Expression through Symbolism

[Boots13]

Do you express yourself through symbolism?

What symbols have you discovered that portray your charactor, emotions, beliefs and ideas?

While designing a tattoo, I relied on numerology and totems to express my ideas in an abstract way.

This got me wondering how other people came into their symbolic ideas of self.

[Boots13]

The number 8 has a strong presence for me in numerology (birthdate) and my totem is an Octopus...8. Imagine that.

So my tattoo is an Octopus...it is the symbol which represents the ideas and feelings, the character that the totem and the numerology 8 have totally described me as, which I've found to be accurate.

Number 8
an authoritarian streak and like to be in charge at all times,be aggressive, if not bullish, and they have paid a price for that more than once. They are capable and smart, and often able to see the larger picture well before anyone else does.
8s have trouble accepting the authority of other individuals or institutions. Successful Sun Number 8s are careful to not to let anger cloud their judgment.
Not an easy one to please when it comes to romance. This is mostly due to the fact that he or she simply doesn't show much of what he or she is feeling. The 8 tends to be level headed, something that can take the wind out of a passionate romantic relationship. 8 is neither demanding, nor particularly giving. It considers sex the way it looks at all other needs of the flesh: satisfy it, then move on. On the other hand, the 8 has a strong sense of commitment, takes care of those around him or her, and will fight to protect them. Having an 8 Sun Number on your side is reason to feel safe and secure.

1. right belief
2. right resolution
3. right speech
4. right action
5. right living
6. right effort
7. right thinking
8. peace of mind through meditation


Octopus
We get what we want in an intelligent and efficient way. Complexity,Diversity,Variability,Intelligence,Insi ght,Vision,Mystery,Illusion
The Octopus wards off evil and an incredibly powerful totem, carrying great status. She is a protector, and will die fighting for her tribe, her young or those in her charge. The octopus is a voracious student. Octopus moves skillfully in a realm that is in constant motion.
Spiritual and intuitively gifted; nonetheless we are physical beings and must temper our sychic gifts with strong foundational grounding.
She is symbolic of agility, grace and flexibility. She is able to slip out of the tightest places, and ambulate as if she is the embodiment of water itself. She reminds us that we may move towards our goals in unorthodox ways and still achieve the same, if not better results.
extremely intelligent with the ability to reason, strategize, and recall information. The octopus reminds us to use our logic to our highest advantage. She urges us to be the master of our intelligence, not the slave.The octopus reminds us that nothing is as it seems. Behind our physicality there is a vast reality imbued with subtle wonder,
and this is about the opening of consciousness.
*********

[Girl_On_Fire]

Interesting thread. Yes, I have many times expressed myself through symbolism. I tend to notice synchronicities when I actually pay attention to them. I don't know much about numerology though. How do you find out what your number is and what does it signify?

[Boots13]

Originally Posted by Girl_On_Fire

How do you find out what your number is and what does it signify?

There are several free online resources as a start. And if you really get into it, you could also find resources at your local bookstores, holistic centers, etc !

[Boots13]

I only used numerology and totems as my example...its the most recent thing that made me wonder about symbolism...

I love camoflauge...its symbolic of my military experience and ruggedness...I have it in my luxury SUV (mats, visor pouches, seat covers) . I identify with the inside of my car more than I do the outside !

[macele]

i don't know if 8 is my number via numerology, but i sure do like, ... it is my favorite. the infinity symbol, which is a side ways 8, ... i fell in love with while taking college algebra lol. a diamond shape because of softball, ... the field. i like the letter W.

that's a few i can think of right off the top of my head. i'm sure there's others. i'd like to find just the right collage for a tattoo, ... using this symbol, shape, letter. maybe something else added.

math, softball, writing, ... represent me.

[Kätzchen]

Originally Posted by Boots13

Do you express yourself through symbolism?

What symbols have you discovered that portray your charactor, emotions, beliefs and ideas?

Utilizing metaphor is significant to the way I percieve my own identity; and also, use of metaphor helps me to communicate other aspects of who I am - which, use of metaphor by anyone (including myself) requires that an audience shares a similar knowledge base about the metaphor that is used to describe any one set of beliefs or emotional acuity or even something that could lend toward a deeper understanding about ones' character.

For example, I do not know what any numerologist might say about the no. 13; but the number thirteen is part of a lifelong inner-family dialogue concerning dates of birth or special events that share a synchronicity to a narrative of the no. 13 within my own family.

