Before I go on, I’d like to explain the previous entry.
The painting, Open Woman, was my expression of feelings I couldn’t quite name. The general emotion, now muddied, still lingers.
The painting is of a woman. She is literally open at the solar plexus – Solor plexus est patefacio; her heart is there - Pectus pectoris est illic, at the opposite end. A sacred heart is aflame. The colours at the heart, green and pink, represent the heart chakra. Green, the colour of healing energy, is also found at the base of the solar plexus. Her torso is distorted; abstract, she is slightly twisted, complete with asymmetrical breasts (one much larger than the other). The painting is not only my expression of what I couldn’t name, but also of the unseen. Viewed upside down, you’ll discover ulterior meaning to my emotional angst.
Sitting in my little spare room lit by a tea light and another small candle, I started with the solar plexus first. Lately, my paintings begin as flames, this one was no different. I had purchased a new brush that day and decided to use it. I was half way through the painting when I understood the message. I hope this clarifies the meaning in the event you were wondering. Mostly, I hope that you, my consistent readers, understood the painting without explanation, because you've understood me.
We’re going to move into the idea of spiritual psychology, stick with me okay?
There is a great book called Sacred Contracts by Caroline Myss. While I wish I could say I’ve read it completely, I have not. Working with Indigo for fifteen months straight allowed me to fast track much of what is discussed in the book, bringing me directly to the experience of the Archetypal Wheel.
What is a Sacred Contract? Caroline Myss explains: Our words, thoughts, deeds, and visions influence our individual health just as they affect the health of everyone around us. As vital parts of a larger, universal Spirit, we each have been put here on earth to fulfill a Sacred Contract that enhances our personal spiritual growth while contributing to the evolution of the entire global soul…A Contract is your overall relationship to your personal power and your spiritual power. It is how you work with your energy and whom you give it to. It is also how much you are willing to surrender to divine guidance.
The psychology part - much of this relates to Carl Jung’s theory that archetypes live in the collective unconscious, connecting us all. It’s my belief also. These archetypes are energies found in myths, legends and other stories. Goliath could be out there watching but he’s definitely not part of this wheel.
The purpose of the book is to teach us how these archetypes relate to our purpose, and how to cast our own archetypal wheel, allowing us the knowledge of our strengths and challenges. Know thyself. The zodiac wheel is the module used. In astrology, these archetypes are expressed through asteroids such as Lilith and Eros.
Although the book uses supporting examples from myth, legends, religious story or documentation, I’ve found the wheel, cast as chance or divine guidance, to be extremely accurate and telling. I’ve included my own chart here. It was cast with Indigo, issued before this blog, before the resurgence of my art, and before any realizations made during the last year and a half. Years may pass before the complete wheel is understood.
You will see, for example, My Relationship to the World is The Warrior archetype (besides fighting Goliath, the pull to join the army after high school was extremely strong for me, I fought that also). Coincidentally, it’s ruled by Aquarius, which is the cycle I am currently entering in my natal chart. It makes sense to me that The Sabateur is placed in My Highest Potential, ruled by Capricorn Saturn is the planet of Life Lessons, the Teacher in the Zodiac.
Could my androgynous feelings on sexuality be that I was born with no earth signs anchoring me one way or the other, allowing me to simply be The Shape Shifter, as indicated below? Is it not also expressed in the fluid strokes of my art?
Archetypes are the architects of our lives. They are the energy companions through whom we can learn to understand ourselves. These psychological, emotional patterns – how we live and whom we love – can lead us to a profound understanding of our purpose.
Sacred Contracts by Caroline Myss
Continued on Thursday August 18th, 2011
Until then, I remain yours,
Lesley
Hallelujah Heartist
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