Sacred Arts Studio by andrea bowes

Whirling

'In Your Light I learn how to love. In Your Beauty how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no one sees You, but sometimes I do and that sight becomes this Art.' Rumi

Quan Yin

She Who Hears the Cries of the Whole World Also known as Quan Am (Vietnam), Cannon (Japan) and Kanin (Bali), Quan Yin is one of the most universally beloved deities in the Buddhist tradition. As the Bodhisattva of Compassion, She has vowed to remain in earthy realms until all living things have completed their enlightenment. As the Goddess of Mercy, She enjoys a strong resonance with the Blessed Virgin, Mother of Jesus and the Tibetan Goddess Tara.

Awake

Awake makes a bow in the direction of a legend about the Buddha. Walking along one day the Buddha meets a man who is perplexed about what manner of man he is encountering. Who are you? he asks him. To which the Buddha replies: I Am Awake.

Gaia

'Nature the gentlest Mother is..' Life-giving and nurturing, with unending affection, Gaia holds the sacred in infinite repose.

White Tara

White Tara in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition is known as the Mother of all Buddhas. Legend tells that She was born from the tears of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshrava and She is known as the Goddess of Universal Compassion. A study in serenity and poise, She is wrapped in sumptuous silks and ethereal gauze, signifying the healing energies and mystical powers that emanate from Her. Jewels that cascade from Her body represent the richness of the graces She bestows upon those who seek Her.

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Ganesh

Widely revered as the Remover of Barriers and Lord of Beginnings Ganesha is a familiar sight both in Hindu temples and in the homes of devotees around the world. He is honored by the faithful in rituals and ceremonies whenever embarking on new ventures and is evoked as the Patron of Letters during writing sessions. His elephant head is symbolic of deep wisdom; his intercession brings prosperity and good fortune.

Archangel Michael

Archangel Michael According to theTalmud the name Michael means ‘like unto God’; the title Archangel means ‘highest messenger’. Traditionally Michael is known as the most powerful of all the Archangels, as defender of humanity against satanic forces, the great warrior of God. Legend speaks of Michael as the teacher of Moses and the protector of the Israelites in the Old Testament. In the Christian tradition he is known as the patron saint of police officers and soldiers.

Guardian Angel

All of the world’s great religions recognize angelic spirits. There are the celestial beings of Buddhism, the shining ones of Hinduism and Islam speaks of the winged beings created from light. This Guardian Angel image is a recreation of a 16th century icon from the Russian Orthodox tradition. The guardian holds the soul, wrapped in protective swaddling and held in an orb of pristine light. In the angel’s right hand is a delicate scepter, the perfect instrument for those subtle nudges.

Theotokos and Christ Child CP

The depiction of Mother and Child in a tender embrace is a theme of universal significance which dissolves all cultural and religious boundaries. In this icon Mary as the Universal Mother or Theotokos, ( from Greek meaning Mother of God) is portrayed holding the Christ Child, the symbol and embodiment of every person’s deepest longing. The Divine Mother has no exclusive religious affiliation, but represents the feminine aspect of God.

The 7 Deadlies

The Pantocrator

This icon is a rendition of a Byzantine Russian Orthodox depiction of Christ as the Pantocrator. The word Pantocrator means “Almighty” or “All-powerful”.In His hand Christ holds The Book of Life upon which is written the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. According to the Eastern Orthodox Church this image of Christ is synonymous with the western concept of omnipotence.

St Ceclila

St. Cecilia was a cultivated young patrician woman who lived in Rome during the 2nd century. She is universally known as the patron saint of musicians, singers and poets though ironically she never played an instrument or sang publicly during her lifetime. Legend tells that she was beheaded for her beliefs and died in ecstasy singing hymns of praise.

St. Brigid

One of three traditional saints of Ireland, St. Brigid was born to a pagan king and a Christian mother. Legends about St. Brigid abound, but one favorite tells of a young Brigid transmuting water into beer as an act of hospitality for visiting friars.Traditionally, she is also known for a mystic fire that burned in her convent for centuries from an unknown source. Named for a Celtic goddess, yet following a Christian path, Brigid is truly an alchemical figure.

Gua

All of the world’s great religions recognize angelic spirits. There are the celestial beings of Buddhism, the shining ones of Hinduism and Islam speaks of the winged beings created from light. This image is a recreation of a 16th century icon from the Russian Orthodox tradition. The angel holds the soul, wrapped in protective swaddling bands and held in an orb of pristine light. In the angel’s right hand is a delicate scepter, the perfect instrument for those subtle nudges.

St Stephen

Green Tara

Archangel Raphael

His name means `the shining one who heals.’ Raphael is said to be the Guardian of the Tree of Life and one of the seven angels who stand at the throne of God. The Zohar tells that Raphael has been given charge of healing the earth and healing humanity. As such, he is the helper for healers of all kinds and for those who seek to protect the natural resources of the earth. The most affable of the archangels he is the embodiment of the Proverb: 'A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.'

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Black Madonna

The icon of Our Lady of Czestochwa has been intimately associated with Poland for over 600 years. Devotion to Czarna Madonna in Poland is deep. Her image being the inspiration for the movement to overthrow communism during the 1960’s. The history of the image prior to its arrival n Poland is shrouded in mystery. Legend traces the image back to St. Luke, the first iconographer. Another legend tells of the holy image saving the church from being destroyed.

Medicine Buddha

From the elemental cosmic landscape of Earth, Air, Water and Space, the Medicine Buddha is seated poised on a multi-colored lotus throne. Like a brilliantly clear lapis jewel, the Medicine Buddha holds a myrobalan herb in his right hand and offers its healing benefits to ease the sufferings of humanity. Gazing on his image is believed to carry curative and restorative properties.

Temperance

In this image Archangel Michael stands quietly, an enduring presence absorbed in the ritual of pouring.  His is an alchemical process, working to balance the flow of opposites so that all things find its proper place. As he pours he tempers water with fire, masculine with feminine, conscious with unconscious. Fire and water are most unlike elements, but when brought together they produce a powerful agency for change.

Blue Madonna & Child

The depiction of Mother and Child in a tender embrace is a theme of universal significance which dissolves all cultural and religious boundaries. In this icon Mary as the Universal Mother or Theotokos, ( from Greek meaning Mother of God) is portrayed holding the Christ Child,, the symbol and embodiment of every person’s deepest spiritual longing. The Divine Mother has no exclusive religious affiliation, but represents the feminine aspects of God and is the Mother of all.

Archangel Michael

According to the Talmud, the name Michael means ‘like unto God’; the title Archangel means ‘highest messenger’. Traditionally, Michael is known as the most powerful of all the Archangels, as defender of humanity against satanic forces, the great warrior of God. Legend speaks of Michael as the teacher of Moses and the protector of the Israelites in the Old Testament. In the Christian tradition he is known as the patron saint of police officers and soldiers.

In good company

Archangel

According to the Talmud the name Michael means ‘like unto God’; the title Archangel means ‘highest messenger’. Traditionally Michael is known as the most powerful of all the Archangels, as defender of humanity against satanic forces, the great warrior of God.Legend speaks of Michael as the teacher of Moses and the protector of the Israelites in the Old Testament. In the Christian tradition he is known as the patron saint of police officers and soldiers.

Archangel Gabriel

Archangel Gabriel, angel of water and protector of the unborn, guards and preserves the spirit of Motherhood throughout the world. This gentle messenger of God sends his ministering angels to bless prospective mothers and help to prepare the way for the birth of the spiritual Christ, knowing that each and every one of us is Christ in the making.