Panagia… visual Meditation

My recent painting “Panagia”  (pronounced pan-a-yee-ah), the feminine form of the ‘All-Holy,’ is inspired by my visit to the Paliani convent on Crete while on a Goddess Pilgrimage with Carol Christ. I am not a Christian, however for me, along with many, Mary is the archetypal mother. She further represents the Divine Feminine, while for some she is the feminine face of God. Mother Mary reminds me that even within the confines of patriarchy–and within traditions we may be ideologically opposed to–‘She’ is present. My intention was to capture a mother’s deep love for her child, while at the same time acknowledging mothers who have lost a child, those who are not able to have or are yet to have children, and all those who have lost their mothers. The tree with its roots descending deep into the earth, and the Panagia emerging from its trunk represents the Holy Myrtle or sacred Myrtle, a tree growing within the walls of the convent that is believed to be over 1000 years old. Miracles are prayed for to the Black Madonna in the convent’s chapel and prayers and ribbons hang from the branches of the ancient tree. I believe that this painting is the perfect representation of love and nurturing from the Great Mother.

Jassy Watson

Visionary Artist from Australia whose work is dedicated to the sacred feminine, mother of four, writer and student of Ancient History and Religion at Macquarie University in Sydney. Creatress of Goddesses Garden and Studio, a space fostering earth connection and creative expression. Prints of this work are available for purchase from www.fineartamerica.com.