Quail Totem Symbolic Meaning

The Quail Totem is a wonderful Animal Teacher, bringing lessons that focus on Self Care, Grounding, and the importance of doing so. 

With the Quail being a bird that is widely hunted, he has much he can teach us humans about living and surviving symbolically in this big ol' world. Awareness is needed in order to not only see Opportunities, but to see where dangers and pitfalls lie. It is the calm, grounded soul that can be fully aware of their surroundings. If were are to make wise decisions in the face of adversity or crisis, those decisions must come from our balanced self. It is from this place that we know when to move forward and when to hang back, when to be open and when to protect ourselves. 

In order to be at our best in balance, we  must become a master in self care, nurturing the body mind and spirit. Eating well, sleeping well, having "me" time, and surrounding ourselves with healthy relationships...all can help us breathe deeply and calmly. Above all, Quail reminds us to listen to our inner voice, for there lies many answers that can be useful on this journey.

Polar Bear Totem Symbolic Meaning

I've painted Bear Totems for years, so many Black and Brown bears in my creations, but over the past few months I have been attracted to the beautiful Polar Bear. My first was a custom requested Polar Bear Gourd Ceremony Rattle which motivated me to start learning more about them. Since then I have worked with and learned more and more about their energy.

The Polar Bear is a very special animal teacher. They are known for pure spirit, exceptional strength, and make choices based on their inner knowing and never their fears. They are resourceful, even when it seems as if there are no resources, which when coupled with their perseverance and adaptability makes them a motivating survivor. They can go the distance, able to attain their vision. 

They teach us the importance of making clear choices that are based on our highest good - the choices that can lead us toward following our calling -not the choices that can keep us down.
They represent cycles, and moving through them, and allowing them to flow from beginning to end....andto have the wisdom to know when a cycle is absolutely complete and needs to be let go.
  The Polar Bear can teach us much about Energy, how to conserve it, and how to spend it.

They remind us that when we live our life with a pure and honest heart, our spirit has open communication with Source.

Their white fur (purity in spirit) is their camouflage, allowing them to hunt in a way that they can stand back, watch, and listen. This combined with their focused patience makes them highly effective hunters, lending to decisiveness and strategic planning. 

They fully utilize their senses and capabilities, able to smell a seal (their primary food source) up to 1 mile away. 

They are "sure-footed" on ice and slippery terrain, having dermal bumps on the pads of their feet for traction - symbolic of ability to navigate difficult circumstances with balance and a confident spirit. Their claws are deeply "scooped" for digging in ice, which symbolizes an aptitude in searching for answers and meaning in life. 

Their skill in the water allows them to swim for days at a time, up to 6 mph. In fact, they spend more time in the water, then they do on land. Their scientific name is Ursus Maritimus - which means Maritime Bear. This strong bond with the water is symbolic of a balance of emotions. While the Polar Bear is a strong effective hunter, they are also extremely nurturing and protective of their young. They are not territorial as one might think, and often choose to escape instead of fighting. 

Often the Polar Bear will lead a mostly solitary life, though I don't consider this lonely, but symbolically in a place where one is happy and content with themselves and who they are. 

Space Clearing Techniques with Gourd Rattles

Your home is your Sanctuary, a place of Renewal, Hope, and Healing. It reflects who you are, what you believe, and your aspirations.When our homes are in harmony, they are a center of energy that we draw from. 

Space Clearing helps us to readjust the energy of our homes and can be a beneficial tool to:

• Clear negativity
• Balance energies
• Cleanse after illnesses or arguments
• Increase vitality
• Attract abundance and prosperity

Many tools can be used for Space Clearing such as : Smudging Herbs, Bells, Gongs, Tuning Forks, Singing Bowls, Wind chimes, Drums, Rattles, Clap Sticks, Clapping, Chanting, Singing/Music, Flutes, Salt, and Aromatherapy are some of the most popular. Today I am going to talk about using Gourd Rattles as a tool, and the technique that I use for Space Clearing. There are no "absolutes" when space clearing, as much of the process is focused on intention, but symbolism is beneficial. 

Rattles come in many shapes and sizes and can be created out of many different mediums, although we create our Ceremony Rattles out of Gourd and Wood, with Wrapped Handles. Whatever tool you use for Space Clearing, will bring a different aspect in the cleansing. Gourd Rattles create a gentle energy field and help the use stay Grounded with its connection to the Earth.

