Foundation - Provide insight to given and inherited qualities. We are born with given and inherited qualities that shape our character. Insight is the key to achieving balance and allows us to grow more fully into ourselves. Yet, what you are born with does not define who you will be… 

Symbols & Tenets - Remind, reinforce and amplify our self-agency and free will. Symbols are a universal language that allow us to cultivate the deep well of our subconscious. Through our lexicon of symbols FoundRae developed ten Tenets, principles, or beliefs, that are spiritual cornerstones that define each one of us as well as inspire the next chapter. Our tenets remind us that we can always choose, can always change; we each have free will and agency over our lives. 

The Path to Joy

Butterfly: The butterfly is a symbol of an inextinguishable soul; always drawn to light.  

X: The roman numeral 10 represents manifestation and completion.  

Spade: The spade represents the idiom “in spades”. It’s the energy catalyst, the initiator.  

Triple Butterfly Triskele: Three winged souls of inspiration: Mneme (Memory), Aoide (Music) & Melete (practice/occasion). Together they incite us to daydream, to create, to celebrate. 

The Path to Joy 

Float between reality, fantasy, and memory to connect our conscious and unconscious. Seek out what lights us up. Seek what gives us energy. Elevated positive energy is the catalyst of change that allows us to reconnect and align with our souls to create joy. These symbols evoke, rather than just describe, Joy. 

Butterfly: The butterfly is a symbol of an inextinguishable soul; always drawn to light. 

X: The roman numeral 10 represents manifestation and completion. 

Spade: The spade represents the idiom "in spades". It's the energy catalyst, the initiator. 

Triple Butterfly Triskele: Three winged souls of inspiration: Mneme(Memory), Aoide(Music) and Melete(practice/occasion). Together they incite us to daydream, to create, to celebrate. 

Omne Bonum: "All Good Things" in Latin. 

Inextinguishable Soul

The butterfly is a symbol of an inextinguishable soul; always drawn to light.  

The butterfly is meant to celebrate the soul and what gives our life meaning. In celebration of our own soul's search for the light of our life purpose, like the Myth of Psyche in Greek mythology, following her bliss. Aligning and reconnecting with our Soul; the absolute, undeniable, irrevocable connection with our essence. They can represent the defiant shout that our soul is ours alone to fuel and fire.   

It also celebrates the souls we cherish and keep close to us: a soulmate, our children, and our parents. It is cathartic when grieving the loss of a beloved soul. It honors the birth of a new soul. In friendship, in love, in grief, in joy, for what is a soul but the metamorphosis of the individual from the divine; the beyond, between, and the after of everything this life encompasses. There is an end to life, but not of love.   

Resilience is the capacity to withstand difficult circumstances and overcome challenging life experiences. 

Blossom: The blossoms are the product of resilience and continue to bloom, even in darkness, against adversity: wild, abundant and untamed. A beauty which grows from our darkest hour and overcomes the thorn. 

Thorn: The thorn represents the inevitable adversity that you will face. It is the risk you assume for something you love—for living life fully without reserve. You can't separate the thorn from the blossom. 

Sparrow: The sparrow is a pictorial representation of its homophone spero, which means "I hope" in both Latin and Italian. The Latin phrase dum spiro spero translates to "as long as I breathe, I hope" — a reminder in times of adversity that the sparrow will sing again. 

Spero/Hope

We chose the Sparrow, to pictorially represent it's homophone "Spero", Latin for "Hope."

Choose to hold onto hope.

Dum Spiro Spero: As long as I breathe, I hope.

True love binds the heart forever.

True love includes all of the 7 types of love. 

• Agape: Universal love  
• Eros: Romantic love  
• Philia: Friendship  
• Storge: The love between parents and children  
• Ludus: Playful love  
• Pragma: Love founded on duty and reason  
• Philautia: Self-love  

True love knot: Also known as a Bowen's knot, this is a heraldic knot representing the connectivity of true love. The four outer loops beseech support from the four corners of the world.  

Heart: Love is what makes our heart beat. The embodiment of the 7 types of love. 

