My partner and I are in the process of buying a sailboat, and discovered that in 32 years on the planet, the boat of our choice never bore a name. While she must have had at least a casual name by the previous owners who took such good care of her, no name appeared on the stern or in the pages of her marine survey. Sound symbolism, or meaning derived from the sounds of the letters of the alphabet, suggests that there is significance in the very shape of the vibrations we make. So what is the situation of not having a name? Presumably this means that there is no vibration which would link to our unique form; in other words, without a name the world would not be able to find us or know us.
I drew a Journey Oracle card while asking “What do you have to show me about why this boat has no name?” I drew card #11 which represents the Sun in the Journey suit. I was immediately struck by the small figure that is both leaning against, and part of, the larger sad face with one eye looking out and the other looking up. If this is our new boat and me, then feeling the truth of her will bring her name.
Our boat’s name came quite easily--as oyster farmers who work on the sea, of course her name will be Pearl. This name reduces to the number 7 which has special symbolism for me. Seven is the number of the Universe. It is the three of the heavens (soul) combined with the four (body) of the earth; being the first number containing both the spiritual and the temporal. In looking over the list of meanings it doesn't take long to figure out why the seven has become significant in metaphysical, religious and other spiritual doctrines - as seven represents the virginity of the Great Mother - feminine archetype - She who creates.
