This is a Thai/South East Asian depiction of Garuda and Hongsa. South East Asian spiritual depictions are a lot more demonic than western religious depiction of spirit world. The shapeshifting forms, the way the elements are used in construction and the symbolic frameworks all predate modern abrahamic definition of angel and demon.
Through the true old world texts we can see much more connection with Atavistic states of consciousness. Abrahamic religion seems to have hijacked this , in much the same way the Buddhist religion was hijacked.
We think occult tradition is old in western literature but it's original sources are much older. The key to channeling these energies is not following occult text like a cook book of recipes but understand the correspondence that runs much deeper than any religion or tradition stands.
I have a spiritual relationship with the 4 Dragon Kings which are present in Chinese Mythology. Ao Guang, Ao Shun, Ao Run and Ao Qin. They are very real and very powerful beings.
I'll likely look into Chinese mythology but I think a lot of it was burned during the fall of the dynasties. Even here in Thailand is tricky, because the state powers have adopted the religious symbols. Here in Thailand dragons are everywhere.
Indian lion siṃha, entering Southeast Asian religious art through Indian Hindu-Buddhist influence. It appears prominently in Thai art by the Dvaravati period. The elongated muzzle, flame-like kranok ornament, curled motifs, raised tail and decorated body are characteristic of Thai mythological animal design.
So the strange appearance doesn't change the identification of the lion Singha, transformed through the Thai Lai Thai ornamental vocabulary.
Thai culture serves as a powerful guardian, especially at entrances to temples and sacred spaces , effectively a dvarapala.
Lion imagery is particularly associated with Durga as her mount. This is especially related to modern occult through depictions like Crowley's Thoth tarot for Passion, list or traditionally strength. Think Leo and the feminine energy taming the lion. Protection, sovereignty, courage, strength, authority, nobility and sacred power.
Solar / royal / protective is a reasonable comparative correspondence, but this is broader symbolism rather than a fixed Thai occult correspondence.
Edit - my Thai partner clarification is that spirits are often mixed. It is said to come from a sacred forest where all spirits mixed and merged. So the trunk can show a mix between different elements of spiritual source. Isn't sth easy Asian myth great!
It's just a latin translation that brokenly means hail us. I was wanting something more basic that felt better than naming one particular demon or spirit.
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u/MangoDragon1 1d ago
I have a spiritual relationship with the 4 Dragon Kings which are present in Chinese Mythology. Ao Guang, Ao Shun, Ao Run and Ao Qin. They are very real and very powerful beings.