You know how sometimes it helps when you learn that somebody else is feeling something pretty close to what you’re feeling? Well, in case this might be one of those times, I’m feeling pretty anxious, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one!
My friends on The West Wing help. Not only are they a break from actual news, they’re kind of like archetypal witnesses that more intelligence than what we’re currently seeing is actually possible. And, yes… I’d vote for Aaron Sorkin! (Well, as far as I know…)
In fact, I’ve been kind of obsessed with the notion of archetypes, lately. The three beings you see in the photo are some of my very favorites. They appeared along the way to my children’s book, A Creation Poem…
Let’s begin with the bird! According to Gramma Elsie, Cardinals are ancestors, returning to check up on us. This has been one of my deeply held beliefs since I was 5 or 6 years old! Turns out they’re year-round residents in this part of the world and are more active and visible during mating season which is, apparently, now… at least near Atlanta. If we want to take that literally, I’d say it’s a very romantic moment for a whole lot of ancestors, which I find hopeful!
Next, the warrior archetype twins. Aslan, from C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. And a cousin of mine named Matilda, who fought for justice and truth and peace in Tuscany, about 1000 years ago. And yes, I mean fought… on horseback with swords and armor, as well as by preserving stories considered by many in power to be heresy.
One of the meanings of the Greek word, heresy, is able to choose!
All of which, when you add it up, just might be a sign that we’ve been through very anxious times like this, before, and we’re still learning. (Well, hopefully!!!)
Then, #Apothecary – my current painting adventure – which is all about learning from the hard stuff. Here’s a glimpse of what’s going on at the moment…
The fingerprint dots that appeared are new. My version of the suggested random marks in the still unfolding texture layers. And, yes, I dreamed them.
First, their location, on the patches of green. A heart chakra color, representing love, compassion, and empathy.
Then, the dots, themselves. Yellow, for the Solar Plexus chakra, located above the navel, and representing a person’s constant power, confidence, and mental clarity. They originally thought they should be brush marks (like the demo) and I was going to make them in the form of the Hebrew word for hand or power.
My hand, however, objected! Too small and controlled. Too much dexterity. So… I made them with my hand. With my power. Right there, amidst all the compassion. Maybe you had to be there, but it totally works for me. In fact, I had fun!
Because I’ve walked this road before, I know what’s coming next, and I’m going to roll around in the fun some more, before I dive into that!
ps… drop by WingedEyeWisdom and Daphne will be thrilled to tell you more about A Creation Poem… (In stock, now!)
