Discerning Signs & Symbolism

Let’s talk about what it means to see and understand “a sign”. We often ask the divine to “send me a sign” but what does that mean and how would you even know you’re getting one?

Some signs can be universal like Butterflies being a sign of a passed loved one paying a visit or pennies being linked to ancestral hello’s (at least from a Black person’s perspective). What we should be clear about is that signs are a language all in their own. It’s almost like you’re coming up with inside jokes with the divine which is why they are personal to each individual. Signs can literally be any and everything which is why it’s important that you do some of the foot work to choose what you’ll respond to. For example, spiders can often talk about craftsmanship and hard work but if you aren’t someone who receptive and or even afraid of insects then maybe Gears (like the symbol for settings on a device) would become your more distinguishable sign for effort and revision.

Divine is more often than not looking for a way to communicate to you and are just waiting for you to choose the language and build the practice. They will send any and everything until you declare an association. I’ll give you a personal example from my life. One of my totem animal’s is an Eagle. Eagle energy is typically about rising above the fray to focus in and attain a goal. When the Eagle is sending me a sign they’ll drop feathers for me. That was something we’ve established after trail and error.

At some point I was just noticing an abundance of feathers and lots of Eagle imagery around me before I made the association. Plus I can do divination for myself and had a friend who confirmed where the sign was coming from through mediumship. When using divination by myself I asked “Okay I see it but what do you want me to do when you send this?” essentially they were letting me know there would be a bunch of little things that would irritate me but pay them no mind and they’ll be a “pot of gold” so to speak at the end of my journey. Game on! I knew that you could ask Divine for things and if you stayed true to the belief after curve balls it would be granted as long as your wish isn’t restrictively specific. I told them to honor this I want a surprise that would floor me with joy and excitement, something unmistakable.

At my job there is a very popular intersection where events and farmers markets usually take place and down the avenue there is usually nothing ever going on (other end of the very long block). On my way to work, not only did I miss my train (it left earlier than it was supposed to) but the one I got on was rerouted to do another train line’s route which extended my hour commute 30 mins. I, of course, was annoyed but remembering my divine bargain I decided to focus more on the excitement I’d feel later. Due to my 30m delay the room I prefer to set up in was already taken and my least favorite room was the only option, ugh! Of course not a big deal but I stopped myself from sulking to say “well what can I do? Doesn’t change anything to fuss” and instead focused on making the most out of my shift. At this point the day was pretty normal as I went to take my lunch.

I usually don’t go to McDonald’s, but that day I just wanted something quick so I went to the McDonalds on the other side of the block (less busy). Plus I also had about $20 on me and I usually don’t carry cash so I wanted to use that. As I’m walking onto that block I walked in on a [surprise] street food fair! I got to pick up all my favorites Elote, loaded corn flour Arepas, fries and a drink with 2 dollars to spare! All before even reaching the Mcdonalds. I was ecstatic especially for the bargain plus there was virtually no announcements of the event especially to be on the less popular side of the block. By the time my coworker went on lunch it was already over and the staff I passed (mine and the building security) were not only surprised by the fair but also were trying to tell me “I could’ve made those for you!” insinuating I was overcharged but my sandwich was not only delicious but HEFTY! Truly I felt as though it was the perfect little surprise for me and because I did a good job of ignoring little annoyances I wouldn’t even let those little comments bother me especially when I was so delighted to receive what I got.

Ever since then I locked into the understanding that when the Eagle sends me a feather I am to ignore small inconveniences in favor of a blessing later to come, this is where you can connect symbolism with the sign. Now you don’t have to take everyone’s own sign and meanings as your own. You can literally ask for anything. “Show me a green lion if I’m on the right path!” They’ll find a way to bring it to you, but give them time. As much as we would like immediacy that is unrealistic. I would say to establish a new sign in your divine lexicon give them 2 weeks. In this example, let’s say you’re reading a children’s book to your niece and boom — Green Lion! Remember to acknowledge the sign (at some point preferable aloud — let them know you see and receive it then send thanks. Remember Spirit needs consent to boost their energy) which is like saving your progress.

I live in NYC — populated with pigeons, it is easy to find feathers everywhere so I often would ignore them. Then they were showing up everywhere. Train station steps, inside building, etc. Still I couldn’t be convinced. I literally “I’m seeing them and I don’t know if it’s you or my city but I don’t want to touch them since they’re dirty and all over the floor”. At that point in time I was helping a family friend cover their U-haul business by doing a few shifts despite not having my license during the summer. I had to get into one of the 10ft trucks, put the key in the ignition, and record the mileage and gas to finish a return. As soon as I got in the seat (because sometimes people would forget to take a cup or their trash). I checked the cup holder and a HUGE black and white feather sat gently placed. I couldn’t help but laugh as I picked it up because what are the odds that people who are moving would choose to roll their windows up and leave a feather of all things in the cup holder?

I tell this story to say, because the sign can be anything when you choose the association it is important that you stand by it! If you say Gears are a sign to put in the effort and keep working it doesn’t matter how, when, and where the sign shows up for you — you must honor that connection and the message or you will never feel like you can truly understand your intuitive self or Divine. In this case it was “ask and you shall receive” since I didn’t want it to be dirty lol but they still made a obvious and quiet moment for me to honor and acknowledge the connection in order to consecrate the new addition to my divine lexicon.

The last thing I want to note is if you’re not already establishing a new sign, they might have been sending you one already and you just don’t know what to do with it. Of course, Divination would be the easiest way to decode it or book with someone who can. If that isn’t an option you need to be PRESENT to notice the sign in the first place. Secondly (here’s your sign to journal!) what situations do you see these signs come up? What' emotions are you experiencing? What is the tone of your thoughts? Where you asking a question? Keep a log and the answers will reveal themselves through process of elimation. Remember often times signs (like angel numbers for example) work similliarly to AI/Chat GPT. They don’t just start telling you things — it is a response to the data you give it. It is communicating to you based of the data you’ll find by answering the questions above. I’m leaving it here for today! Questions, comments, critiques are all welcomed in Thee Gathering!