Dear Universe,

In Sera Beak’s The Red Book she talks about building’s one spirituality not so much like a buffet, where you pick and choose only the things you like and leave the stuff you don’t, but more like crafting a charm bracelet that supports your character, challenges you and gives you strength against life’s inevitable obstacles. I quite like this idea.

So I’m copying it. Both literally and figuratively (and completely shamelessly.)

Trouble is, it’s harder to come across charms of things than I’d planned just perusing Etsy and Ebay. So I’m releasing a small list of the totems/images I want to put on this charm bracelet in hopes that in giving these to You, I’ll come across these icons with greater ease, either at reduced prices at a bead or craft store, simply by finding them, or as a gift. Any or all are welcome and appreciated.

For example, I’d been thinking about my Spirit Guide for a while and realized that I hadn’t called my bear (the one I discovered when I was lead through meditation at 12 years old) into my company in a while. I went to my weekly meditation and the minister brought a bag of charms to the group that she had acquired in Cherokee, NC while on retreat. She told us to select one and we’d research the symbolic meanings of this animal and naturally, I pulled the bear. Time to reset and get back to my roots, it seems.

So here’s the list. On my tangible charm bracelet I’d like to add the following in any form other than gold, please:

The Number 4
This number always makes strong appearances in my life when I need to redirect my focus toward my foundations and habits. It represents stability and tradition, which I like to abandon but find structure and success within, ultimately. (Four Agreements, Four Seasons, and Four Directions being most important in this icon to me.)

A Sun
My cards tell me repeatedly that this is the role I play in my life. It’s intimidating and I spent many years denying it or spitting in God’s eye at such a notion. It’s time to be grateful for it. Plus, it’s the part of “Demon Days” that I like to repeat to myself in tough times:

Turn yourself ’round;
don’t burn yourself!
Turn yourself around to the Sun!
To the Sun!
To the Sun!

A Sacred/Burning Heart
Preferably not as shown connected to Jesus, in the style of milagro. The image for me means something different entirely and is my pledge to “let my light shine” instead of grappling with it or trying to change it or forcing myself to shine when I’m not supposed to.

A Cross
Not that I agree with symbolizing the place where Jesus bit it, necessarily (I think we should symbolize him in the tomb where he supposedly rose again. Isn’t that what makes him significant in the first place?), but being that this is the most common image of such a great teacher, I do want to include it.

The Goddess
Also a habit of cycles in 4’s, the Moon Goddess appeals to my feminine side and calls my hormones around monthly, bringing new perspectives and new beginnings.

An Elephant
My favorite animal and a global sign for luck.

A Bear
I know I said I have one of this significant totem animal, but I worry about the clarity and durability of the one I received from my minister. It’ll hold a special place on my altar, but one with more resilience would be appreciated.

A Water-Bearer
I’m an Aquarius/Capricorn cusp, but I tend to resonate better and more frequently with the water sign. I like the image of Poseidon bearing water, but I’m partial to mermaids to begin with. I’m happy with whatever I receive.

I promise not to get too overwhelmed with this, but enjoy the idea of a gentle reminder of my guides and icons once in a while. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,
Castallare