The Honeybee Tribe and their Inspiring Symbolism

What most people don't know about me.....I am a politics and news junkie. I follow on several different sources to learn as much as I can, because while I know many people think it to be depressing...I believe that Knowledge is Power. Between the state of our politics and the seemingly endless run of tragedies in the news, I am deeply saddened for us as people. Often I am shaking my head in disbelief, simply bewildered because some days it seems that we Humans haven't evolved at all. 

I watch growing numbers of people allowing their Fears to take over their spirit, sometimes to the point that their authentic soul becomes unrecognizable. The Scales of Balance are tipping out of control, and Kindness and Empathy are becoming overrun by Anger and Bigotry. 

The other day I sat on the porch and was thinking on the Honeybee. I thought about them as a huge family...a Tribe..and how they all worked together as a collective for the greater good...for a purpose. As humans we often will say..."What can I do? I'm just one person." But, I just can't buy into that precept. 

When you look at the Honeybees, yes, they do a vast amount of work as a whole....but each individual bee is busy making change, hard at work, and his work makes a difference in the world. We humans are the same. It may seem like "How could I possibly make a difference in the world?" but truly it starts with each one of us....doing the work...being kind...having empathy and understanding..and Love. We must not let the Fear and Anger  steal the goodness in our hearts. 

The Honeybee Tribe is my reminder. 

Fox Totem Symbolic Meaning

The Fox is often misunderstood and is an amazing totem to work with. I consider them the teachers of "street smarts", useful when you know where you want to be but need to figure out how to "get there". This beautiful world is full of miracles and opportunities, but that does not take away its ability to be challenging and competitive. We also learn when we get out into the world, that not everyone thinks like we do, and that there are people who do not live with every one's higher good in mind. The Fox totem can help us learn to navigate those waters, not by changing the essence of our own spirit, but by using subtle tools. 

For instance, the Fox is symbolic for camouflage and blending into his environment. Sometimes the act of being still or quiet and blending in allows us to be able to see and hear things that we might not notice otherwise...things that are important to know about our journey. It takes us out of our "me" oriented mode and fosters an opportunity to see the bigger picture or more aspects of a situation. 

When the Fox runs, his tail extends straight out from his body. This is an aspect of Balance. It allows the fox to run and turn with and ease and flow, while staying on course...no distractions, no breaking of the focus, just determined on the "getting there". 

They are perceptive and keen, relying heavily on their senses and their intuition. When they combine this with the capability of camouflage, they can be a mighty hunter. Their hunting mode is also one of their unique aspects -  being a smaller animal they can use a "charming" technique, that throws their prey off. While they are part of the canine family, their mannerisms are more likened to the feline family and the feminine. 

The Fox protect themselves with their large fluffy tail, wrapping it around themselves to guard against the elements. This symbolism can be taken further teaching one to be diligent in protecting themselves from the harshness of others by creating a protective field around themselves. 

All of these things that define the Fox allow him to reach his wants and needs, doing so in a bit more subtle yet defined manner, focused on the goal while being aware, being immensely creative and intuitive, and all the while knowing when they need to shield themselves. 

Symbolism of the Female Mallard, a Totem for Personal Growth

I am very conscious about my personal growth. As I grow older and change, I reflect on the lessons from my past and look at where I am now. In some of my life lessons I see a wonderful progression of evolving and am proud of myself for the learning and applying. And sometimes I look back and I will still see a lesson that continues to resurface. Those are usually times when I understand the lesson and the changes that need to be made, but am having a problem with consistency in applying  what I have learned. When that happens my ultimate response is to not be too hard on myself. That's when I look to my animal totems, in particular the Female Mallard.

We need encouragement and nurturing as we grow and change. Beating ourselves up over our choices on our journey is self defeating, for we are all truly students of life while we walk on this Earth. During those times of struggle we need to take extra care of our selves 

The Female Mallard, associated with the Water element, revolves around Emotions. Her symbolism and wisdom can teach us how to move through our emotions with grace and balance, for those times of upset and imbalance can influence us to make choices that we would not otherwise make. She is loving, affectionate, and nurturing, reminding us that when we take care of ourselves first.. we can then love those around us to a greater level. Mother Mallard is a social creature, happy when surrounded by others. This urges us to reach out and surround ourselves with others, especially when we are feeling low, to help heal the spirit. Her wisdom also reminds us that when we are feeling a bit lost on our path to immerse ourselves in those things that make us feel safe and comfortable to build up our confidence. Taking respite is just as important as forging ahead, again all in Balance.

