Yule Ramblings #20: The Yarnman One

My gifted Auntie Mina hand-sculpted this knit-twisted wonder: A jolly snowman in full simper, with two eyes and a mouth of coal, two black buttons, a red and white striped cap and a fluffy red scarf.

The snowman symbolizes someone that is re-learning their spiritual path. Of course, this leads us to believe that this entity has "walked" this road at least once or twice before. He is still figuring things out, and he has been blessed with another chance at enlightenment.

Obviously, snowmen lead us to think of snow. And we'll touch on that in a minute... get your mittens ready :)

But first, why the coal?

Well, the whole "fire and ice" symbology rings fairly true here, as does black and white, hot and cold, yin and yang. There is duality at play. I like to think that the coal reminds us that this little soul can handle a touch of heat, leading us to infer that he is lovingly tender and warm-hearted.

No nose of either the carrot or the button variety for this guy. No cone of power in bright orange flare. No wobbly resting ledge for a curious Christmas robin. He's perfect as he is with the senses he currently employs.

As for snow, it is said that water is a reminder of a continual flow of information from teacher to student. Snow, as it quietly lands and collects on the ground, is reminiscent of gentle, patient instruction. At some point, snow (and ice) would eventually turn to water, a reminder that a constant cycle is needed for rebirth.

Technically though, we have a yarnman on our tree. He is cozily safe from melting in our temperate home. To dream of yarn is a favorable omen, one that indicates great luck, the building of the beautiful, a happy conclusion.

The little yarnman reminds me that Auntie Mina was the tutor, I, the pupil, and my deviceful and clever auntie was thoughtfully instructing me to craft my own bliss.