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Home > SPRING 2010 - SPIRITUAL ART, BOOKS & NEWS WOMEN

SPRING 2010 - SPIRITUAL ART, BOOKS & NEWS WOMEN

<small>SPRING 2010 - SPIRITUAL ART, BOOKS & NEWS WOMEN</small>
Spring 2010 - Spiritual Art, Books and News for Women

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IN THIS ISSUE

-The Power of the Goddess Archetype

-Tap Into Your Highest by Being of Service

-Intentional Artist Dawn Gaskill

The Relational Power of the Goddess Archetype

Power in the Service of Love

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The Goddess archetype represents your relational essence: your ability to connect to other people, your body and emotions, the earth, and both sentient and non-sentient beings. Intuitively, She knows the mutual interdependence and interconnectedness of all things. If you have ever felt the power of love, then you have experienced the profound power of the Goddess archetype. Love is her highest human expression. How you manage this magnetic archetypal force and internal power will depend on the quality of your relationship to your self.

Because self-knowledge must be earned, it is helpful to understand the differences between external and internal power. It is also useful to understand the power of archetypes because they (including the Goddess archetype) are aspects of power you were born with. How wisely you use your power in the world will determine the quality of your life.

External Power - Survival and Positive Actions

You learn about how to use your external power in the world before you learn about relational, internal power. So in the first half of life you develop an ego strong enough to take on the world and also a sense of personal identity adequate to help you survive in the world. Once your survival needs are met, your external power could be directed toward positive actions that support yourself, those you love and all other beings. Using your power in these ways would empower you. But in these narcissistic times we think we can buy inner mastery and happiness. We mistakenly use our power for the satisfaction of endless desires resulting in outer wealth but inner poverty and unhappiness.

Internal Power - Relational Power in Service to Love

Internal power is the Divine feminine or relational aspect of your power. It is the distinct feeling of giving love, being known, being loved and being of service to whom and what you love. Internal power begins by learning about your self and growing your self-esteem based on the realization of your unique gifts, contributions and conscious actions in the world. Self-knowledge begins the process of guiding you to make wise choices that give you a meaningful inner life. Knowing yourself and loving yourself aligns you with your highest purpose and connects you with the eternal in every created thing. By shifting your power from outside to inside, from your ego to your soul you can begin asking "what and who are you now called to serve?" Being of service is not only self-empowering but also the most meaningful thing you can do for the planet.

How the Goddess Archetype Can Empower You

The cultural spell we are currently under is patriarchy, which is a culture of servitude through fear and "authority over". Patriarchy animates the Indentured Servant and Victim archetypes in both women and men. The Indentured Servant is bound by conditions of service not of their choosing. This archetype can symbolically block you from becoming empowered because it prevents you from realizing you always have a choice. It also binds you to the Victim archetype through passivity, confusion and blame.

People sometimes make the mistake of thinking they are being of service when they are actually in a patriarchal based fear-state of believing they are under the control of another person. It takes a great deal of effort to break free of these cultural constructs because to do so you must have enough courage and stamina to take full responsibility for your own destiny and follow your own truth.

This is why the archetypal power of the Goddess is so important to understand and integrate. Through Her relational essence, She can free you from "authority over" and guide you toward more "personal authority" and a more holistic definition of yourself and the world. When women and men can define themselves in terms of honoring the unique way in which they experience and view the world, then they learn how powerful they really are.

So, to liberate ourselves from a culture of patriarchal servitude, we must not continue to be captivated by how a culture limits and defines feminine (internal) power as weak, unimportant or unreal. When we honor and integrate the power of the Goddess we break that patriarchal spell and gain access to the relational power of our own intuitive inner guidance system.

Becoming empowered liberates the Indentured Servant archetype and makes you aware of how you can be of the highest service to your self and to others.

Using Archetypes as a Guide to Greater Self-knowledge

An archetype is an aspect of power you were born with. Archetypes are the big picture road map of your life that can guide you to greater self-knowledge and help you discover your natural gifts and talents. Knowing your archetypes gives you the ability to ascend to a higher altitude, to see how your unique life-contract aligns you with your highest aspirations.

We all share the same archetypes (like the Goddess archetype) to a greater or lesser degree. However, the main archetypes in which you most resonate will point you towards your own personal mythology. Your particular combination of archetypes will guide, animate and trigger you to action and certain choices that energize your life. Learning about your own particular archetypes can help you wisely use your personal power and authority in the world. If you want to learn more about your own archetypes read Sacred Contracts, by author Caroline Myss. This is an excellent guide book for creating and understanding your own sacred life contract.

