Horse
During our reunion, we had lunch at Mirepoix. It was a lovely place where we could see several animals, we saw two people on horseback ride by while having lunch. I immediately sensed the unicorns of the cathars close to us, that it was them conveying a message to us, let’s explore!
Throughout the annals of human history and the realms of imagination, there exists a creature of unparalleled fame and reverence: the horse. This noble being transcends time and space, weaving its way through the fabric of myth, legend, fact, and fiction with grace and power.
Bond between horse and human
From the dawn of civilization, the horse has stood as a symbol of strength, freedom, and partnership. In the harsh realities of ancient battlefields, the horse carried warriors into the fray, embodying courage and unyielding spirit. In the serene pastures of peaceful times, it served as a faithful companion, a testament to the bond between human and animal.
Horse legends
Myth and legend amplify the horse’s grandeur, transforming it into beings of wonder and awe. Pegasus, with wings that beat against the sky, lifting heroes to the heavens and often associated with celestial realms, including the moon. Sleipnir, the eight-legged steed, galloping through Norse realms, a bridge between worlds. The mystical Kelpie, a shape-shifting water spirit, luring the unwary into its depths. And most enchanting of all, the unicorn, a symbol of purity and magic, whose single, spiraling horn holds the promise of healing and wonder. These stories breathe life into the horse’s mystique, each culture adding a layer of richness to its legacy.
The Unicorn
The unicorn, in particular, stands as a beacon of the mystical and the purest of pure. This ethereal creature, often depicted with a radiant white coat and a horn imbued with mystical properties, captures the imagination like no other. The unicorn’s presence in myths and legends speaks to humanity’s longing for beauty, purity, and the extraordinary. Its image graces medieval tapestries and modern fantasy, a timeless symbol of grace and enchantment.
Horses in literature
In literature and modern fiction, the horse continues to inspire. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shadowfax, a creature of exceptional speed and intelligence, and the devoted Bill the Pony, reflect the horse’s enduring place in our hearts and stories. From the epic tales of ancient bards to the colorful panels of comic books, the horse and its mythical kin, the unicorn, gallop through our collective consciousness, timeless figures of fascination and respect.
Connection
The horse’s fame is not merely confined to its physical prowess or mythical transformations. It represents the essence of human aspiration and the desire for connection. The horse is a bridge between the earthly and the divine, a creature that embodies the eternal dance between nature and humanity. It is a symbol of our shared journey, a reminder of the paths we have trodden together, and the adventures yet to come.
In every culture, in every age, the horse, pegasus and the unicorn are more than just animals. They are legends, myths, and faithful companions. They are the eternal steeds, forever galloping through the pages of history and the landscapes of our dreams.
Myths and Legends
The horse symbolizes primal power, spontaneous life force, libido, fertility, faithfulness, clairvoyance and intuition.
Greek Mythology
Pegasus
Pegasus is one of the most famous creatures in Greek mythology, known as a majestic winged horse. The story of Pegasus begins with the tragic and dramatic tale of Medusa.
Medusa’s Transformation
Medusa was originally a beautiful maiden and one of the Gorgon sisters. According to some versions of the myth, she was a priestess in Athena’s temple and had taken a vow of chastity. However, Medusa caught the attention of Poseidon, the god of the sea. Poseidon, captivated by her beauty, pursued her. The two ended up together in Athena’s temple, which enraged the goddess. In her fury, Athena transformed Medusa into a monstrous Gorgon, with snakes for hair and a gaze that could turn anyone to stone.
The Birth of Pegasus
The story of Pegasus begins with the hero Perseus, who was tasked with slaying Medusa. Using a mirrored shield to avoid her deadly gaze, Perseus decapitated Medusa. From her blood, two magnificent beings emerged: Pegasus, the winged horse, and Chrysaor, a giant wielding a golden sword. The birth of Pegasus from Medusa’s blood symbolized the emergence of something pure and powerful from a source of monstrous terror.
Pegasus was tamed by the hero Bellerophon, who rode him to defeat the Chimera. Pegasus later became a constellation.
Centaur
Centaurs are creatures in Greek mythology who were half-human and half-horse creatures. Known for their wild and unruly behavior, centaurs often symbolize the struggle between civilization and barbarism. The wise centaur Chiron, however, was a notable exception, acting as a mentor to many heroes including Achilles and Hercules.
Hippocampus
These creatures pulled the chariot of Poseidon, the god of the sea. It is rumored that Poseidon crafted hippocampus from the waves. It is a sea horse with the upper body of a horse and the lower body of
Norse Mythology
Sleipnir
Sleipnir was the steed of Odin, the chief of the gods. He was known for his incredible speed and ability to travel between realms. Sleipnir was born to Loki, the trickster god, in an unusual myth involving shapeshifting. Despite Sleipnir’s unusual birth and parentage, Odin valued the horse for its unique abilities and loyalty.
Celtic Mythology
Epona
Epona was worshipped as a protector of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. She was also associated with fertility and prosperity. Her worship spread across the Roman Empire as well.
Kelpie
Usually appearing as a horse, the Kelpie could lure people onto its back, then dive into the water to drown its rider. In some stories, Kelpies can also transform into human form.
Hindu Mythology
Uchchaihshravas
Born from the churning of the ocean of milk, Uchchaihshravas is considered the king of horses and is often depicted as the steed of the king of the gods, Indra.
Chinese Mythology
It is believed the horse is associated with the four wind directions and that the The rider symbolizes instinctive life force.
Longma
Longma symbolizes power and strength, combining the characteristics of both the dragon and the horse. It is associated with auspicious omens and is sometimes linked to the legendary Emperor Fu Xi.
Arabian Mythology
Al-Buraq
A steed with the body of a horse and the face of a human, sometimes depicted with wings. In Islamic tradition, Al-Buraq carried the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens during the Isra and Mi’raj night journey.
Native American Mythology
Spirit Horse
Horses hold a special place in many Native American cultures, often seen as symbols of power, freedom, and partnership. The stories and meanings vary widely among different tribes.
Slavic Mythology
The Horse of Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga, a powerful witch in Slavic folklore, is said to have control over magical horses, often depicted as a magical or supernatural horse. These horses are often part of quests or tasks given to heroes in various tales.
Horses’s Symbolism
A horse is the epitome of grace, beauty, and wild freedom. When a horse is allowed to live as it pleases, it is truly at its happiest. The desire to be untamed and live as a free spirit is intrinsic to the horse’s nature. Throughout history, people have sought to tame horses, often imposing constraints that can make them feel confined. Horses do not wish to be subdued; they yearn to live according to their own desires and instincts.
By taking the time to understand and respect a horse’s needs and preferences, one can learn to honor its true nature. Horses are highly sensitive creatures, attuned to the energies and emotions of those around them. They respond to these subtle cues and can serve as excellent bridges between Earth and the universe.
In essence, horses embody a profound connection to both the natural world and the cosmos, reflecting their role as intermediaries between the tangible and the spiritual realms.
Lesson
Find your power within and live life with a sense of freedom.
