Week 4 - Intuitive Collage + Zine-making

Making meaning - Symbols and words as talismans

If you missed last week's missive, see Week 3. Or you can start with Week 1 here.

I've been asking why symbols and words are such a powerful tool to initiate transformation in my life. Here's what I've got so far:

When I struggle to describe something, I often look to nature for guidance. To me, using symbols and words is subterranean work because plants put down roots before we see any progress or beauty on the surface (the stem, then the leaves, then the flowers and finally, fruit). I am learning more and more that the work to accomplish a goal often involves 'unseen' energetic work that enables me to complete the tasks I want to do. For example, over the last year, I've learned that building a sustainable habit of movement also meant reframing what it means to listen to my body as part of the process.

The subterranean work can feel unexpected, frustrating, and healing all at once. When I embrace life as a transformative process, I realize it's the point.

Whether you know exactly what it is you desire to do this year, this is an invitation to get underneath that and set intentions around who you are being.

Does anyone else out there use words or symbols to make meaning in their life? And if so, what do you think makes it valuable?

With that, let's open up our zines.

And if I've completely lost you...

Let me break it down for you:

This is what it means to look for answers within yourself. There is so much information, data, and content encouraging us to seek answers out in the world. But how do you know what's really true for you? And yes, it can feel a little uncomfortable or unclear at first, but this is learning the language of intuition.

Let's look inward

Grab a journal and take some rough notes about whatever arises from the prompts below. When in doubt, notice wherever a symbol or word feels important or interesting to you and explore that with curiosity - trust whatever you know or don't know about it (both are useful).

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1) REFLECTION 1: WHAT'S BEEN?

From all that's 'been', what are you taking with you into the new year? What are you leaving behind?

And what symbol matters most?

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2) REFLECTION 2: WHAT'S HERE?

Looking at 'what's here' with fresh eyes, what do you notice now?

What matters most?

What symbols are significant?

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3) REFLECTION 3: WHAT'S COMING?

Looking at 'what's coming',

what do you want most this year?

What symbols call this in?

(And what symbols don't you know about?

In other words, they still feel like mystery.)

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Finally, what is the most meaningful symbol or word in your collage? The one that sums up what it is you're taking away from this reflection. Perhaps it's an intention for the year, or a powerful talisman that embodies your subterranean work.

Now, use that symbol to inspire the cover of your zine. You can simply write a related title on your zine, or draw the symbol, or maybe even cut out something new from your materials to paste on.

I kept mine simple. My symbol was hands that are weaving.

From your reflection, what is one thing you unearthed?

I'd be so curious to know by way of the comments or email.

And if you don't know, that's ok. This is a mysterious process by nature, not to be rushed. Maybe put your zine beside your bed and dream on it. Let the process work itself through. Check in after a few days and see what's shifted, or maybe what's affirmed. Honour the creative process by going slow, with no expectations.

Honouring the work

And finally, we can put the finishing touches on our zine as a way of honouring the entire process.

1. Bind it. I took the easy route and used a stapler. However, there are many ways to bind a little book if you want to explore further.

2. Trim the edges as best you can, so it feels complete.

How to bind a zine in 45 seconds

You MADE a book with YOUR story, how incredibly rad.

Whisper something sweet out loud to yourself, and take a moment to feel proud.

Leave your zine out for a week or two in a special spot - like a shelf, alter, or desk - to remind you of this subterranean work. Additionally, I recommend finding a place to put your most important symbol somewhere where you'll see it often (like a bathroom mirror, stuck to your laptop, or even saved as a phone background) so it goes with you like a magical talisman that is calling intention in to transform your life.

This is the 'slow intention' we have set in motion for this year. Allow it time to do it's magic, you've given it power with all that you've put into this process.

I hope you enjoyed this creative, whimsical, and a little far-out process to start the new year. In times like these when the world is boiling over, doing the work of looking inward, regulating, and connecting to our inner knowing is some of the most important work to be done. In other words, I am able to take my light and fire into the world where it's needed when I tend the embers first with care.

I would be delighted to hear your reflections, questions, or ideas in response to this process in the comments or by email.