The Goddess Archetype

People who feel a strong connection to other people, living beings, the planet or the cosmos will resonate the most with the Goddess archetype in any one or more of her many primary forms, such as Mother, Lover, Queen or the hundreds of her other named forms such as Loxmi, Aphrodite, White Bison Woman, Pellia, and Shatki to mention just a few. Even if the Goddess archetype isn't a primary archetype in your particular life contract, she represents the Divine Feminine principle within all men and women. So, in order to break the spell of cultural servitude, you must begin to develop an interior dialogue - a task of the feminine aspects of the self - and learn to act in accordance with those insights. If you deny or fail to integrate the feminine aspects of your power then the outside world will have the power to control the quality of your life.

This is why developing your own interior is so important because self-reflection connects you with what is of meaning and value to both yourself and the human community. The Goddess brings you back in touch with your own body, your own imagery and truth and awakens you to the mystical realm of spiritual truth and to the life your soul has been longing to live.

How to Come Into Your Own Internal Power Through the Goddess

Looking inward is a feminine principle of "learning to see behind your eyes" and an important developmental task for both men and women. The Divine Feminine way to power starts with getting to know yourself through rigorous and honest self-inquiry. If you don't know who you are how can you make decisions that empower you?

Since no one is born with knowledge of their own power or self-esteem, we must all learn through life experience and a continual process of thoughtful self-inquiry. For most people self-reflection begins only after you develop a strong enough ego to survive in the world and come to realize that your external power is limited and the physical world cannot be controlled. You then must choose whether or not you strengthen your own interior so the outside world can't destroy you.

The way most people end up in an endless cycle of disempowerment and self-betrayal is that they make their decisions based on their head rather then listening to their heart. This is because in patriarchal cultures we are taught the power of logic, reason, and cause and effect in the visible world. We are not taught about the importance, power, and possibilities of relational intelligence and intuition - the invisible quantum world or the world behind our eyes. So you won't have access to relational power until you have enough self esteem to listen to your own intuitive inner guidance system.

The way you get to know yourself and build self esteem is by developing stamina and integrity and by becoming congruent in your words and actions to yourself and other people. If there are failures, you take responsibility for them rather then blaming others and becoming a victim. You become aware that every choice you make is an opportunity to empower or disempower yourself. This is why you need to build a strong interior so you don't betray yourself. Otherwise difficult life decisions will become a power struggle between your head and heart.

Goddess Power is Empowerment (internal power united with external power)

Empowerment represents mastery of your emotions and thoughts in response to the outer world and gives you direct access to your own personal authority. By building a strong interior you shatter the illusion of the outer world having control of your life. A strong interior gives you the authority, stability and stamina to withstand anything that happens to you in your external life no matter how difficult and the wisdom to make choices in service to love that become creative acts of outer power that benefit everyone.

Integrating the archetypal power of the Goddess gives you the ability to stay in the sea of unknowing while knowing you are not lost. She puts you in direct relationship with your own body and other human beings in an intimate and manageable format. Over time your inner vision and awareness grows to include the profound sense of divine essence in all beings and the cosmos.

Tasks to Developing and Integrating Goddess Power

-Learn to see behind your eyes through acquiring self-knowledge. Regularly reflect on your own behaviors and ways of relating to others and your environment

-Be in touch with your own body, imagery and truth through the non-linear intelligence of your intuitive guidance system - the wisdom of your heart

-Learn to see the big picture by putting together the parts to make a whole

-Recognize the mutual interdependence and inter-connectedness of all things for survival, well-being and evolutionary vibrancy

ABOUT AUTHOR AND ARTIST PAMELA WELLS Pamela Wells has been working as a fine artist, commercial illustrator and graphic web designer for over 20 years and specializes in creative work that leads to greater understanding and awareness. Her goddess art incorporates her interest in the study of transpersonal psychology, integral transformative spiritual practice and the evolution of human consciousness. She cares deeply about both men and women and also about the ecological preservation of the planet which benefits all living things. To order a copy of Pamela's most recent book and card set, Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess, www.ArtmagicPublishing.com

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Tap Into Your Highest by Being of Service

The secret to inner transformation is to orient yourself in unfamiliar ways. If you are always thinking only of yourself, life gets narrow and your energy can get easily get blocked. You may be operating along grooves that don't serve you in the highest way.

