We each have our own personal symbology, the archetypes, shapes, animal guides, objects that hold a deeper meaning, a message beyond the literal. We find these images appearing again and again in our stories, our paintings, our dreams, our photographs, our jewellery, our homes, our lives.

Despite their repeated appearances, we can often be unaware of the conversations going on between our symbology and our selves. We figure we simply like cats or tulips or tigers. But what is it about these things? Why tigers? Why turquoise? Why bowls?

Our collection of symbols is a powerful expressions of our spirit. It is a language unique to us and serves as a profound connection to our selves, our aesthetic and also to the Universe. Deepening our awareness of our symbology helps us infuse our creative lives with authenticity and sacredness.

On Pinterest I recently came across this wonderful journal page. Written across the top is “These are my symbols. What are yours?” Below, the artist has shared her symbols, drawing them out and adding a few words of explanation (e.g. “Cup – comfort, home fulfillment”) What a gorgeous exercise, a powerful acknowledgment of what is meaningful in her life.

Create a Symbol Journal or Journal Page

Create a special page or section in your journal where you can gather your symbols. You may find you’d even like to dedicate an entire journal to exploring your personal symbology.

List your recurring symbols in words, drawings, photographs or snippets from magazines. Use what you have on hand and what is easy for you. Don’t let supplies or perfectionism get in the way of the process. Go ahead and draw an owl as best you can. Trust that you and the owl will know one another better; that is the key.

Write about what each symbol means to you.

For example, if one of your recurring symbols is a lighthouse…

• What are your memories of lighthouses?
• What stories do you know about lighthouses?
• What do you associate with lighthouses?
• When did you start noticing lighthouses?
• What does a lighthouse mean to you?

If you’re get stuck, do a Google search (e.g. “symbolism of lighthouses” “meaning of lighthouses”). Trust your own reactions to what you discover.

Getting to know your own personal symbology is an ongoing creative practice that will allow you to understand and express your true self in more and more powerful ways.

And if you don’t know your symbols yet, a regular practice of dreamboarding can help you find them. Over time, I have been able to see how again and again certain forms and figures find their way to my boards. This has been my primary tool for connecting with my own sacred symbols.

Some of My Personal Symbols

• Arms upstretched, standing tall
• Owls, Bears, Elephant, Turtles, Gorillas (my instinct is to group these together, feeling like they are connected to deep wisdom and age)
• Horses, Falcons
• Antlers
• Trees
• Stars
• Spheres
• The pelvis
• Bowls

What are some of your personal symbols? What do they mean to you?

Here at the studio, I’ve decided to redefine April Fool’s Day. See, I’m not much into trickery. In fact, in my family you could always ask me to find out if someone was just teasing. And in high school I wore a blue ribbon during the first week of class so that freshmen knew that if they asked me where the gym was, I’d tell them where the gym was. So the April Fool’s tradition here is to revisit the lessons (and wisdom) of The Fool. Enjoy!

Lessons from The Fool

I almost called this article, “Lessons Fools Have Taught Me” but that sounded like I was going to write about ex-boyfriends and bad teachers, when what I really want to talk about is the wisdom of The Fool, the first card of the tarot.

1. Have beginner’s mind.

Over time we fill up with knowledge, habits and experience, and generally, that serves us well. But sometimes being that full gets in the way of fresh thinking and creative possibilities. The gift of letting go of knowing is the opportunity to learn.

2. Leap.

Traditionally, The Fool is shown teetering on the edge, just about to go over a cliff. Whenever we step into a new adventure, it’s a risk. It’s natural to be nervous. But think how many things once felt risky and now are second nature, like standing, for example! Courage and confidence are created one leap at a time.

3. Don’t pay too much attention to your fears.

The Fool is often depicted with a little dog nipping at his heels or biting the seat of his pants to stop him from going over. Our fears do this to us all the time: sometimes protecting us, but sometimes holding us back. Take the time to listen to your fears, do what you can to support your safety and then get on with the adventure!

4. Play.

Even on the cliff, the Fool takes time to enjoy the moment. The most precious gift you have is now. Make room for some lightness and joy, maybe even some silliness – you may just find it delicious!

5. Don’t worry about being a 0.

Our real human need to be respected and valued can sometimes transmute into a drive for and dependency on status. Keeping up with appearances and worrying what others think of us is exhausting! The Fool reminds us to drop out of that game and simply be. Wherever you are, it’s just the right place on your journey.

What foolishness will you get up to this month?