Interpretation of the Chinese character 靈/Ling/Rei. 靈 draws together three images- the base image is 巫 Wu: Sorceress, Witch, Shaman. Picturing two humans dancing between Heaven & Earth, this image contains the image Gong 工 : Work, Labor. This dance is no “ordinary” dance, but rather one that seeks to influence the forces of Heaven/Earth via intentional work, via ritual. The middle image is three Kou 口 : Mouth. Three mouths together = many mouths praying/pleading for something. The uppermost image is Yu 雨 : Rain. The imagery is one of raindrops falling from the canopy of the sky. Blending the images together we have - Two Shamans doing a Rain Dance; calling down the Blessings of Rain to Grow Crops, to Nourish People, to Sustain Life. In fuller terms - 靈 Ling are the human energies that can call down blessings and inspirations from the sky - Spiritual energies which are a profound way we humans can express our Spirit and influence life and our world. Peace, Joseph Carter
