In my dream the alligators were made of wood, painted a well worn green and standing upright on their hind legs. They were in a circle and moving up and down like carousel horses. The dream was a reminder of an experience I had during my Soul Retrieval that I had forgotten.
It was simple but powerful. At some point during the ceremony, I saw an alligator slide into my body, they same way they slide off a riverbank into the water. It easily fit inside of me, a glowing yellowish green light. It wasn’t scary, it was actually so matter of fact, that I forgot all about it, until the dream I had the next morning. Even when I first remembered it, it seemed almost incidental. But as each day passed, I could see more clearly how important the vision really was.
I looked up the symbolism of the alligator. I found it represents maternal protection, the ability to survive, and primal energy. I took it as strength and protection. I imagined the alligator taking up the space in my body stretching between my sternum and bellybutton. The place that felt solid and confident when I spoke to Carol (the Shaman) about the idea of deserving respect and loving kindness. I saw it like a tattoo on my body and above the alligator, at my heart, a sun/flower. My heart as open and expansive as the strength of the alligator.
This afternoon, I used my sewing machine to draw this symbol of a strong center and an open heart. This piece is not for sale, it’s for me. A reminder of my ability to protect myself and be open and loving at the same time.
Powerful, Maria, just like you. Wonderful colors and strong, lovely design elements. You have truly found your alligator! Love, Sue
What an absolutely lovely piece. Enjoy it as only you can.
Maria,
Its such a beautiful piece! Reminds me of the Southwest and of Mexico.
Janet
Nicely said Maria! I think you do have a very kind and loving heart and I am glad you are sharing it with us.
Maria, I am so glad that you made this “just for you”…even though I’d be first in line if it were for sale…hope it’s hung in a place of prominence in your new studio!
Kathleen : )
That’s beautiful!
Thank you for sharing this very personal journey with us, Maria. It offers such encouragement and understanding of parts of my own path.
That’s a very beautiful piece, and a great story to go with it.
Maria!
Thank you for sharing this! I never knew what the alligator represented and I always feared them! Now I will embrace their existance and reflect on your beautiful piece! Which would make a fabulous tattoo!
Love & Peace,
Sandra
That’s what I was thinking Sandra.
The tattoo idea came to me the minute I saw it. I’m always thinking tattoo in the back of my mind. 🙂