Bats are among the most misunderstood animals. Many stories, movies and myths described them as dangerous and harmful creatures that can suck people’s blood and transform themselves as Dracula. Because of this, bats began to have a bad reputation. Although feared by some people, bats are beneficial to the humans and environment.

The Native American recognized the bat as an animal that is highly sensitive to its surrounding and therefore consider this animal as a symbol of intuition, dreaming and vision. When special energy was needed, the spirit of the bat would often be invoked, like the “night-sight” which what they called the ability to see through illusion. To the Native Americans, it is also the symbol of communication because they observed the bats to be a highly social creature. People believe that if you have a bat as your totem, you will be extremely aware of your surroundings and sometimes can be overly sensitive to the feeling of others.

In China, bats represent good luck, prosperity and bring happiness or peace. In Japan, bats symbolize chaos, unrest and unhappiness. Scottish people believed that when flying bats rise and descend, they does so by a witch’s house. It was also believed by Finnish people that when one is asleep, the soul will take the shape of a bat. Early Christians believed that the devil transformed into a bat in order to harass people. An Australian tribe also believes that killing bats will shorten your life. Some people even believe that carrying the right eye of a bat will make them become invisible.

Reiki is a traditional form of healing, with its roots in Japan – but which has spread and found widespread appeal in many other parts of the world in the 80 or so years of its existence. It is a non invasive healing system, which focuses mainly on rebalancing the energy of the body, on the understanding that it is such energy falling out of balance which causes various illnesses, or ‘injuries’ as they are known in Reiki parlance. The rebalancing is achieved through attunement, that is, the re-synchronization of the body’s natural energy to be way it is meant to be in balance. And while the practitioner’s hands are the primary equipment used in Reiki healing, the healing strength and distance can be enhanced through Reiki symbols.

The question of how to draw Reiki symbols is itself answered in the second degree of training, whose aim to enhance the potential practitioner’s healing powers. Of course, the symbols used in Reiki training are in public domain (and there are websites that illustrate them), beating the notion that Reiki symbols may be secret symbols. Yet the fact that virtually anyone can draw the Reiki symbols does not obviate the need for the relevant training courses, as the drawing of the symbols has to be used alongside the relevant attunements if the symbols are to be effective in strengthening the healing properties of Reiki, while also making ‘remote healing’ that is, healing at distance, possible.

Among the symbols used in Reiki healing is the primary Reiki symbol, the Cho-Ku-Rei symbol, the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen and the Sei He Ki Symbol. Others are the fire Serpent and the Reiki balance as well as the Raku symbol, each with its own way of drawing and application in Reiki healing. The primary Reiki symbol, for instance, is the symbol of Universal life energy and actually consists of two symbols joined to get, namely the Rei Symbol (symbolizing universality) and the Ki Symbol (symbolizing vital life energy) so that the combination of the Rei and Ki symbols results in the compound Reiki symbol.

It worth noting that some of these Reiki symbols are used solely in the Reiki training process, to confirm the conferment of the various attunements. A good example of this is the Raku symbol, which symbolizes the conferment of the third degree of Reiki training, making the person onto the symbol is draw a Reiki Master. Of course, there are some Reiki practitioners who hold the view that the Raku symbol can also be used in some healing processes – and their views are held as valid in various forums.

The fire serpent symbol is one of the most universally used Reiki symbols. This is used as a prelude to the attunement process, and it is this symbol which opens up the client’s chakras to begin the energy attunement process, which underlies all Reiki healing. And as many people seeking Reiki therapy are primarily facing mental and emotional problems, albeit often in subtle unobservable ways, the Sei He Ki symbol which is used in the clearance of such mental and emotional problem is another commonly drawn and used Reiki symbol in the Reiki healing practice.

Men are particular in the things they use, especially those they use so often or everyday. Since Tag Heuer watches symbolizes innovation and precision, many enjoy owning a men’s Tag Heuer watch. They have introduced watches with different designs and styles with elegant craftsmanship and excellent durability designed for a variety of sports.

It is one of the the ultimate watch company that has watches that can give accuracy up to 1/1000th, of a second for wrist watches. They have some of the best quality watches not only for men but also for women that’s why Tag Heuer is know all through out the world for their durability and great performance.

