Mountain Above; Water Below available on Etsy
This painting is of my childhood swimming hole, set deep in the mountains of Appalachia. The title comes from the literal image of a mountain above and water below. This reminded me of the iChing hexagram, “Meng,” which symbolizes “Mountain Above and Water Below.”
There are many different forms of divination; tarot cards, tea leaf reading, gazing in a crystal ball or shiny surface, etc. In China, the method of iChing developed. It uses a method of throwing yarrow stalks or 3 coins thrown six times to produce the hexagram. There are different theories as to why this works, perhaps it is an effect of our subconscious mind communicating to us, some say it is an effect of quantum physics or that small things in the world can reflect the larger patterns that exist. In any case, it has existed for at least 3,000 years probably longer and many people find it a useful tool.
Hexagram 4 – “Meng” is also known as “Youthful Folly.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It is an opportunity for learning. It also reminds you of the pleasures of childhood and to embrace that. We can use that in our learning too, because when learning is fun, we remember it better. But it’s also good to think over that time and release bad habits from then and replace it with mature knowledge.
I see in this painting the peace and innocence of childhood; a time before adult concerns and worries. Looking at it brings me back to a state of peace. When I paint, I drop into a place of unconcern. I let the images flow into me and out of my paint brush, producing a vision of tranquility.
A good affirmation for this day would be: “I breath in peace and it flows through me into the world.”
More peace is always needed.
- Patricia Robin Woodruff
Inner Art Spirit 