Star: Energy and divine guidance. 

Spark: A reminder that it just takes a spark to begin a lifelong journey of Love. 

Number 7: Seven is an auspicious number across all cultures indicating completion and a tribute to the seven types of Love. 

Each Strong Heart link is drawn from a heart, ending and beginning with love, yet the hearts are still discreet. It is the strength of the chain that is most visible. The heart is more like a secret you keep in your pocket, like the love note your mom left in your lunch bag, or the romantic message that's been tucked into your bouquet of flowers.

Our Strong Hearts Collection is bold with an undercurrent of romance.

Pat. D983,080

Seven Types of Love

Number 7: Seven is an auspicious number across all cultures indicating completion and a tribute to the seven types of love.

• Agape: Universal Love
• Eros: Romantic Love
• Philia: Friendship
• Storge: The love between parents and children
• Ludus: Playful love
• Pragma: Love founded on duty and reason
• Philautia: Self-Love

Amate

Someone who is dearly loved, beloved... treasured.

We wrote the letters of A-M-A-T-E as a ligature, combining the letters as one to form a single, connected glyph.

Bunny

Rabbits are symbols of abundance and love.

Excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit: He said, “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand".

c. 1922 Margery Williams

To pierce somebody's heart

Inspired by Cupid, the mythological Roman god of love and desire. Armed with a bow and quiver, Cupid aroused love and passion in gods and mortals by piercing their hearts with one of his golden-tipped arrows.

The tiny piercings on the border of the Lovestruck pieces are proof that you have been pierced by love, forever marked, each arrow leaving a bead of impact.

The invincible, untameable Diamond

Whenever I look at a diamond I think of the meaning of the ancient Greek word it originated from which means “untamable, invincible.” Philosophers would speak about a legendary unbreakable stone, they called Adamas, or Adamant.

Thousands of years later, people began to use the word to refer to something that cannot be altered, for example, if someone is “adamant” they are as unyielding as this mythical stone. There is something strong and mighty in that word, and the unconquer- able stone that it describes became known as “diamond.” Precious, absolutely. But not delicate, not sweet, the untamed and invincible diamond.

There is no such thing as a perfect pair; a perfect match. Yet, when you find the person that is the perfectly imperfect match for you, something miraculous happens. You give them a piece of your heart, and they give you a piece of theirs. You're not always conscious of the moment it happens, when the piece is fused in your heart, but your heart grows as a result and is changed forever. Forever and always, perpetually, and unceasingly bound.

Established by folklore tradition in the Middle Ages, the extra leaf on a four-leaf clover is said to bring luck to the other three leaves which represent faith, hope, and love.

With our unique interpretation, our Four Heart Clover medallion emphasizes love even more by shaping each leaf of the clover into hearts with a point of union at the center.

The Monogram Cigar Band is a timeless, heritage piece that weaves your own initials and dates into the long line of tradition that precedes you. It is striking with its unique silhouette and color and will be passed down to both sons & daughters.

Strength is within. It is an ever-present, internal force we all possess but need to call on. 

The Lion is the archetypal symbol of strength, nobility, power, and authority; taking its radiance from the sun. The Tiger conjures images of fierceness but tempered with a quieter, stealth, alert steeliness, a glowing nocturnal light. Wisdom lies in where and how to express our strength. 

Lion: The lion symbolizes strength, dignity, self-confidence, solar energy. 

Tiger: The tiger represents fierceness; soft but powerful, graceful movements and stealth, lunar energy. 

Star: The star represents energy & divine guidance. There is no strength without direction. 

The Star symbolizes energy and divine guidance. So much of "who we are" was written in the stars on the day we were born, but our predispositions do not make up all of who we are. We still have agency and will over our own lives, the strength to forge our own paths.

The stars guide us, but the path is ours to define. The North Star, the brightest star in the sky, the guide to our "True North", is our orienting point, the constant in your life.

Only with self-reflection can the right path be determined. 

Compass: The cardinal directions of the compass are in mirror-image; only when you look in the mirror can the directions be properly read. 