The name Tag Heuer always been associated with sports although the brand also have decent watches for the gentlemen and prestigious people but the most popular watches they sell remain for sports.

They offer a variety of watches in different models. Here are some of their most popular models for men:

• Formula 1
• Grand Carrera
• Exclusive 2000
• Special Edition Watches
• Monaco Series
• Aquaracer
• Monza

Most of their Men’s watches are sophisticated in style. The bracelet of some of their watches are made of stainless steel. Some have leather bands on their watches which is durable and can be matched with casual wear. They have watches that are water resistance up to 300 meters, shock resistance, scratch proof, etc.

Tag Heuer is one of the finer brands in luxury watches. When men wear these watches, it indicates the level of quality which he has achieved. Men wearing watches that are known all over the world such as Tag Heuer, indicates his being an excellent person, with prestigious image.

The prices of their watches depend on what kind of watch you like. Some of their watches for men are expensive; they also have affordable prices for men’s watches. However, at the end of the day all their watches are relatively affordable since they are made from high quality parts and should last a lifetime.

If you can imagine, most people use their wristwatch everyday. You use it for 16 hours everyday at work or wherever you go. So do you think with all that wear and tear a cheap watch is going to last as long as a good quality one?

So you have to be practical when choosing watches. People mostly look for durable watches that can last a long time and come with an excellent style and design. So why not try a men’s Tag Heuer watch?

If you want to view some of men’s Tag Heuer watches, you can shop online or off. The great thing about shopping online is that you can compare prices so you can feel more confident you are getting the best deal.

In older decks, the Hierophant Tarot Card was once referred to as the Pope or High Priest. In Tarot symbolism, the Hierophant is a symbol of the Spiritual Father. He is the wise teacher and, for many, he is the symbol of the religious institution. In Tarot readings, the Hierophant reminds us that there is much more to life than the ordinary. His teachings remind us that we must abide by spiritual principles in order to gain a deeper understanding of our purpose in this world. He is the card of social order, conformity and traditional values. He is also an important symbol for spiritual growth.

Tarot Symbolism of the Clergyman and Pillars

One of the most striking features of the traditional imagery of the Hierophant is his position. The Hierophant sits above two clergymen. These two clergymen or religious figures are symbolic of both religion and mysticism. In this regard, both are considered to be valuable and holy. More importantly, one can not function without the other.

Like the High Priestess, the positions of the pillars represent a doorway or entrance into the unknown or mystical. Behind the Hierophant is all that remains unknown or unlearned. In front of him is the known. It is well organized, structured and orderly. This is the realm of conformity.

Tarot Symbolism of the Staff and the Hierophants Hand Position

When looking upon the Hierophant Tarot card you can not help but recognize his hand gesture as it points to the heavens. Symbolically, this reference the Hierophant’s association to the realm of the Heaven or the realm of spirit. In this regard, he represents the relationship between one’s higher consciousness and their ego. He is the ultimate symbol of balance as he has learned how to listen to his inner reality without compromising the importance of his rational mind. His gesture to the heavens symbolizes the importance of spiritual principles and that these principles have authority over all others.

His golden staff further illustrates his authority over spiritual matters. Some believe that the multi-crossed staff represents different levels of consciousness. Traditionally, however, the three crosses on the staff represent rituals or rites of passage. Should one wish to achieve spiritual enlightenment, they would have to undergo various rites of passages to attain spiritual wisdom.

The Tarot Symbolism of the Keys

Beneath the Hierophant’s feet rests two keys. They are linked and cross one another. Symbolically, these represent the keys to heaven, the Divine, or the House of God. These are the keys to spiritual truths which the Hierophant always holds sacred. Yet, at the same time, the Hierophant acknowledges the significance of the secular and teaches us how to implement the spiritual in our ordinary lives. He represents the link between our outer perceptions and our inner truths.

The fact that the keys are crossed represents two paths or two ways of living. One must become conscious of the decisions or choices that lie before them and that very action must be made in accordance to one’s value systems.

Africa is a continent rich with diverse languages and people groups. The clothing styles of many African countries have a rich history going back thousands of years. These days you can see African-Americans choosing to enhance their style and celebrate their heritage by donning these garments. The designs of the clothes are one reflection of African culture, but the colors and symbols that decorate them are also important to understand.

