Kathleen Karlsen

Lavender: The Universal Healer

2011-02-13T06:15:00.004-07:00

Yesterday a friend and client gave a workshop here at my house on essential oils. I've been working with Maria now for years (doing her website, flyers, postcards, creating videos) and she knows and incredible amount about all aspects of aromatherapy. I thought it would be a great theme for a series of paintings to create art related to the flowers, trees and herbs that are used to create essential oils.

My first painting in the series was just finished a week or two ago. It is of lavender, which is probably the most well-known essential oil and a plant and flower that happens to be quite beautiful as well.

See Aspirations, LLC website for more about Maria Low.

See large image of my painting Essence of Lavender.

The Green Dragon

2011-02-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

My son Joseph took a pottery class with our neighbor a few summers ago and created a bank in the shape of a green dragon. I loved it. I have the policy of buying art from my kids when I think it's something special. That way, they get to earn money doing something they love (a lesson I want them to internalize) and I get to make sure that the work is preserved and doesn't end up under a bed with the dirty socks and dust bunnies. So, I bought the dragon and he has since been the place for all spare change that I find sitting around the house. You know--the coins that fall out of someone's pocket in the washing machine or end up beneath the pillows on the couch after a wrestling match with a sibling over the TV remote.

Dragons are such a fascinating symbol, evoking both fear and admiration. I liked the idea of the dragon protecting treasure. The coins I put in my bank may not be much, but they add up to enough for a trip to the dollar store now and then. My green dragon protects the little treasures and the little joys in life.

See painting Dragon's Breath.

Read a full article on dragon symbolism.

Feng Shui Art: The Metal Element

2011-02-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

Silver and Gold

I've had the idea for awhile of creating a series of paintings representing the five elements in the Chinese cosmology: fire, wood, metal, earth and water. The metal element has been the one that has had me stumped. Who would want a picture of things like metal plates, screws and bolts hanging on their wall? The coldness of the subject had me stumped. Then the light went on: I could bring warmth and flow into the paintings by painting MOLTEN metals. In addition, these would better symbolize the flow of wealth into one's like, which I figured was the main reason people would want images of metal in their home or office.

So, I researched a bunch of images of molten metal (gold, silver, copper, bronze) and was enthralled with the images I found. There was something entrancing about hot, fiery metals. And my new metal element category was born! I've got nine paintings completed so far in this category with metallic paint flowing in pretty much every conceivable direction. It's hard to get a photo that really does justice to the glow and sparkle of the pure metallic paints, but they were great fun to do and I'm happy with the result all the same.

See all feng shui artwork.

Cutting To the Quick

2011-02-02T06:23:00.001-07:00

In the process of practicing forgiveness and releasing the past, I have discovered that the only way to know when the process is complete for a particular time period or event is when you feel that you have started to cut to the quick.

I don't know where that phrase came from, but I guess it means cutting to the point where you pull away quick because it's really starting to hurt. But the hurt is a different kind of hurt. The hurt from things that should be relinquished seems to be a dull hurt--something deep and aching or something that has been there so long that the paint has dulled, though you are still affected. A "quick" hurt is something that jolts you awake rather than keeping you dull and passive.

Gross as it sounds, there is an art to removing a "wart", symbolically speaking. You want to get rid of the wart and you don't know you've really done that until the acid or liquid nitrogen or whatever you are using starts to hit the healthy flesh beneath. Suddenly the dull pain gets sharp and, well, even more painful. Then you know it's time to stop the "removal" procedure and start the healing process. And quick!

What's the Opposite of an Atheist?

2011-02-02T05:42:00.001-07:00

I've wondered for years how to describe my spiritual beliefs to others. If an atheist is one who doesn't believe in God, then what is someone who believes is ALL things related to God? If I believe in Jesus and Buddha and Catholic saints and fairies and reincarnation and karma and faith healing and ascended masters and mystical teachings of all kinds, what am I then? I've thought of the name "protheist", but it sounds a bit like some kind of bacteria. Any ideas?

Down in the Mouth

2011-01-28T08:33:00.003-07:00

I've been a student of body symbolism for a long time--not just body language, but actually what the body reveals of the psychological and emotional make up of a person. I guess I started thinking about this when I first read Louise Hay's book Heal Your Body A-Z: The Mental Causes for Physical Illness and the Way to Overcome Them. In case you aren't aware of this book, it's a fantastic guide to what she calls "The Mental Causes for Physical Illness and the Metaphysical Way to Overcome Them".

At any rate, I was modeling for a video for a natural products company recently and when I saw the footage, I was shocked to see shadows around my mouth and jawline. I didn't even realize that my mouth and cheeks were starting to sag with age--a shocker! I started thinking about what certain patterns of aging and wrinkles might mean psychologically, so I looked up the phrase "down in the mouth" online and found the following:

"Filled with melancholy and despondency, gloomy at the thought of what he had to face, a dispirited and resigned expression on her face, is dejected but trying to look cheerful."

