Totems In Your Garden

The Animal Kingdom is a diverse and magical world. When we open our hearts to the Oneness of all life, we see that every species has the potential to be a brother, a sister, an ally or a significant teacher. For this reason, there is considerable power at play when animals appear in Dreamtime. The encounter itself has the capacity to manifest change, deep within our psyche. Animal totems can impart a potent vibratory impact on our energy field. So we need to be more attentive as we brave the journey across our spiritual path. In fact, the simple presence of an animal totem reminds us that we have the innate ability to navigate new territory, to absorb complex and challenging lessons, and to realize wisdom and inner peace when important cycles of change unfold in our personal lives. When we implement the ways of an animal totem, we absorb the insight of its inherent medicine. The goal is to watch ever so carefully as we observe the animals that reveal their presence in our dream and waking worlds. Once again, being in awareness is the key while the inter-play is all about creating deeper healing on a soul level.

Rabbit:

The rabbit totem is an instrument of magic and good luck. Her gifts are spontaneity, alacrity and agility. Likewise, her path guides us to go forward with positive anticipation, for rabbit brings success to all endeavors. Rabbit is also a symbol of reproduction and abundance. The lesson is to create joy and faithfulness within our friendships. Finally, rabbit teaches us to overcome our fears as we take a conscious leap into new territory.

Lizard:

They have keen sense of vibrations from the ground, excellent hearing and sharp eyesight enables them to detect the slightest movement. One fascinating ability lizards have, is being able to break off their tails to escape predators. As their tail is writhing, it distracts the predator so the lizard can make its escape. Unfortunately, a lizard can only do this once because the tail grows back cartilage instead of vertebrae.

In myths and lore, Lizard is associated with dreaming. Dreams awaken our unconscious mind and make us aware of issues we haven't been ready to face in our conscious lives. Lizard appears when we need to analyze our present reality and brings the message for immediate change in some area or areas of our life. This change can represent letting go of old ideas or negative behaviors which endanger our growth.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com
Copyright 2008 CraftyCritters Newsletter

How To Make Amazing Crafts With Kids

The education benefit of arts & crafts

Arts and crafts can be used to apply hands-on learning to any subject. Using crafts this way helps kids think more in-depth about the subject of their artwork or craft projects. Virtually any subject matter can be taught using arts & crafts with a little creativity. For instance, if you are learning about world geography, you could have the kids make a tissue paper globe.
Learn about holidays, history, and any other topic your kids should study. Even math can be enriched through arts and crafts. Remember that school isn’t the only place kids should be learning; your kids will be much more willing and excited to learn if you make learning fun with interactive arts and crafts projects.

Some ideas for kids’ arts & crafts

Kids’ arts and crafts can be quick and simple to keep the attention of on-the-go toddlers. They can also be sophisticated and complex for older kids who are up to a challenge. To get an idea of the scope of arts and crafts projects out there, take a trip to your local arts and crafts store or teacher’s supply shop. These stores will have pre-designed craft kits, including jewelry art, painting kits, and other craft ideas. Each kit will come with instructions and all of the materials you require.

Another good idea, once you have gained some experience, is to walk arts and craft stores to shop for kids’ art ideas. Here are some ideas: try rock painting, where kids can create arts and crafts by designing something unique. A ladybug, bird, lizard, butterfly, the possibilities are endless. They can start out by painting on poster board or construction paper to perfect their design. Or jump right in and beautify their hand picked rock with their own unique design and color scheme. Its fun, its challenging, and I must say quite rewarding when the project is finished. Dad would love the paperweight and Mom would love the decorative keepsake.

This is a great craft because kids of all ages can join in. Young children can use their imaginations to create simple objects on a rock formation. Older kids may enjoy incorporating other supplies such as beads, or gemstones, onto their art.

Arts and crafts allows kids to openly express themselves, even at very young ages. Despite all these positives, the best reason for getting your kids involved in arts and crafts is that it is fun!

Pauline Libutti

Artist & Writer

http://www.RiverRockCritters.com/