The items in the lower right hand
A plow is a sacred tool held in the divine lower right hand or hands, symbolizing the plowing and seeding of the land. It cultivates the fertile soil, preparing it for the growth and nurturing of life during the vibrant season of planting in the spring. The divine hand holds a wand to wave and fertilize the land as a conduit for transformative energies during this auspicious time, much like the wand waved by Inanna, a Mesopotamian goddess, to ensure the fertility of the earth and all creatures far and wide.
The cobra, positioned near the right lower hand(s) and sometimes on the lap, symbolizes spring awakening, as it does in many other cultures. This is also the cobra’s mating season, an important part of this seasonal equation. The celestial cow or bull emerges at the beginning of spring, signifying the commencement of a new year at the equinox. Its presence symbolizes the promise of growth and abundant renewal as the earth awakens.
These sacred symbols in the divine hands tell a story of rebirth, renewal, and the cyclic nature of life. The plow prepares the soil, the wand invokes transformative energies, the cobra represents spring awakening, and the celestial cow or bull heralds the dawn of a new chapter. Together, they depict the plowing, sowing, and boundless potential for growth and transformation within the embrace of spring.
The items in the upper right hand
To symbolize the essence of summer, I propose embellishing the upper right hand(s) or quadrant of the deity with distinct summer symbols. For instance, adorning the deity’s hand with a bow and arrow, reminiscent of one of Mesopotamia’s gods and the food provider, Dumuzid, and his trusted weapon, would be a fitting choice. Additionally, a sickle or a harvesting knife should be depicted in the upper right quadrant to signify summer’s association with oats and grain harvesting. Other symbols linked to the summer season include representations of the sun’s highest point in the year, the summer solstice, such as a sun, a flame, or a ball of fire, which can be illustrated in or above the deity’s hand. Furthermore, the lotus flower, which blooms during the summer, should also be considered a symbolic representation of this season.