Other examples of metaphor, which might symbolize core beliefs or ideas that primarily exemplify particular aspects about me, might be found in song lyrics or articles penned by scholarly authors (Aristotle, Milosz, Bahktin, Burke, Simmel, Weber, Ting-Toomey, Planck, Hawking or Sagan or Russell) or even within musical compositions free of lyrics, in that the notes or the orchestral movement moves me to connect more wholly with who I am and how I feel or experience any sort of unknown emotion I never knew to exist in myself or knew I had, for that matter.

Art, Music, Philosophy (literally and figuratively) are very much a part of who I am and where I find myself growing and learning not only about my own identity, but where I exist in relationship to others.

[meridiantoo]

I am attracted to Japanese/Chinese characters to express concepts and abstract ideas.

[Ginger]

Interesting thread and I'm thinking about it. It's a tough question for me because I take symbolism very, very seriously. It's a challenge to first identify one's essential traits, then abstract them into a visual symbol. I'll subscribe to this thread and see if other people's responses help me figure it out!

[Boots13]

Originally Posted by meridiantoo

I am attracted to Japanese/Chinese characters to express concepts and abstract ideas.

Yes, I love Kanji. The PNW has a large Asian community and Kanji
is prevailant in tattoos, marketing, literature, etc. I it interesting that its so disciplined...down to the stroke order of its presentation !

[Sweet Bliss]

I use Kanji in my clay work.

Eastern thought and design is my draw to the arts and my enjoyment of living. It finds it way into every aspect of my life. My clothing preferences all the way to the food I choose to eat, my outlook and my humor.



Interesting thread Boots13, thanks.

[Semantics]

I'm sure that anyone here would research kanji and any form of symbolism taken from other cultures before using them, but not everyone does. When we even consider taking something from another culture we have a responsibility to make sure it's used in a respectful and appropriate manner.

I've seen some very offensive and ignorant kanji symbols tattooed on Westerners. A friend of mine, who is Chinese and also an anthropology professor, sometimes has her students visit local tattoo parlors and take cell phone pictures of the hanzi and kanji symbols displayed in their idea books. I can't remember the exact percentage of them that were wrong but I think it was like 40%. Those aren't great odds when it comes to getting something permanent put on your body.

There's a funny blog called Hanzi Smatter that is dedicated to the misuse of Chinese and Japanese characters, mostly portrayed in tattoos.

It's a busy site, but someone was nice enough to pick out some real gems:
That Tattoo Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means

A good NYT article on this issue:

Cool Tat, Too Bad It's Gibberish

What an great thread. I'm always interested in anything to do with how people express themselves. I have a patch on my messenger bag that depicts the Hegelian Dialectic's Thesis/ Antithesis/ Synthesis. From far away it looks like a cross made out of two arrows, and I've had people approach me and want to discuss religion because of it. Symbols can be tricky.

[Boots13]

Originally Posted by Kätzchen

Utilizing metaphor is significant to the way I percieve my own identity; and also, use of metaphor helps me to communicate other aspects of who I am


...the number thirteen is part of a lifelong inner-family dialogue concerning dates of birth or special events that share a synchronicity to a narrative of the no. 13 within my own family.

Other examples of metaphor, which might symbolize core beliefs or ideas that primarily exemplify particular aspects about me, might be found in song lyrics or articles penned by scholarly authors (Aristotle, Milosz, Bahktin, Burke, Simmel, Weber, Ting-Toomey, Planck, Hawking or Sagan or Russell) or even within musical compositions free of lyrics

Katzchen, thankyou for your thoughtful response!
I agree that metaphors serve us, as we compare something seemingly unrelated to our lifes events, feelings and/or ideas which then makes the association an understandable conveyance of thought . IE, my octopus tat...
I think analogy also serves us in this sense.

And its interesting to see your family association with the number 13. I've never really subscribed to the idea of coincidence either ..and so I understand synchronicity to be more destiny than casual occurrence of events, as I think you just said !

[Duchess]

This is the Japanese symbol for Beloved, the meaning of my first name, Suikenna.

My Numerology profile is 3:If your Life-Path number is THREE, your life is likely to be characterized by the undying need for expression. This can take the form in conversation but also in the arts. Typically, the THREE has an above-average ability in some art form. This can encompass painting, interior decorating, crafts, writing, music, drama or all of the above.

