Category: Reverence Tips

The eighth symbol is Eight maids a milking

Matthew 5:3-10 describes Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, which contained what are known as the Beatitudes. Jesus said:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Beatitudes are at the core of Christ’s teaching. … The reward promised in each of the Beatitudes is primarily heaven. The Beatitudes reveal the goal of human existence, the ultimate purpose of human acts; God calls us to his own beatitude.

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There is not much I can add to the above. The Beauties reveal the desirable qualities of the seeker who wish to attain enlightenment and a place in Heaven. I thought I take the time to clarify what Heaven really is. I understand that many, mostly religious. people believe that Heaven is a place where humans pass on to after life if on judgement day they are found deserving. In my understanding, however, Heaven is in the heart of the seeker. It is ever present and inviting and there is only a few things the seeker must do in order to ‘gain entrance to Heaven’ and experience happiness: see the list above.

Regarding the milking ladies, I can only guess how the milking ladies symbolize the 8 Beauties. My suggestion is that it has been believed that milk has beauty enhancing qualities. Cleopatra only washed in milk believing that it preserved her youth and beauty. The milking maidens also symbolize purity that is the ultimate goal of the seeker – to clean him/herself of the dirt of this world , to relieve all limitations and stand pure and clean so he/she can enter Heaven.

As I suggested before, Heaven is in each Heart. In order to enter Heaven, the seeker must enter Heaven he/she releases all bondage of this world through a rigorous practice of meditation/prayer and following the guidance that Jesus and other teachers before and after Him laid for all those to search for the Truth and ready to let go and enter the land of Joy and Happiness that is in our Hearts – the place where we meet God aka our Essence and the pure Love we all seek to experience.

The seventh symbol is Seven Swans A-Swimming

The Seven Swans A-Swimming Represent The Sevenfold Gifts Of The Spirit

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit is one of several works in Christian devotional literature which follow a scheme of seven. Others include the seven petitions of the Lord’s Prayer, the beatitudes, the seven last words from the cross, the seven deadly sins, and the seven virtues.  The seven gifts are found in the Book of Isaiah 11:1-2, where the Biblical passage refers to the characteristics of a Messianic figure understood by Christians to be Jesus Christ empowered by the “Spirit of the Lord”.

Wisdom – according to St. Bernard, it both illumines the mind and instills an attraction to the divine
Understanding – the gift of understanding gives us a profound appreciation for God’s providence
Counsel – the gift of counsel operates under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the will of God
Fortitude – is often identified with courage, but Aquinas takes its meaning to also encompass endurance.
Knowledge – the gift of knowledge allows one, to see things from God’s perspective. It “allows us to perceive the greatness of God and his love for his creatures” through creation.
Piety accords with reverence – Pope Francis said that piety is a recognition of “…our belonging to God, our deep bond with him, a relationship that gives meaning to our whole life and keeps us resolute, in communion with him, even during the most difficult and troubled moments”.
Fear of the Lord is akin to wonder (or awe). – Pope Francis said that it “is no servile fear, but rather a joyful awareness of God’s grandeur and a grateful realization that only in him do our hearts find true peace”. source

According to another source:  Egypt linked swans with immortality, just like they did the geese. The Greek priests, who worship Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, are believed to be descended from swans. Old Celtic and British myths believe that lost loved ones turn into swans, with gold or silver chains on their necks to symbolize their enchantment. The transformation is believed to take place during their Samhain festival, where the gates of the other worlds open up and souls are free to pass.

I see swans as graceful and royal. When you watch two swans mating, they perform a beautiful dance of gentle embracing. In the seven swans dancing (swimming) I see the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit embracing the seeker each offering one of the gifts. It is a true offering not a nagging. The seeker is waltzed around by these gracious creatures laying the gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, guidance, courage, reverence and the joyful awareness of God. By the 7th day we are over half way towards the end of this imaginary bridge of the 12 days. By now it is evident that the qualities (teachings) that we are to collect and embrace during our human lifetime are constantly encouraged.

