Featured Design of the Month: March 2022
Featured Design of the Month: March 2022
Image Title: 4-Leaf Clover - Stereogram
I chose this image as the Featured Design for March 2022 because the 4-leaf clover is one of the most common symbols of St. Patrick's Day. I chose the stereogram version of the 4-Leaf Clover design to enhance the illusion of depth of the 4-leaf clover when the stereogram effect is activated. To see the 3D effect of the image, just gently cross your eyes until the two images meet in the middle and see the design pop off the page.
Click on the image to zoom in and examine the details of the design or click the Shop Now button to the right if you wish to purchase this image as framed wall art or printed on other fine products.
The 4-leaf clover has a long and fascinating history of cultural mythology, religious symbolism, and metaphysical mysticism
Cultural Mythology
The Druids (Celtic Priests) of early Ireland believed they could see evil spirits or fairies coming whenever they carried a shamrock, which meant they could get away in time (Celtic fairies were dangerous little creatures who might play deadly tricks or steal your children, so carrying a clover meant that you could take evasive action if you spotted one). They considered a 4-leaf clover as having additional magical powers that could actually ward off those evil spirits. The Druids were also known to use the 4-leaf clover in healing rituals and tales were told of sorceresses who would hunt 4-leaf clovers at night and make them into potions.
Over time the 4-leaf clover became a symbol of luck with the four leaves representing faith, hope, love, and success.
Religious Symbolism
The legend of the 4-leaf clover can be traced back to the story of Adam and Eve where it is said that Eve took a single 4-leaf clover with her when she and Adam were cast out of Eden as a remembrance of the time they lived in paradise.
According to an article on the Readers Digest website - “Another legend says that when St. Patrick brought Christianity to ancient Ireland, he used the 3-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity: one leaf represented the Father, the next the Son, and the third the Holy Ghost. However, the belief that 4-leaf clovers are lucky may have already existed among the Celtic peoples, probably because of the proliferation of clovers in Ireland, and the rarity of finding one with four leaves. Many Celtic traditions were blended with the new religion over the years, and the importance of the clover was one of them. The 4-leaf clover meaning became intertwined with Christianity so that the first three leaves came to represent faith, hope, and love, and the fourth leaf, God’s grace, or luck.”(1)
Over time, Christians embraced the 4-leaf clover because it resembled the four arms of the cross.
Metaphysical Mysticism
In a blog on The California Psychics website, the symbolism of the 4-leaf clover is described in the Lenormand Cards, in dreams, and in finding one outdoors:
“Lenormand Cards: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the Lenormand cards, a divination tool that emerged in the 1800s. These cards are used in cartomancy: The art of divination using cards. While divination via tarot and playing cards are better known, many diviners and psychics make use of this remarkable deck.
The second card in the deck is Clover. Not all Lenormand card sets depict the clover as having four leaves, though many do. This card indicates a period of short term luck and good fortune. The person being read for will have a certain amount of time in which they will need to act. If they don’t, they may miss a window of opportunity.
Lenormand cards are often read in pairs. The card that comes after the clover may indicate the type of luck or opportunity that is coming up. In some cases, however, the card may also show whether the luck is waning or will be blocked. If the clover comes after another card, it may point to the nature of the thing represented.
For example, the fish card in Lenormand indicates finances. If the clover comes after the fish, this could indicate luck in financial affairs, along with short term opportunity that should be investigated and taken advantage of.
In a dream: If you spot a four-leaf clover in a dream, this may be a subconscious indication that luck is about to come to you. Keep in mind, however, that luck is just that: Favorable circumstances for an undertaking. It is up to you to take action.
While outdoors: If you encounter a four-leaf clover outdoors, Spirit may be trying to show you that you are developing your powers of perception. Spirit may also be indicating that it is time for you to look for opportunities that may exist, but are not yet known to you.”(2)
What are the Odds:
The odds of finding a 4-leaf clover are only 1 in 10,000! So it certainly is a form of luck if you find one. But look no further, you have found one here. And now that you have, I wish you all the luck and good fortune in your life!
Website References:
This design is made up of eight separate lattice structures that are colored, rotated and positioned to create the 4 leaf's of the clover. Each lattice structure is comprised of a group of 32 concentric strips shaped like the letter "U", each having a different size, rotation, and color green gradient. The five spheres (1 in the center and one in the crook of each clover leaf) were added to capture the spirit of the design reflected in a water drop.