As I thought on the female Mallard this weekend, I painted her on a Greeting Card. Above her is a Circle, symbolic for the circle of life and the cycles that we navigate through. The circle was painted using the Mallard foot tracks, reminding one to walk their path in balance and peace. 

The Great Horned Owl Symbolic Meaning - Under the Terracotta Moon

I was recently inspired while camping at a mountainous state park to create "Under the Terracotta Moon". I sat and listened one evening to the call of an owl. There were five syllables in his call, a common trait of the Great Horned Owl. I had my painting satchel with me and some wood canvases, and soon began to paint.

It was dusk when I began, and under the light of the lantern I brought forth a blue purple sky to give it a spiritual mystical backdrop. I meditated on the Great Horned and visualized him sitting regal on a branch, the Strong Warrior that he is. I could imagine him as a "warrior" because of his great strength and skill at hunting. Even though he is a Winged One associated with the Sky, he has an important connection with the Earth allowing him to hunt such a wide array of prey.

This Earth Connection was related in the painting by the color scheme used in his feathers - of terracotta, raw sienna, and shades of brown. The moon that shone above him was adorned with four of his feathers. The silhouette of a dream catcher was painted over the moon, accented with pieces of turquoise, symbolic for keeping the sleeping mind focused on positive adventures. 

I wanted him to represent being comfortable in his space, as the Great Horned Owls become permanent residents of their territories once they have mated. 

The following morning I continued with the painting, working on the detail in his feathers and his insightful eyes.

The Great Horned Owl is a beautiful animal totem to work with for those that desire the wisdom needed to become a Master of their own life, to obtain that which they seek, and to have a balanced confidence in doing so. The tufts that are on top of his head are not ears nor horns, but are feather tufts. Still they are symbolic for being able to "hear" what is not being said. This makes one more successful in their seeking by being aware of their environment physically and spiritually.

Moonlight Messages from Crow

During that magical time in the evening when the sky transitions through color and awaits the rising of the moon...the Crow sits quietly. 

During this time of peaceful silence our weary spirit, tired from the day, can connect with our inner wisdom. Our authentic self emerges in order to nurture and revitalize through the night. This primal part of ourselves will "recap" from the day and think about what "could" be tomorrow. It listens for messages, as the intuitive inside readies us for the dream time. All the answers are within, we only need to be reminded.
 Sometimes we get distracted, or lose our connection with our intuitive self, and this is why Crow is here to help us. He is the Carrier of the Messages.

Moonlight Messages from Crow, contemporary folk art by Jeanne Fry

If you would like to see more of the painting, or to collect it, you can find it listed in our Artfire Shop here

Moonlight Messages from Crow - Original Painting on Artfire

Beaver Totem Meaning ~ Architect of Life

I often hear complaints about beavers being a nuisance, but there is much to learn from the Beaver Totem. The Beaver is a great builder. They build their "lodges" in water, and if a pond is not accessible they will build a dam to create one. Not only does this serve their living needs, but is also a source of protection. They will store their food there and use the water to move their building materials. 

Beaver Totem Architect of Life, Original Painted Greeting Card by Jeanne Fry

When building their lodge they use mud and leaves as an insulation for winter. (Much like we humans use natural cob building techniques, their mud, leaves, and sticks will harden and freeze creating a solid structure for the cold winter months). They build canals, have places for food storage, and their lodges all become an intricate little "city" for their community.

It speaks to us about building what you need in life, creating your home, and providing for your future.They are considered an Architect of Life.

This greeting card has sold. You can find other Original Animal Totem Art greeting cards in our Artfire Shop
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConsciousArtStudios

Crow Totem Symbolism on Contemplation

To expand on my earlier writing of the Crow Totem meaning, I wanted to get a little more in depth on some of his lessons. 

