Goddess Chang'E and her meaning: connection between heaven and earth
In Chinese mythology, the goddess Chang'E (also known as Chang-O) is the goddess of the moon - a mysterious, light-filled figure who stands for longing, sublimity and transformation. Her story often begins with the elixir of immortality, which she drinks to protect herself from greed and abuse of power. She then ascends to the moon, where she dwells in silent beauty - far from the world, but deeply connected to it. From then on, she lives in the moonlight, often accompanied by the jade hare, who brews the elixir of life there.
In one of the best-known versions of the legend, Chang'E is the wife of the archer Hou Yi, who once saved the earth from a catastrophe by shooting nine of the ten suns out of the sky. As a reward, he received the elixir of immortality. But to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, Chang'E drinks it herself - a sacrifice of love and responsibility. The elixir makes her immortal and she ascends to the moon, where she has lived ever since. This story is told and celebrated every year at the Moon Festival, where moon cakes are eaten and lanterns are lit - as a reminder of love, sacrifice and the longing for connection.
Chang'E symbolizes both detachment and constancy, the pursuit of purity and inner peace. It stands for the transition between worlds - between this world and the next, between the visible and the invisible. Her story reminds us that sometimes a retreat is necessary to gain clarity and that inner beauty and purity need their own space.
Goddess Chang'E and her spirit animals cranes and jade hare
Chang'E is traditionally associated with the jade hare, which lives on the moon and brews the elixir of immortality there. It is a symbol of gentleness, endurance and mystical connection. Chang'E is also sometimes accompanied by cranes - powerful animals in Chinese symbolism. Cranes stand for longevity, spiritual awakening and grace. They are regarded as messengers between heaven and earth and emphasize the spiritual depth and subtlety of Chang'E.
Together, these animals embody the lightness of being, the connection to the spiritual world and the pursuit of inner harmony.
Chang'es significance for today
Chang'E invites you to withdraw, to seek the connection to your own inner voice - and to preserve it. Her story shows that what is important often happens in silence. She reminds us that not every decision is easy, but that true beauty comes from clarity, courage and inner conviction.
Chang'E is also a guardian of opposites - of light and dark, closeness and distance, withdrawal and presence. In today's world, she can be a powerful companion when it comes to refocusing on the essentials and honoring one's own light - even if it sometimes seems hidden. Her immortality stands for constantly reinventing and rediscovering yourself. What you were yesterday may no longer be relevant today. On the other hand, you have completely different possibilities today than you did yesterday.
My painting "Chang'E and the cranes"
In my painting "Chang'E and the Cranes", I have tried to depict this depth and complexity in a modern way. The implied moon in the background appears as a silver sphere - subtle but radiant. I have worked silver glitter particles into the oil paint, which catch the light and are reminiscent of the cool, mystical clarity of the moon.
To do this, I used texture paste to create stripes, which I then sprayed with gold paint. The silver and gold symbolize the opposites of heaven and earth - and the connection that Chang'E creates between them.
In my painting, Chang'E does not appear enraptured, but approachable - as a modern goddess who is not afraid to retreat, but still touches with her charisma. Her cranes accompany her like a silent promise to the soul: there is a way - back to yourself, back to the light.
German