Symbols and Talismans
I love the shapes, the designs, and the power that symbols can have in magical and healing work. Those of you who have attained the second and third level training in Usui Reiki Natural Healing Method have firsthand experience with this process. This page is for sharing some of the ones I am working with or have worked with. Of course, there are many symbols and talismans that are not sharable, as they part of higher order types of training. For example, I made a promise not to publicize the Reiki symbols, even though you can find them in a simple internet search, you will not find them here. Any symbol published on this site, if not one of my very own creations will have author/artist credit on the page it appears so you may buy the book or use to research more closely. Each month, I will pick a symbol that can be connected to Medical Qigong, Traditional Chinese Medicine/ Philosophy, or Reiki, as I love to see how world systems cooperate, rather than how they compete. If you choose to work in meditation or healing work with any of the symbols I present, just remember that regardless of the symbol, the power of healing work comes from within you.
September: Rakuna/ Release
As we move nearer to the Autumn Equinox (September 22) issues of harvest become highlighted. What to keep that serves us well, and what to let go of that no longer does. Drawing this symbol- on paper, in the mind, or in the air while saying the affirmation below can help to reinforce the intention to release what no longer serves, especially anything that keeps you feeling separate from your inner guidance, uncomfortable in your skin, or incomplete without others.
In Chinese medicine, fall is the season to focus on cultivating lung health, the quality of wholeness (integrity), and for releasing melancholy, sadness, and grief patterns that obstruct our deep connections to All and to Source. Once these patterns have been processed, letting go of grief frees Qi that can be used to regenerate and renew.
Affirmation:
"I release and let go of outdated beliefs as I move forward with grace and ease."
From:
"Zibu: The Power of Angelic Symbology" (p 147)
Book and card deck created by Debbie Zylstra Almstedt. 2007.
In Chinese medicine, fall is the season to focus on cultivating lung health, the quality of wholeness (integrity), and for releasing melancholy, sadness, and grief patterns that obstruct our deep connections to All and to Source. Once these patterns have been processed, letting go of grief frees Qi that can be used to regenerate and renew.
Affirmation:
"I release and let go of outdated beliefs as I move forward with grace and ease."
From:
"Zibu: The Power of Angelic Symbology" (p 147)
Book and card deck created by Debbie Zylstra Almstedt. 2007.
August: Anana- Joy
At the height of summer, the season associated with the fire element and the heart I thought this was a perfect symbol to represent the "dog days".
Joy is complicated in the 5 Element Phase Theory. On the one hand, in the West we think of joy as a mostly positive experience. In TCM, it is considered a negative emotion, in that an excess of joy can damage the Qi of the Heart. The difference, I think is that Chinese medicine recognizes that anything that overstimulates the heart, including too much joy (or deliriousness) keeps the heart from settling into its natural calm state. Perhaps part of removing this excess consists of sharing your joy with others whenever possible.
As you draw this symbol on paper, in the mind's eye, or in the air, say:
Affirmation:
"I savor the richness and depth of life as I share joy from my heart."
See:
www.languageofzibu.com for more on this and other Zibu symbols, created by Debbie Zylstra Holmstedt
Joy is complicated in the 5 Element Phase Theory. On the one hand, in the West we think of joy as a mostly positive experience. In TCM, it is considered a negative emotion, in that an excess of joy can damage the Qi of the Heart. The difference, I think is that Chinese medicine recognizes that anything that overstimulates the heart, including too much joy (or deliriousness) keeps the heart from settling into its natural calm state. Perhaps part of removing this excess consists of sharing your joy with others whenever possible.
As you draw this symbol on paper, in the mind's eye, or in the air, say:
Affirmation:
"I savor the richness and depth of life as I share joy from my heart."
See:
www.languageofzibu.com for more on this and other Zibu symbols, created by Debbie Zylstra Holmstedt
July- "Ana"- Prosperity
Color: Green
Related physically to the Small Intestine
[In TCM, Heart is the yin organ paired with the yang small intestine. Green is the color of the Heart Chakra]
One way to cultivate a peaceful, centered Heart/Mind is to know what is good for you to keep and what is good to let go of; the "job" of the small intestine is like that in digestion- it sorts the wheat from the chaff, routing good nourishment one way and that which is not useful to the body to the large intestine to be eliminated.
Mentally, the qualities of kindness and compassion are registered in the energies of the liver, but, they are felt (experienced) by the heart. "... it is clear that it (prosperity) is...a richness within. It has to do with expressing kindness and gratitude. As they say, it fills the heart and radiates to others."