Crow Flowers ~ Contemplation ~ Contemporary Folk Art by Jeanne Fry

While the Crow is excellent at manifesting his desires, and has wonderful attributes to do so (vocal communication skills, use of tools, and working as a team when needed), there is more complexity to his journey. With those things in mind we should take the time to notice that Crow does not just jump into things without studying the situation. He is observant, a watchman, and carefully assesses the matter at hand. He is a thoughtful decision maker and contemplates his next move.

Can he attain the goal on his own? Does he need help? Is this the right moment to make movement?

While we all want to chase after our dreams and seize the moment, it is always wise to put some serious thought into our strategy.
 Once he has considered his potential actions, he proceeds with confidence. He does not allow procrastination or fear to cloud his path, but instead trusts in himself and his community of friends.

If you would like to see more of the Crow Flowers painting, or adopt it, you can find it listed here in my Etsy Shop
Original Crow Painting on Etsy
It is also available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America online shop here. You can order it as an Art Print, Matted and Framed, on Canvas, On Metal, or as a greeting card.
Crow Flowers Art Print on Fine Art America 

Rabbit Totem Meaning - Leap for Your Dreams

One of the most precious totems to work with, along with many lessons, is the Rabbit Totem. Rabbits are immediately known for a fertility in life. This fertility is associated with a multitude of opportunities, open doors, and many paths to be taken. Not only known for the abundance of opportunities afforded by the Universe, but also for the abundance of ways to get there. 

"Leap for Your Dreams" Rabbit Totem, Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Rabbits are agile, move quickly, stop quickly, and when watching could move through an obstacle course with ease as if it had been planned all along. This is a lesson from them....when navigating through life, always have an alternate plan, be observant for the open doors, keep in mind that you must stay flexible and...Leap for Your Dreams.

The Original of this painting has sold. It will be available as an Art Print soon in our Artfire Shop here
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConsciousArtStudios

Robin Totem Meaning Blossoming of the Spirit

Recently a few conversations have come up with friends about the beautiful Robin totem and the symbolic meaning. Having a great respect for the winged ones, I connected with the animal spirit last night while painting him. 

Robin Totem ~ Blossoming of the Spirit ~ Original Painting Greeting Card by Jeanne Fry

The Robin, who is so prevalent in Spring, will of course be representative of new growth and blossoms. The Robin's breast is a beautiful blend of red and shades of orange, which correlate with the root and sacral chakras which speak of stability, grounding, passion, and creativity. This is a wonderful blend for those that are learning to truly become who they are and to follow a path that speaks to their innermost passions. The stability that comes from the root chakra helps to provide a balance while immersed in a creative flow, preventing an obsessive nature and allowing one to go forth calmly and methodically while they are learning to live their dreams. 

During this journey, we can also take into consideration the Robin's eggs. The eggs are a sweet and soothing blue. The blue is symbolic of the throat chakra energy, learning to use our voice, to be able to speak our wants and needs clearly. This of course is a wonderful attribute to use when one is learning to follow their own true nature. 

Robin Totem ~ Blossoming of the Spirit by Jeanne Fry

All of these elements combined in the Robin Totem (level-headedness, balance, inspiration, passion, creativity, and using the voice with integrity), can teach us how to follow the path to what we are meant to do and be. It is a Blossoming of the Spirit.

SOLD

An Artists Day Off with Horse Totem Wisdom and a Gourd Farm

Sometimes you just need a day off, a chance to get away from the grind...the appointments...and let your mind relax in a different space. This is especially important for an artist. Those outdoor excursions are often just what is needed for a breath of fresh air and inspiration.

A trip to Ghost Creek Gourd Farm

This morning as the coffee was brewing and the dog was impatiently pacing, waiting for a bit of something different, we decided to take a trip to the gourd farm. We were already in need of some new gourd stock for our art. We always prefer picking our own gourds at the farm rather than ordering them. This gives us a chance to envision a piece of art in its raw state before we even get it home. 

Packing our coffee and tea cups, the dog, dog treats, bottles of water, bins for the gourds, and don't forget the boots since it's been raining at the farm...we started out. 

