Look to the Stars

In the painting "Tao Galaxy," Chi-Jen Liu elaborates on the universal quality of this philosophy. "We are all made of energy. Vast galaxies are expressions of the high intelligence hidden inside creation. These messages create greater unity and understanding between us... and between all different forms of life."

A shell-like spiral in a vast ocean of space represents how opposite energies balance each other. The yellow is warm, but the blue is cool; the spiral bursts with light, but the space swallows it. Coins of wisdom roll out of the golden spiral and can be likened to a cornucopia of blessings to all. The coins are embossed with mantra charms for peace, prosperity, protection, and many other benefits. Chi-Jen Liu offers us his perspective of the massive intelligence and universal compassion that awaits us when we look to the heavens for guidance.

"Secret Code of the Galaxies" depicts a complex arrangement of mantra charms, constellations and a combination of Taoist symbols. Each of them contains codes or messages, that have the power to enhance the positive energy that surrounds us.

The sun and moon symbolize nature's balance, and the gifts they freely bestow. Chi-Jen Liu explains, "The sun charges you with creative energy. It protects you from man-made and natural disasters. It activates life force in your body. The moon brings peace, romance, and happiness. It activates your spiritual energy and connects you to higher dimensions."

The bold and swirling colors represent the five elements of feng shui philosophy. The pinks and reds are colors associated with fire. The whites and yellows are associated with metal. The greens and blues, wood. The browns are associated with earth, and the blacks and grays relate to water. The five elements, interwoven with personalized mantra charms, are expertly arranged like stars in the galaxy, attracting blessings and dispelling darkness.

"Crab and Peacock Protection" is a light show of lucky Chinese symbols. Peacocks are known for their exquisite plumage and vibrant colors. In cultures throughout the world, it is revered as a symbol of beauty and royalty. A peacock's display of feathers lend him a luminous aura that attracts the admiration of bystanders. The peacock represents self-protection in the form of regality – social status provides a positive shield and grants entrance into affluent environments. Crabs are creatures of both water and land. They symbolize protection because they have the ability to find food and shelter in various places, all while staying safe inside their sturdy shells. It is said that sideways-walking crabs can navigate their way through obstacles and exit danger without harm.

The ringing of a bell clears away negative energy; the bell thus symbolizes purification of the body, the mind, and one's environment. The dragons, and the pyramid with the single eye, represent spiritual forces. In Chinese mythology, the dragon is regarded as a guardian creature. Dragons patrol the realm between heaven and earth, and come down when needed to help mankind. The pyramid with the eye is a symbol of God, the One who sees all and protects all. Chi-Jen Liu says, "Listening to your intuition can help you avoid a negative situation. Developing good habits and good karma can create a positive energetic shield around you."

"Secret Code of Life" embodies Chi-Jen Liu's understanding of feng shui symbols. The sun and moon represent hope and love. The ocean represents vast wisdom and wealth. The ascending snake represents intelligence and self-awareness. The turtles, rays, fish and snakes all swim in pairs to symbolize marital happiness. Jellyfish denote scholarship and fame. At the bottom left, the artist has painted a golden "chi lin," which is a creature who has the head of a dragon and body of a horse. Chi lin are mythical Chinese guardians said to appear at the homes of benevolent persons and offer them protection and blessings. Golden koi swim by the chi lin. In Chinese, the word for fish is "yu," which sounds like the word for “abundance.” This word association is so culturally rooted, and has been so faithfully passed down from generation to generation, that the image of fish has become imbued with the power to attract prosperity.

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