Symbology Guide Series: Sirens Diptych Altar Shrines
The Symbology Guide Series is an up-close look into the intentionally chosen iconography and symbolic features that make each altar shrine I craft a unique portal piece. Here we will dissect the details and explore the imagery of the Sirens Diptych Altar Shrines.
This duo calls you to ride the waves of love. One sister is softer, rounder and slightly silver while the other sister’s imagery is sharper, elongated and leans golden. Make new friends, but keep the old… Let’s look at the signature symbolism blended into these pieces.
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I was inspired to memorialize a magical summer season through these works. It’s my first diptych — set of two pieces that create a cohesive picture. Over the period of time when I joined a plant-focused choir with my 4-year-old daughter and led a deeply-rooted cannabis ceremony for the 8/8 Lionsgate portal, I experienced a potent remembrance connected with two ancestors and physical wooden totems of two mermaids (see below). This work honors my mystical Siren Era and emphasizes the importance of togetherness.
Waves
Each background features a crest of liquid movement. The picture spanned two magazine pages and is actually one wave dissected. The water element is associated with our emotions, our memories, and the psyche. We are but a drop in a larger, ever changing ocean. Water washes us clean, reflects our depths and rejuvenates our spirits.
SIREN SISTER #1 features a silver scarab beetle looming under a full pearl moon with large radial cowrie “ears” on the wings for listening deeply.
Silver Scarab
The scarab (also known as the dung beetle) is sacred in Egyptian mythology. The insect is an expert at rolling balls of material, you see it here holding up a circular orb of the moon. In stories featuring Khepri, this beetle is associated with the sun rather than the lunar light. Qualities held by the scarab include immortality, divine protection, and transformation. The silver hue hints at patience, durability and a mirror to the soul.
Pearl Full Moon
The pearl is a sign of wisdom. In this shrine it is situated in the sky as a full moon emblem. The moon, controller of the tides, holds a strong association with the ways of water. Mermaids are guardians of the delicate, pure and mysterious pearl. Metaphysical properties include channel clearing for spiritual wisdom, truth bringing, and focus.
Cowrie Shells
Large cowrie “ears” rest on each wing of this shrine, inviting the viewer to open their channel of listening to incoming guidance. Cowries are connected with the divine vulva and are a charm of rebirth. They’re globally valued for protection, healing and wealth.
SIREN SISTER #2 carries sharper symbolism with upright pointed quartz emerging from cream roses as the bodies of butterflies, her wave crest is taller and elongated reaching skyward.
Clear Quartz Points
Clear quartz is a classic stone of amplification. It may provide clarity and harmony in energy and emotion. It is a crystal of communication and conscious connection. Like water, it rejuvenates and cleanses our physical, mental and spiritual fields. Pointed upward, it channels energy toward the upper chakras which may support psychic and prayer practices.
Wings
Wings represent unlimited freedom and transcending the earth realm. They are a vehicle to the sky and heavens. They gift us broader perspective, intuition and inspiration. Older Greek depictions of sirens feature a being with the body and wings of a bird.
Rose Flowers
Roses are associated with love and evoke sensuality. They are welcoming in the petal yet thwarting in the thorn — a paradox. She carries connections to multiple goddess figures: Venus, Aphrodite, Mary, Ishtar… Roses represent romance, protection, intimacy, and beauty.
Sirens
These are the incredibly precious wooden carved mermaids I scouted at the flea market while in the vortex of siren studies. They came home with me immediately and now frame the entrance of our home post-river ritual that’s pictured above.
Siren associations include their alluring song, seduction, and illusion. I have come to know them for lessons in feminine magic, togetherness, support in spell work and mystical music.
