Moonglow and the Raven
The recent full moon has stirred me to pick up my paints and throw a bit of salt around on my paper, watching the colors bleed and move at will.
The moon is a feminine symbol, universally representing the rhythm of time as it embodies the cycle. The phases of the moon symbolize enlightenment or the dark side of Nature which we call the shadow. Shadow reflects inner knowledge yet to be brought to light. It also provides analogy for the stages of human development: the new moon is infancy, the crescent is youth and adolescence, the full moon is maturity and pregnancy, and the waning moon represents the decline of life, sleep. The moon is the middle ground between the light of the sun and the darkness of night, and thus often represents the realm between the conscious and the unconscious.
Raven represents many things including the association with the sun and the creator of the world. He acts as a light bearer and transformer of the shadow. Often associated with death and cleansing such as the death of an old pattern, relationship or job that is no longer working in your life. It is this clearing out that brings balance and health back to our lives.
Magnolia is seen here just barely blossoming as it is pre-spring here in California while I’ve been painting this one. We have some magnificent Magnolias in our neighborhood and I love to take a daily walk and watch how quickly and magnificently they blossom while other trees still stand barren. Magnolia represents the opening of the heart and balancing of heart with intellect. Also, the flowers represent the divine feminine as well as love, upliftment, and emotional and physical healing. The tree itself is extremely resistant to bugs and toxic pollution which is a great symbolic medicine to call in.
The overall message behind this piece is powerful. Transformation, death of the old, deep roots and purifying through the idea of the divine feminine. Opening towards healing matters of the heart, revealing truths that were hidden in the shadows and allowing new creations to come into form.