My Personal Space Clearing Ceremony ~

The Day Before: Clean and Straighten Home

The Night Before: Prepare Tools, Choose and Cleanse (I decide which tools I will be using to Space Clear and will cleanse them, either by smudging with Sage or Incense)

The Morning Of: I Bathe, eat lightly (usually fruit and granola) and drink plenty of water

Setting Intentions:  This is when you Offer Prayer - Clearly state your intentions for the Space Clearing (i.e. clearing negativity or blockages, attracting prosperity, etc).

The Cleansing Pass: 

Using the Gourd Rattle in your right hand in a continual shaking motion, use your left hand to "energy-feel" as you are walking. Be aware of areas that energetically feel dense, thick, or muffled. Pay extra attention to corners or darker areas, as negative energy can gather there. Work your way through each room, starting in the East and working clockwise through the room until finished. Space Clear each room until complete. (You can spend extra time in areas where someone has been sick, or where there has been an argument)

Calling in or Setting  Positive Energy: Many different tools can be used for this. Particularly beneficial ones would be flutes, wind chimes, small bells, sweetgrass smudge, or aromatherapy. I will often create a Lavender Room Mist, being one of my favorite tools. Room mists can be purchased, but are quite easy to make using a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil diluted in water  in a dedicated water mist bottle. You work through each room, just as you did during the cleansing pass, and mist occasionally.

When finished, you can set the ceremony with prayer. The following is one of the  prayers that I use, or you can create your own.

"I ask that the Creator bless this home so that it may continue to be a Sanctuary for my family and me, that it be filled with inspiration and positive thoughts that foster positive actions. May it hold Sacred Healing and Comfort for our bodies and our spirits, allowing us to stay balanced, healthy, and content. May it Nurture us to be beings of Light and Love that can attract our Wants and Needs easily. We ask this in the spirit of Gratefulness and are thankful for our Guardians and Angels that continue to watch over us."   Aho

There are many many ways to Space Clear, and you can be creative with your process. Again, it is focused on Intention.

We create Gourd Ceremony Rattles that can be used for Space Clearing, Prayer or Meditation. 

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. 

The Spiritual Journey - Gourd Art Vessel

This week as I was creating a new Gourd Art Vessel, my mind was drifting. I was painting a geometric design on the front of the Gourd, in soft soothing colors of dusty periwinkle and cream. As I painted the shapes I noticed they began facing different directions. Along the side of the Gourd I had adorned the lacing with a strand of oval wood beads. While the wood beads hung in a straight line, the geometric shapes had a more diverse path. 

It made me think of our Spiritual Journeys, and how each one is our own. There is no right way or wrong way....when they are focused on the Higher Good for all. It is a journey of twists and turns, learning and growing, compassion and love. 

And along the way, reminding ourselves to enjoy each and every Moment.

Sunrise on Sacred Lands - Visionary Folk Art by Jeanne Fry

Being fully connected with something bigger than yourself....when every moment of your being breathes in sacredness, effortlessly....when one is committed to living consciously....These are the feelings that I wanted to portray in my newest painting, "Sunrise on Sacred Lands".

As an original piece of Visionary Folk Art, it speaks of the spiritual soul on their journey.

The native woman's connection with Mother Earth is shown by her waking from her sleep, lying nestled in  the rolling hills as if they were warm woolen blankets. Her frame drum is her pillow, referencing her connection with the heartbeat of life and ability to stay in the present moment. She is encompassed within the lightning bolt path (energy) that leads her to the Tree of Life and seasons of her spirit. 

The Turtle Totem (symbolic of Motherhood) is shown climbing the tree, watching over Earth's children. The majestic Eagle can be seen flying over the water and through the glow of the sunrise. Its importance here, for Creation and the evolution  of the Soul.

Faint tribal designs, like etchings, can be seen blended into the background, it subtlety like the wisdom we carry...engrained in our blueprint from our ancestors. And lastly, the prayer feathers standing in the soil next to the woman...for her morning prayers and gratefulness. 

As she wakes  she is aware of All this, soaking in every detail and thankful for her part in it.

