Body symbolism of knees and calves

From the knee to the protective knight

The knee, it has become common to say (at least in French langage), is the « game » between « I » and « us ».

Our legs are the most muscular zones of our body: they put us entirely in movement on the round of the earth… and with the knees, we have this incredible faculty to bend in front of the obstacle, that is to say to adapt ourselves to what comes from the others… with our knees and our calves, it is our power which enters in relation!

It is for that reason that we associate this zone of the body with the archetype of the protective knight.

To be in its full power in the relation to the others… A whole program!

We can say by simplifying, of course to the extreme, that all the (frequent) articular pains which appear there, all the stiffnesses, the lack of strength, the accidents, the circulatory problems are signs that our body sends us that something is wrong in this area.

Putting energy into our relationships

Being strong in the relationship with others means being clear without being stiff, it means being precise without being serious, it means knowing how to defend one’s territory without being hateful. A good protective knight posture is to have a good spear and a good shield… and with that to know how to walk among others without aggressiveness, being deeply friendly.

It is said that to be a good warrior in life is to have a sharp blade with you… so sharp that you don’t have to use it because you inspire respect… because you are perceived as powerful, but also as open to the bond. In these conditions our knees can be flexible, our tibia and fibula can be agile and muscular, our race on the earth, in the midst of others can be tireless…

This « ideal » posture of relationship with others to which we all certainly aspire is close to the spirit of jousting, and that is why in « knee » there is « play ». It is a mode of relationship of which we are capable, it is inscribed in each one of us. It is a mode of relationship where « we don’t let ourselves go » and where we can fully appreciate the other. A way of relationship where possible conflict is not frightening, because we know that friction is a source of sparks, fire, novelty, laughter… of life. These are relationships where one can get angry and where the fact of showing oneself inspires mutual respect…

Starting from this base, we all have our weaknesses in this area. We can stiffen and lose the spirit of the game… a breeding ground for osteoarthritis. We can let everything pass… and lose the strength of our legs. We can also let ourselves be invaded, become heavy… and develop blood stagnation, varicose veins in the calves… and many other things of course, which will reflect our relational patterns.

When we weaken in one way or another in this archetype of the protector, our back will lack support, this one will be likely in its turn to be stiff or arched, sign of a difficulty to assume our place and our dignity in the middle of the others.

Pre-spring energy

In the symbolism of the Nine Breaths, this energy is particularly active during the second half of February… when spring is getting ready, when the animals are going to reinvest their territories or are getting ready for it… and when jousting will be necessary. And it’s good!

We are in a society that has stigmatized combat, jousting and anger, whereas these are basic vital energies that are activated even before the buds come out, which allow us to establish « good bases » for life to unfold.

To take full advantage of this period is to listen more than ever to one’s instincts, to feel what is good for oneself, to go running, to activate one’s body to give it back the oxygen necessary to come out of hibernation…. to raise one’s energy level to be able to set the milestones around oneself that will allow one to say « this is my home »! « To give the best of me, I need these things! To give the best of me, I need these things! », to be affirmative about one’s needs and instincts in order to live an awakened, unfolded springtime.

The message of the Protector

Of course this applies to any season. The message of this area of the body and the archetype of the fiery knight always remains « be energetic, don’t be afraid of confrontation and affirmation, stand up »!

It is also, obviously, an invitation to muscularize and soften this body, because it is our instrument, our sword… and without it, no relationship !!!

Nicolas BERNARD

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

More about this symbolism (in French) : « The Cards of the Body« .

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