Wednesday, May 6, 2009

My Work for lifting Spirits with Cancer

My Work Area
Glass Bead Deity Necklace
Courage Dog TagAnother view of my necklace for Tara
I recently became part of this organization called "Spirit Jumpers" that links those with cancer and recovering from that horrible illness with artists who send a little something to "jump" their spirits. I think it's a great idea, who doesn't like to be thought of and when you are sick, how great would it make you feel that someone you don't even know is fighting for you and sending some love your way? My Spirit Jumpee is Tara and here is a bit about what the necklace entails.
I decided to make a glass bead necklace with several deities and symbols that I find inspiring. Also the clasp is a magnet, which is said to be beneficial against aliments. The main deity is :
Ganesha~ He is the most widely worshipped Hindu god. He is worshipped at the start of any action or venture because he is the Lord who removes obstacles. He also represents wisdom and prosperity. His hand is raised in a blessing and contains the OM symbol.
Ankh~ The Ankh is an Egyptian symbol that represents life, immortality and death. Also represents balance, male and female, zest for life, joy and energy. It is also the associated with Imkotep who was the god of medicine.
Endless Knot~ Buddhist symbol. It overlaps without beginning or end, symbolising the Buddha's endless wisdom and compassion. Also signifies the interplay and interaction of opposing forces in the dualistic world of manifestation, leading to their union and ultimately harmony in the universe. Since all phenomena are interrelated, the placing of this symbol in a gift is said to establish an auspicious connection between the giver and recipient. The recipient is goaded toward righteous karma, reminded that future positive effects have their roots in the present. This is a representation of a link with our fates, binding us to our karmic destiny.
Cross~ It is frequently a representation of the division of the world into Four Elements, or the Four Cardinal Points, or alternately as the union of the concepts of Divinity the vertical line, and the World, the horizontal line.
Buddha~ It is a symbol of the end of suffering and true peace. A source of happiness and serenity. The Buddhist philosophy that we must strive for perfection and control over our personal cravings to work for the good of all, for peace and tolerance in the world so we can begin to come to a state of nirvana; in which the soul is freed from all suffering and is a state of perfect bliss.
And of course, the Courage Dog Tag, because we all need a little courage, just like the Lion in the Wizard of Oz taught us. Plus I think a Dog Tag kinda makes you feel like a soldier, fighting your won battle like we all must do.
Let's hope Tara likes them, keep your fingers crossed for me!

5 comments:

  1. She is going to LOVE both of them! So much time, love and thought was put into these pieces and that makes all the difference. Thank you for being a Spirit Jumper and for sharing with us your beautiful work. You have no idea how much you have jumped my spirits! Its people like you that lift my spirits on days when I feel low. I thank you a million times over!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my gosh! WHat a fabulous thing to be a part of!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, you made that beautiful necklace? I think that's an awesome organiztion/community! And I agree with you completly about how beautiful, open and honest animals are in sharp contrast to mostly every single species of human. We have so very much to learn from the non-human animals.

    ReplyDelete
  4. OMG!!! This is FABULOUS!!!

    What a cool idea! I'll check it out.

    LOVE your creativity :-) Gorgeous necklace!

    Thank you for sharing this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Wendie;
    I just got these in the post the other day and I love them! The glass bead necklace is so cool! :)
    Thanks so much! Cancer sucks but I'm glad you're doing this. You certainly jumped my spirits :).

    ReplyDelete