Why would we name a lake house in Wisconsin after a marine animal that technically cannot survive in fresh water?
Easy. Seahorses are amazing.
In Ancient Rome and Greece, the Seahorse was sacred to the god Poseidon (Neptune in Latin).
Did you know?
The water element embodied in Neptune and Poseidon rule emotion and intuition.
Even though his emotional unrest could yield terrific storms and damage, seafarers frequently prayed to Poseidon for safe passage.
For me, seahorses are so metaphorical. Their gestural “S” shape captivates the artist in me. My sketchbooks filled with more or less successful interpretations of their bony skeletons, sculptural shape and easy elegance. The equine feature of their heads is the crème de-la-crème of beauty.
On the opposite end, take their tails for example. A seahorse can wrap its tail around seaweed, coral or other objects to anchor themselves. The tail’s unique muscle is what biologists call prehensile, meaning it grips–as monkeys can–or in a similar manner of the human hand.
The idea that seahorses monitor any significant life change so that the person is able to navigate tumultuous waters safely is beyond powerful.
Lighthouse workers have sometimes theorized that a seahorse ‘spirit animal’ is a keeper of history — including our past lives. The seahorse is also described as a creature of whimsy and inventiveness. This speaks directly to my creative being and intuitive spirit. I’m not totally sure about past lives. I will say, however, I had an interesting ‘feeling’ one time in Bavaria, Germany. More below.
Monogamy & Patriarchy
At the base of Neuschwanstein – June 2015 
Walking up the path to Neuschwanstein, June 2015 
Linen and silk pillow cover depicting the crest for Neuschwanstein
Thinking of monogamy, swans immediately come to mind. Both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles in Bavaria, Germany, incorporate swans. The history of Schwangau (translated literally as the Swan District), can be viewed in more than 90 murals that adorn the walls of Hohenschwangau. I really love the pillows we bought in Neuschwanstein – a blue and gold design of the ever-faithful swan. But it was the walk up the long sweeping driveway to the top of Hohenschwangau that felt so familiar and known to me. It was both creepy and simultaneously scintillating. Had I been there in a past life? The Romantic in me would say yes, definitely. The 21st Century woman? Not so sure.
What’s the connection between swans and seahorses? Well, I was surprised to learn that seahorses are also monogamous and mate for life.
One of the most potent and unusual seahorse symbols and meanings is the “male” aspect- especially the role of the Father. Unlike any other species, male seahorses are those who both fertilize and carry the female’s eggs for about one and a half months in a tail pouch until they are born. Talk about an amazing partnership between the males and females. They are unlike any other creatures known to man.
Eyesight is 20/20
Other physical anomalies should be noted. Seahorses have excellent vision. Their eyes move independently and one eye can look forward whilst the other eye looks backward. The multiple angles help protect them from enemies who think they can plan a sneak attack on a seahorse.
Symbolically, their unusual eye capabilities lend the meaning and symbolism of observation and awareness. Moms joke they have eyes in the backs of their heads. What would it be like if you could actually see foreword and backward? Less messes, I would guess.
Serenity means peace of mind, quietness, and calmness.
When your mind is clear, your heart is full of love, and
you are able to spread love all around you.That’s the moment when you know that you have
touched the serenity state of being.
Patience. Serenity. Persistence.
iStock photo credit: baona
Serenity Prayer. I’m grateful to know and, be able to, recite the Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Lastly, the Seahorse’s body. The boney nature of the seahorse is not only a safeguard but also represents protection. Their bony armor protects them, regardless of their small stature. Not being the best of swimmers, the seahorse moves slowly from spot to spot, only using its tail as an anchor in stormy seas. Seahorses definitely represent Perseverance.
Moving slowing, meandering from place to place, is completely comforting as I think about Seahorse Shores and the magnitude of work to do – mostly outside. Perennial gardens, shrubs, annuals, tree maintenance. A labyrinth, trails through the woods, access to the beach.
It’s all a mystery of how it will get done.