Halfway there we needed to stop at a little farm along the way to say good morning to the horses, who quickly come running to see you when they recognize an animal lovers heart. After  a quick conversation with them and a few dog kisses, we were back on the road to the multitude of gourds waiting for us.

Stopping to say hello to the horses

Horse Totem Reminder

The visit with the horses was timely Horse Totem wisdom for us, reminding us to explore our freedoms and expand our horizons while traveling on our journey.

I spent the rest of the drive sipping my tea and watching the tree silhouettes zipping by, thinking about....well, thinking about everything. Art, Life, Pain, Healing, Joy, and Directions. All these things filled my mind until after awhile, finally, all I thought of was "right now". Quietly my mind became passive and open, like a big huge field lying in front of the horse who is waiting for the signal to 

"Be Free". 

Soon I heard the gravel crunching under the tires as we slowly turned down the road to the farm. Off to the side you could see the fields filled with the year's promise of gourds that are just waiting to be transformed by loving hands.

Gourd Drying in the Field

Gourds waiting to be brought into the Pole Barns

Ghost Creek Gourd Farm

We made our way into the pole barns where Dickie and Linda have bins upon bins lined up and full of cleaned and dried gourds of every imaginable type. With our big reusable bags and empty bins we began choosing gourds for our art...precious supplies for making our frame drums, gourd rattles, bowls, vessels, jewelry, and figurative sculptures. We were assisted greatly by their dogs especially their beautiful male weimaraner who kisses and plays with you with each step you take. 

With bags and bins full, and inspirations brimming to a new level, we loaded back into the car for the trip home.

Gourd Shopping Done

What was my greatest gift of all from the trip?  

"Optimism"

Have a gorgeous day everyone ! And remember, sometimes you just need to take a day off to recharge your batteries :)

(If you are wanting to visit a Gourd Farm in the Southeast, our recommendation is Ghost Creek Gourd Farm.) You can visit their website here

http://www.ghostcreekgourds.com/

They also sell their gourds from their website.

And to see some of our own creations from Gourds you can visit our website at

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Fox Totem Illustrative Painting and Symbolic Meaning

The Fox Totem has many lessons to teach. Recently when thinking on the fox I pondered the ways we could learn from his skills in how we walk through life. 

There are times when situations call for us to change our outward energy. 

Fox can teach us the Art of Subtlety. 

Fox Totem Painting titled Subtlety, a Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

There are moments when we need to blend into our environment, perhaps for protection, or in order to see and hear what we might not be so obvious. Some may think this is a form of hiding or tricking...but a change of perspective may be needed in order to see the positive from this attribute. Being subtle or blending in, can give the opportunity to be more aware in a situation. It gives you time to make a more educated decision. 

When the time is right, you can re-emerge with a little more confidence and "enchant".

Fox Totem Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

 You can see more of the Fox Totem painting that is available for sale in our Artfire Shop here

Fox Totem Painting "Subtlety" available for sale on Artfire

Buffalo Totem Painting "Sacredness" and the Symbolic Meaning

When thinking on the symbolic meaning of the Buffalo Totem, I immediately get a feeling of reverence that comes over me. The Buffalo carries with it an older wisdom of another time, to me representing a perfectly flowing circle of life. It is commonly known to be symbolic for abundance, but it goes a bit deeper. 

"Sacredness" Buffalo Totem Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Buffalo teaches us about honor...honoring Self, Others, and the Divine. Within this scope, the importance of living authentically and making our choices from the heart combined with gratefulness for all that surrounds us, will give us the ability to manifest what we want and need.

Being in balance with ourselves and the Earth, and  treating each living thing with deep respect can put us in a beautiful direct flow of the abundance of the Universe.

What a gorgeous animal totem to work with !

"Sacredness" Buffalo Totem Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Original Painting has sold.
It is available as an Art Print, which you can find here
Sacredness of the Buffalo Art Prints in our Artfire Shop 

Crow's Garden of Dreams with Spiral Sun Blooms

The Crow is skilled in manifesting, being such an intelligent bird that uses communication, team work, and available tools, that I use him frequently in my artwork that focuses on dreams and manifesting our desires.

