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| Articles | Release Your Power | Using Spiritual Icons to Connect to Your Power |
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Using Spiritual Icons to Connect to Your Power |
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Author: Joan Sotkin |
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Date of Posting: 31 October, 2006 |
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Every religion has symbols and rituals that followers use to enhance their spiritual experience. Rituals can be a simple as lighting incense at one's personal altar and sitting in meditation in front of a picture of a revered teacher or as elaborate as a high mass in the Catholic church.
During rituals, icons and meaningful objects such as scepters, incense, bells, feathers, drums and statues of revered figures are usually used. Often, icons are used to represent aspects of God. Even Jews, who never use idols, revere the Torah as the word of God and genuflect in front of the ark that holds these sacred texts.
Statues of saints or representations of Jesus often are displayed in Catholic and Christian homes. When a Christian prays before a statue of Jesus, it is not the statue that is being worshiped, but what it represents.
On some level, I believe that having statues of gods and goddesses reminds us that we have the power of the Universe within us. It is only the veils of illusion that makes us believe that we are trapped and powerless to free ourselves. The truth is that we are powerful, creative beings who have been taught that we are weak and unable.
Hindu Dieties
In the Hindu religion, there are many gods and godesses who represent aspects of God. Hindus use the word Brahman for the infinite force that exists beyond time, space and causation and is totally beyond human understanding. In order to understand Divinity, many myths involving gods and goddesses that represent aspects of the Divine Force have been created.
As part of their ritual, Hindus and devotees of other religions, use representations of these aspects of Divinity in order to feel a personal relationship with God.
Because of my interest in Eastern religions, I have developed an appreciation for the hirearchy of Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses. I find having statues of Ganesh, Kali in my home and office helps me stay focused on the greater reality at all times. By doing this, I don't get lost in the material world or overwhelmed by the minutia of everyday living.
One of my favorite goddesses is Kali, an aspect of the Divine mother and an imposing figure, to say the least. Her face is black and she has a garland of skulls around her neck. She has four arms and hands. In one she holds a dagger, in another a skull, one hand offers to do boons, and the other is in a protective position.
A teacher of mine says, "Would you rather have a namby-pamby mother or one who is ready to take care of business?" At first, I was a bit put off by this seemingly aggressive goddess. But as I tuned into her energies, I was getting to know the strength within myself, and now I have a great respect for what she represents.
Native American Kachinas and Fetishes
Living in New Mexico, as I have been since 1996, exposes one to the many spiritual symbols used by the Hopis, Navajo, Zuni, and other pueblo people who are scattered through the state.
Especially popular are the Hopi and Navajo katichinas and Zuni fetishes.The kathinas represent certain spirits. The Hopis traditionally carve the katchinas from a single piece of cottonwood root, while the Navajo katchinas tend to be a bit showier, decorated with feathers, leather, and other accessories.
Like the kathinas, the Zuni fetishes also represent certain spirit energies and are carved from stone and sometimes decorated with beads, feathers, arrowheads, and other items.
People in New Mexico and around the world choose katchinas and fetishes that appeal to them and use them as good luck pieces or reminders of spiritual energies.
How You Can Use These Symbols to Release Your Power
Your power to create and manifest comes not from external things, but from the part of you that is connected to the Universal energies--your Divine Self. Using symbols of this power can help to strengthen this connection so you can release your own power and bring your dreams into manifestation.
Actually, any item can be given significance by its owner and used to alter states of being. A picture of a revered person, an rock from a meaningful place in nature, or a gift from a loved one can lift the one's mood or recreate a pleasant moment. However using specific symbols, such as statues of saints and dieties, katchinas, and fetishes, has an energetic advantage because they are utilized by so many people.
For example, to the Zunis, a bear signifies strength, introspection and soul power. Even a small Zuni bear fetish carries centuries of energy connecting the bear to these attributes. Therefore, a Zuni bear fetish, by its presence in your life, can stimulate your subconscious to focus on enhancing your inner strength and vitality while reminding you of the inner power you possess.
At the same time, a statue of Ganesh, who the Hindus believe helps to remove obstacles, can remind you that there are ways to solve your problems and work through difficulties. As some believe, the presence of the statue can actually add energy to your life to help you work through the obstacles. Anyone who has ever worn a St. Christopher medal or kept on their dashboard understands this principle.
I have a statue of St. Francis of Assisi in my garden, which I feel helps to remind me of the sacredness of nature and my connection to all things. And a serene Buddah looks over a place in my yard where I often meditate.
In our product section, you'll find some interesting examples of spiritual symbols that you can use as tools for personal power.
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