E: The sun rises in the East, making the direction symbolic of new beginnings.  

True North: True North represents each individual's unique orienting point; your touchstone, the "right" direction that brings you home to you. Something stable in your life that will never let you down. 

Music is known as the universal language of humanity and the Birds Eye Pause, or fermata 𝄐 is a musical symbol cueing the reader to hold or stop. And if that sign is on top of a "rest of silence" - then the performer needs to hold that silence for a beat longer than instinct. The exact length of time is determined by the person, not dictated by the music, so you can develop your own individual, syncopated rhythm. One must pause, to reflect, to look inward.

We move so fast, busy ourselves with doing, that we forget the power of a pause. A pause to make time for yourself, to feed your soul. A pause to break pattern. Stop living on automatic. Don't let life "happen" to you. A pause to just live in the moment. A pause to celebrate every sunrise, every small accomplishment. A pause to sit in gratitude. Because tomorrow is not promised. Pause. Reflect. Live. Savor. Today.

Today is the first day of all of your tomorrows. The rising of the sun is a source of hope and life, and the daily opportunity of new beginnings. Vast, boundless, expansive, open.

Will we BE ourselves?

Will we heed our inner whispers?

The cardinal directions of the compass each carry symbolic meaning. The rising of the sun from the East indicates our origins, the source of life, a fresh start. Each day is a new day filled with potential. The day unveils itself just as life unfolds for us. As the sun rises, the light shines and so do you.

Dream forward. We can actualize our dreams. 

Triangle: The divine triangle is often associated with pyramids, arrowheads and sacred mountains, it is also the fire sign in the classical elements. It represents the journey of self-discovery, transformation, and ascension. 

Arrow: The arrow inspires us to powerfully launch forward and make the dream happen. It's a call to action. If not now, then when? 

Star: The star represents energy & divine guidance. 

Laurel: The interlocking Laurel Leaf branches are a historic emblem that signifies accomplishment and glory. The Laurel Leaf is an evergreen which adds additional meaning, indicating that the achievement is an unfading glory. 

Per Aspera Ad Astra

Laurel: The interlocking Laurel Leaf branches are a historic emblem that signifies accomplishment and glory. The Laurel Leaf is an evergreen which adds additional meaning, indicating that the achievement is an unfading glory.  

Stars: The star represents energy & divine guidance.  

Crown: The crown indicates triumph.

The Arrow is about launching forward. Sometimes the forward progress seems daunting or halted, but even an arrow can only be shot by pulling it backwards first.

If you are feeling stuck or even like you have taken a step backwards, look beyond the obstacles knowing that you have to keep the target in sight.

Instead of being over-fearful of what diminishes us, become more interested in that which emboldens us: the thoughts, feelings, and work that safeguard us. 

"La Loba" Claw: The wolf claw represents our untamed primal instincts. Fierce, loyal, defiant; intent on protecting our fundamental nature. 

Horseshoe: Historically made of iron, a metal that withstands fire. A metaphor for standing against the fire of adversity and negativity. Also associated with prosperity and luck.

Double Triangle: Fire/water, male/female, transformation/regeneration: the ultimate power of protection with each force combined. 

Scarab: An ancient Egyptian symbol of Khepera, the sun God, that creates life and is a powerful protector. 

La Loba: The symbol of the wolf claw represents our untamed primal instincts. The wolf claw nods to the ancient association of the wolf, particularly the she-wolf, with guiding and protecting the soul. Fierce, loyal, defiant, and intent on protecting our fundamental nature. Our primal instincts flow through each of us if we allow ourselves to listen. Our body often tells us first.

Three La Loba Claws symbolize expanding Protection. Together, they form a shape called a Triskele, a term derived from an ancient Greek word meaning "three times." The fusion of these three claws further enhances their individual significance, denoting growth, progress, the creation of energy, and an ever-expanding shield of Protection.

The wolf is a trailblazer and pathfinder. When the forest seems too dark and deep, she can still find her way. And she has teeth. Trust your instincts.

