Stairs & Ladders: Signs & Symbols

  • Stairs

A ladder, staircase or stairs, for some symbolises a pathway to the divine, with each rung or step denoting a spiritual milestone, a heightened consciousness during the journey upwards, or a descent into a fiery underworld. These structures are commonly linked to concepts of morality, where various levels signify the transition between earthly and celestial domains.

Ladder

The ladder is a widely recognised mythological symbol commonly seen as representing the attainment of inner completeness. It is linked to the two trees in Paradise: The Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life, connected by steps symbolising spiritual enlightenment.

In the Bible, there is a well-known ladder linked to Jacob’s dream in the Old Testament. Escaping his brother’s wrath, Jacob rests with a stone as his pillow. He envisions a ladder reaching the heavens, with angels moving up and down. At the ladder’s peak, God bestows blessings and assures Jacob of protection on his path. This story illustrates how ladders represent connection between spiritual and physical realms, as well as between unconscious and conscious aspects of oneself.

In certain societies, the quantity of ladder steps denotes the challenges needed to achieve self-awareness or enlightenment. In Buddhism, for instance, there are seven steps mirroring the seven heavens and stages of awareness. Ladder rungs can represent levels or steps, as seen in church altars where priests stand higher than congregants, or in royal settings with thrones denoting elevated status.

Stairs & Spiral Staircases

Stairs and ladders share a deep connection in meaning. Various floors indicate different cosmic levels and stages of enlightenment. A spiral staircase goes beyond, signifying a complex journey with uncertainties. Both stairs and ladders involve movement in two directions – upwards and downwards. Climbing a spiral staircase often means not seeing the end, mirroring life’s unpredictability where the path ahead remains unknown.

Conclusion

The classic game of snakes and ladders represents the journey of spiritual growth, illustrating the progress upwards and the unexpected setbacks symbolised by the presence of snakes.

Spirit Animal – Mammals

  • Spirit Animal

Humans and animals have had a connection as old as time, in many cultures animals are worshipped as Gods, and in others they are seen as tokens of luck – both good and bad. Many of us identify with certain creatures, as our Spirit Animal, and look to them for power, wisdom and intuition.

Read on, as we explore why certain mammals have been adopted as Spirit Animal totems.

Bat, Bear, Beaver and Black Sheep

Bat

The bat has been linked to vampires and witchcraft, and also to the devil. It is often considered part-bird/part rat. Summed up in one word, its meaning would be ‘duplicity’! In some cultures, it is associated with the bringing of rain.

Bear

The bear symbolises healing and medicine as well as wisdom to many. As a spirit animal bears are often associated with war divinities, and the sentiments of courage and strength.

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Valentine’s Tarot Reading

Tarot Card Reader

Valentine’s Day has different meanings to different people, but there is no doubt it is a day that is aimed at those that are in love and in relationships. So if you are single, recently divorced or you’re in a relationship but it is not in a great place, then the day can be one to endure and get through rather than celebrate.

Like many other celebrations in the world, Valentine’s Day has become a bit of a commercial affair. But this is a day with historical meaning that has in fact been celebrated since the 4th century BC.

Ways to embrace Valentine’s

One way to embrace Valentine’s Day this year is to have a Tarot reading; they are a great way of understanding your current situation and what future events might unfold. It might be that you want to know whether you will meet someone new who could be a potential long-term partner. Perhaps you are already in a relationship, but have some doubts about whether they are the one and you can go the distance? Maybe you are in a new relationship and it is too early to tell how you feel, and you just want some clarity on your choices? Or it could be that you have recently become separated or divorced and you are not sure whether you are ready to embark on a new relationship just yet…

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Angels – Archangels – Cherubs & more…

Angels

Angels are frequently depicted as youthful and beautiful beings, symbolising their elevated status. They are commonly adorned in white attire, representing their purity and spirituality.

Cherubs

Frequently mistaken for Cherubim, cherubs or putti (derived from old Italian putto, which means ‘child’) were representations in Classical art of plump, unclothed infant figures, typically male and commonly depicted with wings. Cherubs are often depicted welcoming people to heaven, and they are frequently seen carrying musical instruments.

