"Narcissus"
©2003

In the ancient Greek myth Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection in the waters of a lake. When he moves closer for a kiss, he falls into the water where he drowns. This story has usually been interpreted as representing the folly of vanity, but I wondered if it could also be seen in another light.

In my poetic retelling of the myth, Narcissus dies the "shaman's death" by diving beneath the "surface" of reality and delves into his own unconscious, where he is united with his mirror-twin, and achieves wholeness, or realized divinity.

This image attempts to capture the stark sensuality of this often homoerotized myth, as well as introduce associations from other Pagan myths of similar focus. The peacock feathers invoke a quality of both the vanity and pride that this myth is usually associated with, while also hinting at something more. Peacocks are also a symbol of transcendence and of redemption, as evidenced by the Yezidi myth. Here he is sensually swathed in them, surrendering to those qualities even as he sinks into his destiny.