Keeper of the Mysteries
Only in wonder is the quest awakened.
The water of tears is a surrender to the unknown,
embracing the wisdom that can only be found
in the courage of recreating oneself from the warrior,
to the feminine soul newborn in embracing Nature’s gifts.
Allowing the sacred, seeking guidance, and willingly entering
the dark waters of inner knowing that have no words.
~ Kim McElroy
THE STORY BEHIND THE ART
This painting was specially created for the Way of the Horse Book and Card deck, a collaboration featuring my illustrations with interpretations by Linda Kohanov, author of The Tao of Equus and Riding Between the Worlds.
“The Keeper of the Mysteries” is based upon the ancient mare-headed goddess, a figure so mysterious she was almost lost to history. One historical text describes her as a hypomorphic form of the goddess Demeter. The goddess represents initiation and intelligence in Nature. On one hand, she holds a dolphin, representing intelligence and compassion, and on the other, a dove, representing peace and prophecy.
Creating the goddess was a magical experience for me to embark upon, and the journey is just beginning…