What rings true for me is that I think I have had a basic tendency to brood over things. Although I try to look at the positive now, I wasn't always that way. I was well-socialized and trained to be pleasant at all times, but I don't think I felt that way much of the time when I was younger. I was concerned about all the problems in the whole world in addition to my own, so that doesn't make for a very lighthearted approach to life.

I think I probably spent enough time in the "dejected but trying to look cheerful" posture for that to start being revealed on my face as I age. However, I am now an eternal optimist. I believe that everything and anything can be changed, revised, forgiven, forgotten, erased and reconfigured. I took a photo of myself (no make up, hair all pulled back) the other night in preparation for starting a Facercise program (Carole Maggio Facercise: The Dynamic Muscle-Toning Program for Renewed Vitality and a More Youthful Appearance). I'm going to try her program and for a couple of months and then see if I can get improvement. Stay tuned for before and after photos!

The Girl Who Doesn't Age

2011-01-28T08:04:00.004-07:00

Here's a different twist on longevity: a case of a girl who is sixteen years old and is the size and intelligence of a sixteen month old toddler:

A 16-year-old girl who is the size of an infant and has the mental capacity of a toddler continues to baffle doctors in the US.

Medical experts believe Brooke Greenberg suffers from some kind of genetic mutation that shapes the way she ages, leaving her with the perpetual appearance of a baby.

The exact cause of the phenomenon has not been pinpointed.....

Doctors say although there are other cases of people with abnormal development, Brooke seems to be unique.

"Many of the best-known names in medicine, in their experience ... had not seen anyone who matched up to Brooke," said pediatrician Lawrence Pakula from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

"She is always a surprise."

But doctors hope that Brooke may even be able to provide important clues as to how human beings age.

If the specific DNA behind the phenomenon can be isolated, they may even be able to learn how to slow the ageing process.

"Without being sensational, I'd say this is an opportunity for us to answer the question [of] why we're mortal, or at least to test it," said Dr Richard Walker from the University of South Florida College of Medicine.

...............................................................................

Now, I've heard of children who have the condition where they age super fast, but never a case of someone who ages super slow. See full story at http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/829326/girl-who-doesnt-age-baffles-doctors. Amazing.

Frozen in Time: Jilted at the Altar

2011-01-28T07:51:00.002-07:00

I remember reading a book when I was probably ten or so about a girl who stopped aging when she experienced an extreme trauma--her father shot the man with whom she was trying to elope. For twenty years, she didn't age. Every day she got up and thought it was the day she would elope. When her father was dying, he called her to his deathbed and apologized for his murderous error. She broke down and cried, finally accepting what had happened. In the next two weeks, she aged twenty years. The book was written by a journalist and he claimed the story to be true. I'm trying to find the book so I can read it again. I'll let you know if I can get hold of it. There are REALLY fascinating implications.

I also read a newspaper article around the same time about an American woman who was jilted at the altar and also stopped aging. Sort of like the song "Delta Dawn" by Helen Reddy about the woman who is nuts after getting jilted by a minister. Remember that one?

She's forty-one and her daddy still calls her "baby"
All the folks around Brownsville say she's crazy
'Cause she walks around town with a suitcase in her hand
Looking for a mysterious dark-haired man

In her younger days they called her Delta Dawn
Prettiest woman you ever laid eyes on
Then a man of low degree stood by her side
And promised her he'd take her for his bride

These are tragic stories, but they also reveal that both the mind and the body can become frozen in time. The real question is if a person who is not "crazy" can also access this ability?

Hope is Always True

2011-01-28T07:04:00.002-07:00

I came across a concept in Bernie Siegel's book Love, Medicine and Miracles about the concept of hope. This reminded me of one day last year when I was taking a walk and overheard two medical students discussing whether they would offer alternative treatments to future patients. They agreed that this was not "ethical" because it could lead to "false hope". I was stunned. Giving someone an option other than certain death was unethical?

In his book, Bernie points out that there is always the possibility, no matter how statistically small, that a person will recover from any condition, even "incurable" ones. This means there is always some uncertainty. If death is not certain, then the possibility of life still exists and the hope is not "false". On the contrary, hope is always true.

I'm thinking of printing that out in large letters to hang on my wall. Although statistics have value in some circumstances, an individual does not reflect the statistical average. An individual is not a statistic at all. Even if your chances are one in a million, SOMEONE has to be that one in a million. Why not me? Why not you?

Find the book Love, Medicine and Miracles on Amazon.

Mary's Gold

2009-05-28T08:40:00.009-06:00

The flower symbolism associated with marigolds is indicated in the name: Mary's Gold. Marigold flowers were "golden gifts" offered to the Virgin by the poor who could not afford to give actual gold. Marigolds were also planted in Mary Gardens, medieval gardens created to honor the Virgin Mary and give her devoted followers a place to contemplate her virtues. Marigolds are symbolic of passion and creativity.

Learn more about Mary Garden Flower Symbolism on our website.

Mystery of the Sphinx

2009-05-27T10:19:00.007-06:00

The mythological part-animal, part-human sphinx appeared first in ancient Egypt, Asia Minor, and Greece. With a human head and lion's body, the sphinx represented vigilance, ever gazing eastward from its most famous position at the base of the pyramids.

