How the Cardinal Can Teach Us A Lesson On Being Seen

By Erica Lanae

When I was a little girl, my favorite color was red.

As I got older, I learned that the color red was associated with much negativity.

Women who wore red were whores. People who wore read were attention seekers.

The lowest Chakra color associated with survival & our lower nature is red. I never wanted to be associated with such negative views. So, as time went on, subconsciously I began to adopt my second favorite color Purple, as my favorite instead of red. That wasn't the only thing I let go of. I let go of speaking my truth, dancing, & just being seen, for fear that others would think I wanted attention & be cruel to me.When I began doing shadow work,( I'll explain more about this in another post) I realized that I had not only completely forgotten

that red USE to be my favorite color, but I had forgotten my true nature...that I was a vibrant, feisty & somewhat bold girl. Part of me was afraid to accept this, because I was still very fragile from some of the assumptions & comments made about me because of this nature.

Once I accepted this part of myself, I remembered how excited I was whenever I would see a cardinal. Bright red with it's own distinct chirping.They were a sight to see on an all white, snow covered day. They made me happy, They were unapologetic in their beauty & regality.

I now wear red lipstick on nights that I want to be show stopping. I wear Red Jasper stones to HONOR my root Chakra, & I rejoice in the color of my menstrual fluid each month. Reminding me of my power in being a woman. The cardinal taught me many lessons on the importance of being seen. When you show up as your vibrant self, you can offer a glimpse of hope & happiness for someone else. Reminding us that even on the gloomy days when everything seems cold & lacking life, There is vibrant color & beauty around you, if you just look close enough. Nowadays, my favorite color palette leans more towards Magenta.

A feminine blend of red, purple & pink. However, I hold sacred the color red. It's powers, it's beauty & the lessons of the cardinal. To never hide your true self, because someone may see your light, & be reminded of theirs.

Erica Lanae is a Board Certified Holistic Practitioner & Certified Clinical Aromatherapist.

An avid nature & animal lover, womanist, bellydance enthusiast & sister friend to all.