Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Symbolism in Ancient Cultures: The Wolf


The Wolf 

 

The wolf is a common motif in the foundational mythologies and cosmologies of peoples throughout Eurasia and North America (corresponding to the historical extent of the habitat of the gray wolf). The obvious attribute of the wolf is its nature of a predator, and correspondingly it is strongly associated with danger, destruction, making it the symbol of the warrior on one hand, and that of the devil on the other. The wolf holds great importance in the cultures and religions of the nomadic peoples, both of the Eurasian steppe and of the North American Plains. In many cultures, the identification of the warrior with the wolf (totemism) gave rise to the notion of Lycanthropy, the mythical or ritual identification of man and wolf.


Spirit of the Wolf
 by 
RayneCrimson 
Direct link to artwork 

Archetypal Significance of the Wolf 

The archetypal significance of the wolf symbolizes evil as well as positive and spiritual aspects. The wolf also represents the union of opposites. From mythology and story telling from all parts of the world the wolf has carried a sense of contradiction: a wild and fearful animal that can represent death and Satan; but at the same time a companion to the goddess Artemis and Scandinavian god, Odin. The theme of opposites in the imagery of the wolf is also represented by the contrast between the masculine and feminine nature. The masculine nature of the wolf is depicted by many cultures as the protector or exhibiting war-like behavior. The feminine nature is symbolized as the goddess in she-wolf form nurturing the twins, Romulus and Remus, or in the Irish myth of Cormac, King of Ireland who was suckled by wolves and was always accompanied by them. Early Biblical sources present a contrast between the wolf symbolizing bloodshed and destruction versus the symbol of the wolf and the lamb lying down together representing peace and the coming Messianic rule. The middle ages also depicted a contrast between the image of the wolf as the Devil, versus the wolf as an "emblem of Saint Francis of Assisi who tamed the wolf".


Raven Mother 
by 
TBirdExperience
Direct link to artwork
People from many cultures and traditions have interpreted the wolf as an instinctive creature. At some point in psychological development, most people struggle with integrating the spiritual and physical aspects of their being. The image of the wolf has been used to represent both aspects. The Chinese saw the wolf as a guardian of the heavenly palace. In Japan the wolf was admired for its ferocity, tenacity and swift attack. Also, they considered the wolf to be from heaven and to be venerated. Early Biblical sources represented the wolf as destructive and associated with the evening  and dishonest gain, bloodshed and destruction.

The wolf today still represents our "instinctive nature that is wild and natural". 
Estes (1992) suggests that there is a wild and natural creature within every woman, who is filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. This wild woman within is seen as an archetype that carries images, ideas, and unique behaviors for humankind. The gifts of wildish nature come to women at birth, but society, in many instances, will attempt to civilize them into rigid roles which will destroy the inner treasure and muffle the deep, life-giving messages of the soul. As a result, women become trapped, over-domesticated, uncreative, and have fearful feelings. For women to find their soul, they will need to face their instinctive wild self so that they can become free, creative, and loving. Estes (1992) illustrated her ideas by telling the story of La Loba, the wolf woman. Her work was collecting bones of wolves and singing life into them. The story symbolizes the soul-voice. It conveys the truth of a woman's power and need to breathe soul over the thing that is ailing or in need of restoration. Women can do it "by descending into the deepest mood of great love and feeling, until one∂s desire for relationship with the wildish Self overflows, then to speak one's soul from that frame of mind" . The wild woman is an archetype that carries images, ideas, and unique behaviors for humankind that help people to find their soul.

The wolf can be seen as a symbol on an intrapsychic level for individuation. The unique voice of the Self triumphs over the collective norms of society. Individuation suggests a commitment to inner growth and development. 

Symbolically the wolf appears to represent our instinctive nature that is wild and natural. The wolf can also represent the union of opposites and contradiction. The lone wolf may symbolize the acceptance of natural instincts that had been cut off by family and society and the process of growth and individuation. And the howling wolf illustrates the reclaimed inner voice of the soul.

Cherokee Wisdom: Two Wolves


Two by Dark-Sheyn 
Direct link to artwork

  An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. 
“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” 
He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, 
“Which wolf will win?” 
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”



References: 
Wikipedia
Sandplay Therapists of America
Cherokee Wisdom

Published in DeviantART:
"The Wolf": Art Feature and symbolism by ME. ©RazielMB/Raziel von Edler
Direct link http://razielmb.deviantart.com/journal/The-Wolf-Art-Feature-and-Symbolism-407593523

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Poem and dark art: Prayer to Lilith


Akasha 
by VampireKingdom
Her dA account
Direct link to artwork

Prayer to Lilith... 

Lilith, Beautiful Crimson Goddess, 
Dark Queen and Kind Mother of the fallen, 
Embrace us your children, 
Gathering us in your kingdom, 
Sing for us your sweet lullaby 
Allow us to learn your ancient wisdom 
And protect us from any danger on earth... 
Hail Lilith! 