The sixth symbol is Six geese a laying

Going back to Neolithic times, the goose is one of the oldest domesticated birds. It’s also been the topic of a lot of folklore. This is probably the reason it’s part of the song.
Because of their migration habits, they were often considered to be a symbol of the solar year and also fertility. Ancient Egyptians believed that a mummy’s soul rose up in the form of a goose with a human head. The Roman goddess, Juno (rules heaven and marriages), considered the goose sacred.  – In 387 B.C. the geese in her temple cackled and honked, warning the Romans that barbarians were close. Ever since then, the geese were honored for their protective services. Medieval seafarers had a strange tale on the origin of the goose. It seems that on the hull of their ships grew this long, goose-shaped barnacle. Coincidentally, there was also an Artic goose that migrated around England. Since this goose and the barnacle looked a lot alike, the sailors said that the goose originated from the barnacle, and in some tales a seaside tree.
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The Six Geese A-Laying Stand For The Six Days Of Creation
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Having read the different ideas around the ‘6 geese a laying’, I decided to go with the protective nature of the story of creation. It may sound strange at first but I strongly believe that the story of creation tells the story why we feel so loveless and lost. It is protective because it comforts the seeker by explaining who the world came about and  why we became separated from our God nature. With Adam and Eve ‘turning away’ and choosing ‘knowledge’ over faith, hu-mans became lost. But the story also shows that there is a source – God – where we all are eventually to return.  The story of creation also tells why God created the world. God wishes to experience Itself through the experiences of its spars that are implanted into human forms.

For me, the symbol of birds always convey the message that I am inherently free.

In my opinion the teaching here is to become aware of how we, humans, came about and to learn to accept our bi-nature of divine vs mortal as well as the knowing that were are divine as our birthright.

The fifth symbol is The five golden rings

This is what I have found on the ‘five golden rings’:
If you’re a jewelry fan, you’re going to be disappointed to learn that it’s not actually gold rings that are given on day 5. Once again, this is reference to birds and the 5 golden rings are said to represent the gold rings on a pheasant’s neck.
It all begins with the legend of Jason and the Argonauts back in 750 B.C. when they sailed from Thessaly, Greece in search of the “Golden Fleece”. During this epic journey, they landed in Phalis, acquiring not only the sorceress, Medea, but also a lot of golden birds. The Greek word phasianornis means “bird of Phasis.” It is believed that this species of ring-necked pheasant are from the sub-species of the infamous “Golden Fleece.” S
Source

“Another interpretation can be that Golden Rings are The Pentateuch or The first 5 books of the Old Testament. Ring also symbolizes eternity.”

“The Golden Fleece caught my attention so I investigated it further. This is what I found. In Greek mythology, the Golden Fleece is the fleece of the gold-haired winged ram, which was held in Colchis. The fleece is a symbol of authority and kingship.” Source

So, my thoughts are that the five rings represent the pheasant feast of the king who has authority.  In terms of teaching, regaining our sense of authority is a must and when it is achieved it deserve a feast. There many of us who  handed their authority over to another person, an organisation or else either upon force or willingly. When you are without your sense of authority and kingship, you don’t drive the boat, it is dragged and you are being pulled by it. I hear many people complain about the way they are treated at work or at home, how they are misunderstood or misinterpreted or even abused. Well, here is some news for you: You may want to start learning to stand up for yourself and regain your own authority; know that you have the right to be he author of your life whatever way you may want to lead it. Access your courage and lead your way!

For me, the symbol of birds always convey the message that I am inherently free.

In my opinion the teaching here is awareness of how we, humans, came about and accepting our divine-mortal nature as well as knowing that were are divine in our birthright.

The fourth symbol is 4 Calling Birds

Result of my research:
“… All these years you’ve been singing “calling birds” when the reality is, it’s colly birds. So what are these birds? A colly bird is a European black bird. Colly means black. It’s my view that it’s the word “coal + ie” said with an little accent? Therefore, a dark, black bird looked like black coal and was called a “coalie” or “Colly Bird.

