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UNICORN
ZHI
The mythologies of the Unicorn and the Zhi show two distinct streams of development -
one of Western origin and the other Eastern. Interestingly, they merge when their
functions are considered.
The Unicorn appears to have its origins in Medieval Europe and there are many works of art to reflect popular thinking about its appearance. Its symbolism is not well recorded but it clearly has miraculous/religious connotations and also sexual symbolism of a noble kind. (Only pure maidens can entice Unicorns from the wild forest.)
Unicorns are protective, enchanting and elusive.
The Zhi is a small, rather squat, antelope-like creature with a single horn. Its mythology begins in the Chinese Neolithic Period with fragments of bone engraving. It is a fascinating unfolding in which Zhi starts as a one-horned goat that can, without fail, separate the guilty from the innocent and so became associated with justice and protection of the good. Zhi then develops into a guardian of the virtue of both the living and the dead and so becomes a Spirit Guardian and a symbol of Perfect Justice.
Zhi dwells in the misty, mystical realm of Shen Shan and reminds us of '...endless possibility and hope for a better world'.
The functions of Zhi and the Unicorn come together as a powerful force for Love, Protection, Justice, Wholeness of Spirit and Hope.
It is no surprise that the fabulous Unicorn ( or einhorn or licorne or unicornio or alicorno or jednorozec or...) has
always been a particular treasure for women and others who suffer under the burden of injustice.
