Hello Friends,
A few years ago I started collecting skeleton keys and displaying them around my home. Decorative, plain, and especially old, worn ones will find a place on a side table or shelf, while some will be tied with ribbon and hung from drawers or door knobs.
At first, I appreciated the look of them. Some are works of art while others have a rustic charm. But as I studied them, I became enchanted by their symbolism. Various gods and goddesses in cultures around the world are depicted with keys as part of their iconography.
Reflecting On
the symbolism of keys
In Greek mythology Hades often carries keys, representing his control over who enters and leaves the underworld. The Roman god Janus is portrayed with two faces, one looking towards the future and one gazing at the past. He is associated with doors and gates, and his keys unlock transitions and new beginnings. The Norse goddess Frigg is associated with a ring of keys, symbolizing her domestic purview as lady of the house, but also wisdom. Each key represents one of her handmaidens, and modern pagans believe these to be goddesses themselves who unlock certain aspects of Frigg.
Keys are also part the lesser-known Greek goddess Hecate’s iconography. She is symbolic of transition, guiding souls to their resting place in the underworld. She guided Persephone through the land of Hades, but also guided her out, unlocking doorways to her new life in the upper world of light, where Persephone would bring spring back to the lands.
The Heart of It
It’s now September and here in the northeast US we begin our descent into the colder, darker months. But I feel energized by fall. When the crisp air nips my cheeks, I come alive with anticipation and begin planning my creative work. It’s fun to ponder one of my skeleton keys and imagine it unlocking a doorway to some new project or something I’d like to accomplish. An example might be discipline. I would like to be a more disciplined writer and ignore distractions like TV shows, beautiful weather, dinner with friends and family. Of course, doing these things is good for my soul, but if they keep me from accomplishing a goal and, if at the end of the day I regret the time away from my writing, then they have to be balanced.
Recognizing what steps are necessary to accomplish discipline requires a key, and each key will be different for everyone. In other words, key = answer. I could draw a picture or use words to map out what keys I would need to unlock the door to discipline. One technique I find really effective is the sandtray. A sandtray is the psychological technique of filling a tray with white sand and using miniature toys to represent feelings or issues. The miniatures speak to your subconscious, so the best way to do this is to pick up the miniatures that resonate with you first. Don’t overthink it. These miniatures are keys to hidden feelings, and when analyzed afterwards, the results can be very powerful.
Earlier this year I used a sandtray to finished a first draft of my new novel. I’ve now begun the rewriting process. This is always an exciting step because during the first round of edits, I start to make connections between characters, develop themes, and begin sewing up any plot holes I might encounter. In this phase, feel like I’m unlocking secret passageways in my subconscious. I guess having keys scattered around my house has come in handy.
To me, keys symbolize mystery, the unknown, and the soon-to-be-known. I find them comforting and magical. How about you?
Until next time, what will you unlock this fall?
Jan
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So much symbolism in keys - great essay!