Lynda Hill describes the Oracle for this particular symbol as
"By practising our skills, doing things that need to be done regardless of whether we enjoy them, there can be a celebration and rememberance of the experiences that led you to this moment."
I would like also to explore this Symbol a little further and its application for some oracle readings done
I see this symbol also refering to the three things which I think, in essence, make an Indian Blanket: The Weaver, the Wool and hard Work. Skill, Substance and effort. But these three ingredients bring about a wonderous gift.
My limited glimpse of the Native American Indian blanket comes from the Navajo. Ocassionally I saw beautiful old tradition blankets displayed in the glass cases which aligned the walls of the Trading Posts. In Chinle, in a small cafe, larger blankets and rugs adorned the walls, and in Tuscon at the monthly markets I purchased two cedar combs and a selection of awls.
One afternoon I was invited to one of the Guides parents house to look at the blankets and rugs his mother had made - to see if I would like to buy one. They were incredable and beautiful, but a treasure I could not afford, and yet were worth threefold, for what was being asked for them.
The blanket itself, is steeped in tradition and history. The type of skills used by the weaver, the breed of sheep and the quality of the wool, the different types of weaves used, the tools, the looms, even the introduction of manufactured and imported textiles. Each element has a story of considerable contribution to convey, in the history and the making of the blanket. Each has been through a transition and change over many centuries. The start of Navajo weaving is said to date back to about 1680.
In times of enslavement, the skills of the weaver were used to make blankets for their 'masters'. During the 1850 - 1870 after the round up of the Navajo and their compoundment to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, weavers were put to use making blankets and clothing for the Forts 'occupants'. Some blankets designs, thread type, color, size and weave belong to certain periods of the balankets history. There are 'slave' blankets, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Phase 'Cheif' (mens wearing) blankets, Womens (womans wearing) blankets, Childs wearing blankets, Yei Blankets, to name a few.
At one stage, the traditional woven blanket was almost replaced by manufactured blankets - as trade became widened, new fabrics were introduced for clothing and dress styles changed. At that time, non indigenous settlers were starting to replace the blankets use, by using it as a floor covering. The basic blanket 'market' was starting to shrink until it went through a series of changes in wool, ply and technique and was strengthened and thickened to produce the rug. The wovwn rug replaced the woven blanket as a commercial trade and sell commodity option. For centuruies the blanket/rug was recognized as a source of value and could be used for trade or sale.
The amount of work given to the making of a blanket is immense. Not only is there the learning and practise of traditional skills involved, but the time invested can be great.
Blankets are a very personal item - and blankets origins (maker, location, date) are often identified from their weave pattern, textiles, colours and designs. These defining attributes are the 'fabric' elements which tell a story. A tradition blanket will have a place in history, time and story attatched to it.
So in relation to the first part of the Symbol "A woman weaving a blanket"...
I associate the following using and implying some of the text above.
The weaver (Woman)- realization, personal goals, introspection, skills, learning, tradition, family and traditional history, intention, recognition, the 'path' of the weaver, inherant creativity, desire, purpose, creator of substance and beauty.
The Wool - Inner Substance, personal resources, and available resources, assistance, tools, quality, quantity & structure.
The Work - effort required, method, dilligence, appropriate time/timing, personal benefit, refining skills, craftmanship, application, planning, effort, focus, creativity, energy & stages - (initial, half way, completed).
The blanket storyteller, creation, past-present-future woven into one, the lesson, the fabric, the basis, the big picture,
'In the light of the setting sun'. Application
This element of the symbol got me to thinking about the temperature in the desert regions - say Arizona. I remember being so parched and tired walking the Anastazi trails at about 1pm with my full sleeved shirt, jeans and boots, I thought I was going to die!! LOL!! By three thirty in the afternoon - I was glad to see the welcoming site of a Hogan (traditional lodging) in the valley under the steep and glaring cliffs. I sat down on a log for about an hour just letting the cool afternoon breeze brush my clothes and watching the tall Poplar trees and long grasses sway. How much cooler and beautiful it was. I took in all around me, especially the changing colors of the sky and the sun on the red earth. It was peaceful and serene. In the lateness of the afternoon, after the sun had gone down, I had regained my spent energy, was relaxed and started to prepare dinner on the fire.
In relation to the meaning of the Sabian Symbol - I refer here to the earlier time of the day the "morning to full sun" when it is necessary to carry out other tasks of importance - a prior and necessary stage of the day in which certain 'dutues' are fulfilled - Some may seem menial, boring, repeditive, draining - a time of personal realizations - possibly that you 'lack' or you 'need' something to sustain you. Even the thoughts that things could be better/easier if ... Wheather it be water food, shelter or insect repellant (LOL
) You hope for the conditions to improve and be better in the afternoon (along the path) when its in not so hot.
In relation to the last part of the Symbol, "In the light of the Setting Sun" - I see this refering to the 'best time' (most appropriate time) of the day to draw inspiration, peace, refreshment, contemplation, rest and relaxation. This would be a more 'ideal time' (IMHO) to be outside weaving a blanket.
If the loom and blanket are placed between you and the sun - not only do you have shelter and protection, but you are in the light, and you also have a better view of what you are doing. Your shadow is behind you and is eventually diminishes and disloves as the sun sets.
So you weave your blanket, your story, you commit, thread by thread, in quiet contemplation, knowing that you have dutifully completed your daily commitments and you can take this time and opportunity to work on the creation (the new task/project) in your hands. As you choose and gather your threads and wool, select your colours and your awl, so too, your are at the initial stages of preparation to create something of lasting durable purposeful beauty. You 'apply' your self to the set task.
You apply yourself to creating something substantial in your life.
If you spend enough time and work long and hard, eventually you be aware of the new pattern emerging, the evolution of the creation - you attend to it and watch it grow before you. Every thought that you have goes into the creation as you work.
Your life as a tapestry.
If you emerse yourself in your creation (blanket), taking your time, concentrating on the small details, and putting your energies into its manifestation - it is easier to identify mistakes early, or make necessary changes - more color and thread can be added as you go.
Your life is not set in 'concrete'.
You are the creator of your life, you are the artist and the weaver, your blanket is the end result of which you have honed all your efforts and resources skills and individuality into. Each and every thread, twist and turn is necessary for its creation to evolve. If there should be one important consideration at the start - it maybe defined by the size of the loom - how big should I make this blanket!
You can follow the path and teachings of others traditionally, using their knowledge craft and skills to create your own purposeful existance.
You are your own creation.
Creating something substantial, long lasting, and worthy in your life may take alot of consideration, time, effort and commitment - dont sell yourself short, trade it in for something of lesser value or loose it!
Make yourself lots of beautiful blankets in the light of the setting sun, and be sure to share your skills with others so they can make beautiful blankets too . Elven
Some words to summerize:
Durable, artistic creative, past- present-future, basis, traditional, making something worthwhile from limited resources and necessity, concentration, commitment, protection, sunscreen, insurance, shelter, security blanket,
Caution: Fabricated history or tale, replacement of traditional elements, not commercially viable, underestimation, undervalued, monotonous, thread bare, g-loom, unfinished projects.
Blessings
Elven x