Sacred Mountains, a Painted Gourd Ceremony Rattle Symbolic for Grounding, Balance, and Connection

Our newest Painted Gourd Ceremony Rattle is titled "Sacred Mountains". It is an honoring of the life force of the mountains. Its symbolism represents the ability of being Grounded and Balanced on an earthly level, while at the same time the mountains allow one to be closer to the Sun, the Moon, the Heavens, and Spirit. This blend of being more fully connected with the Earth and the Sky, (Self and Spirit), fosters our intuitive senses and  heightens a trust in our "knowing". Our balanced self becomes a better listener, to our own inner guide and of our guardians.

The gourd rattle was painted to reflect the mountains, the layers of Earth graduating from the deeper browns until they meet a terracotta. The tip of the gourd brings in a teal blue, symbolic for the Sky. A beautiful Pink Agate is attached at the tip of the gourd rattle, symbolic for strengthening intuition and compassionate relationships with Self and Others.

Working with the Otter Totem for the New Year

There's not enough Happiness in the world today. Yes, there are pockets of people who are happy or at least content, but if you truly look around......there is such a huge amount of sadness, stress, anger, and negativity. Wars, hate crimes, bullying, and violence spill over our communities and touch us all. These atrocities are not just happening across the oceans, but are right here in our sights.  Sometimes you never know how close.....like the girl in the coffee shop who is frustrating you by making you a latte when you asked for a cappuccino. While you get stressed that you're going to be late for work, she hurriedly starts over, while her mind keeps flashing back to the beating she endured from her husband the night before. Or the boy who lives next door, the trouble maker on the block...while his parents stand over him, screaming at him for breaking the neighbor's windows, his mind is somewhere else thinking of the bully at school who embarrassed him to tears in front of their classmates.

Our hearts, souls, and our Earth are all being affected by this.

Our happiness has to begin with ourselves, so we can then spread that light to others. What better animal totem to learn from but the Otter.

The Otter represents a pure joy. Their character is one of curiosity and living in the moment. Even though they have work to do, they are able to infuse their playfulness and make those times full of smiles. They tackle each action as if it is the first time, symbolic of Life being an Adventure. The Otter emits Happiness, changing the energy of those around them. Everyone could learn from the Otter's wisdom.

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I love reading blogs, especially those that are artistic and inspiring, but I have to admit that many times I lost track of those favorite ones. I am now using Bloglovin to follow the blogs that I love.

White Swan Symolism in an Affirmation Gourd Art Bowl

As we grow and change over the years the concept of Self Love becomes richer, deeper, and more authentic. While we have always known the importance of caring for ourselves and spent time grooming our self esteem, it often wasn't to its full potential. Those years of exploring life (developing relationships, marriages, divorces, having children, building careers)  are the layers of wisdom that we accrue that teach us what we are made of. Venturing through our life's lessons gives us a peak inside our soul to truly see our own authenticity. It is then that we can see the Beauty of our existence, and upon that realization we open ourselves and allow our vulnerable spirit to shine for others. We don't need to fear that openness, because just as our souls seem to have the delicacy of a feather ...they are also strong as steel. We can stand in our convictions and move through life with Grace. This space is our Personal Power, and it in itself is paradise. 

This is the wisdom that the White Swan teaches.

This weekend I created the White Swan Gourd Affirmation Bowl from the Earth's beauty of the Gourd. The bowl was meant to hold positive self love affirmations, treasures whispers of wisdom, so that on those days when you are feeling less than Beautiful and Powerful you can pull out an affirmation to meditate and focus on for the day.

I wrote three affirmations on handmade paper and have included them inside the vessel. You can then add more affirming quotes so that it filled to the rim with pick-me-ups for your Spirit. 

SOLD

Turtle Moon - The Creation of the Sky

I am intrigued by the Sky. Every element of it brings me joy and wonderment. I sometimes sit in the evenings gazing at the Moon and the Stars and my imagination will wander. Fragments of stories will flow on how things could possibly "be" in that realm. I often drift away from the science part of it and entertain stories of how things might exist there otherwise. That is how my painting, "Turtle Moon" came to be.

One evening the Moon was as large as it could possibly be. The child-like part of me started thinking about how heavy it was and how it could just hang in the sky as it does. Surely it was being held by something. A vision of a very large turtle came. 

I could see Mother Turtle walking along the edge of the Earth. Her shell was translucent and you could see the stars twinkling through each section. As her feet slowly stepped along the Earth, the tip of the Moon was resting on her back. I thought "My goodness, Mother Turtle, isn't the Moon too heavy for you to be carrying?"  She replied "No, certainly not. The Moon needs help glowing her magical shine on the Earth. I'm happy to help." 

