naross
Offline for the time being, but back soon :D
Image details
Description: This is a view of a Tent Spider (cyrtophora moluccensis) that most of us would rarely see, namely the ‘top’ view. They usually hang upside down beneath their tent-like web so we would normally see their underside. This beautiful, big girl is without a doubt the largest Tent Spider I have ever seen. Apparently they are meant to be about the size of a 50 cent piece, but I guarantee she was double that. The webs they weave are anything from 60-90 cms in diameter.
After one of my typically frenzied gardening sessions, I accidentally chopped out the main section of plant she was suspended from. She hung on for dear life and ended up on the lawn. Luckily I realized what I had done so quickly took a few photos and then placed her back in the garden. I felt so guilty that I had disturbed her, but only a week or so later this entire property was inundated during the Brisbane Floods 2011 so nature would have done what I did anyway. Regardless, she was destined to move, one way or another!
To me, spiders have always been a very powerful spiritual omen representing creation and industry, and also warning those who may be in danger of being caught up in the illusions of this world. They are quick to seize opportunities simply because they remain centred and exercise patience. A very powerful dream symbol and meditation, they are also great teachers, helping us to acknowledge and overcome our own irrational fears. Whether the spider weaves a web or not, they all carry the same energy. In numerology, they resonate to the number 8.
I will state for the record that I’ve always had a fear of spiders. It wasn’t until I took up macro photography that I saw them in a totally different light. Since then, my appreciation has grown into love. They are the most beautiful, shy and retiring creatures that deserve our admiration, not our fear. My fears were irrational, and that is what my spider friends have taught me. For that I am grateful. However, some spider species are just nasty bastards, so I steer clear of them! Luckily, this lovely big lass is one of the placid ones :D
Photo taken with Canon IXUS 80 IS and edited with Lightzone. SIMPLICITY is my niche! Image captured in my garden in Brisbane QLD Australia.
Posted by jethro61 on November 30, 2012
I'VE ALWAYS ADMIRED THIS PIECE NEIL!! CONGRATULATIONS!! I HAVE SELECTED YOUR ARTWORK TO BE FEATURED AT THIS WEEK'S "PEOPLE'S CHOICE LOUNGE” IN BLUE GROUP! YOU ARE INVITED TO POST YOUR WORK AT THE LOUNGE-LINK BELOW, THEN TO “PAY-IT-FORWARD” & MAKE YOUR OWN SELECTION & NOTIFY THE ARTIST BY POSTING THIS NOTICE TO YOUR SELECTION: groups.bluecanvas.com/BLUE/forum/post/3017/last
Posted by naross on December 03, 2012
I really appreciate the feature, Jethro. Means a lot because this is my favourite spider pic. It was only a few days after I had taken this photo and we were flooded. It did cross my mind a couple of times if she was OK. I'm getting soft! :D
Posted by jethro61 on June 09, 2012
Beautiful capture Neil! The spider, for Northern Plains Indians is called Iktomi! Among her many attributes one is she is a trickster figure (the lessons we all must learn through our folly or our right actions); spider is synonymous with the coyote (trickster) in the Southwest. Spider also created language (the web) and the ability to construct language! Thanks for sharing, I wasn't aware that she resonated with the number 8 in numerology! Cool!
Posted by naross on June 09, 2012
Thanks, Jethro. Every culture derives their own meanings from nature and it's all beneficial to us :D