Each dawn, millions of Tamil women create intricate, geometric, ritual-art designs called ‘kolams,’ at the thresholds of their homes, as a tribute to Mother Earth and an offering to Goddess Lakshmi. A Tamil word that means beauty, form, play, disguise or ritual design– a kolam is anchored in the Hindu belief that householders have a karmic obligation to “feed a thousand souls.” By creating the kolam with rice flour, a woman provides food for birds, rodents, ants and other tiny life forms — greeting each day with ‘a ritual of generosity’, that blesses both the household, and the greater community. Kolams are a deliberately transient form of art. They are created anew each dawn with a combination of reverence, mathematical precision, artistic skill and spontaneity. Read on for one kolam practitioner’s deeply personal exploration of this multidimensional practice.
Each dot, line, curve, interlinking circle, triangle and square is said to represent the universe’s energy and is backed by a heritage extending to over six centuries.
THE DAILY GOOD:
Kolam: Ritual Art that Feeds a Thousand Souls Every Day
–by Gayathri Ramachandran, May 20, 2021
The Native Americans carried on the same tradition with the offering of Cornmeal to the rising sun. A handful in the right hand was breathed upon 4 times with the Light of Gratitude and Prayers for the day. Then, released to Father Sky in the East, where the Sun Rises.
love, in lak’ech
Debra
4 Reed/BEN (Cherokee, Reed I’hya)
Galactic Tone 4: Stability; the cube is most stable of all forms and establishes volume by definition of height, length, depth and breadth; 4 directions establish orientation. The energy of 4 sets the parameters, which establish the freedoms and barriers needed to create a game, work, or relationship.
Reed/BEN: Reed persons are the spiritual essence, protectors and guiding light for family and home. They are competent speakers who will take up a cause. Very tough and analytical, Reeds endeavor to bring peace, harmony, and order to all of their relations. Reeds are blessed with great skill at negotiations and consoling which are very often put to the test. Although Reeds need a log of appreciation, many have a marriage or business problems because of inflexible views and high expectations, which erode affinity. The lesson of Reed is to be like a garden hose, not a steel pipe.
Cherokee Cherokee, Reed I’hya: Symbol-Reed is the Earth, reflection of the Star Chaga of Pollux. Reed made up the Magician Twins who led the journey to bring back to life the daughter of the Sun. The Casket is Gemini. Energy for Intellectual minds, creation, re-creation, new directions, breaking the ties that bind. A trailblazer and leader. From the East, direction of success and happiness, no matter what route is taken, always ending up in the Light.
[Text in italics was the primary source of inspiration for my journal. These are the sources that started my journey and they are the reference for interpretation each day. By providing the original text, I hope to offer a way to see what inspired my thoughts and by including all the aspects – allow for something more to inspire you. Mayan descriptions are those written by Ian Lungold. Cherokee descriptions came from multiple sources. Links to sources and other resources of study are offered on the Daykeeper Resources Page. ~Debra]
Jaguar Spirit 
absolutely beautiful! thanks for sharing Wise Woman Deborah 😉
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There are so many beautiful traditions of spirit! much love, in lak’ech, Debra
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Greetings Mama Lynn – Remembering you this Mayan New Year’s day with thanks and appreciation for the time you’ve shared with me. Praying that the time ahead reveals the truth that your highest hopes and dreams are coming true. Much love, in lak’ech, Debra (My Kolam offerings may not be so beautiful, but the birds that come to receive it bless me every day.)
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