can feed upon our experiences and interactions with these
perceptions and energies and begin to remember the indigenous wisdom that has
been passed onto us from our lineage and resides, right now, in our very bones.
I am not referring to the mental musings about what an object symbolically
represents. I am speaking of the direct contact and experience of the essence of
something in the flow of giving and receiving�?.the taking in of the vibration
and capturing of the deep memory that is evoked as the result of looking and
seeing, smelling, tasting and living in a new way in every now-moment.
In
the way of the Dagara Tribe of West Africa, the elements are living beings that
are with us and within us, at all times. The elemental beings offer gifts and
healing to those who are open to connect with and remember these gifts. Five
elements that can be healing balms when interacted with include: Fire, Water,
Earth, Mineral and Nature. Many people benefit from their interaction and
experience of these elements without considering why. To consciously interact
and invite a deeper relationship with these elements through ritual can bring
forth a whole new experience of the world in which we live.
Fire is our
connection to the Ancestors, to the force of life, to our dreams. To sit with a
lighted candle or a bonfire can be enchanting and it can also be a gateway to
one’s connection with the Ancestors. Many people are drawn to sit with a fire as
it burns…what are they being called to? What are they really seeing as they gaze
into the flames and embers?
Often people describe the influence of the
ocean or a lake on them…’it’s so peaceful, I just feel calmer when I’m there�?
Water is the element that brings peace, forgiveness, & reconciliation. Water
is one that purifies and cleanses. To merge with the essence of water will bring
about a new freedom.
Earth is home; our place of belonging, of being
held, nurtured and nourished�?.working in a garden, lying on the Earth feeling
the sun or gazing at stars can allow one the remembering of being held as a baby
by the Mother. Earth holds the bones of our Ancestors and our deep
roots.
The Mineral realm includes stones and bones. It is said that all
ancient wisdom resides within our bones and has been passed down to us from our
Ancestors. The stones are the bones of the Earth. Sometimes people are attracted
to certain stones, rocks, jewels and keep them around or wear them. Minerals
vibrate at certain frequencies and then interact with our personal frequencies
whether we are conscious of that or not. Mineral assists us in remembering our
stories, our wisdom, our Medicine�?.to know something “in our bones�?
Nature surrounds us and is constantly interacting with us and bringing
gifts and opportunities to listen and remember and receive�?.trees, mountains,
plants, flowers, animals all bring a gift to us if we are open to receive the
magic. What animals and places in Nature are you attracted to?? Why? Perhaps the
qualities and energy of that place or animal are calling to you as a mirror to
assist you in bringing forth that Medicine from within you! Or, perhaps
not.
This is where choice comes in. Do you live in a world where
everything is a miracle or nothing is a miracle? Do you feast upon the energy of
interconnectedness and mystery? Are you so busy as to not notice the rich
tapestry of colors, sounds, textures and energies that make up your life? Do you
take the time to read into the wealth of the symbolism and receive the messages
that are there for you from you? May this, and every, now-moment be experienced
by us all with the awareness of remembering.
Contact Member: Theresa Sykes Brittany,
MS
Leicester, NC 28748 United States
Credits:Theresa Sykes
Brittany, MS has a private practice in Leicester, NC and can be reached at
[email protected] or (828)777-1492. To view ongoing programs,
Circles, trainings and retreats please see: www.RitesofPassageCouncil.com. For
more information about Malidoma Patrice Some' see: www.RitesofPassageCouncil.com/Malidoma
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