When symbols come into my awareness, sometimes I'm unsure about their meaning.

I believe, if a symbol surfaces, then its symbolic meaning is inherent within my understanding as well.

So, whether geometric, totemic or otherwise I know I have the right keys for unlocking symbolic meanings.

Armed with this knowing, when I am unclear about a symbolic meaning, this is what I do:

• Meditate: Sometimes lightly, sometimes deeply, sometimes while doing the dishes or while walking. My energy rolls all over the symbol in question - thoughtfully, lovingly. Inspiration always comes from this. Always. Once I get an inspirational hit, I either know the message that symbol has for me, or I am directed to other resources for more information.

• Research: If the message of the symbol doesn't come instantly, I've got to research it. If the symbol is geometric, I begin to contemplate its basic features. For example, if the symbol is comprised of a triangle - I'd start there, exploring all the symbolic implications (personal, historical, cultural, mythological, etc) of the triangle.

• Play: I can't allow symbols to control me. They are oracles, designed to help gain guidance and clarity - if they consume or obsess me - then I am a slave. So, I incorporate a lot of play into finding symbolic meanings. I paint them, write about them, lucid dream them, meditate with them (meditation is a form of play, for me). I draw them in the snow or sand or the earth, I make up silly songs about them. You get the idea.

Sometimes symbol meanings won't give themselves easily. When this happens, I save all my observations about the symbol (from my journals, paintings, songs, meditation results, etc) and put them away. The answer always comes, but not always in my perceived timing. I've waited as long as 3 years to unlock some symbolic meanings.

These are just some tricks of my own that may help you on your own personalized journey to unlocking symbolic meanings. Check out my other blog, where I offer a lot of examples and insight into symbol interpretation: www.Symbolic-Meanings.com