Author: Sandra Villanueva 
Extrated from

Monday, October 7, 2013

Dark ART: Ravens, breezes and Serenades by SweediesART

Long Hair Series in Dark ART
by Karin Claesson
SweediesART

I
Ravens Violin Serenade by SweediesArt
Direct link to artwork:

II
Melody for Ravens by SweediesArt
Direct link to artwork:

III
Breezes of Blues for Ravens by SweediesArt
Direct link to artwork:

IV
Ravens Rhapsody by SweediesArt
Direct link to artwork:

For more information, you can visit her dA Gallery

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COPYRIGHT

Her arts may not be reproduced, copied, edited,
 published, transmitted or uploaded without her permission

ART ©2013 SweediesART ~ Karin Claesson
ARTICLE ©2013 RazielMB ~ Raziel von Edler

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Dark & Conceptual Art by Judas Art

Art Time

Today I want to present to Paul (Judas Art), 
an amazing dark and conceptual artist and some of his artworks. 
You can see more spectacular art in his dA Gallery. 

Hope you all like it!


Paul (Judas Art) from United Kingdom


Daenerys by J-u-d-a-s 
Direct link to artwork: 

Chrysalis by J-u-d-a-s
Direct link to artwork: 

Rebirth by J-u-d-a-s 
Direct link to artwork: 


Incubus by J-u-d-a-s 
Direct link to artwork: 


Pestilence by J-u-d-a-s 
Direct link to artwork: 

Avialae by J-u-d-a-s 
Direct link to artwork: 


Burdened by J-u-d-a-s 
Direct link to artwork: 


Red Riding Hood by J-u-d-a-s 
Direct link to artwork: 


Angel of Mons by J-u-d-a-s 
"The Angels of Mons is a popular legend about angels who protected members of the British army in the Battle of Mons at the outset of World War I." ~ Words from Artist.
Direct link to artwork: 


Ascension by J-u-d-a-s 
Direct link to artwork: 

Corvidae by J-u-d-a-s 
Direct link to artwork: 


All images are copyrighted and belong to Judas Art.
"Please do not use, redistribute, modify, clip, tube or copy my creations in any way without first gaining my written consent, doing so violates my copyright & may also infringe upon the model & respective stock photographers copyright/ terms of use. Judas Art © All rights reserved" 

Arts ©Judas Art 
Article-Tribute for MysticBlood Blog ©Raziel von Edler

Sunday, September 1, 2013

New Artwork: The Angel's Death


"The Angel's Death" by ME 
http://RazielMB.deviantart.com 

 Copyright © by RazielMB. 
All rights reserved. 
My Artworks are registered and protected by Copyrighted.com. 
My artwork may not be reproduced, copied, edited, published or uploaded in any way without my written permission.
 My images do not belong to the public domain. 

 Copyright registered and protected at www.copyrighted.com 
Copyright number: 6YGW-HJMI-UMNQ-CMKW 

Direct link to my artwork: 

Friday, May 31, 2013

Dark ART: My new artworks



Black Dust by ME.
Direct link and stock credits:



Fading away by ME.
Direct link and stock credits:
Photographer of model: A. Roy.



My ashes are my shadows by ME.
Direct link and stock credits:



Flee to the light, away from the shadows by ME
Direct link and stock providers:
Photographer of model: Marcus J. Ranum http://www.ranum.com



The Valley of Memories by ME
Direct link and stock providers:


Raz

Copyright © by RazielMB. 
All rights reserved. 
My Artworks are registered and protected by Safe Creative. 
My artwork may not be reproduced, copied, edited, 
published or uploaded in any way without my written permission. 
My images do not belong to the public domain.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Dark Art by La Bohème


I want to present to Ángeles (La Bohème), 
an amazing dark & fantasy artist and some of her artworks. 
You can see more great and amazing art in her dA Gallery: 
Hope you all like it!


Ángeles (La--Boheme) from Spain.

 
 The enchanted rose
 by 
La Bohème 
Direct link to artwork 

 
 Masquerade 
by 
La Bohème 
Direct link to artwork 

 
Confidences 
by 
La Bohème 
Direct link to artwork 

 
 Welcome to my shop 
by 
La Bohème 
Direct link to artwork 

 
 The Key 
by 
La Bohème 
Direct link to artwork 

 
 You're killing yourself 
by 
La Bohème 
Direct link to artwork 
 
 November rain 
by 
 La Bohème 
Direct link to artwork 

 
 Wine and roses 
by 
La Bohème 
Direct link to artwork 



Art ©2012-2013 La Bohème 
Article-Tribute by Raziel von Edler

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Dark and Surreal Art by Sweedies

Today I want to present to Karin (Sweediesart), an amazing dark-surreal artist
 and some of her artworks.
You can see more spectacular art in her dA Gallery.
Hope you all like it!


 Karin (Sweediesart) from Sweden




Dragons Nest
by
SweediesART
Direct link to artwork


Death of the Raven Warrior
by 
SweediesART
Direct link to artwork


Fire and Dragons
by
SweediesART
Direct link to artwork


Salvation
by 
SweediesART
Direct link to artwork


Insanity
by 
SweediesART
Direct link to artwork


Vampire
By 
SweediesART
Direct link to artwork


Spirit of the Raven Warrior
by 
SweediesART
Direct link to artwork


Who are you...
by 
SweediesART
Direct link to artwork

Art ©2013 SweediesArt 
 Article-Tribute by Raziel von Edler