To have prosperity, connect to your own sense of it; finding inner riches helps one to feel content with what is happening now and trusting yourself enough to know that whatever may come, you can prevail- you are sufficient. Savor the moments when you feel this. Remember this feeling to help you through the times (and there will be plenty) when you don't.
Related physically to the Small Intestine
[In TCM, Heart is the yin organ paired with the yang small intestine. Green is the color of the Heart Chakra]
One way to cultivate a peaceful, centered Heart/Mind is to know what is good for you to keep and what is good to let go of; the "job" of the small intestine is like that in digestion- it sorts the wheat from the chaff, routing good nourishment one way and that which is not useful to the body to the large intestine to be eliminated.
Mentally, the qualities of kindness and compassion are registered in the energies of the liver, but, they are felt (experienced) by the heart. "... it is clear that it (prosperity) is...a richness within. It has to do with expressing kindness and gratitude. As they say, it fills the heart and radiates to others."
To have prosperity, connect to your own sense of it; finding inner riches helps one to feel content with what is happening now and trusting yourself enough to know that whatever may come, you can prevail- you are sufficient. Savor the moments when you feel this. Remember this feeling to help you through the times (and there will be plenty) when you don't.
Zibu for June: Reconnection/ "Rimi"
"This symbol represents reconnecting to Source.
When one is unplugged, one is disconnected from the life-sustaining energy. Vitality can be embraced again when connecting to Spirit and recognizing all are one, and there is no separation. : (p. 143, "Zibu, the Power of Angelic Symbology" D. Zylstra Almstedt)
When one is unplugged, one is disconnected from the life-sustaining energy. Vitality can be embraced again when connecting to Spirit and recognizing all are one, and there is no separation. : (p. 143, "Zibu, the Power of Angelic Symbology" D. Zylstra Almstedt)
May, "Rakumi"- Clarity of Purpose
"Ask the questions you hold in your Heart and feel the answers come to the surface".
(Zibu book, p. 51)
Draw this symbol in the air or on paper, while meditating on your life purpose, or project you are working on, and be willing to hear what truths become available to you.
In TCM, the Heart is the keeper of clarity, the mind, that brings light to chaos. While the Kidney organ system holds the ocean of destiny, the Heart, as the Sun, the Fire element, shines the light that clarifies who we are and why we are here. This card was drawn randomly, but it is a great one for the beginning of the summer season that resonates especially with the Heart's energy. Getting clear on what we want and who we are good practices to cultivate this Fire element.
If these symbols resonate with you, buy the book linked below. Her card deck can be purchased on Etsy.
April Symbol- "Awina" Fluidity
Find your flow; do your flow
“Fluidity is a beautiful quality. It leaves rigidity behind. It opens you up to new expression. Fluidity is flexible. It flows with grace and ease. Let go of the sides of the river and immerse yourself in the middle.” (Zibu, p. 75)
The color frequency associated with Awina (Ah wee nah) is green, the gemstone peridot and it’s connected physically with the neck. It’s easy to work with any of the Zibu symbols- draw them (in any color), or trace them in the air, while you are focused on their meaning. Use you creative imagination to intuit a personal process, or, most simple of all, use them to set an Intent for your day or for meditating on a theme. If you are familiar with Reiki or Medical Qigong (or any type of magical or spiritual work), as you trace or draw the image, charge it with prayer power, blessings, or goodwill, for yourself or anyone you'd like to gift the energy to.
As I began to lay out a theme for April, this symbol seemed to just appear, and it resonates with Spring themes in Traditional Chinese Philosophy- 5 Phase Theory, as we are throwing off the frozen stiffness brought about by Winter conditions and step out into new landscapes that Spring reveals to us. Spring is associated also with green and dragons, whose movements are elegant, fluid, and graceful in the air and in the water.
The “Swimming Dragon” is a form I love to teach for Spring Qigong work. Though it can be done at anytime of the year, it is especially fun to practice in the Springtime, pretending to be an actual dragon and finetuning ligaments, tendons, spine and balance. In the Spring, it is also medicinal to begin cultivating the spirit of flow- of giving and supporting creativity and creation. In a word- like last month's symbol- kindness.
Follow the link to purchase a copy of Debbie Z’s book directly from her. I believe she is now selling a card deck, as well.
“Fluidity is a beautiful quality. It leaves rigidity behind. It opens you up to new expression. Fluidity is flexible. It flows with grace and ease. Let go of the sides of the river and immerse yourself in the middle.” (Zibu, p. 75)
The color frequency associated with Awina (Ah wee nah) is green, the gemstone peridot and it’s connected physically with the neck. It’s easy to work with any of the Zibu symbols- draw them (in any color), or trace them in the air, while you are focused on their meaning. Use you creative imagination to intuit a personal process, or, most simple of all, use them to set an Intent for your day or for meditating on a theme. If you are familiar with Reiki or Medical Qigong (or any type of magical or spiritual work), as you trace or draw the image, charge it with prayer power, blessings, or goodwill, for yourself or anyone you'd like to gift the energy to.
