Doscover hidden esoteric symbols and in Transcendence - A DragonflyThemed painting by Samantha Rochard

TRANSCENDENCE
24" X 36" ACRYLIC ON STRETCHED CANVAS

Many texts about spiritual journeys describe an individual in the raw, from humble beginnings; who goes through a transition and becomes more than themselves.

This painting began sometime in 2011 and was not actually completed until 2019?

I have never posted it for discussion, hoping that persons who were exposed to it 'live' will open up the door for discussion and it would intrigue them in someway.

It hung for a few years in an area of my place of work and only one young individual looked at it, discerned it was more than the sum of its parts and was curious to ask any questions about the intended meaning.

The painting aims to depict a transformation of a being, from its crude position to an unfolding of something beautiful, with the potential for further transcendence suggested as well. The never ending process of spiritual growth in an individual.

Several symbols were used to convey the idea. Most prominently, the Dragonfly, featured front and center as creatures with wings have always seemed to portray a metamorphosis of a sort in our psyches. Usually, the butterfly is used, but Dragonflies have a special significance to me. Firstly, their development takes place over two states of matter. They begin in water, (one dominant colour in the painting being blue) which in some esoteric circles is also a symbol for emotional states. They cocoon themselves and hide in the dark cave of transformation to emerge with sparkling wings freeing them from being tied to the earth to be masters of the air. (The second dominant colour being yellow, associated with this element) Air, from the same esoteric teachings is seen as a symbol of thought, ideas, and astral energies where consciousness is liquid and unformed. Air is the inate potential and the beginning of being. 

Secondly, the movie Dragonfly (2002- Kevin Costner) created a significant shift in the minds of millions who saw the film. From this movie, the Dramgonfly is now seen as messenger, a go between for this world and the spirit world, connecting loved ones between realms.

An overall stained glass arch feel was chosen to "collect" the individual elements and pull them together within a shape indicating worship, spirit and heading to the above. It is said that early stonemasons and church builders choose the arch, in its several incarnations, as the shape collects energies and sounds from the base; and guides them upward toward the heavens. Standing in a building, most often a church with arches as its backbone, one can attest to the superb acoustics that exist in the building! It does indeed feel like all the energies in your soul are moving upward at that moment. *

The stained glass pattern used was also carefully chosen. It was taken from the patterns on the wings of the Dragonfly, the lines mimicking different formations on the [get the scientific terms from the chart]

I think we need to be reminded that Nature is-and should always be our first spiritual house!

There is a conversation of symbols starting inside the lower of the two circles which eclipse (and are within) the arch. The lower circle contains a shadowy character. This shape, sigil; whatever you wish to call it is one of the few symbols I could find which signifies a raw, unmolded spirit. It is a symbol used by alchemists to depict lead (lead the metal) and simultaneously the first matter in a spiritual journey. This is the spirit untouched. 

Then here we have the Dragonfly, seemingly coming out of the first circle and heading into the second. Slightly above the Dragonfly is a second set of wings, pink(refined ideas of love) and green (growth) much larger than the Dragonfly's original wings. Further growth of spirit can be expected.

Finally, the smaller circle above the Dragonfly's head for the depiction of new thought, which will start the cycle all over again. Centered in this top circle is a lotus flower, a representation of transformation itself. As it grows, it emerges from the muddy swampy waters(conflict, lack of clarity) to bloom in the air. The flower's petals have been styled a bit to look like flames, but they are purple, symbolizing a fiery passion for hidden wisdom. 

It is the hope of the artist that the painting does well to depict one's continuous journey of growth, entering circle after circle of being and continuing to transcend any current state to become more than the sum of oneself. 

Tell me what you think? Do you see other meanings within the painting? Did you notice the hidden symbol of lead before it was pointed out? 

* As I was typing this I was reminded of the time I did some design work for a cathedral on my island. Needing to see the space and altar area, I visited the church accompanied by a cousin of my cousin ( yuh need to understand island people family dynamics eh). Christian's expertise was in religious music and he wanted a look at the organ.
We were allowed inside and left alone. Christian;  went up to the organ landing to look around and then with a mischievous look on his face he declared with his slight stammer "I simply must do this!" and proceeded to play the opening to Dracula in de people church!
This link will take you to the peice of music! I nearly ded with laff!

https://youtu.be/ho9rZjlsyYY?si=B9bRTyND-KiXu_Nu