And He Had in His Right Hand Seven Stars; and Out of His Mouth Went a Sharp Two-Edged Sword, plate 1 of 12 1899

Odilon Redon created this lithograph, "And He Had in His Right Hand Seven Stars; and Out of His Mouth Went a Sharp Two-Edged Sword," an evocative image inspired by the Book of Revelation. Here, stars, often symbols of divine guidance or celestial beings, cluster around the figure's hand, while a sword emerges from the mouth, suggesting the power of divine judgment or truth. The sword is an ancient emblem. We find it not only as a weapon of war but also as a symbol of spiritual discernment. Consider its echo in the flaming sword of the cherubim guarding Eden or the celestial sword wielded by archangels. The emotional weight of the image lies in its stark contrast: the ethereal stars against the harsh, piercing sword. This stark juxtaposition delves into the collective unconscious, stirring primal fears and hopes. It serves as a potent reminder of humanity's eternal dance between darkness and light. Just like the ouroboros, this symbolism is not linear but cyclical. The sword and stars re-emerge in our dreams and myths.