African clothes that are made of the combined colors of red, gold and green represent the colors of the stripes of the Ethiopian flag. Also, black, green and gold combinations represent the colors of the African National Congress’ flag. Kente cloth is known for its brilliant colors and designs and this cloth is frequently seen as a symbol of the African continent.

The Fulani women wear bright flowing robe-like garments and gold hoop earrings to mark their style and their region. In each region of Africa, the style and colors of garments are a reflection of whom you are and where you are from. For instance, in certain parts of Nigeria, red is seen as a threatening color which can only be worn by chiefs. The color is believed to keep evil away. In other regions, red is the color of achievement or success. Adinkra cloth is worn typically at funerals and farewells. Dark colored adinkra cloth in brick red, brown or black symbolizes death. Alternately, bright colored adinkra cloth in white, yellow or blue is worn for festive or happy occasions. Adinkra cloth is still very popular in Ghana today.

Kente cloth made by the Fante of Ghana has many different designs and colors with various meanings. Red is the symbol of bloodshed and is frequently worn for political meetings and rallies. Green represents fertility and you can see it worn often during a young girl’s adolescence. White symbolizes purity or victory. Yellow represents maturity or glory and chiefs frequently wear this color. Blue symbolizes love, and black represents aging.

Knowing the symbolic meanings of color and design in African clothing helps one to have a greater sense of the culture and the rich history of the African styles that one can find today. Whatever your ethnic heritage may be, you can find an African style that reflects your identity and your good taste too. There are a lot of choices, but the variety and the quality are there for you, so enjoy.

The Sphinx is best described as a symbol of “arcane wisdom” (Olderr 126), and wicked power in ancient Greece around 1200 BCE. Her disposition is depicted by the mythical story associated with her, specifically, her interactions with Oedipus . The Sphinx had also existed much earlier with other meanings in cultures such as Egypt. Since that time, its symbolism has become so captivating that its meaning is almost proverbial in the Western World today (Britannica 16).

The Sphinx truly fits her title as a beast. In the Greek legend, the Sphinx is a female symbol with the body and feet of a lion, the head and breasts of a woman, and the wings of an eagle (Scafella 179). Albeit the sphinx literally described sounds hideous, the visual portrayals of ancient Greece are nonetheless enticing. Such representations most commonly appeared on ivories, painted plaques, and pottery (Britannica 16). Although there are many representations of the sphinx, for the purposes of this essay, the example used is the Greek Sphinx seated on a short ionic column before Oedipus. This representation is painted on an Athenian vase from the Archaic Period in Greece, between 800 and 500 BCE (Boardman 246).

The name “Sphinx” is a Greek name derived from the verb sphiggein, which means “to draw tight or to bind together” (qtd. in Scafella 179). Her myth is well described by Albert E. Cowdrey in his fictional story The Name of the Sphinx: “Her function was to harass and obstruct Thebes’s tourist trade by forcing visitors to answer a riddle. If they got it wrong, she killed them” (104). She asked this riddle, taught to her by the Muses : “What is it that has one voice, and yet becomes four-footed and two-footed and three-footed?” (Britannica) Even though it is not explicit in the ancient myth, the meaning of her name suggests she may have killed those who answered incorrectly by strangling them. Her role links her directly to another ancient myth, the tragically ironic story of Oedipus.

Oedipus was the prince of Thebes, who was abandoned by his father when he was born because of a prophecy that his son would kill him. His father bound his feet together and left him on a lonely mountain (Encarta). Oedipus eventually wandered back to Thebes, which was plagued by the Sphinx. Upon being asked her question, however, Oedipus answered correctly: “Man, who crawls on all fours in infancy, walks on two feet when grown, and leans on a staff in old age” (Britannica 16). The sphinx was so distraught, she jumped from her perch and killed herself. The story continues that the Thebans were so grateful to Oedipus that they offered him kingship, which was rightfully his anyway, and he unwittingly married the his mother, the Queen (Encarta).