  • Cupid – associated with love and romance.
  • Baroque Putto – frequently carved into designs of furniture and architectural features on buildings, they are often gilded in gold for added reverence.
  • Memento Mori – as a symbol of innocence, often juxtaposed with a sign of mortality, signifying the transitory and cyclical nature of life.
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Crystal Altar

Crystal Altar

If you enjoy crystal healing, why not set up a small crystal altar in your home to celebrate the winter season?

You can set up your crystal altar however it suits you. Many people like to decorate with candles, herbs, spiritual objects, healing bowls, and of course crystals. You might choose crystals that are in the same colour hue or those that lean towards a specific purpose – like love and harmony. Or you might want a setup that is conducive for meditation, charging energy, cleansing, spiritual connection, or healing. Some people even set them up in relation to the elements – Earth, Wind, Fire & Water. You could even take it one step further and include a ‘fifth’ element – whatever that means to you – ‘Ether’, ‘Psychic Intuition’, and so on.

Cleanse the Altar

If you have the space to place the altar in a low-traffic area of your home, that is ideal. However, regardless, it is still a good idea to cleanse the altar daily. You might choose to light a candle and let the fire/smoke cleanse the area. Alternatively, you could smudge the altar with sage or incense.

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Fire Gods: Signs & Symbols

Fire Gods

With a nod to Bonfire Night on the 5th of November, in this month’s edition of signs & symbols, we take a look at Fire Gods.

On Bonfire Night, standing around a fire is quite fun as we light sparklers, eat yummy food, keep warm, and wait for fireworks to light up the sky. However, in other circumstances, fire can be quite dangerous. Over the centuries, it has come to represent war, chaos, purification, and regeneration. It is also linked to the sun, the colour red, the hearth and home, and even divine love.

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Sober October

Sober October

You have likely heard of Dry January when people choose to cut out alcohol after a month of excess in December and throughout Christmas and New Year. But, increasing trends are towards cutting back before a period of excess rather than after – hence Sober October.

Increasingly, younger generations are consuming less alcohol; it is thought, that Gen-Z drink, on average 20% less than Millenials, and they drink less than the previous generation. This behaviour may be because of economics, but the driving factor is likely an increased awareness of health, and the impact lifestyle factors have on mental and physical wellbeing.

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Poltergeists

poltergeists
Poltergeists

Today, I wanted to explore entities known as poltergeists. These are often linked with ghosts or mistakenly thought to be identical. Nonetheless, significant distinctions exist between these two supernatural beings.

Ghosts are actually spirits that were once living among us in this realm, (whether they be human or animal) and have passed away and transitioned into the spirit world. Hence, ghosts were always formerly living humans or animals who maintain a connection to our earth. They possess the memories of being alive in their previous physical bodies and frequently manifest themselves to us in that form.

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Runes – Part 2, Rune Interpretations

Runes

If you missed the introduction to Runes, and the first few interpretations of the runes alphabet – Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz and Ansuz then click here first.

Raido

Raido – You need to move on with your life, perhaps you are feeling stuck, this may mean on an emotional or spiritual level, but you may also go on a physical journey.

Kaunaz

Kaunaz – To see the right way ahead, you must first shed light on your current life story. Better understanding will come from looking honestly.

Gebo

Gebo – Love. Generosity. Gifts. Working for a higher purpose.

Wunjo

Wunjo – A happy relationship and the joy that brings. But also, contentment in general – you are happy with your lot!

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Runes – Part 1

Runes

.||. It was some time later before they were used for the purpose of divination. At that point they were known as the Elder Futhark. Originally Runes were carved into small pieces of wood, but nowadays they can be found carved into many different materials. Traditionally they are kept in a fabric pouch. As well as casting to divine the future, folk select their favourite Rune/meaning and keep them close to act as talismans. They can also be used to enhance meditation. Or as a singular divination tool when you want a specific question answering.

Norse Legend

Norse legend just underlines further the allure and power behind Runes. The story goes that Odin who was the God of magic and the underworld, impaled himself with a spear and was hung by his feet from branches of Yggdrasil (Tree of the World). Over the course of 9 days and nights, he searched for enlightenment and was eventually rewarded with runes lying on the ground below.

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