There are a lot of spells and rituals that involve drawing (or sewing
or otherwise physically creating a representation of something). I
am blessed to be artistically inclined, although I haven't had formal
lessons in ages, I do consider myself pretty artsy. Most of the time
I can make pictures of things that make me happy, and while I don't
think I am quite on a professional level, I don't stress out when I
have to draw or craft something.
But I know that a lot of people don't share this gift. I know my son
always says he is horrible at art, and even for school projects hates
having to do anything that involves drawing (even when the quality of
the art isn't in any way being judged). It doesn't matter how many
times I reassure him that it is the effort that matters and that his
pictures are fine, he still feels frustrated when he tries to draw
something, especially if he is trying to copy a symbol from
somewhere.
When it comes to using artistic skills in workings, I feel very
strongly that the quality of the work itself is not important. What
is important is the intent, focus and emotion put into the crafting.
The purpose of creating a symbol to represent something is to
activate the child self, the younger self, the subconscious mind.
This part of you doesn't care about perfect, it sees perfection
because it sees the essence of a thing, not the specifics. So if you
make an apple out of clay and it looks more like a lumpy ball, your
child self sees the apple anyways, because it believes!
I think it is vital to approach sacred art in a playful manner. Let
your inner toddler out! Don't worry about making a mess, about
coloring inside the lines or even about making things the right
color! If you want to create harmony in your house, and feel that
lavender makes you feel good, draw your family and color them
lavender!
Think about it this way: if you were handed a picture by a kid, who
told you they made it 'just for you' and asked you if you liked
it....most likely you would tell them it was great and wonderful and
you absolutely loved it! If it looked like a pile of green spaghetti
but they told you it was a picture of their mommy, you would tell
them it was beautiful. Treat your inner child with the same
indulgent love! Embrace the pure joy of creation, the letting go of
expectations and of letting your mind's eye create.
Put away the fancy pens and break out the crayons. Grab some paint
but no brushes and use your fingers. Stop trying to fix your
'mistakes' and just roll with them. Draw stick figures with no legs
or make dolls with no faces. If you can't draw hands, don't!
But most importantly, have fun with it. Sing while you create. Name
your creations, talk to them, and tell them what they mean to you and
what you want them to do.
If you are having trouble getting started, go and grab a piece of
plain white paper (or lined paper, or whatever kind of paper you
have, you can even take an old bill or magazine). Grab some brightly
colored markers or crayons....nothing fine tipped or fancy, just
something that makes color. Don't draw anything, just scribble.
Pick colors based on how you feel. Let your lines show your mood.
Try this on different days, when you are feeling differently. Look
back at your pictures and see what they make you feel.
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