Monday, September 28, 2015

Death, Rebirth and Our Time to Shine With True Colors

For my 33rd birthday I received a special gift from a special person.


It made me happy because 1) he knew I was always misplacing hair clips, 2) it was beautiful and 3) the symbolic meaning of peacocks is a very lovely sentiment.

According to this site, there is lore of the Peacock as associated with Quan Yin in Asian spirituality. 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.

Additionally, the peacock is also considered in Chinese culture as a manifestation of the heavenly phoenix on Earth. The phoenix has an interesting story behind it as well. The legend goes that this resplendent, mythical bird can live for centuries before dying in a burst of flames. Though it's said that it never truly dies. It is reborn, resurrected from the ashes. It really embodies the message of the cyclical nature of life and constancy.

Stephanie Pui-Mun Law created the Shadowscapes tarot deck, and it is beautifully illustrated. One of my favorite illustrations in the deck was her depiction of the Death card. Typically, the Death card is one that many people find discomfort with because they mainly attribute the very literal meaning of death, that being the end of one's life. And it doesn't especially put people at ease that typical illustrations of the Death card feature the Grim Reaper with his giant scythe. But as I said, the Death card is not as scary as it seems. While yes, it could signify something like the death or end of a cycle, that leaves room for a new beginning, or rebirth. That's  why I love that in Shadowscapes deck the artist decided to use the image of the phoenix. It may signify that a chapter is coming to a close, but you should not fear it for a new chapter begins.

Death from Stephanie Pui-Mun Law's Shadowscape deck
I look at my life now and how many things are different, and how scary it felt when it seemed like it was all changing too fast. But now, I've grown into a person who is stronger, kinder and more open and it's something I'm really proud of. It makes me feel like every time I go through ups or downs that by persevering I will bounce back, each time becoming a more radiant and much truer version of myself. I also think about people who have come and gone, and will come and go, and I'm thankful for the time I have been given here on this earth.
(Image from Landeelu)
Beyond the gift of the clip, he has also given me the gift of being able to call him a blessing in my life. :)