As I began to lay out a theme for April, this symbol seemed to just appear, and it resonates with Spring themes in Traditional Chinese Philosophy- 5 Phase Theory, as we are throwing off the frozen stiffness brought about by Winter conditions and step out into new landscapes that Spring reveals to us. Spring is associated also with green and dragons, whose movements are elegant, fluid, and graceful in the air and in the water.
The “Swimming Dragon” is a form I love to teach for Spring Qigong work. Though it can be done at anytime of the year, it is especially fun to practice in the Springtime, pretending to be an actual dragon and finetuning ligaments, tendons, spine and balance. In the Spring, it is also medicinal to begin cultivating the spirit of flow- of giving and supporting creativity and creation. In a word- like last month's symbol- kindness.
Follow the link to purchase a copy of Debbie Z’s book directly from her. I believe she is now selling a card deck, as well.
March Symbol: "Hazu"- Kindness
As we begin to move into the Spring season, the quality of Kindness begins to manifest in gentle warmness of the weather and the delightful and colorful signs of life beginning anew from the harsher winter weather. In Qigong practice, spring time is a good time to cultivate the inner reserves of kindness, compassion and forgiveness.
This Zibu symbol can inspire budding kindness by reminding us that “Kindness is an action as well as a thought pattern.” (p. 111, Zibu book) Behaving kindly is a double blessing- the receiver is given the benefit of life boosting energy that can be savored long after the gift is given. The giver of kindness receives the benefit of sharing, doubling the love the Universe gives.
This Zibu symbol can inspire budding kindness by reminding us that “Kindness is an action as well as a thought pattern.” (p. 111, Zibu book) Behaving kindly is a double blessing- the receiver is given the benefit of life boosting energy that can be savored long after the gift is given. The giver of kindness receives the benefit of sharing, doubling the love the Universe gives.
February-Ziwa Universal Love
From Page 189:
"Universal love commands attention...It is needed to unite mankind... It radiates warmth"
I chose this symbol for February, because it is the month when, around the world several cultures practice welcoming in the Spring. It is a time of rising Yang. The first day of Spring is observed in China on February 1st. Imbolc and the honoring of the Goddess Brigid in Druid and Celtic traditions; (St Brigid/ Candlemas for Christians) all celebrate the return of the light after winter's cold. And who can forget St. Valentine?
Goddess Brigid's Blessing:
"May Brigid bless the house wherein you dwell, Bless every fireside, wall and door,
Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof.
Bless every hand that toils to bring it joy,
Bless every foot that walks within its portals through.
May Brigid bless the house that shelters you."
"Universal love commands attention...It is needed to unite mankind... It radiates warmth"
I chose this symbol for February, because it is the month when, around the world several cultures practice welcoming in the Spring. It is a time of rising Yang. The first day of Spring is observed in China on February 1st. Imbolc and the honoring of the Goddess Brigid in Druid and Celtic traditions; (St Brigid/ Candlemas for Christians) all celebrate the return of the light after winter's cold. And who can forget St. Valentine?
Goddess Brigid's Blessing:
"May Brigid bless the house wherein you dwell, Bless every fireside, wall and door,
Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof.
Bless every hand that toils to bring it joy,
Bless every foot that walks within its portals through.
May Brigid bless the house that shelters you."
January Rikomana- Listen Within
I chose this symbol for January, because listening and ears are tied to the kidney organ system that we are focusing our cultivation on in winter Qigong practice. Also, because self knowledge, wisdom and destiny are themes in this system. Finally, we are faced in our world with a crisis of communication where people have dug in and talk, but don't listen, especially to the quiet messages coming from their own deep truths.
From page 115 of the Zibu book:
"Please know that many answer reside within."
Listening closely within helps to examine problematic thought forms that can give rise to unskillful acts, words and deeds.
"Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."
Att: Laozi
Read more about the Zibu symbols on creator Debbie Almstedt's website. (and buy the book to follow along with our exporation this year)
From page 115 of the Zibu book:
"Please know that many answer reside within."
Listening closely within helps to examine problematic thought forms that can give rise to unskillful acts, words and deeds.
"Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."
Att: Laozi
Read more about the Zibu symbols on creator Debbie Almstedt's website. (and buy the book to follow along with our exporation this year)
