Friday 23 July 2021

July Full Moon Altar: Nike


July's full moon altar honours the Greek goddess Nike, aka Winged Victory. The delayed Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics start today, so she is the fitting deity of the moment! Nike stands amidst scattered gold, silver and bronze stars, a golden laurel wreath, and the sacred flame burning in a Grecian urn.

In one hand, Nike holds a laurel wreath of victory, the prize which all desire. But her other two symbols sound cautionary notes. Her wings imply that "victory is fleeting" -- do not expect it to last forever. The owl in Nike's other hand warns that victory must be tempered with wisdom -- success must not breed hubris.


My Nike statue is a reproduction of an ancient Etruscan statue which I bought about 20 years ago in West Edmonton Mall. WEM used to have a wonderful American store there called The Museum Company which sold quality museum replicas of art, jewelry, etc. However, the store disappeared after only a few years, alas. The lovely gold laurel wreath of victory is a souvenir purchased in Athens by My Rare One a couple of years ago, which she graciously loaned me for this altar. The little porcelain art deco grecian urn was a find I made about 30 years ago in a rural Manitoba barn stuffed full to bursting with antiques, collectibles and just plain old junk.

[First photo © Debra She Who Seeks, July 2021; second photo is from the internet.]

37 comments:

Sixpence Notthewiser said...

Loves it!
And very appropriate, indeed. I really like the statue and the idea of the stars. I also really like the stories that come with these altars.

XOXO

Travel said...

You have an amazing collection of goddesses

Marie Smith said...

Nike is perfect for the olympics. Great job on the altar.

Boud said...

Your altars are so thoughtful. I love to see them abd get a guided tour.

Miss Val's Creations said...

Beautiful statue to display at this time! The Grecian urn is gorgeous too.

Frank said...

I have trouble remembering what day of the week it is, let alone when the full moon is! That Olympic symbol is something like what I see when I get a visual migraine.

Moving with Mitchell said...

Beautiful treasures. That statue of Nike is stunning. And thanks for the explanation.

Martha said...

You always do such a great job on these altars!

DVArtist said...

Your altar is beautiful. Wonderful post.

Mistress Maddie said...

I think I like this statuette, Nike, the best so far. I just sat out last night and looked at the full moon, its was a beautiful one. Almost looked like a harvest moon.

Old Lurker said...

I don't understand. Where are the sneakers?

Mike said...

It looks like your Nike statue is barefoot which it should be. Which makes Nike shoes kind of contradictory.

e said...

A perfect altar for this full moon!

(I'm hoping that the Canadian women's soccer team does well. Your captain is our local captain, Christine Sinclair, and is an absolute LEGEND! Surely one of Canada's greatest athletes.)

Parnassus said...

Hello Debra, Victory and wisdom (naturally both without hubris) are qualities we sorely need at this time. I hope that your altar will help to bring them.
--Jim

bobbie said...

Perfect!!

Tundra Bunny said...

For a second, I thought Nike was holding a horseshoe, then I read the post!

yellowdoggranny said...

I love your altars and am so jealous...

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ e -- Yes, every Canadian knows and loves Christine Sinclair! She is our soccer phenom!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ Tundra Bunny -- You know, horseshoes should be an Olympic sport too!

Guillaume said...

I don't remember that one.

Joanne Noragon said...

Those barns of finds are far between these days.

Fundy Blue said...

Oh boy ~ I thought Nike was sneakers. You are always teaching me things, Debra. Your altar is beautiful, simple and emanating peaces as well as caution. Many years ago there was a Museum Company in Denver. I really liked it. I'm cheering on all the Olympians. Have a good one!

Bill Lisleman said...

success must not breed hubris - yes we would all be better off is more people followed that advice

Janie Junebug said...

A lovely post to go with a lovely altar.

Love,
Janie

Kirk said...

On my own blog a while back I joked that the athletic show company could face a copyright infringement lawsuit from a certain Greek goddess. Of course I was being facetious as Nike long ago entered the public domain. Good thing, too, because that we all can enjoy her, even those of us who wear Reeboks.

Rosemary said...

Love your statue of the Greek goddess Nike - I have always admired the artwork of the Etruscans.

This N That said...

Perfect for the Olympics..Love the Statue of Nike!! The moon is indeed beautiful..Have a swell weekend..:}

Lady M said...

Wait - I was expecting a shoe!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

A blast from the past sensation just overcame me. I'm pretty sure my Uncle took me to the Museum Company. It's awesome. I love your Nike replica statue, too, especially for its significance.

Cheers.

Ur-spo said...

I have a statue of Nike too, but mine's got more trimmings.

Magaly Guerrero said...

I love your stunning altar. Your Winged Victory goddess bloomed a gasping sigh out of me--she's so beautiful.

Martha said...

Wow, beautiful! I'm so envious of your collection.

roughterrain crane said...

Your Nike statue is wonderful!! It would make people calm.

RO said...

OMG - these are so hilarious and so ironic. I've been a little under the weather so I find myself eating more veggies than norm, and passing on my beloved cheeseburgers. But I often ask - what in the heck is wrong with me giving up a cheeseburger?!!!(lol) Hugs and hugs, RO

baili said...

loved the Statue of Nike dear Debra
it is beautiful indeed.
i specially loved the lines about wisdom and success ,so true and worth following.


store closing reminded me a shop closing here in Sukkur city where my kids used to eat samosas for years whenever they visited but it is closed since two years. Samosas are everywhere but kids liked older one more
hugs and blessings!

Magic Love Crow said...

Truly, truly beautiful Deb! The full moon was so beautiful this month, perfect match to your altar! Love the meaning behind "Nike"! I remember The Museum Company! Mom and I had to go to Toronto, to go to that store! It was cool! Big Hugs!

Rommy said...

Perfect goddess to honor this month. I'm glad so many women involved in this year's games are standing up for themselves.