Enjoying the company of like minded creative people is likely to be on your top ten list of pleasures. THREE’S are genuinely warm and friendly. They make excellent friends by sharing interesting information and by actively listening. Entertaining in your home comes readily for most THREE’S as you can make everyone feel at home. With such a sunny disposition and openhearted approach, others will naturally seek out your hospitality. Key words for a THREE Life-Path number are expression, verbalization, socialization, the joy of living, the arts and travel.

As a THREE, you’re likely to be an entertainer either formally or within your social circle. You’re one of the effervescent, sparkling people in the world with an eternal optimism. Things will rarely get a THREE down. Setbacks will be just a part of the overall scheme of things and won't keep you from feeling positive. This exuberant demeanor and love of life can take a THREE to great lengths when creative expression is developed.

With this in mind, the THREE’S life purpose is to develop self-expression in a tangible, productive means. It’s important to nail down the artistic outlets that you thrive most in. The best work will be produced when a THREE focuses on their own personal expression and not what the market wants. This isn't always an easy path, yet it will be richly rewarding. Optimism is a powerful tool for the actively expressive THREE.

My Chinese sign is the Dragon:The Dragon is one of the most powerful and lucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Its warm heart makes the Dragon's brash, fiery energy far more palatable. This is a giving, intelligent and tenacious Sign that knows exactly what it wants and is determined to get it. Dragons possess a certain natural, charming charisma that ensures they can always influence their peers and often find themselves the center of attention in social situations. This Sign is truly blessed, too; Dragons are considered to be very lucky in love! The Dragon's friends are always keen to hear what this firebrand has to say and when it comes to dispensing advice, the Dragon has the floor. Its ego can get in the Dragon's way, but even so, this larger-than-life creature has a knack for initiating projects and keeping the troops motivated. According to Dragons, it's their natural born right to lead the way -- because who else could do it so surely and so well? As lucky as they are, Dragons have a good chance of achieving considerable material wealth during their lifetimes, although it isn't mere money that's this Sign's main motivation. Power is what the Dragon wants and truly believes it deserves. Dragons are quite the opportunists, forever searching for ways in which to consolidate their considerable power. Contrary to all this strength and fire, a weakened Dragon is a sad sack, a creature that refuses to take defeat with even a modicum of grace. The role of leader is the only one the Dragon wants, the better from which to give orders and be king of the hill. They make solid leaders, too, knowing instinctively what needs to be done to stay on top. Crossing the Dragon is never a good idea -- this beast can singe! A valuable life lesson for this clever creature would be to absorb the principles of flexibility, compassion and tolerance. Being high and mighty can serve to inspire others, but it also keeps Dragons from living their lives to the fullest. If Dragons can learn to balance their quest for success with an appreciation for the little things, their life will be more than worthwhile.

[Boots13]

Originally Posted by IslandScout

I loved the color blue when I was a kid and still do. I liked to lie on the grass and look up at the sky, the blue sky.

The main one of these is aqua, gold and black. Those are the colors of my apartment. And I like streaks of red mixed in here and there, for warmth.

Mmmm, I used to love to watch the clouds streak across the sky when I was a kid...I'd get lost in the deep blue yonder too ! thank you for posting Island Scout!

Originally Posted by jac

Interesting perspective. It might be nice to think they travel with us till we no longer need them.... *head tilt*

LOL, I might be a collector of totems, and while I'm not sure I need them in an active and pertinent way, its nice keeping them around ! They're tattoo'ed on my bod , so when they transcend pertinence and move into a protection of sorts, and then ultimately when they are not representative of my current path they symbolize my story ! So, upon writing this, I realize that the symbolism of these abstract representations evolve with me.

Originally Posted by Duchess

This is the Japanese symbol for Beloved, the meaning of my first name, Suikenna.


My Numerology profile is 3:If your Life-Path number is THREE, your life is likely to be characterized by the undying need for expression.

My Chinese sign is the Dragon:The Dragon is one of the most powerful and lucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Its warm heart makes the Dragon's brash, fiery energy far more palatable. This is a giving, intelligent and tenacious Sign that knows exactly what it wants and is determined to get it.

Suikenna - what a fabulous post ! I'm voting for you for Prez...self expression with a bite ! LOL, thank you for telling us all about your signs and profile...and from what I know of you it seems very accurate ! I havent seen the bite, but I've seen your expression, your kindness and your intelligence !