Mermaids

The mermaid is a sex symbol. Even women see her as beautiful and sensual. There is nothing sexist or demeaning in this. These are some of the mermaid's strongest qualities: her freedom and her confidence.
Mermaids evolved from the ancient pagan goddesses of the sea and fertility. Images of these powerful women have been potent symbols for thousands of years. The "Birth of Venus" by Botticelli is an excellent example . It shows a naked Venus standing in a clam shell covered by her own long, flowing hair and thin pieces of cloth held by cherubs. The image is both sensual and romantic.
Many artists today produce pictures of goddesses. Often they feature nudity or are the pin-up sort. I believe that this is not to lower the goddess but to raise the pin-up. The sexual nature of the ancient goddesses is very important. Sex is a powerful force that renews life and populates the world. In my opinion, the women in pin-ups are idealized representations of the life force, or the anima as Jung calls it. They call to us to join in the great dance of life

Turn Loose the Mermaids-Nightwish
A kite above a graveyeard grey
At the end of the line far far away
A child holding on to the magic of birth and awe

Oh, how beautiful it used to be
Just you and me far beyond the sea
The waters, scarce in motion
Quivering still

At the end of the river the sundown beams
All the relics of a life long lived
Here, weary traveller rest your wand
Sleep the journey from your eyes

Good journey, love, time to go
I checked your teeth and warmed your toes
In the horizon I see them coming for you

The mermaid grace, the forever call
Beauty in spygladd on an old man's porch
The mermaids you turn loose brought back your tears

At the end of the river the sundown beams
All the relics of a life long lived
Here, weary traveller rest your wand
Sleep the journey from your eyes

At the end of the river the sundown beams
All the relics of a life long lived
Here, weary traveller rest your wand
Sleep the journey from your eyes

At the end of the river the sundown beams
All the relics of a life long lived
Here, weary traveller rest your wand
Sleep the journey from your eyes