Wind Horse, River Horse

Centre of the Windhorse

"the word [windhorse] is still and often mistakenly taken to mean only the actual flag planted on the roof of a house or on a high place near a village. In fact, it is a symbol of the idea of well-being or good fortune. This idea is clear in such expressions as rlung rta dar ba, the 'increase of the windhorse,' when things go well with someone; rlung rta rgud pa, the 'decline of windhorse,' when the opposite happens. The colloquial equivalent for this is lam ’gro, which also means luck."

~ Samten Karmay, The Arrow and the Spindle: Studies in History, Myths, Rituals and Beliefs in Tibet.

...and from the other side.

Karmay also suggests that the Wind Horse was originally the River Horse ~ tying in with ancient Chinese myths of dragons and dragon horses emerging from rivers.

Whether a Wind Horse, a River Horse, or a synthesis of both, this magical being carrying flaming, wish-fulfilling jewels on its back brings peace, contentment and harmony.

This Wind Horse was cast in glass from a Tibetan prayer flag woodblock; the plaster has been left in the crevices for its 'just unearthed' quality.

...and from the other side.

Windhorse has now found a home over the moon in New Zealand :)