My new painting "Crow's Garden of Dreams" was created for those who have had dreams that have not yet fully materialized and are feeling a bit of stagnancy. Crow reminds us to be patient in manifesting our dreams and to carefully "tend to the garden" feeding love and care and positive energy into that which we are creating. Soon the dreams will begin to bloom, rich and vibrant, and will have been worth the wait.

Crow's Garden of Dreams with Spiral Sun Blooms

Crow's Garden of Dreams Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

(The Crow's Garden of Dreams painting has been sold. If you are interested in me creating another that is similar, please feel free to email me)

Seahorse Totem Symbolic Meaning

The Seahorse is a mystical little being, not often seen by most of us, but an intriguing member of the sea kingdom who's beauty and delicate nature can captivate. The seahorse could be known as the "Buddha of the ocean" due to the patience and diligence he expresses. They "live in the present" and are happy staying in their own little section of the sea, content and serene. They feed on foods that float by them, so they can also be found latching on to nearby plants, waiting..eating.."being".

They have a shared responsibility in mating after a very long courtship and ceremonial dances. Time and attention is paid to detail. In fact, their shared responsibility is shown in their reproduction, as the female deposits her eggs in the male seahorse's pouch, and he carries them until they are born.
Seahorse can remind us to slow down, enjoy each moment, and appreciate what we have.

This Original Painted Bookmark of the Seahorse Totem is available in my Etsy shop here
Original Painted Seahorse Bookmark on Etsy



Red Tailed Hawk ~ His Spirit and Symbolic Meaning

Red Tailed Hawk Totem Symbolism
The Red Tailed Hawk is a powerful animal totem signifying Vision. He asks us to watch for confirmations, and listen for messages as we  travel  on our journey. Being aware and having a sense of peace is important in order to be conscious of those timely clues that are shown to us. If we are distracted by stresses, we may miss the "answers" that exist.

 The hawk allows us to see the bigger picture and our connection with it. While we are continually making choices in regards to our daily living and how to handle a situation for today, the Hawk exists to also help us with "tomorrow". He helps to bridge the gap of "What can I do today that will lay the groundwork for my future?" He can also bring a better understanding of how we are all woven together in a fabric that creates "The All".

The hawk is a wonderful  totem to work with when one is focused on living a life that resonates with their spirit. He inspires one to soar, to see and reach their highest potential, and to do so with  powerful grace and ease. Hawk demonstrates how to find that needed balance between body, mind, and spirit....to connect with something higher, utilize our intuition, and yet stay balanced in every day life.

When Hawk shows up as a totem, profound meaning and growth are certain to appear.

Red Tailed Hawk Original Watercolor Painting

Red Tailed Hawk Watercolor Painting on Etsy

Hawk Spirit by Jeanne Fry  (SOLD)


*The original painting of the "Hawk Spirit" has been sold. It is available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America shop here
Red Tailed Hawk Folk Art Print available

A Serendipitous Moment with the Hawk
(updated on 2-11-2014)

I wanted to share a special moment with you that I had with the Hawk today. This morning I was in my studio finishing up a gourd ceremonial rattle that I had been working on over the past few days. I had painted the head of a Red Tailed Hawk on the front of the rattle with some design work around the top. I was working on the leather wrapping of the handle and adding some wooden pony beads and tin cones after breakfast this morning. While I was working on it I was frequently looking out the window at the snow falling. It was very quiet and serene as the large snow flakes drifted down. I happened to look out at one point and a very large and beautiful hawk came flying down and landed on the deck railing outside my studio window. I sat and watched him silently, not wanting to startle him with my movement. He scanned the property, looking and contemplating. Time stood still as I watched him while he was on his hunt. He was so close I could see the snow flakes land on his beautiful feathers and melt as they touched him. I watched him as he flew off and then looked down, realizing I still had the Hawk Rattle in my hand. Tears welled in my eyes as I felt blessed by the Hawk, a confirmation to my spirit. I feel he left some of his energy with me and the rattle. I spent the day feeling grateful for my connection with Mother Earth and the animals, and grateful for my awareness. A few minutes later I walked outside to look at where he had landed on the deck rail. His prints were deep on the snow ledge. I took a photo of them to remember the moment.

