Wind Horse

The wind horse is in the shamanistic tradition of Central Asia is an allegory for the human soul. In Tibetan Buddhism, it has been adopted as a central element in the middle of the four allegorical animals of the cardinal directions. It also has the prayer flags given its name, on which the five animals are shown.

The symbol has different depending on the language, subtly different names:

• хиймори, Chiimori or hiimori, Mongolian for " gas horse", literally " wind horse", everyday meaning: soul.
• Rüzgar Tayi, Turkish for " foal of the wind".
• Rlung - rta, Tibetan for " wind horse".

Shamanism

The origins of the wind horse lying on the territory of modern Mongolia as part of the Tengriasm as well as in Tibet in Bön faith.

The Mongolian- Turkish Legend tells of a magical horse that was born as a foal with eight legs and the ability to fly. The Wind Horse was the brain child of a shaman named Chichek and should help her to escape from the rule of an evil Khan. This succeeds only after his death, when it again appears as a real horse in Chicheks trance, and carries her away. In Mongolian representations of the wind horse is often shown with wings.

Chiimori represents the inner strength of a man, his soul. This force helps the balance between Father Sky ( alttürk. tengri; mong tenger. ) To find and Mother Earth. Good deeds strengthen the soul and its power. Any act that disturbs the balance of the world can dwindle the inner strength. This explains the Tengriasm that evil people often develop over time a self-destructive behavior.

Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism the same symbol from the shamanistic beliefs of Bon was taken. Here in the company of four animals of the cardinal points it occurs ( Garuda respectively. Kyung, dragon, tiger and snow lion ), which in turn come from the Chinese mythology.

In this context, the wind horse is often depicted without wings, but it carries the three jewels of the Chakravartin, also called " Wishfulfilling jewel ". It is spread in its appearance peace, prosperity and harmony. The ritual invocation of the wind horse is done in the morning and during a waxing moon through a smoke victims.

On the Tibetan prayer flags are in the corners mostly the four animals of the cardinal points and represented the wind horse in the middle. From this the flags have also adopted the name rlung - rta. By flapping in the wind they carry the prayers to heaven like the flying in the wind horse.

Heraldry

The Wind Horse is a common figure in heraldry. It is a rare heraldic animal and not really to be found in European heraldry in coats of arms. His position is heraldic left floating ( flying) in the coat of arms. It has wings and is heavily stylized. It is known from the arms of Mongolia. In Europe it is equated with the winged horse Pegasus or.