New Necklace

Here is a shot of the new necklace I just finished for Spirit Jump

Below is just a little about the charm I chose. The meaning behind the charm are things I believe people in a difficult situation need

The charm is of Durga the Hindu god. Goddess Durga is the mother of the universe and believed to be the power behind the work of creation, preservation, and destruction of the world. Since time immemorial she has been worshipped as the supreme power of the Supreme Being. Another meaning of "Durga" is "Durgatinashini," which literally translates into "the one who eliminates sufferings." Thus, Hindus believe that goddess Durga protects her devotees from the Evils of the world and at the same time removes their miseries

Durga stands on a lion in a fearless pose of "Abhay Mudra", signifying assurance of freedom from fear.
Durga holds several weapons in her many hands.
-The conch shell in Durga's hand symbolizes the 'Pranava' or the mystic word 'Om', which indicates her holding on to God in the form of sound.
-The bow and arrows represent energy. By holding both the bow and arrows in one hand "Mother Durga" is indicating her control over both aspects of energy - potential and kinetic.
-The thunderbolt signifies firmness. The devotee of Durga must be firm like thunderbolt in one's convictions. Like the thunderbolt that can break anything against which it strikes, without being affected itself, the devotee needs to attack a challenge without losing his confidence.
-The lotus in Durga's hand is not in fully bloomed, It symbolizing certainty of success but not finality. The lotus stands for the continuous evolution of the spiritual quality of devotees amidst the worldly mud of lust and greed.
-The "Sudarshan-Chakra" or beautiful discus, which spins around the index finger of the Goddess, while not touching it. She uses this unfailing weapon to destroy evil and produce an environment conducive to the growth of righteousness.
-The sword that Durga holds in one of her hands symbolizes knowledge, which has the sharpness of a sword. Knowledge which is free from all doubts
-Durga's trident or "trishul" is a symbol of her as the remover of all the three types of miseries - physical, mental and spiritual.

Mikey's Sprit Jump!

Below are two pictures of a Spirit Jump I did for an extremely brave little 3 yr old soldier battling Cancer. Let's hope this boosts his spirits! I know I still love Sesame Street, and who doesn't like getting mail? You can see my easel and some of my messy Art making area
CLICK ON THE SPIRIT JUMPER BUTTON TO THE RIGHT TO GO TO THE SPIRIT JUMPER WEBSITE!

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!