So, the song is really saying… four crows.  back in medival times this bird was considered a delicacy. In the children’s song “Sing a Song of Sixpence” there are 24 blackbirds backed in a pie. Pies seem to be a real gourmet food in the peak of The Twelfth Night days and were often a sign of status and competition among the wealthy. Dining during this time was a form of entertainment, with food presentations having fireworks, and surprises coming out of them.  …” Source

According to another source, ‘Calling Birds’ means “Either the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.” source

In Christian tradition, the Four Evangelists are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the authors attributed with the creation of the four Gospel accounts in the New Testament that bear the following titles: Gospel according to Matthew; Gospel according to Mark; Gospel according to Luke and Gospel according to John.

Matthew – a former tax collector who was called by Jesus to be one of the Twelve Apostles,
Mark – a follower of Peter and so an “apostolic man,”
Luke – a doctor who wrote what is now the book of Luke to Theophilus. Also known to have written the book of Acts (or Acts of the Apostles) and to have been a close friend of Paul of Tarsus,
John – a disciple of Jesus and the youngest of his Twelve Apostles.
They are called evangelists, a word meaning “people who proclaim good news,” because their books aim to tell the “good news” (“gospel”) of Jesus.
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The song goes like this:
“On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
4 Calling Birds”

In my reading ‘my true love’ is Jesus Christ who gives me his teaching through the writings of the four Evangelists. Beyond the teaching that they conveyed, they also represent certain qualities that the seeker of liberated life may embody.

Matthew the Evangelist is symbolized by a man who speaks a lot of the Kingdom of Heaven. It reminds us of our human and mortal nature.

Mark the Evangelist is symbolized by a winged lion, a figure of labourous worker and servant. It reminds us to be strong and courageous and to never cease to focus on God.

Luke the Evangelist is symbolized by a winged ox a man that represents man to God. It shows us our Godlike nature, the essence of our true self.

John the Evangelist is symbolized by an eagle, a figure of the sky that remind us to become like God loving, caring and merciful.

I remember that instead of hoping for the best,
I can know that all is well.

Hope is a beginning expression of faith. Through spiritual practice, hope evolves into its fuller expression, which is faith. Faith is the sure knowledge that our good is ours, right here, right now. Faith does not waver.

Rev. Karen R. Shepherd

Walking in faith, my steps are sure,
divine guidance is clear, and my path is illuminated.

Faith expands my awareness to recognize the presence of Spirit in every person, place, and circumstance. It reminds me to trust in my abilities and believe in myself, knowing I am ever supported by the Divine.

I welcome love, joy, success, health, wisdom, abundance,
and harmony into my life now.

When I choose to keep my mind focused on unconditional love as the greatest power in my life, I create and experience greater possibilities than I have ever imagined.

Source Unity Advent Booklet 2021 –WEBSITE

The third symbol is Three French Hens
According to my research,
The Three French Hens Stand For Faith, Hope And Love source

French Hens = Faith, Hope & Charity (The theological virtues) or The Gifts of the Magi (Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.)

Some believe that the French hens prove that this song originated in France. The Latin name for France was Gaul, which comes from the Latin word Gallia. This is close to the Roman word for rooster.

In the Christian religion, it is believed that a cock crowed when Christ was born as a sign that “the light of the world” has arrived. This is why, a rooster on a Christian tomb symbolizes the resurrection.

During the 18th century, large, exotic fowl from the Orient were brought back to England. These birds mated with the descendants of the Roman-breed chickens. It is believed that the “three French hens” in the song represent a new breed. White chickens are believed to bring good luck. And, hens are believed to symbolize motherly devotion. source

In the number three and the symbol of a hand I can see a message to embrace our three-fold self. Among many names they are also called: the ego, the self and being or  ‘me, myself and I’. These are the different layers of our personality that we are to live in harmony with in order to have a balanced human existence.

Though the Ego-part maybe over protective and slightly outdated, it is till an important part of our person. No part is to be dismissed.  Looking  at it from an Enneagram point of view, I would say that the Ego is the lower scale of the Enneagram type we are. The Self is the higher octaves, still limited but it expresses the unique qualities of the person. They are mortal. Finally, the Being is that of God. It is a spark of the Whole. It is immortal.

