“Dear Pinecone, let me hold you as you open" - this line from the beautiful poem "It was Early" by Mary Oliver made my heart sing and inspired this little watercolour painting.
It Was Early by Mary Oliver
It was early, which has always been my hour to begin looking at the world
and of course, even in the darkness, to begin listening into it,
especially under the pines where the owl lives and sometimes calls out
as I walk by, as he did on this morning. So many gifts!
What do they mean? In the marshes where the pink light was just arriving
the mink with his bristle tail was stalking the soft-eared mice,
and in the pines the cones were heavy, each one ordained to open.
Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed.
Little mink, let me watch you.
Little mice, run and run.
Dear pine cone, let me hold you as you open.
Pinecone - Original Artwork - watercolour 8 x 11' unmounted DM for details.
How do you feel on this sacred new morning?
Wishing you a beautiful and peaceful Monday, know you are deeply loved and appreciated.
A rich human history of the pinecone.
Ancient Civilizations:
Assyria: Pinecones were depicted in Assyrian art, often held by winged figures, possibly representing purification or fertilization.
Egypt: The staff of Osiris, a prominent Egyptian god, was often adorned with a pinecone and serpent, symbolizing the awakening of Kundalini energy.
Mesopotamia: Deities like Enki were also associated with pinecone-like objects, suggesting a connection to the divine and spiritual awakening.
Greece: Pinecones were linked to Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, with his staff often topped with a pinecone.
Celtic: The Celts associated pinecones with enlightenment, rebirth, and spiritual growth, often featuring them in Druidic practices.
Hinduism:
Shiva, a major Hindu deity, is believed to tie his braided hair in the shape of a pinecone, highlighting its spiritual importance.
Christianity:
Pinecones symbolize illumination and enlightenment in Christian tradition, and are frequently used in church decorations and art.
The Pineal Gland:
The pineal gland, located in the brain, is named for its pinecone shape and is often referred to as the "third eye" due to its connection to consciousness and inner vision.