The Sphinx appeared in Greece for the first time around 1600 BCE, but it was not until later, around 1200 BCE, that the legend took on a identifiable meaning and developed into what is commonly known today. Before the Greek time, however, the Sphinx as a symbol had existed for over one thousand years in cultures such as in Egypt, where it is most commonly agreed to have originated (Scafella 180). While many characteristics have stayed the same in the Sphinx, some central ones have changed. The most obvious distinction is the sex of the Sphinx. Whereas the Egyptian Sphinx was exclusively male, the Greek Sphinx was almost always female. The Greek Sphinx was used typically as a symbol of wisdom and malignance, whereas the Egyptian Sphinx, especially in its earliest forms, was often associated with divinities, and was used as a symbol of protection. It had no mysterious or deceitful nature. An example of this role is his presence “before the temples of the Nile Valley, outside the pyramid of Kaphren” (Suhr 97). Moreover, in Egypt, the Sphinx did not have wings and was often recumbent, contrary to the Greek Sphinx, which was usually sitting, especially on her tall perch at Thebes (Scafella 180).

Looking at the deepest symbolisms of the sphinx, she may well be one of the most elusive symbols of human history. While many theories converge and digress like choppy waves, they have but one likeness, that her meaning is, over all else, enigmatic. One prominent idea, however, is the obvious reference to intelligence being coupled with animalism: “…the hybridizing of man and lion suggests the dominance of human intellect over raw animal power” (Hajar). This idea is further elucidated by Friedrich Hegel, a German philosopher in the 1800s: “The human head that bursts from the animal body represents Mind as it begins to raise itself above Nature… without, however, being able to liberate itself wholly from its fetters” (qtd. in Scafella 185). These ideas do well with the time period in which they are situated, in that civilization and war were competing realities of everyday life.

Another interesting interpretation is that the sphinx is a purely psychological symbol, representing the complexity and duality of the human mind: “Unlike many mythical creatures, the sphinx was never believed to be more than a thing of the imagination” (Hajar). In today’s Freudian terms, the Sphinx would be considered an element of the unconscious, of whose presence we are certain only due to the tangible consequences of her existence (Cirlot 304).

Lastly, on a far diverging note, a theory eloquently conjectures that “the mask of the sphinx pertains to the mother image and also to nature-symbolism; but beneath the mask lies the implications of the myth of multiplicity or of the enigmatic fragmentation of the cosmos” (Cirlot 304). Although, following with the accepted theme of deceitfulness, this theory is unique in expressing a superficial motherly side of the Sphinx, evidently derived of her prominent breasts. It is noteworthy that feminine symbols, which almost always refer exclusively to affection and compassion, are used in the Sphinx, an opposite symbol of wrath. It is possible, as Cirlot alludes, that such symbols are used to dramatise the underlying symbolism by using a misleading physical appearance.

From her slow rise to power from ancient Egyptian myth to Greek legend and today’s colloquial awareness, the Sphinx has become the visual embodiment of deceit, wrath, enigma, and intelligence. Her death is a memory of triumph over animal rage. But that memory is a fallacy that haunts the mind. Human triumph did not end the symptom of animalism, nor the malignance of intelligence. It ended only the visual depiction of a reality to which humankind is forever victim, its own collective mind. The brilliance of the Sphinx is thus, to deceive more in fake demise than when she lived.

Works Cited

Boardman, John. Athenian Red Figure Vases: The Archaic Period. London: Thames and Hudson, Ltd., 1975.

Britannica, Encyclopaedia. “Sphinx.” Encyclopaedia Britannica: 200th Anniversary Edition. Vol. 21. USA: William Benton, 1969.

Encarta Encyclopedia. “Oedipus.” Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2005. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761557812/Oedipus.html

Cowdrey, Albert E. “The Name of the Sphinx.” Fantasy and Science Fiction. Vol. 107, Issue 6 (December, 2004): 100-120.

Cirlot, J.E. A Dictionary of Symbols. Great Britain: Redwood Books, Towbridge, Wiltshire, 1971.

Hajar, Rachel. “Culture: Folk Wisdom of the Sphinx.” World & I. Vol. 14, Issue 2 (February, 1999): 228.

Older, Steven. Symbolism: A Comprehensive Dictionary. Jefferson: McFarland & Company, Inc., 1986.

Soans, Catherine, and Alan Spooner, eds. “Sphinx.” Oxford Dictionary Thesaurus. New York: Oxford University Press Inc., 2001.