How do you make a change that will propel you to expand your energies and ultimately allow you to feel a deep sense of contentment and even joy? Shift your orientation to how you can be of service to something other than just yourself.

If you feel, however, that you are being compelled to be of service and that the motivation is externally driven, then it can actually drain your energy and diminish you. For example, if you are stuck in a service-related job and you are only doing it for the money and not because of any natural enthusiasm for the nature of the work or the desire to help your customers, you will be looking at the clock the entire time. Time will seem to be going very slowly and at the end of the work day you will feel drained. At the worst if you are forced into service and you resist its call, it could actually humiliate you.

On the other hand, when you shift your attitude and truly dedicate yourself and your efforts to being of service, there is a magical expansion of your energies. Instead of feeling diminished, all parts of you are called into action when your align with your heart's intention. By changing your vision to a higher intention, the veils of limitation clear and you can harness those deeper resources within you. By tapping into this wellspring of energy in response to the call to service, not only do you have a powerful capacity to help others, but also, you can sustain your energy and not "burn out".

Take time in your life to pause and reflect on where you can be of most service. Everyone has been gifted with natural talents. It is the invitation of the Universe that you full receive your gifts and then cultivate them in ways that you can offer them in skillful ways of service so that you can be a being that spreads more joy to the planet. It is this pulsation of being receptive of what life has to offer and then giving back that is so simple and profound.

When you orient yourself to nature by giving back through service, you will find that you are no longer depleted and empty. Rather, when you act from your heart in skillful ways, the Universe will fill you up so much that you will feel completely full. When you feel so abundant, then you will feel content and no longer will there be the vibration of desiring something outside of you. This is the paradox of life, the more you give, the more that you will feel complete.

ABOUT ANUSARA YOGA INSTRUCTOR MICHAEL FUKUMURA Michael's yoga practice has been an evolving and dynamic path. He has been blessed with the opportunity to study with many gifted teachers and since 2000 he has dedicated himself to Anusara Yoga and his teacher John Friend. Anusara yoga and Rajanaka Tantra philosophy have allowed him to view the world and himself in a way that connects body, mind and heart. Michael conducts private yoga lessons and teaches at several San Diego studios.

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Intentional Art by Artist Dawn Gaskill

"We can enrich our lives by surrounding ourselves with images and colors that reflect and support our desired inner state of being."-Dawn Gaskill

The images and concepts portrayed in Dawn Gaskill's art bring a new level of inspiration, joy and creative energy to the fulfillment of your desires. By using her art pieces as a focal point or a touchstone, you will have a powerful tool for manifesting your intentions toward prosperity, health, career, love, family, relationships, personal growth and any aspect of your life. Dawn calls her art creations "Intentional Art" for a very good reason. Each piece Dawn creates is accompanied by a description of her inspiration and the symbolism held within the piece. She invites you to discover your own meanings as the images speak to you personally.

Dawn is a self-taught artist living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her gallery, Galeria Eclectica, is located in San Miguel at the Instituto Allende.

I recently had a chance to talk to Dawn and ask her some questions about her intentional artwork.

Pamela Wells: What inspired you to begin creating intentional art after spending many years as a successful corporate consultant?

Dawn Gaskill: As a corporate consultant I traveled throughout the world and studied many cultures and discovered a passion for color, texture, symbolism and art. The symbolism, images, ancient texts and belief systems from these different cultures are what inspired me the most. I was also blessed with a spiritual teacher who told me that while I had an enormous commitment to growing, learning and developing spiritually that I could choose those lessons coming through joy. It was a life changing moment to know that joy was a choice and in following my joy I discovered my passion for being creative and putting my vision into the world. So I am probably the only artist who wrote a purpose statement before ever creating anything!

PW: How wonderful for you to have had the opportunity to travel and develop spiritually! What is your purpose statement?

DG: To joyfully create beautiful art, product designs and environments that capture people's imaginations, lift their spirits and nurture them in their daily lives. In a way that integrates ancient symbols from diverse cultures and belief systems into contemporary designs for use in homes and work environments that support their pursuit of personal and professional intentions so that they can accomplish their goals.

I believe that we can enrich our lives by surrounding ourselves with images and colors that reflect and support our desired state of being.

"For thousands of years, symbols and colors have been used to represent and energize personal and spiritual power. My intention in my art is to draw upon symbols and colors from ancient sources to help people achieve their own purpose and intentions. I think of a work of art as something beautiful-and as an opportunity for the beholder to create a truly joyful and fulfilling life, through intention." -Dawn Gaskill

PW: I totally agree. How do you begin the process of creating your intentional artwork?