The horseshoe was historically made of iron, a strong metal that withstands fire. It is an appropriate metaphor for standing against the fire of adversity and negativity. The symbol is also often associated with prosperity and luck.

Vivacity comes from the Latin vivacitas, meaning “life force.” The unwavering belief that life is beautiful, and every moment a gift, is the cornerstone of living a life rich with exploration, discovery, and learning. Because tomorrow is not promised. 

In order to create memories, we must be fully present wherever we are. Our willingness to embrace new experiences will determine how rich and meaningful our lives become. With wings we fly; limitless and invigorating. 

Wings: Without wings, we cannot reach the limitless skies, the apex of our potential. These pieces are meant to be companions on your journey skyward, encouraging you to unfurl your wings even in the most daunting times. If not now, when? 

+-: The plus and minus signs represent a French phrase: qu'hier, que demain, taken from the 1889 poem "L'Eternelle Chanson" by Rosamonde Gerard-"more than yesterday and less than tomorrow." This beautiful sentiment is an homage to a generous heart and ever-growing love, a larger heart, and the accumulation of memories of a treasured life. 

Seed: The symbolism of planting a single seed represents starting to create the life you want. All growth begins here - one action, one step. 

The plus and minus signs, in combination with two French phrases: Qu'hier, Que Demain translated as "Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow". Representing the accumulation of experiences that produce more love, a larger heart, and a fuller life: resulting in memories of a treasured life that builds, today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.

Distilled from a couplet taken from the poem "L'eternelle chanson" that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire with even a single line of verse. Written in 1889 by Rosamonde Gerard.

Au jourd'hui plus qu'hier et bien moins que demain
Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow

Symbolic of ever-growing love and an ever-growing life, each moment a gift.

Beloved, With Wings We Fly

A collage, formed by the symbols of True Love and the art of Living Life Passionately, creates a single glyph of a winged heart. The two tenets are fused to remind us that an act of True Love is lifting each other up and encouraging one another to live life fully and passionately. 

True love knot: True love knot binds the heart forever. Also known as a Bowen's knot, this is a heraldic knot representing the connectivity of true love. 

Heart: Love is what makes our heart beat.  

Wings: With wings we fly-no longer confined to the earth, we are limitless.  

Number 7: Seven represents the seven classical types of love: Eros, Storge, Philia, Agape, Ludus, Pragma, Philautia. 

Wholeness encourages us to seek unity through growth and balance and, like a snake, to shed the skin we have outgrown. 

Snake: The snake is valued as a talisman of rejuvenation. The ouroborous, a snake eating its own tail, is an ancient symbol indicating wholeness. 

Crescent: From the Latin word crescere, to grow.  

Triangle: A fire element represents the journey of transformation and self-discovery. The divine triangle is associated with pyramids and sacred mountains. 

Star: The star represents energy & divine guidance. 

Crescere, To Grow

We chose the Crescent Moon for its Latin root, crescere, to grow. The Crescent Moon encourages us to get farther along our spiritual and emotional path.

The Moon helps us to navigate relationships, it defines our deepest emotional nature. It gives us our intuition, what makes us vulnerable, what we need to feel safe. It defines how we emotionally and spiritually grow.

Lunar energy is restorative, receptive, representing harmony, balance, and compassion. It is the cycle of the Moon: magnetism, attraction, gestation, and manifesting. It is considered feminine energy/Yin energy. The key is to find the right balance of lunar and solar energy within yourself.

Three convergent rays of light, like paths, leading the ascent to higher thinking and a higher state of being. The three pillars of life: mind, body, and soul.   

At the top of the paths are the three phases of the moon representing maiden, mother, and elder. I interpret it as a symbol of the generations of women that have come before us, the mothers of our mothers that have all fought, loved, and cried to get you to you. Our lunar legacy, our birth right to reach our full potential.

Healing

Black pearls have many spiritual associations, including healing and hope.