In order to be ready to receive the Teachings in the Holy Spirit that was delivered by Jesus, we must come to alignment with each part of our person and stand united. The three hens remind us to embrace in motherly love all parts of ourselves. Love them as they are for who they are.

Featured image by Alex Clark

The second symbol is two turtle doves

“The dove is not at all associated with a turtle, but rather a slurring of the Latin which is based on the Hebrew. In biblical Hebrew the dove is the tor. In deference to the Hebraic origins, the Latin name was turtur, the biblical Hebrew word, tor, twice. When transliterated to English, the word turtur became the garbled turtle dove.” Source  “The Turtle-Dove is an old symbol of love and faithfulness. (Apparently these doves form really strong bonds with their mates.) That’s why the turtle-doves makes a perfect match for the golden bells and the wedding and all the other happy, stable images found in the second section of the poem.” “Turtle doves are a symbol of friendship and love.”

Yesterday, we were asked to move higher. Today we are promised that we are not alone on our journey. As soon as we allow our faith to take hold, God sends partners who support us on our journey.

Featured pic by Ann Shen

On this day,
I pause to remember those I have loved.

This Christmas Day, may we behold all gifts given and received,
extravagant and humble, tangible and intangible, tiny and towering with awe and wonder. And in the beholding, may the healing, harmonizing power of the Christ’s infinite love be born in each of us and all the world.

—Rev. Kurt Condra

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

“Twelve Days of Christmas,” the phrase refers to an actual 12-day period. The 12 days of Christmas, in fa­ct, are the days from Dec. 25, celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ, to the Epiphany, celebrated on Jan. 6 as the day when the manifestation of Christ’s glory was realized.

Here are the verses of the song, 12 Days of Christmas, along with their supposed symbolism:

• A Partridge in a Pear Tree – Jesus Christ
• Two Turtle Doves – The Old and New Testaments
• Three French Hens – The three virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity
• Four Calling/Collie Birds – Four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
• Five Golden Rings – First five books of the Old Testament
• Six Geese-a-Laying – Six days of creation before God’s rest on the seventh day
• Seven Swans-a-Swimming – Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Eight Maids-a-Milking – Eight Beatitudes
• Nine Ladies Dancing – Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
• Ten Lords-a-Leaping – Ten Commandments
• Eleven Pipers Piping – Eleven faithful disciples
• Twelve Drummers Drumming –Twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed

Christmas Day is the first of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

SOURCE AND LOTS MORE INFO

On a personal note, in 2019 I created a series of articles on the 12 Days of Christmas. That time, I decided to play around and search for meaning and wisdom in the song ’12 Days of Christmas’ in order to find guidance during this Holy time.

HOW IT ALL STARTED? READ MORE

On the last day of the 12-day-of-Christmas, Christians observe Epiphany or enlightenment when the Holy Spirit enlightens the ‘faithful’ with wisdom and revelations of Christ’s teachings. The 12 days of Christmas is the bridge between Christmas Day and the day of Epiphany. On Christmas day, ‘my true love’ aka God gives me my first gift of Christ, the promise of enlightenment, atonement and eternal life. By the time we walked the bride of the 12-day across, we have collected and regained certain qualities that we must possess in order to observe the revelations and receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Epiphany.

I wish to observe these twelve days through the famous song and research the meaning in the symbolism of the song.

SOURCE

DAY 1 – JESUS

According to a source, the partridge is Jesus, who appears to us as our guide in our journey on the first day. Read more about my research HERE

On this day of Advent,
I remember to let love open my heart
and inspire my life.

So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God,
and God abides in them.

—1 John 4:16

Each year we never know when the silence that is so fragile and so powerful will fall. Yet when we allow it to penetrate our own interior and risk sharing it with the grieving soul standing next to us, we can truly recover the light that is beyond words and understanding. That love and light that shine from each of us. The shimmer that is the true meaning of this holy night, this silent night.

—Rev. Kelly Isola

I would like to wish you a joyful and peaceful Holiday Season!
Make time for yourself and do things that replenish, refresh and enrich you. Sleep, draw, paint, read a good book (again) and watch silly movies. Whatever brings you joy!

REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN YOUR LIFE!