Red Tailed Hawk Rattle SOLD

Thank you Hawk...for the awareness and the vision.



Symbolic Meaning of the Pileated Woodpecker

In many cultures around the world, woodpeckers are known for and symbolic of the drumming, and of course within that the heartbeat. They are immediately distinctive when one hears them, and while many may not realize on a conscious level, they can soon help you reconnect with the heartbeat of the Earth...a primal knowing of balance.

Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest in the woodpecker family. The symbolism of the colors are important to his meaning. The black and white is representative of how we look at things, our perspectives, and being able to discern between rational and emotional based situations. This is a meaningful totem when one is being overwhelmed by drama and not able to see clearly the basis of what is truly happening. The red crest is symbolic of power, and in this case, powerful mental faculties.

The Pileated Woodpecker is a Master at his craft, nurturing and teaching those around him to find their rhythm in life, and to stay connected, balanced, and level headed in their thinking.

It all leads back to the drumming and the heartbeat.

The Original Folk Art Painting above of the Pileated Woodpecker Mother and her Babies is available in our online shop here Pileated Woodpecker Mother and Babies Original Painting

Mallard Duck Symbolic Totem Meaning

This week we had a visit from a Mallard Duck, inspiring me to share their symbolic meaning with you. Our visitor was a male Mallard, beautiful in his blue green colors. He happened to just come walking through our woodland tree line and across the yard to our home.

Mallard Duck

As my husband and I were sitting on our porch, we were intrigued and watched with curiosity at this little guy. At first when he arrived, he took a walk down our driveway, slowly turning from left to right as he walked, looking into the woods as if he was looking for something. We thought by chance maybe he was looking for his mate? (Just prior we had had a blustery thunderstorm and wondered if he had gotten blown off course). Mallards don't mate for life, but they do mate for the season.

 Once he got to the end of the driveway he walked back up toward our home, purposeful, directly for the porch.

He had no fear of humans, he was quite comfortable in fact. He was attracted to our front porch, and the flower beds planted around it. He spent a few hours walking around it, looking at us, looking at the flowers, and behaved as if he had been here all of his life.

Mallards imprint very easily and are very sociable. They don't like to be alone. This is something to look at if you have a duck for a totem ~ they reference to the need to be around those of like mind, where you feel comfortable and safe.

This mallard certainly felt safe with us. He spent plenty of time meandering around our porch listening to us talk, watching us water the flowers, even watching our dog who was enjoying her afternoon on the porch.

As much as the Mallard seemed interested in us, we were just as interested in him and his presence. Mallards are symbolic of emotions, as they are associated with the water element. They help in reminding one to take care of their emotional self, to nurture, and be easy on the spirit. They represent being able to handle your emotions with grace and strength. And after spending time with this mallard, I find they teach one to trust their instincts about others..and align yourself with those that have a kind spirit, fostering healthy relationships. (In Feng Shui, Mallards are symbolic for relationships and commitment)

And as evening approached, the mallard stayed on. Surprising us by walking up the porch steps and directly to our screen door. There he stood, for at least a half hour, as if waiting for someone to answer the door and let him in. We were amazed with his presence, continued watching, until finally we needed to go back inside for the evening. Several times we looked at the window, only to find him still standing on the porch.

He would take breaks and walk back down the steps to a nearby rain puddle, stand in it and drink the waters, then return to the porch.

When morning arrived, I immediately went to the door to see if our visitor was still with us...and he was.

He continued to spend time with us that morning, grazing for food in the moss near our trees, and then back to the rain puddles. He made many trips up and down the steps of the porch, talking all the while...until finally as the sun was shining brightly he walked to the end of the porch and flew off.

Now of course me, who always feels that there is a reason for everything, and finds a deeper meaning in life's actions, pondered on why this little guy came to visit. I think he was a reminder...a reminder that no matter what is going on in the world, what challenges you face, find solace in those loving spirits in your life who are kind, bring you comfort, and make you feel safe. Because in the end...it's all about the love.

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