ANIMA MUNDI

Cast in Lead-free, Kid-Safe, Pewter in the USA by skilled American Crafts People.

The ”Anima Mundi” has been defined in philosophy as the Universal Soul.

Plato believed that the Anima Mundi acted to the world, as the human soul acts to the human body. He spoke of the cosmos as a living being, with a body, soul, and spirit. The “Anima Mundi” was thus called, The Soul of the World. Astrologers and Magicians of the Renaissance period understood the “Anima Mundi” to be the development of the goddess Isis; symbol of the divine female and ever-nurturing mother.  In philosophy and religion, the soul is thought to be the animating force; that which makes things alive! Our spiritual beliefs call it Chi, Ki, Kundalini, and the Holy Spirit. It is as much within us, as all around us.

Some say the profoundness of the soul was minimized by the philosophy of Rene Descartes, in the 17th century. He removed the soul from nature, by stating that all of nature was a machine, including the human body. Science attempted to understand how the body worked, but not why. Western thinking perpetuated this idea by separating science from religion, and allowed science to define the world by it’s own terms. We mistakenly viewed ourselves as the “higher beings” attempting to control nature and demystify the machines. But how “high” can we be without spirit, soul, or consciousness? We have neglected the needs of others; humans, animals, plants, earth, sea, and sky. We neglected our souls, and were not conscious of the souls in others; the souls which make living things alive.

On September 11, 2001, the world as we knew it changed forever.  We experienced a dimension of emotions, the like of which, most of us have never before experienced. The Soul of the World shuddered. The event left us shaken, bewildered, frightened, enraged, confused, and yet still hopeful. Many of us began to appreciate our lives more than ever before, because the uncertainty and fragility of life made it all the more precious. Our souls were awakened. Along with the devastation and immeasurable grief, came empathy, compassion, and kindness.

This interpretation of the “Anima Mundi” was fabricated from my own sorrow. The ache in my soul, so intense, that i felt the universe crumbling around me; the pain so deep, it permeated my being. I strongly believe, that this symbol is appropriate for this time in our world. We must understand that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves; that we are not only part of a living, breathing earth, but part of a universal consciousness. What is reflected from within us, reflects back to us. Be loving and kind to yourself. Be loving and kind to the world. Many of us have adopted the philosophy of a mind, body, and spiritual connection. Eastern philosophies have always believed this. The “Anima Mundi” pours forth her blessings upon the world. May we all learn to do the same! .... Linda Satya Holler, Designer. 

             

A unique double sided design from a Linda Satya Holler drawing, actualized by Pepi, Cast in Lead-free Hallmark brand Pewter by American Crafts persons in the USA. Copr 1990s. 1/2 Wide 1-1/2 H.