Scafella, Frank A. “The Sphinx.” Mythical and fabulous creatures: a source book and research guide. Ed. Malcolm South. New York: Peter Bedrick Books, 1987.

Suhr, Elmer G. “The Sphinx.” Folklore. Vol. 81, No. 2 (Summer, 1970): 97-111.

Recently, someone sent me a Christmas card in a letter that had a small, colorful pinwheel sticker affixed to the envelope. No explanation was offered, which was in the character of the sender. I did not ask my friend what it meant, which was in my character. Instead, I studied the meaning of pinwheels and symbols of pinwheels.

A pinwheel is a wind-capture design that will briefly harness a tiny portion of a breeze in order to circulate the design about its rotatable wheel, which is pinned, or attached to an axis (such as a stick). Some pinwheels swivel on their axis in order to relocate a breeze when it changes direction. The earliest evidence of a pinwheel design can be traced to China in 400 BC. But, the concept was renewed at various times in several human cultures.

Today, the symbol of a pinwheel, given to someone, is a communication that means “you matter” or “you matter to me.” But, I received the symbol on an envelope that contained a Christmas card. The sender was a Christian. I am a Christian. I found evidence that the symbol is an early Christian symbol. Christians believe that God is Lord and Master and that God moves us to love him via the Holy Spirit. They also believe that God made a union with a human woman, via the Holy Spirit, to produce a male child, the only son of God, Jesus, who would be the Christ (from which the title Christian derives). The pinwheel symbolizes the capture of the Holy Spirit, which is described to move through all mediums, but mostly is ascribed to move like wind. As near as I can determine, the symbol was derived after the Pentecost. See The Bible, Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit is described as the sound of a blowing violent wind from Heaven.

Web search “Christ Child with a Walking Frame,” to see a year 1480 painting that depicts Jesus as a child, walking upright with the aid of a three-rod walker. The three rods symbolize God, Holy Spirit, and Son of God (Jesus, himself). The painter depicts Jesus practicing for the role he would play in bearing the sins of man to his own death and resurrection. Note that the child Jesus carries a pinwheel, implying that the Holy Spirit (in the form of wind) propels him to learn and practice his destiny. The painter created a different scene, on the reverse of this painting, to show an adult Jesus laboring with his cross, to his place of crucifixion. There is no pinwheel in the second scene, because the Holy Spirit, dwelling within Jesus’ heart, propels him to complete God’s purpose.

What is in your heart?

Different witchcraft symbols are rich in meaning. Even the most simplistic symbols used by practitioners of the Craft can have complex, highly suggestive meanings. Simple and intricate witchcraft symbols can be used to decorate personal items, magickal objects, or they are used in spell workings; the symbols ultimately contain intense meanings that come to represent ideas, conventions, ideologies, operations, emotions, thoughts, or they serve as an emblem that simplifies abstract ideas or concepts.

Goddess Symbol: The triple moons symbol is associated with the Goddess; the symbol consists of one crescent moon facing left, a full moon, and a crescent moon facing right. The moons are connected indicating that all three phases of the moon, representative of the Goddess in her guises as maiden, mother, and crone, are all connected and embodied in one Goddess. The first moon facing left is the waxing moon: the moon phase associated with new beginnings. The full moon is representative of the mother aspect of the Goddess; sometimes the phase is identified as the “pregnant moon,” thereby likening the full moon with the full belly of a pregnant female. The third moon facing right is the waning moon: the moon phase associated with all endings. Thus, the symbol becomes a representation of the triple Goddess, and a symbol of the phases of womanhood. Since the three moons represent the beginning, middle, and end phases of the lunar cycle, this symbol also connotes that all things come from the feminine Divine and return onto Her.

God Symbol: The God symbol is created out of a circle, representing the full moon, and a crescent moon on its side on top of the circle. The two points of the crescent point upward, indicative of the Horn God or the “Stag King:” other references by which the God or masculine aspect of the Divine is identified. The suggestion of a horned deity is in reference to the nature God of fertility and has nothing to do with Satan or Satanic worship. This symbol is sometimes substituted with drawn antlers in order to represent the Stag King or the God of all wild creatures.

