My parents, my wife, and I were traveling through the sparse Southern Montana landscape. We were driving through the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and I kept noticing this symbol. It is the tribal symbols of the Northern Cheyenne Native Americans.

The present day flag of Northern Cheyenne Tribe in Southern Montana is emblem of Chief Morning Star, better known as Dull Knife, the Cheyenne chief who led his people to their new home after they had been defeated in the War of the Plains. The morning star glyph was also used during the Sun Dance. Warriors would paint it on their chests for the ceremony.  The ancient version was a deep reddish brown, and a black morning star glyph.

Make your own symbols and make new friends at Mikons.com.

I saw this logo while riding my mountain bike crossing some railroad tracks in Northern Idaho – The Great Northern Railroad. It is a great image representing of the feat that Railroad Companies had to overcome laying track across the Northern Rockies. Although the use of animals is common among logo creators, few use the Rocky Mountain Mountain Goat.

Consider the ubiquity of animals like lions, bulls, and eagles in logos. They certainly share a common meaning with us all. But the risk that companies take when using animal representations in logos is that they compromise uniqueness in branding.  Other companies selling bicycles and outdoor apparel have used the mountain goat image, but none are as strong the Great Northern Railway logo.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the Christian followers’ foreheads as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are typically gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the Oil of the Catechumens (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptized), though some churches use ordinary oil. This paste is used by the minister who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his own forehead and then on those of congregants.

Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults.

This post consists of exerpts from Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday

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The Irish call their Harp the Clarsash.   The harp symbolized the highest of refinement and excellence to medieval Gaelic culture.  It represents the sublime beauty and grace.  It was such a powerful symbol to the Irish that the waring Brits of 16th Century destroyed the instrument as a sign of triumphant power.  Today the harp is the logo of Guinness beer.

My friend Bijoy Goswami wrote a very insightful book, “The Human Fabric” , that describes three core energies (or personalities) of people and how those energies show up one’s life.  It also describes how businesses can organize themselves to be more effective by matching-up complementary energies.  Those energies are: The Maven, The Relater, and The Evangelist.  Bijoy commissioned icons of each core energy.   Bijoy says I am a  Maven (this is the icon).  He posted all the icons on this Mikons page.

On another note,  Bijoy has been an inspiration in my life.  He challenges me to be me.  Connect with him and your life will change, if you are willing.

Do you see that logo?  What comes to mind when you look at it.  Witness what you think as look at it.  Notice that you bring all your biases to bear as you take inventory of your feelings while you look this now iconic logo.

Now, move your political disposition aside and watch this video by Bill Whittle fo PJTV.  If are attached to the polarity of our contemporary political scene then you will either rejoice at the message or revile it.  But if you put yourself in the place of an observer, then will understand the point of the title of this post.

Whatever your biases are beware of what you believe.

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The German Olympic Team has an iconic Black Eagle on their uniforms and helmets.  It is the Coat of Arms of Germany called the Reichsadler.  It dates back to the Holy Roman Empire and first appeared as banner image of Charlemagne in the 9th Century.  It has had various treatments from two heads to the Art Deco look of Nazi Germany.