Pearls are created in the nurturing, lunar energy of water: their shape and glow evoke the image of a full moon. I find inspiration in the growth of the pearl: an irritant disrupts the stasis of the oyster, and over time, layers of layers of pearl nacre surround the substance.

These gradual layers build upon each other and transform what was once a threat into a thing of beauty. This gem grows out of necessity, the same way we must aspire to heal when confronted with adversity-with grace, hope, and beauty.

Lunar/solar, feminine/masculine, yin/yang.

All people have elements of ambition, energy, and fight as well as qualities that have a softer, fluid, accepting and receptive side. They each have a purpose, a function in developing our human potential and spirituality. Only when we find the right balance, the synthesis of both, do we become whole. 

The challenge is individual. We must each, personally, undertake and accomplish this re-balancing. The Astrological keys give us insight to the key to the right balance for each individual. 

Semper Gratus

Gratitude is the sustenance of life. It is the never ending well that we return to for nourishment. If Gratitude were a sound, it would be a quiet, constant hum. A soft vibrating melody that is meant to be our constant companion. 

Semper Gratus: Latin for always grateful. A gentle reminder to never stop expanding our capacity for gratitude. 

Wheat: Wheat's symbolic meaning is nourishment and sustenance. It is a staple of the diet that fulfills our basic needs, but it also has the potential for abundance with a bountiful harvest. 

Karma: The law of cause and effect. It is the belief that our intentions and actions shape our life experiences. 

Every day, every moment, we make choices, how to respond, how to move forward, and every choice is preceded by an intention. That intention drives the consequences. 

Eight: The number 8 represents the continual of returning energy. We have a choice regarding what kind of energy we want to put out in the world. 

Infinity: On its side, the 8 stands for infinity. Bondless, never-ending, continuous.  

Star: The star represents energy & divine guidance. 

Crescent: The crescent moon was chosen for its Latin root word, crescere, which means to grow. Reminding us that every day is a new day to grow inwardly by seeking truth and enlightenment. 

Crescere, To Grow

We chose the Crescent Moon for its Latin root, crescere, to grow. The Crescent Moon encourages us to get farther along our spiritual and emotional path.

The Moon helps us to navigate relationships, it defines our deepest emotional nature. It gives us our intuition, what makes us vulnerable, what we need to feel safe. It defines how we emotionally and spiritually grow.

Lunar energy is restorative, receptive, representing harmony, balance, and compassion. It is the cycle of the Moon: magnetism, attraction, gestation, and manifesting. It is considered feminine energy/Yin energy. The key is to find the right balance of lunar and solar energy within yourself.

We are all born with a spark of light inside and our purpose is to expand it. It is the one common element that we all share: Inner Light, our spirit, the golden thread that binds us. It is the divine in all of us and a symbol of our solidarity.

Acknowledging this spark in us, in each other, opens the door to a life of love and light.

We are born with given and inherited qualities, predispositions and histories depending on where, when and from whom we are born and depending on where, when and with whom we are raised that influence how we connect with the world and shape our character.

At our core is the single element that we all share; our inner light, our “oneness”. 

From light comes life. 

At our core is the single element that we all share; our inner light - the golden thread that binds us. Our "oneness" is at the center of all things; the key. It is the divine in all of us and a symbol of our solidarity. I refer to that oneness as "Light" or "Aether", but it's known by so many names—chi, the divine, or God. 

We can listen and allow a voice for all beliefs and all experiences and engender harmony with compassion. We can embolden ourselves and better the world with the knowledge that we each have the light within our purpose is to expand it. 

Nos Unum Sumus: (latin) We are one. Interconnected Keys: The balance of all elements. 

You may have a certain letter or number that is meaningful to you. Sometimes it symbolizes a person or a date — and sometimes it's an expression or sign-off. LL to stand for "love and light" is one of my favorites. 

 One of our core values throughout FoundRae is that we believe in the individuals' right to make their own choices. Once a person truly sees that they are the author of their own life story, the protagonist of their unique storyline, it changes them. So choose the number or letter that speaks loudest to you, amplify it, share it and be the light in the darkness, the blossom that blooms in defiance.