The lion is called the king of the beast, and the eagle was equally regarded as king of all the birds. As the griffin embodies characteristics of both lion and eagle, he is the monarch of both the heavens and the earth. Although most often seen and associated with mediaeval heraldry, representations of griffins date back thousands of years, as early as ancient Sumeria.
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Size: 2.75″ x 2.75″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, resin on canvas.
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Chimera,
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Griffin,
Lion,
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A symbol that appears frequently in the emblematic illustrations of alchemy is the Green Lion. Typically he is shown grasping and devouring the sun. In metallurgic alchemy, the meaning of this is the power of sulphuric acid to dissolve all metals such as iron, copper, and even gold, the king of the metals (represented by the sun).
In organic alchemy, the alchemy of potions, the green lion stands for chlorophyll, made by plants “eating” sunlight. Modern interpretations of the “inner path” of alchemy see the green lion as a symbol of the way consciousness can be overwhelmed when bottled-up, intense emotions (the passions) are finally released. Have you ever loved something or somebody so much you wanted (perhaps irrationally) to simply devour them?
Size: 3.5″ x 2.5″
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Sun
Taurus, the bull, is an earth sign associated with Venus. Tauruses are earthy, pragmatic, seekers of comfort. They have a sensual side, and a powerful desire for both security and appreciation from others. Tauruses also have a strong sense of fairness and a love of animals. The constellation of Taurus is in the Northern hemisphere between Aries and Gemini.
Size: 2″ x 2″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, and gold pigment on canvas.
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Taurus
And there the lion’s ruddy eyes
Shall flow with tears of gold:
And pitying the tender cries,
And walking round the fold:
Saying: “Wrath by His meekness,
And, by His health, sickness,
Are driven away
From our immortal day.
“And now beside thee, bleating lamb,
I can lie down and sleep,
Or think on Him who bore thy name,
Graze after thee, and weep.
For, washed in life’s river,
My bright mane for ever
Shall shine like the gold,
As I guard o’er the fold.”
- William Blake, from “Night”
Size: 2.5″ x 3.75″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, and varnish on canvas.
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Crown,
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Sun
In alchemy things in threes tend to symbolize the three alchemical elements (Sulphur, Salt, Mercury) as well as the Christian trinity of God. This esoteric image depicts a three-headed eagle astride a globe in which is represented three winds over the sea.
Size: 2″ x 2″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, gold pigment on canvas.
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Trinity
An allegorical emblem which connects the symbolic attributes of the planet Mars with the red lion of alchemy. Such attributes being strength, potency, fire, aggression.
Size: 2″ x 2″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, and gold pigment on canvas.
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In all fables we are told that the Salamander is born in fire. It dwells in a great mountain which is encompassed by many flames. And as one of these is ever smaller than another, herein the Salamander bathes. The third is greater, the fourth brighter than the rest. In all these the Salamander washes, and is purified. Then he ties him to his cave, but on the way is caught and pierced so that it dies, and yields up its life with its blood. But this, too, happens for its good: For from its blood it wins immortal life, and then death has no more power over it. Its blood is the most precious Medicine upon earth, the same has not its like in the world. For this blood drives away all disease. From it the Sages derive their science, and through it they attain the Heavenly Gift, which is called the Philosopher’s Stone . – The Book of Lambspring
Size: 2.5″ x 3.5″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, and gold pigment on canvas.
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Salamander
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.
-William Blake, from “Auguries of Innocence”
Size: 2.5″ x 3.5″
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Radha accompanies Krishna on a stroll through the countryside. He serenades her with his enchanting flute. At Radha’s feet there is a peacock, which is symbolic of courtship.
Size: 2.5″ x 3.5″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, and gold pigment on canvas.
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This emblem, said to originate from a gnostic signet ring, shows abundant alchemical symbolism representing completion of the transmutation of base matter. The red lion, which is the philosopher’s sulfur, is joined to the serpent, the philosopher’s mercury. This resulting living being is crowned with a halo which tells us that it has become gold. The sun and moon represent light and darkness, truth and dream, in balance.
Size: 2″ x 2″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, and gold pigment on canvas.
Etsy link.
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