Then I thought about the portrait of the sky scene and how that could possibly be hanging for all of us to see. Mother Turtle whispered to me "Look closer,dear. All will be revealed". As I squinted to look harder, I saw her children helping her. Her son and daughter, one in front and one behind, were holding large bundles of black balloons and the stars were inside them. Again I exclaimed, "Oh my, don't they get tired holding all of those balloons in their mouths while walking through the night?" Mother Turtle said "No, they don't get tired. It brings them joy and they are happy to help." 

I closed my eyes and thought about all of the beings who's unseen actions go unnoticed while they do their part to create our World. They continue to do so everyday, because they are happy to help.

And so it is.

Thank you for letting me share my story with you.

This painting has been sold.

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.

Crow and Bear Protection Totem and it's Symbolism

Animal Totems have always been very important in my life, even since childhood. I look to Nature when I need to feel Peace, and I look to my Animal Totems when I need a different perspective on things. Resonating with the Earth gives me the Grounding that I need to make decisions in a calm and balanced way. 

I study the animal kingdom daily, their ways of survival, communicating, and cycles. When the totems come to me, either physically or through vision, their message and wisdom always can be applied to my own current circumstances. 

Last week as I sat in my studio I had two beautiful yet oddly shaped gourds sitting on my work table, waiting to be transformed. They had been their for a few weeks, waiting for the inspiration to materialize. Then late one evening while I was quietly writing in my notebooks, I knew. I would sculpt a Totem, one for Protection....for the home, and it would honor the Crow and Bear. 

The base of the Gourd would represent the human, our spirit. Above would be the Crow - as the Watchmen, alerting us with his messages and voice as he watches over our realm. Under would be the Bear - the protector, who nurtures with tender love but at the same time will guard their family fiercely.  

I sculpted in entirety that night, the Crow and Bear, wanting their energy to stay in a continuum.

I kept the natural shape of the gourd, which had a looped end on the top, perfect for the creation of the Crow. By the next day I began the painting, giving the Crow and Bear their richness.

 A Tribal Face was painted in the center to represent the human, detailed with the Sun and Moon, symbolic for the protective qualities to be present Night and Day, while walking in both worlds.

 A Star scene was painted withing the Bear's fur, as he carries wisdom from the Star Beings. 

Crow tracks were painted up one side of the Totem, and Bear Tracks up the other side of the Totem. One of his feathers painted drifting down, as a gift.

 The Crow's tail feathers extend down the back of the Totem, resting above a branch from the Tree of Life. 

The Crow and Bear Totem was created to bring it's protective essence to the home, to place near the front door to always remind one they are watched over.

SOLD

Please contact us if you would like to commission a similar piece.

Ceremonial Gourd Rattles as Spiritual Tools

Ceremonial Gourd Rattles as Spiritual Tools

Every religion and spirituality has a set of Spiritual Tools that facilitate a deeper connection with ones faith and beliefs. Some are specific and unique to the philosophy, and others are common among many. Altars, Flowers, Incense, Music, Songs, Chants, Drums, Candles, Statuary, Rattles.....all are tools that can be kept in the Spiritual Toolbox.

One that is  very important to us, and that we create many of, is the Ceremonial Gourd Rattle. These Ceremony Rattles have many uses and their diversity can lend to many cultures and faiths. The Rattle can be used in Prayer as a calling, an asking, and in gratefulness. It can be used in spiritual and energetic Cleansing, to remove negativity. They are often used to space clear homes in the making of Sacred Space, especially after an argument or illness in the house. The Ceremony Rattle is common to have at Gatherings of the Spirit, to assist in a Collective Consciousness, and even Drum Circles to celebrate and rejoice in our humanity on this Earth in song and dance. Those who explore Shamanic Journeying can use the Rattle as they enter and depart the other world or state of consciousness. And simply, they can assist us in Meditation, as a focus, as the slow rhythmic shake reminds one of the heartbeat. 

Painted Gourd Ceremonial Rattles from Conscious Art Studios

Creation Process of a Ceremonial Gourd Rattle

Our creation process is done on an intuitive level, and when we create we only do so when we ourselves feel balanced and peaceful. We use Gourds when we craft the rattles, and enjoy working with this Earth element and feel that it lends to the character of the piece. It brings a naturalness and integrity to the purpose of its creation. 

