Symbolic Musing

As we move past Pentecost, it occurs to me that different symbols from separate cultures across the globe can serve the same purposeful meaning.

Would you associate a connection between a crystal skull and a crucifix cross? On the surface perhaps an association with death, yet symbols, just like onions, can have layers. A first impression of a skull can be negative, yet for the native American, the elders of whom have been custodians of these crystal skulls, they represent faith in the intangible force that all religions call God, the Creator, the Maker, named as the Great Mystery or Great Spirit.

The connection in symbolism manifests during pain and suffering; at a time where the human mind is dwelling in a dark place, there can be a transformation from darkness to light, to transcend the ordinary egotistical personality and move towards our ultimate being. The Cross of the Christ becomes a symbol of Christian faith in immortal life, just as the Crystal Skull becomes a symbol of immortality for the human spirit.

There is a quote from the little green guy from Star Wars, Master Yoda, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger to hate, hate leads to suffering”. I would further contribute that if you fear a symbol, you separate yourself from the power it offers. This sense of separation often goes ‘under the radar‘ in society. I have come across it most vividly when spending two years as a volunteer with the mental health charity ‘Shout’ 85258. The texters who we engaged with on the virtual platform were many and diverse, for me a lack of connection came across loud and clear, from a variety of desperate situations.

It has been interesting to view some of the historical episodes of the TV series ‘Who Do You Think You are’, where actors and TV celebrities are furnished with local genealogists and social historians to trace back their maternal and paternal lines. The majority come away with either a new or enhanced sense of connection to their ancestors. They get to explore the past as well as a sense of identity, we get a glimpse of the human behind the silver screen, as well as a snapshot from documentation of what life could be like to earn a living.

So our crucifix cross and crystal skull can both be utilised as symbols of transformation. The crystal skull can be used as showing the transparency of death, transforming from the physical body to the next place on our journey of exploration. A place of crystal clarity and illumination, another way of Being, yet two sides of the same energetic coin.

A fear of change can often times be stripped away to reveal a fear of death. This can manifest as clinging to things for a sense of security. Once this fear has been faced or dissipates, a clarity of sight enables us to see change as a cycle of death and rebirth, potentially on many levels. Utilising symbols can be a handy way of growing as we travel, as well as getting unstuck from repeating subjective negative cycles.