Lingam - Pillar of Light
Pillar of Light - Lingam with surrounding Yoni, in pine
Senan Clifford
The Pillar of Light is a symbol of the masculine, in all its true energy, steadfast dedication, honour and integrity.
There is nothing shameful or obscene about a pillar of light, a phallus, or about masculinity.
The phallus has been regarded as an obscenity, a danger, something to be rejected; but this shames men about their very core, making them feel ‘wrong’ and unworthy.
Maybe this is part of the reason men have behaved shamefully to women, to children, and to other men, the world over, and increasingly to our environment with such drastic consequences.
When a man is connected to his true masculine essence, honours his energy, he is empowered to become himself – gracious brother, gentle father, loving husband, protecting warrior, guiding and wise.
It is time to heal; for men to own their parts, their shame, and their honour – to stand up, proud and strong and become a pillar of light.
On lingams...
The cock, phallus, erect penis, lingam.. all represent the masculine essence.
How we depict and relate to the various representations shapes and reflects how we feel about men in our cultures and lives.
It is usually not spoken of, nor seen. To show an erect penis is censored in the media; is described as an obscenity in law - it is by definition 'offensive'.
In daily life it is treated with disdain - Yuck! Urggh, put it away! - It's ugly, smelly, and we don't want to see it nor even think about it..!
Or often ridiculed; men humiliated and shamed for their pathetic little worms.. called 'pricks' when unpopular, 'you knob' if you're a fool, and 'what a dick!' when disliked.
It's un-valued; men's penises are routinely cut, the whole foreskin removed to make them more acceptable, easier on the eye, in the name of hygiene or to inhibit masturbation. Little understood; many of us are ignorant about the frenulum, or the role and make up of the fore-skin for instance. Merely used as a tool to 'get the job done' - piss, wank or fuck.
Is it graffitied on walls and vans, desks and books probably by teenage boys/young men - maybe trying to assert something.. I am here, I exist, I am a man... notice me
Cock graffiti - interestingly on a 'white van' another masculine icon.. uncleaned (uncared for?)
So what have we here..
This Lingam and Yoni, represent the divine male and female, celebrate the life creating and blessing of both masculine and feminine, and the importance of each to the other.
In pine with decorations, for eMancipated? exhibition, 2018
This wicker lingam was created during MenFest 2021, for the festival compass rose, in the camping field. It was made by the men during the event, stands as tall as a man, and is decorated around the base with clay phalluses crafted during a men's consciousness raising workshop.
See https://menfest.org for information about the festival.
Other lingams..
Lingams, phalluses, needles, standing stones . . are universal across cultures and ages, throughout the world, and are often linked to creation, the divine essence of life, to truth and goodness.
The Shiva lingam, also referred to as Shiva linga, is a non-figural representation of the Hindu god Shiva. It is often depicted within a disk-shaped platform and revered as the beginning of all creation.
The lingam has been interpreted as a phallic symbol used for worship in temples. The Shiva lingam is usually depicted standing within the yoni, the lingam’s female counterpart which is a symbol of Shakti or the female divine energy.
Khmer Shiva Linga, Cambodia
The Lia Fáil meaning "Stone of Destiny" or "Speaking Stone" to account for its oracular legend is a stone at the Inauguration Mound on the Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland, which served as the coronation stone for the High Kings of Ireland. It is also known as the Coronation Stone of Tara.
According to legend, all of the kings of Ireland were crowned on the stone up to c. 500 CE.
The Lia Fáil was thought to be magical: when the rightful High King of Ireland put his feet on it, the stone was said to roar in joy. The stone is also credited with the power to rejuvenate the king and also to endow him with a long reign
Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), Tara, Ireland