Hello and welcome to my weblog! I decided to start up this blog as a means to heal, help, guide, and teach. Though topics of the posts will vary, they will have a spiritual theme. This is not a religious blog, per se, but I will reference some religious practices or teachings. I view all religions as guides for life and one’s spiritual journey. They are different paths, and one religion, a few, or none may suit or be helpful for a given individual. Some posts may be serious, some may be silly, but my hope is that they will inspire those who read them to heal and grow from within and to start or continue loving living!

Meaning and Symbolism of the Peacock

I chose the title, Through the Peacock’s Eyes, for a couple of reasons: the symbolism of the peacock, and its connection to the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The symbolism of the peacock is similar across many cultures, from Christianity where it represents patience, love, eternal life, and immortality, to Buddhism where it represents wisdom, kindness, and compassion. The Bodhisattvas, such as Quan Yin and Avalokiteshvara, are often associated with the peacock because as the peacock can eat poison and not be affected by it, the Bodhisattvas can take in the poisonous emotions of others and not be affected by them.

The peacock’s habit of replacing its feathers yearly and its connection to the phoenix also make it a symbol of renewal, rebirth, and reincarnation. In ancient Greek mythology, when the “all-seeing” 100-eyed giant Argus died, the goddess Hera preserved his eyes on the peacock to honor him. Thus the peacock’s eyes themselves represent seeing, insight, and wisdom. The eyes on the peacock’s feathers are also thought to represent the stars in the heavens.

The Goddess Saraswati

In Hindu mythology, the vehicle for the goddess Saraswati is often the peacock. Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, knowledge and learning, creativity, music, language, and writing. As her vehicle, the peacock helps her navigate through the world with compassion, wisdom, and understanding.

As a writer, spiritual counselor, and healer, Saraswati is my muse. May her guidance guide me to guide you.

Knowledge helps man find possibilities where once he saw problems. -Saraswati