Pentacle and Pentagram: The pentacle is a five-pointed pentagram or star enclosed in a circle. The pentacle has a single point in the ascendant, while an inverted pentagram has two points in the ascendant. The pentacle, having five points, is representative of air, fire, water, earth, and Akasha: the combination of the latter four elements. The points of the pentacle also come to represent the human body, the cardinal directions or the four airts: East, South, West, and North. The circle enclosing the pentacle signifies life, death, and rebirth, as well as life’s never-ending cycle. The entire symbol comes to represent the realm of Magick, and the pentacle is a symbol of protection. The inverted pentagram, despite being known as a symbol of higher Magick and the “mastery” over the elements, has a wide range of negative connotations associated with it as well. The inverted pentagram was adopted by the Church of Satan as its official symbol, and Eliphas Levi described the inverted pentagram as a symbol connoting chaos or an inversion of order. Thus, the meaning of the inverted pentagram is changed depending greatly upon the context in which it is used.

Lotus flowers are amazing and have strong symbolic ties to many Asian religions especially throughout India. The lotus flower starts as a small flower down at the bottom of a pond in the mud and muck. It slowly grows up towards the waters surface continually moving towards the light. Once it come to the surface of the water the lotus flower begins to blossom and turn into a beautiful flower.

Within Hinduism and Buddhism the lotus flower has become a symbol for awakening to the spiritual reality of life. The meaning varies slightly between the two religions of course but essentially both religious traditions place importance on the lotus flower.

In modern times the meaning of a lotus flower tattoo ties into it’s religious symbolism and meaning. Most tattoo enthusiast feel that the a lotus tattoo represent life in general. As the lotus flower grows up from the mud into a object of great beauty people also grow and change into something more beautiful (hopefully!). So the symbol represent the struggle of life at its most basic form.

Lotus flower tattoos are also popular for people who have gone through a hard time and are now coming out of it. Like the flower they have been at the bottom in the muddy, yucky dirty bottom of the pond but have risen above this to display an object of beauty or al ife of beauty as the case might be. Thus a lotus flower tattoo or blossom can also represent a hard time in life that has been overcome.

Lotus flower and peonies are also two flowers that are very popular among Japanese tattoo artists and they make a great compliment to Koi Fish tattoos. Ironically enough the two koi fish and lotus flowers can often be found in the same pond in front of a temple. The Koi fish is a symbol typically for strength and individualism.

Flowers in any form represent beauty and tenderness. Due to this nature, they are often represented as best option for expression of love. Since ancient time humans are using several flowers and flowers arrangements to lure their partners or to express their love in front of their beloved. Flowers like Rose, especially Red and Pink Rose are complimentary to every gift given by a person to his girlfriend.

First Expression of Love

Expressing your love and feelings for the first time in front of your girlfriend is tough. That is due to by mixed feeling of hesitation and fear of rejection. You never know what kind of response you will get after your love proposal. However you way of expressing love can change things in your favor to maximum extent. You might know her from sometime and in between, you must have noticed her likes and dislikes except cases of love at first sight.

If you have decided to convey your love feelings for your girlfriend, then without any delay, pick a pack of her favorite chocolates along with a beautiful bunch of flowers. However, you need to think before selecting flowers as a first gift of love because the choice and options are endless. You should choose from any of these best flower arrangements:

1. Bunch of Fresh Red Rose Buds

2. Lavender Roses

3. Delighting Daisies

4. Pink Tulips

5. Stunning Orchids

Tell the florist that you want some exclusive and rare flower arrangements to impress your girl friend. They will definitely present you the best flowers in form of lovely bouquets. In case you are having hesitation if proposing your girlfriend due to the excess hesitation, you can do it remotely. Everything is possible in the e-world, you just need to login to any of the gifting accessories website, and select you gift. For flowers, there are several online florists service customers in your area. One can find online florists in almost every city of Canada and USA. Just select the best flower arrangements and within few hours, it will be delivered right to the doorstep of your girlfriend. Do not forget to add a personalized note along with your gift and flowers expressing your true emotions as if how much you love her, how desperately you are looking to spend your whole life with her.

Very soon, you will get affirmative response from your girlfriend making you feel like king of the world. However, do not forget to add extra spices and passion to your love relation by including flowers gifts time to time.