A Poem From Lumos
Muse Messages Newsletter
by Catherine White-Gardner
“Call Me Lumos”
I asked this bird,
By what name would you like to be called?
Call me Lumos, was the reply.
I am only seen in the dark,
And only if I am called.
Call me with your heart,
Recognize me with your senses,
and find me bringing you light.
Written on my wings
Is the story you dream.
Traveling on my feathers,
Clues lead the way.
Reach for them not with your hand
But instead with your willingness
To enter the dark.
And then…
Call me for light.
~cwg~
After completing the painting sketch above, I spent time in a writing meditation to find what to call the painting. The name “Lumos” came to me, and when I looked up the meaning, this is what showed up online:
* The term “lumos” comes from the Latin word “lumin” which means simply “light.” Adding an “os” to the end of any Latin word adds the meaning “to have” thus, lumos means literally “to have light.”
The meaning felt like a fit. And for that reason, I accepted it as the name of this particular painting. Only later did I find out it’s the name of an illumination spell. The Harry Potter characters used it to light the tip of their wands. I’ve read all of the books and have seen all of the movies. Yet, at the time, I had no immediate recollection of the Lumos spell.
I didn’t forget. Instead, it was tucked back in a hidden corner of my unconscious mind. And when I needed it, I had access.
The unconscious mind serves us in helpful ways. With focused listening, it brings the information we need at the right time.
Catherine Gardner is a Guided Imagery Practitioner and Artist. She is an ally who helps women find access to their inner guidance system through the language of symbols for healing, creative inspiration, and meaning.