DG:I chant and meditate and paint the images that come through my meditations. I begin by integrating ancient symbols with contemporary materials and scenes to blend the old with the new to depict the oneness and continuity that underlies all life. Stories within stories are layered within each piece of mixed media artwork, bringing a fresh perspective to ancient designs and concepts.

Each piece is accompanied by a description of my inspiration and the symbolism held within the piece. I invite and encourage viewers to discover their own meanings as the images speak personally to them.

PW: You recently won an award for "Best in Show at INATS West by New Age Retailer Magazine. Could you tell us about that collection you had at that show you call Feng Shui Art?

DG: Yes. The Feng Shui art series is a collection of nine paintings that represent the nine aspects of the classical Feng Shui Ba Gua. Each painting contains the elements, trigram, number and shape, colors and symbols of specific aspiration in our lives. Each section represents the aspirations we all share and want to manifest in our lives. I sell these beautiful paintings in hand made journals and address books as well as greeting cards and fine art prints. People can use them to activate, enhance, and manifest their dreams in the areas of their lives which correspond to the powerful Ba Gua energy centers.

For instance, intentional focusing on the energy of "Wealth and Prosperity" could generate opportunities for increased income, raising money for charity, bringing fortunate blessings and an abundance of good things into your life. The dragonflies in the artwork represent light, brightness and the color of transformation. The pineapples symbolize welcoming and hospitality, and invite good luck. The trigram Sun represents the wind spreading ideas and opportunities.

PW: There are so many other symbols we could talk about in your art. With this application of meaningful intention directed to improve and enhance our lives, we can achieve a lot. What I love about your artwork is you have mastered and understood the power of using symbolic imagery to support people in fulfilling their intentions, desires and aspirations. Your art extends the purpose of art to being more then just another pretty picture on someone's wall.

DG: Yes, I believe we can enrich our lives by surrounding ourselves with images and colors that reflect and support our desired inner state of being. Placing objects of inspiration and special meaning in your home or office creates a positive, nurturing environment to enlighten your path and stir your soul. By integrating and activating the power of ancient symbols in art along with the creation of your own personal intentions, intentional art provides a way for people to realize dramatic changes in their everyday lives.

PW: So, how do we manifest our intentions with the use of power symbols in artwork?

DG: This is a very rich question. I actually provide my clients with an Intentional Space Guide that has a step-by-step process to assist them in creating and activating an intentional or sacred space in their home or office and uses the same ancient principles that are incorporated in my symbolic and intentional artwork. Briefly, here are some steps people can take to manifest their intentions: (to see Dawn's full guide, go to her website http://www.DawnDesigns.com):

1. Set your intention and choices. Spend some time thinking about what you aspire to create or bring into your life.

2. Integrate your art and your intentions. Using artwork as a focal point or touchstone for activating your intentions in order to bring greater energy flow to these important aspects of your life.

3. Claim your intentional space. Use your art as a center point and identify the specific area that you want to claim as your intentional space.

4. "Enliven" your intentional space. Place a candle in a safe container and add it to your intentional space to energize and brighten the area.

5. State your intentions out loud.

6. Empower your intentions with sounds, mantras and prayers.

7. Joyfully ground your intentions in the present moment. Claim your intentions with the statement: "I stand in faith that it is already accomplished with ease and grace."

8. Feel your fulfilled intentions. Allow yourself to fully experience what it feels like to have your intentions complete in your life.

9. Express your gratitude. Consider for a moment all that you are grateful for and state your gratitude out loud.

PW: Thank you Dawn for all your incredible insight and wisdom about intentional art's importance in our lives. Did you have any additional comments about your artwork that readers' would like to know about you and your artwork?

If you would like to learn more about Dawn Gaskill and how Dawn's art can support you into joyfully attracting your intentions and achieving your goals in all areas of your life, visit Dawn's intentional art website Dawn Designs. Dawn's most recent creation is a new calendar called, "When Every Breath is Prayer." The Calendar is a stunning collection of images from Dawn's work that celebrates the path to the divine in many diverse cultures.

ABOUT DAWN GASKILL Dawn Gaskill is a self taught artist living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her gallery, Galeria Eclectica, is located in San Miguel at the Instituto Allende. As a corporate consultant to Fortune 500 companies, she traveled throughout the world and studied many cultures and discovered her passion for color, texture, symbolism and art. The symbolism, images, ancient texts and belief systems from these different cultures are the inspiration for her work.

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