The Gourd are carefully chosen, cut, and cleaned. Focused attention is paid to the addition to the noisemakers that are placed inside the gourd. Sometimes the intention is to create a rich, full, and deep sound. Other times it is to create a light and delicate sound. We use a variety in the combination, including  dried beans and seeds, gemstone chips, and metal beads. Once the perfect assortment is found, the gourd is sealed and we attach a wooden handle. Handles are wrapped with leathers and suede and then adorned with extra embellishments such as cord wrapping, feathers, wooden pony beads, tin cones, or additional gemstones. We add leather loops at the very end of the handle to serve as a wrist wrap for when you are shaking them (optional to use), or to attached the rattle to your belt loop or waistband of regalia while at large gatherings or ceremonies. 

We paint our Ceremonial Rattles with leather acrylics, usually with animal totems or other spiritual symbols.  Many times this gives people a more  personal attachment to the piece and allows them to resonate with it more fully. We offer custom paintings on our Rattles.

Blessing Trees Ceremonial Gourd Rattle

 SOLD

Black Bear Totem Ceremonial Gourd Rattle Staff

SOLD

Peacock Goddess Ceremonial Gourd Rattle

SOLD

Sea Turtle Totem Ceremonial Gourd Rattle

SOLD

Moon Goddess Ceremonial Gourd Rattle

Moon Goddess Gourd Ceremony Rattle on Etsy

Dragonfly Totem Women's Winter Ceremonial Gourd Rattle

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The Equine Journey following the Horse Totem Path

Sometimes we feel stuck in life. Maybe it's the season, often winters can make us feel that way. Maybe it's the life events that are surrounding us, ours or someone Else's. And maybe it's our own ups and downs, the changing of our own rhythms, those times when we feel a lack in our own personal power. 

These are the times when I look to the Horse Totem. Recently I have gone back to visit the horse and his symbolism, doing so in physical life and within my artwork. Many times the way that I work with a totem is by painting them. The more I paint them, the more I can connect with their energy.

The Equine Journey by Jeanne Fry

 Horse Totem Symbolism

Long ago when the Horse was befriended to assist in our travels, he was looked at as a freeing agent. He could take you away from your little corner of the world and take you to unknown places. He would be your guide as you explored mysterious lands, not only on the physical plane but on a spiritual plane. Horse would remind you of the expansiveness of the Universe and of your own soul. As you rode, Father Wind would blow through your hair and across your face and cleanse you of stagnancy. 

The Horse offered a balance of not only stepping on this Earth, but also of connecting with the Sky. He confirms that all things are possible and that we are all truly important in the grand scheme of things. In essence All Things Are Possible.

The ride can invigorate the Spirit, and draw one away from feelings of being stuck. His soul and his lessons are so strong, that just standing with him...looking in his eyes....and stroking his cheek can have the same effect. He reminds us of the freedom that is possible within this vessel that we live in - that our soul's are boundless.

Working with the Horse Totem

When I sat down to work with the horse, the first painting I did last week was of "Running Horse" on a gourd art bowl. He spoke to me of Strength.

"Running Horse" Gourd Art Bowl - SOLD

This weekend I painted my second, "The Equine Journey", a pair of running horses. When examining them I see that the second feels more freeing, more earnest in his sprint. It has a feeling of the wildness and of the Run.

"The Equine Journey" Gourd Art Bowl - For Sale

I now anticipate the next Horse painting and the lessons that will come.

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Running Horse Totem Painted Gourd Art Bowl

This week I have been working on several new gourd art pieces, bowls and ceremonial rattles. This particular gourd bowl began speaking to me before I even sat down at the work table, and I knew that I wanted to bring a horse to life on this earthen canvas. I wanted the Horse itself to a flowing feel of movement to it within its design. 

Since I had created a rich dark background on the bowl itself, I wanted the Horse to be full of Light, a striking contrast. I wanted the colors to feel like the wind and sky, to hold a crisp coolness as if you could feel the wind as you were running with him. 

Running Horse Symbolism: He teaches us the importance of being true to ourselves. You must seize each moment of every day and make it your own. Stand with strength and be determined about your destination and your dreams, and then run towards them. Take the journey and claim your space in the World.

The Running Horse Gourd Art Bowl is SOLD