Ian O’Phelan

coyote

Contemplating Narcissus

Frontiers
Volume 26, Issue 26
2008

From the Depths

Working with archetypes can reveal much about our gay psyches

Episode III: Contemplating Narcissus

Photo Editor James Gomez

BlueFlip Art

prints for sale:

BlueFlip Art

I’ve chose the World Wildlife Foundation as a beneficiary, meaning 10% of the sale of each print will be donated to the largest animal conservation organization in the world.

birdgold

Chango Coffee House and Art Gallery (1559 Echo Park Avenue, LA CA 90026)
a solo show of drawings and collage by Ian O’Phelan
7:00pm to 10:00pm
Exhibition runs through March 31, 2008
http://www.myspace.com/changocoffeehouse

Hairy One

(sometimes called the “Shaggy Beast” or La Velue which is French for “Hairy One”) is a supposed dragon that terrorized a La Ferté-Bernard, France, in medieval times. Despite the French origins, its more recognized name is Portuguese for “hairy”. Depending on the account, it had either a porcupine like body or a mess of hair like projections hanging from its body that were actually stinger tipped tentacles which could erect into quills. This shaggy appearance is where its name is derived. Consistently, it was told to have possessed poisonous stingers that it could shoot off its body, a snake’s neck, head, and tail, large, tortoise like feet, and a green color.

The myth proposed that the beast was denied access to Noah’s Ark yet survived the biblical flood by seeking refuge in a cave near the Huisne River. After many years, it returned to rampage across the countryside, wilting crops with its breath and devouring both livestock and humans. It was finally defeated after it killed a man’s fiancée. He tracked it down and cut off its tail. This was the only vulnerable point on the beast, and it died immediately.

kittysteam

IF: plain

White Buffalo Calf Woman (Lakota: Pte San Win), a sacred woman of supernatural origin is treated as a prophet or a messiah and is central to the Lakota religion. Oral traditions relate that it was her who brought the people (familiar term to refer to the extended Lakota nation of the Teton Souix)

The traditional story is that, long ago, there was a time of famine. The chief of the Lakotas sent out two scouts to hunt for food. As the scouts travelled they saw a figure in the distance. As they approached they saw that it was a beautiful young woman in white clothing.

One of the scouts was filled with desire for the woman. He approached her, telling his companion he would attempt to embrace the woman, and if he found her pleasing, he would claim her as a wife.

His companion warned him that she appeared to be a sacred woman, and to do anything sacrilegious would be folly. The scout ignored his advice.

The companion watched as the scout approached and embraced the woman, during which time a white cloud enveloped the pair. After a while, the cloud disappeared and only the mysterious woman remained.

The remaining scout was frightened, and began to draw his bow, but the woman beckoned him forward, telling him that no harm would come to him.

As the woman was fluent in Lakota, the young man decided she was one of his tribe, and came forward. When he arrived, she pointed to a spot on the ground where the other scout’s bare bones lay. She explained that the Crazy Buffalo had compelled the man to desire her, and she had annihilated him.

The scout became even more frightened and again menaced her with his bow.

At this time, the woman explained that she was Wakan and his weapons could not harm her. She further explained that if he did as she instructed, no harm would befall him and that his tribe would become more prosperous.

The scout promised to do what she instructed, and was told to return to his encampment, call the Council and prepare a feast for her arrival.

The woman’s name was Ptesan­Wi which translated White Buffalo Calf Woman. She taught the Lakotas many sacred rituals and gave them the chununpa or sacred pipe which is the holiest of all worship symbols. After teaching the people and giving them her gifts, PtesanWi left them promising to return.

Later, the story became attributed to the goddess Wohpe, also know as Whope, or Wope.

When Roman Catholic missionaries first came among the Lakota, their stories of the Virgin Mary and Jesus became associated with the legend of White Buffalo Calf Woman. The syncretic practice of identifying Mary with PtesanWi and Jesus with the chununpa continues among Lakota Christians to this day.

The story of PtesanWi is associated with the white buffalo.

frog

ian

rivers and bridges II