Hera's Feather
11 x 15
tea, watercolor, colored pencil, pen on Reeves BFK
I have had this idea floating around in my mind for a few weeks now and I finally sat down and executed it. Peacocks are amazing birds with the most beautiful feathers.
"Peacock symbolism speaks of attributes such as:
Glory, Vision, Royalty, Spirituality, Awakening, Immortality, Refinement, Incorruptibility
It is a possessor of some of the most admired human characteristics, and is a model of integrity and the beauty we can achieve when we endeavor to show our true colors.
In history, myth, legend and lore, the Peacock symbolism carries:
Nobility
Holiness
Guidance
Protection
Watchfulness
In Greco-Roman mythology the Peacock is identified with Hera (Juno) who created the Peacock from Argus whose hundred eyes (seen on the tail feathers of the Peacock) symbolize the vault of heaven and the "eyes" of the stars.
In Hinduism the Peacock is associated with Lakshmi who is a deity representing benevolence, patience, kindness, compassion and good luck.
Similar to Lakshmi, the Peacock is associated with Kwan-yin in Asian spirituality. Kwan-yin (or Quan Yin) is also an emblem of love, compassionate watchfulness, good-will, nurturing, and kind-heartedness. Legend tells us she chose to remain a mortal even though she could be immortal because she wished to stay behind and aid humanity in their spiritual evolution.
In Babylonia and Persia the Peacock is seen as a guardian to royalty, and is often seen in engravings upon the thrones of royalty.
In Christianity the Peacock symbolism represents the "all-seeing" church, along with the holiness and sanctity associated with it. Additionally, the Peacock represents resurrection, renewal and immortality within the spiritual teachings of Christianity. Themes of renewal are also linked to alchemical traditions to, as many schools of thought compare the resurrecting phoenix to the modern-day Peacock.
Contemplate the powers of the Peacock when you need more vibrancy and vitality in your experience. The Peacock can also help you on your spiritual Path, and breath new life into your walk of faith.
The Peacock can rejuvenate self-esteem levels too. If you're feeling "blah" and blue, imagine the glorious, techno-color display the Peacock provides. This puts us in a proper mood to embrace your own nobility. In no time, you'll be walking tall and proud as a Peacock too!
Peacock Feathers have been used for healing for tens of thousands of years in every culture throughout time. They are said to carry Spiritual Healing Energy that can be used to assist people seeking balance and harmony in their lives. With the proper guidelines of use, they allow the individual to connect with the Universal Healing Energy and use this energy to heal people of all of their complaints, imbalances and disease. This tradition is based on this principle."