During the Renaissance, the sphinx was regarded in a more negative light. Mysterious, yes, but also ignorant, evil, senseless and monstrous. The sphinx was thought to devour those who could not answer her riddle: "What goes on four feet, on two feet and on three?" Would you survive? (See answer below.)

Answer: A human--a child crawls on four limbs, then walks on two feet, then supports itself with a cane in old age.

The Sovereign Elephant

2009-05-26T07:18:00.006-06:00

The elephant has long been regarded as a symbol of divine wisdom in India. Sovereigns often assumed titles such as "lord of the elephants" or "the white elephant". The qualities of the elephant are recognized throughout the Orient: longevity, strength, patience, endurance and self-restraint. The ability of elephants to aid in battle led to their additional symbolic meaning of triumph, power and victory.

Learn more about animal symbolism.

The Gazelle: Swift Prophet

2009-05-25T09:10:00.007-06:00

The keen eyesight of the antelope led to a belief in ancient Persia and Arabia that antelopes could see into the future. The fleetness of the antelope, also known as a gazelle, was also legendary. In the Rig-Veda, the antelope is the steed of the winds. The gazelle also appears in the Old Testament, representing man armed with two horns (abstinence and obedience) to defend himself from temptation.

Learn more about animal symbolism here.

The Camel: Saint or Sinner?

2009-05-22T17:26:00.004-06:00

In medieval art and sculpture, the camel was used to represent humility and the willingness to bear another's burden, largely because camels are trained to kneel down to receive heavy loads. Many artists employing this symbolism had no direct experience with camels.

In the east, however, camels are famous as being disagreeable and obstinate. An eastern proverb proclaims that the camel, "Curses it its ancestors on the way up a hill and its Maker on the way down." For Egyptians, camels are symbolic of complainers and those who are slow on their feet.

Learn more about animal symbolism here.

The Power of Rocks

2009-05-21T07:42:00.004-06:00

Rocks form the structure and backbone of the earth. Rocks symbolize the eternal. Rocks are a masculine force when compared with the femininity of flowers and plants. In many cultures, rocks are associated with the gods. In Persia, the god Mithras is said to have been born from a rock. In Japan and China, the shape of rocks are said to hold spiritual power. The most famous rock formation of all is Stonehenge, an ancient structure noted for exact placement of huge stones according to celestial cycles of the sun and moon.

Find Your Natural Element

2009-05-20T07:32:00.003-06:00

In the Chinese five element theory, each person is primarily aligned with one of the five major elements of nature: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Your color preferences can indicate your strongest element. A preference for green is a wood personality. A preference for red indicates a fire personality. A preference for yellow is an earth personality. Those who love white have metal personalities and those who prefer blue or black are water personalities.

Learn more about the five elements and your personality.

The Magical Apple

2009-05-20T07:19:00.005-06:00

The apple and the apple tree have long been associated with magic, youth, beauty and happiness. Wands made from the wood of an apple tree are used to draw magic circles. Apples are used in love spells and charms, divination, and immortality spells.

Learn more about apple symbolism here.

Jungian Definition of Symbols

2009-05-20T06:56:00.005-06:00

“What we call a symbol is a term, a name, or even a picture that may be familiar in daily life, yet that possesses specific connotations in addition to its conventional and obvious meaning. It implies something that is hidden from us….

It...is never precisely defined or fully explained. Nor can one hope to define or explain it. As the mind explores the symbol, it is led to ideas that lie beyond the grasp of reason…."

Jung, Carl G. Man and His Symbols. New York: Doubleday, 1964.

The Ship of Salvation

2009-05-14T17:08:00.005-06:00

The role of ships and ship symbolism in the Christian Bible is present in both the Old and New Testaments. Ships symbolize God’s saving of mankind during the Flood. Ships in the New Testament were the sign of the fisherman called by Jesus to harvest souls. Ships were a refuge from the storms of life, demonstrated by Jesus’ calming of the sea. Eventually ships came to symbolize the church itself. In a cathedral, the central area is called a nave, which is Latin for ship.

The Voice of Flowers

2009-05-14T17:01:00.010-06:00

"Some flowers spoke with strong and powerful voices, which proclaimed in accents trumpet-tongued, "I am beautiful,and I rule." Others murmured in tones scarcely audible, but exquisitely soft and sweet, "I am little, and I am beloved."
-- George Sand (Armandine A.L. Dupin), (1804 - 1876) French writer

Learn more about flower meaning and flower symbolism here.

Protecting Your Treasures

2009-05-14T16:49:00.007-06:00

Although chickens are now a common, inexpensive food in the modern world, they were once a treasured rarity in China. For this reason, chickens came to represent prosperity and abundance.

Roosters were noted for their ability to warn farmers of the approach of strangers. In this way, they served as guards of the farmer's property. They came to symbolize vigilance and protection of the abundance represented by their female counterparts.

Learn more about animal symbolism on my website.Animal Life in Nature, Myth and Dreams