Animism: Knowledge Through Nature

"True Growth is Usually Slow But Steady"

Handwoven Pearly Perle Cotton Yarn, Woven Shabori Dye Resist, Linen, and Machine Embroidery

As a species of plants the cactus has adapted to some of the harshest environments, yet their flowers are some of the most delicate and beautiful of all flowering plants.  Therefore the cactus generates ties to the energies that help in the manifestation of riches and beauty under all conditions. In particular, the Saguaro Cactus has a unique root system that is extremely shallow, but very far reaching that allows it to absorb the maximum amount of rainfall.  This quality of the Saguaro shows the importance of knowing how to adapt, persevere and find strength and beauty where none is apparent.

 

 

 

 

"Stepping from the Known to the Unknown"

Screenprinted Cotton Fabric, Screenprinted Polyester Sheer, and Hand Embroidery

The black feathers of crows often resonate feelings of darkness and death.  However, deep hues of blue, violet, and other colors can be seen in the feathers of the crow.  It is the scintillating colors in their dark wings that serve to remind us that even in the midst of darkness we have the power to touch the light.  There is magic wherever crows are.  They give us the message that there is magic alive in our world and this magic is ours to use and create a new world for ourselves with.

 

"Blowing Winds, Surging Strong, Restless Ones of Air;

Send Me Where I Belong; O Winds Take Me There"

Handwoven Pearly Perle Cotton Yarn, Cotton Gauze, and Assorted Bird Feathers

Many cultures throughout history have attached birds to the gods because of their ability to fly. The ease in which birds can travel between the heavens and the earth has desiginated them as messangers of the divine.  Each bird carries with it an individual message, but all bird feathers relate to the human spirit and its innate connection to the divine.  We should always remember that a bird’s wings and feathers make it a part of the heavens and that every feather is a special gift and a promise.

"Balance is Beautiful"

Woven Linen Fabric and Machine Embroidery

Herons are part of a group of birds called waders. All waders have similar physical characteristics - sharp bills, long necks, and long, thin legs. Legs enable animals and people to move about the earth. They are symbols of balance, and they represent an ability to progress and evolve. Also the longer the legs, the deeper the water the heron will feed in. Thus, as reflected to someone who encounters the heron, the deeper life can be explored.  The long thin legs of the heron also reflect that you don’t need massive pillars to remain stable, but you must be able to stand on your own.

"Trust Your Instincts"

Hand-Dyed and Printed Silk/Linen Blend, Screenprinted Silk Noil, and Hand Embroidery

The walrus represents a letting go of inhibitions and trusting what you feel is right.  In order to locate food buried in the muddy sands of the ocean floor, the walrus must root around with its tusks - feeling around until it locates food.  Its tusks are the only tool available for the walrus to locate its food supply and therefore must trust what it feels with its tusks in order to survive.  It is this characteristic of the walrus that communicates its message.  In order to survive, sometimes we need to let go and trust our instincts.

 

"Our Mind is Capable of Passing

Beyond the Dividing Line We Have Drawn for It

Beyond the Pairs of Opposites of which the World Consists,

New Insights Begin"

Handwoven Pearly Perle Cotton Yarn with Assorted Embelishments

Mushrooms and plants have been described as the yin and yang.  Mushrooms recycle and assist life.  They help break down fallen logs, branches, and fallen leaves, helping to return them to soil. Plants help feed other living things, and when they die, the mushrooms covert them back into soil for new plants.  It is the opposite nature of mushrooms to ordinary plants that serves as a reminder that we may need to recycle what we are doing and take an entirely different approach to our endeavors.  What may not work for others, will work for those who encounter the mushroom as a messenger.

 

"Reach High, for Stars Lie Hidden in Your Soul

Dream Deep, for Every Dream Precedes the Goal"

Handwoven Pearly Perle Cotton Yarn, Hand-Dyed Cotton Shabori Fabric, Screenprinting, and Hand Embroidery

The Black-and-Yellow Argiope, more commonly known as the Writing Spider, is found throughout the United States and most commonly seen among flowers, shrubs, and tall plants. Spiders, in general, are said to awaken the creative sensibilities and our awareness of the opportunities that surround us at all times.  The web of the spider serves as a reminder that the past influences the present, which in turn influences the future.  The spider found within the web also reminds us that we are the center of our own world, the creator of the world we live in.

 

"Society Exists Merely as aMental Concept;

In the Real World there are Only Individuals"

Handwoven Pearly Perle Cotton Yarn, Screenprinted Cotton Fabric, Machine and Hand Embroidery

The zebra represents the ability of one to distinguish him or herself within a group setting, while also aiding other group members to secure a place as well.  This belief stems from the unique black and white striping that covers the animal’s body.  To the outsider, all zebras look alike – a horse with black and white striping on its hide.  However, to the individual zebras within a particular herd, each zebra’s stripes are different and provide the ability for them to distinguish themselves from one another.  The striping of the zebra also serves as a defense mechanism, confusing attaching predators, which are not able to hone in on one individual within the herd.