4 Earth

As I strolled through the charming streets of Santa Fe, a particular stone wall ornament caught my eye. This exquisite piece of art, modest and ancient, is the very soul of the New Mexico flag. The ornament displayed the Zia Sun symbol, a testament to the profound wisdom of the Zia Pueblo, native people whose philosophy continues to resonate deeply.

The Zia believed that the giver of all good bestowed gifts in groups of four, encapsulating the cyclical nature of life. This ancient sun symbol, with four groups of rays and each group containing four rays, beautifully reflects this belief. It’s a reverence for the four sacred directions: North, South, East, and West. It’s an homage to the four phases of life: Childhood, Youth, Middle Age, and Old Age. The symbol honors the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, and acknowledges the four parts of the day: Sunrise, Noon, Evening, and Night. Each gift, bound by a circle, represents life’s wholeness, which has no beginning or end.

This symbol was lovingly integrated into the New Mexico flag, set on a vibrant yellow field with red hues that celebrate the legacy of Spanish explorers who arrived in 1540. Together, these elements form a timeless connection between cultures, emphasizing unity, life’s cycle, and enduring love. In Santa Fe, I wasn’t just observing history; I was experiencing a living tapestry, woven with stories of the Earth and humanity's place upon it.