My first painting “Tiger” ©Jodie Cara Lindley
About a year ago I felt inspired to start painting. I wanted to paint my favourite subject matter, spirit animals. Animals come to me in visions and in dreams. I feel and see them around me. I teach people how to connect with their spirit, totem and power animals through shamanic journeying and meditation. They are important in my life and I believe strongly in their value and truth.
I have had no formal training at all. I just started painting. Call that whatever it is, but to me, it is about expression. It is about letting what is within you out, in whatever form that takes. There is a very powerful quote about this:
“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” ~Gospel of Thomas~
I now believe that this art needs to be out in the world, for whatever reason. This is not coming from ego, but from a spirited place. I believe art work and creative expressions have imprints within them: these imprints communicate or pass on something to the observer that is needed. What that is, is personal. I believe this imprint comes through the eyes of the animal, or some other attribute that comes through in the painting. That is for the observer to decide.
The world needs more light, love and peace. It needs inspiration and empowerment. My hope is that my art lifts many hearts, and enlightens, empowers and engages people to touch the deeper aspects of their Being.
Here are some of my favourite pieces. If you feel you would like a personal art piece, please contact me directly. Many thanks. ♥
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“face & embrace” Jaguar ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Jaguar Medicine – this reflects the call of the jaguar, this most ferocious wild cat.
Jaguar calls us to “face and embrace”: face our fears, the darkness, what we see (that we don’t want to see), and calls us to find our power and embrace it.
Sometimes the hardest challenge we have is to believe in ourselves. Jaguar is here to help.
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“Go Within” Bear ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Bear Medicine – the mighty bear is not lazy, like you might think. Bear will come into your dreams and look you dead in the eyes, staring you down.
Bear asks, are you willing to “go within”? What are you avoiding by not looking inside of yourself? Are you paying attention to your dreams at night, and during the day? Bear will not give you the answers, but will guide you into you SELF.
He teaches that what you need to know is right there, within you. Go there.
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“be wise” Screech Owl ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Owl Medicine – this is the silent stalker of the woods, who watches and waits. Be careful, this creature will call you out on your lies and deceptions.
“Be wise”, says Owl. Don’t try to fool yourself or others, because the truth will come to light at some point. These eyes can see through anything and can assist with the gift of second sight and knowing.
Being wise isn’t being smart. It is knowing the truth.
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“Seek A Vision” Golden Eagle ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Eagle Medicine – fly high with this mighty bird, the one who is said to be the closest to God or Great Spirit. When one sees an Eagle in the sky, Spirit is close.
To “seek a vision” is eagle’s gift. Eagle teaches us to ascend our perspective to see from a greater view, a more spiritual and big picture view. See from Spirit’s eyes and you will be enlightened.
Eagle can teach us to be connected to land and sky: grounded in the world but connected to spirit. This is the way of balance.
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“Rise” Phoenix ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Phoenix Medicine – this is a mythological creature with a stunning and powerful energy and force. Phoenix coming to you means get ready for a transformation.
The Phoenix urges us to “Rise”…rise up, out and beyond. This creature was reborn from the ashes, after being burned up by the sun.
Phoenix speaks of allowing yourself to let go, to die, to surrender the old, and be reborn again into a new and glorious form.
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“Freedom” Horse ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Horse Medicine – hear that stomping? That is horse getting your attention. Horse can feel, smell and know you…before you even know yourself.
Horse brings the medicine of freedom, travel and adventure. Horse asks that we be authentic in our dealings with self and others, and that we allow ourselves to be free, be who we are.
Look into the eyes of a horse, and you will see yourself. Your beauty, your Spirit and your freedom.
©Jodie Cara Lindley, http://www.earthskyjourneys.org
Illumination Magazine 