Garden of Delights: K

Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’ve tasked myself with leading you on a meandering tour of the virtual garden of delights and curiosities and thoughts that make up my world – all through the lens of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words.

K is for…

kainotophobia: (noun) fear of newness or change

I’m committed to leaning into the positive in this series of posts, so it may seem odd I’ve chosen this particular word for today. But I think it’s both possible to acknowledge where we are at any given time AND take steps to shift to something more preferred.

There’s no question that as a species we seem hard-wired to fear and resist change, which is, of course, complicating and adding to the challenge of this time of global unknowns. We’re all having to work at finding and keeping our balance. But if we accept that’s the case, then we can also lean into the things that can help us support us in shifting.

One of the archetypes that stepped forward as a guiding principle for 2020 for me was the tarot’s Hanged Man. I thought it was fascinating when it showed up and wondered how it would unfold, but now it feels like such a perfect energy to lean into.

Traditionally the Hanged Man suggests sacrifice, surrender, or being suspended in time. But bottom line for me, is a change in perspective. I feel rather excited about this invitation, and absolutely believe that’s what we’re called to collectively. We’re currently experiencing things from a different perspective, but after this immediate challenge shakes out, I have no doubt a different perspective will be called for, and exponentially useful, as we sort out all the changes and the what nows.

Steeping in the energy of a new perspective, I’ve been especially appreciating the Hanged Man as visualized by various tarot deck creators. Here are a selection of my favorite alternatives.

The Timer (from the Kitchen Tarot) meaning “rest, surrender, time out!). An affirmation offered for working with this card is “There is no need to rush. I am in the rhythm and flow of ever-changing life.

Art (from Thea’s Tarot) meaning “transformation, creative cosmic change, inner hope.” One of the invitations of this card is to “think about the exchange of loss for a gain, settle into peace after difficulty, and grow from experience.”

Tiamat (from Dark Goddess Tarot) is the Babylonian goddess of the deep. Her message is “What has been lost, lives in hidden places.”

The final card Stillness is from the Pythias Sacred Geometry Tarot deck and its message is “Be still and listen at the crossroads. Waiting requires patience and submission of will. Watch for signs, prepare for change and choice. Move when the time is right.”

I think all of these are beautiful invitations to lean into change and newness without succumbing to kainotophobia.

I’ve also been thinking about butterflies as symbols of transformation, and the connection to shifting one’s perspective. They have much to teach about stages of change, transmutation, going within and coming out whole again.  There are teachings about when it’s time to incubate precious new ideas, and knowing when it’s necessary to withdraw during a transition, and equally important when it is time to emerge.  But of course butterflies have other messages as well.  They are a symbol of fragility – not in the sense of weakness, but more because they are so light and transparent.   To watch a butterfly is to pay attention to the environment, and butterflies are one of the first species to react  o climate changes.  This sensitivity speaks to our need to be far more mindful about our environment certainly, but it’s also a reminder of the gifts of being receptive to the nuances all around us that can help us navigate with more wisdom and insight.  Their flitting nature is also associated with joy and freedom, and a reminder to look where to make more room for that in our lives.

Butterflies are fascinating to other cultures as well, and whenever I’m studying symbols, I like to check out cultural references, creation stories, goddess lore, and whatever else I can find.  It’s so interesting to see things through the many facets of understanding that are available,

Butterflies have a soul connection in many cultures, and in classical Greek the word for soul and butterfly are the same.  For the Haida people of the Pacific Northwest, Raven was considered the creator of the world, but Butterfly was Raven’s spokesperson.   The Hmong have a traditional tale that attributes the creation of the local peoples to the eggs laid by Butterfly Mother.   Butterfly Maiden is a Kachina connected to Spring; and for the ancient Egyptians the butterfly was the emblem of Osiris.  The Aztecs honored  Itzpapaloti (Obsidian Butterfly) as a fierce warrior goddess;  and Hina is a butterfly goddess of the Pacific Islanders associated with inspired and truthful communication.   So many  different entry points into the exploration of Butterfly, and each one intriguing.

No matter what, change is inevitable, and there is always newness to to adapt to. Perhaps we can be encouraged by this reminder from Rumi:

“Anyone who knows me, should learn to know again;
For I am like the Moon, you will see me with a new face everyday,”

So what do you think? Have any supports you lean into as you navigate change? Think the Hanged Man or Butterfly are helpful archetypes to work with at this time? Do tell – you know I love to hear.