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Dragon

The Red Dragon

September 20, 2009

in Alchemical, Bestiary

The Red Dragon

In alchemy, the mercurial red dragon personifies the chaotic nature of the Prima Materia, which transforms in the Philosopher’s Stone of the Great Work. This dragon sits astride a globe which may symbolize the electromagnetic energies of the planet. Invisible, fluid, yet potent, they are sometimes known as ley lines or dragon lines. These energies show themselves as auroras.

Clicking on the photograph brings up a larger lightbox image.

Size: 3.5″ x 2.5″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, gold pigment, resin on canvas.

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One is The All

April 3, 2009

in Abstract, Alchemical

ouroboros

The ouroboros, self-devouring serpent, is both the Prima Materia of Alchemy and the Soul of the World. Perfect, self-creating, self-destroying, it is a symbol of the human quest for self-realization as well as the universe itself, wherein creation and destruction, alpha and omega, are inseparable, locked in a cycle of transformation eternally. Used symbolically in esoteric practices, it is a kind of mandala to contemplate, toward realization of the nature of Nature itself.

Size: 2″ x 2″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, gold pigment on canvas.

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Strength and Virtue (Four Elements)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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Serpent and Rose

January 27, 2009

in Alchemical

Serpent and Rose

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″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, and gold pigment on canvas.

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Infinitus

December 11, 2008

in Alchemical

InfinitusThe self-devouring serpent, symbolizing the universe (without beginning or end) rests atop an inverted pyramid representing the hierarchy of planets. The golden key if acquired grants access to the mysteries of the heavens.

Size: 2.5″ x 3.5″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, varnish, gold leaf, and gold pigment on canvas.

Etsy link.

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