When the Universe sends a sign or a message our way, it often speaks to us through the language of metaphor, a language recognized by our intuition and our higher self.

To use the language of metaphor to interpret a sign, explore using the language suggested by the sign. For instance, five different light bulbs burning out in your home within a couple of days may hold a message for you. To begin investigating what it might mean, you would ask yourself questions around the concept of light, vision and seeing:

What am I meant to shed light on in my life?
             What am I meant to see?
             What am I meant to bring into the light?

And around its opposite – dark, blindness and not seeing:

            What am I keeping myself in the dark about?
            What am I not seeing?
            What are others around me keeping me in the dark about?
            What am I blind to in my life right now?

And also around the symbolism of light bulbs representing ideas:

What bright idea is waiting to come into my awareness?
What idea am I meant to share with the world?

As you cycle through the list of questions in your mind, pay attention with your intuition and your kinesthetic senses. Sense where the energetic charge is. Your higher self, through your intuition, will cue you where to investigate further. Quite possibly, an answer to one of the questions will pop into your mind, and you’ll realize the meaning behind the sign.

Our bodies frequently speak to us through the language of metaphor. For example, if our shoulder has been aching recently, we might ask ourselves, “What burden am I shouldering?” Or if we get a case of laryngitis, “Where in my life am I not speaking my truth?”

The language of metaphor works with many of the signs and messages we receive. So if in doubt about the meaning of a sign, start with the language of metaphor and quite often you won’t need to use any other techniques to help decipher the message.

Another place where playing with language gives us clues to meaning: If you have a “slip of the tongue” and use a word or phrase other than the one you were intending, pay attention to what was actually said. It may give insight into something you’re not aware of thinking or believing but which holds power.

A four-hour basic class on “Reading Signs & Messages” will be held Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, at a private residence near Prairie du Sac, WI. For more information, email debramorrill@yahoo.com or call 608-279-4319.