The Inspiration of Pegasus

 

In the seventies I lived in a small town of just 400 people in Telluride, Colorado with my family. Whenever someone new moved to the mountains you would meet them within a week or two. John Petrie brought his family up to the high country and decided to settle in. He was and still is a great artist and visionary. I took a few art classes from John and learned a lot about the human body, proportions and observation. We became friends. I did a few healing session on him and he asked if I rather have some cash or trade for some art. I jumped at the opportunity to trade and now have a few of his prints.

One of my favorites is called Restrictions; it shows Pegasus and his rider stuck bound to earth and reaching up to heaven to be freed from the chains that bind him. John was inspired by Pegasus as many artists were through the ages.

In Greek mythology Pegasus was a winged stallion. He's the Symbol of wisdom and fame, poetry and the source where a poet draw inspiration. The mystical white flying horse has been a profound symbolic in relation to the spiritual energy that allows access to the realm of the Gods on Mount Olympus.

Pegasus has been a profound symbolic of spiritual energy in many cultures. C.J.Jung; a psychiatrist and psychotherapist was given credit for coming up with the idea of archetypes, but archetypes have been seen in most cultures for millenniums.

The Daoist have archetypes that represent the five elements, they have an animal for each direction North, South, East and West and the Center. I learned these from my Spiritual Master they are helpful teachings that make up my personal mythology.

On my left in the western direction I envision a green dragon that represents the liver, growth, and the emotion of kindness; it is considered the wood element.

In the southern direction is a Phoenix, the firebird. It represents the heart, love, respect, honor and joy, the element of fire that gives us energy and strength.

In the eastern direction is the white tiger which represents protection, valor and courageousness. The organ is the lungs the element is metal. In the northern direction is the black turtle she represents longevity the kidneys and gentleness.

In the center of the four directions is the yellow color represents the Earth element, it's all about balance and being rooted.

As you work with the archetypes they can restore your health, protect you and help to interpret your dreams these are practices that shamans do and use.