Introducing Troy ~ Our Guardian

The Magical story of Troy's arrival

We discovered Troy, waiting for us, at Al's Asian Treasures in Chemanius. Immediately, Norm & I were drawn to his presence and strength, but noticed the "sold" sign on his head.

We asked Al if there was any possibility to order another one, timeline, pricing, etc. Al responded with, "You're about the 30th person to ask... the guy who 'bought' it was going to exchange for a pool liner and hasn't gotten back to me after numerous attempts. If you want him, you can take him today." With that said, Norm & I browsed the rest of the store... gave it some thought and knew we'd find a special home for him.  

Yes, at first Troy has an intimidating presence... know that he is watching over our Healing Oasis and the Lifehouse Community.

The griffin, griffon, or gryphon (Greek: γρύφων, grýphōn, or γρύπων, grýpōn; Latin: gryphus) is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds, the griffin  was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. Griffins are normally known for guarding treasure and well valued priceless possession.[1]
Adrienne Mayor, a classical folklorist, propounds the griffin was an ancient misconception derived from fossilized remains of the Protoceratops found in conjunction with gold mining in the Altai mountains of Scythia, in present day southeastern Kazakhstan.[2]
In antiquity it was a symbol of divine power and a guardian of the divine.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffin


Or Winged Lion ~ Symbolic Meaning of Wings on Lions:

In alchemy, the lion is symbolic of gold - a spiritual quality that is lusciously luminescent and gloriously rich in value. Bling of the heart. Alchemical texts and artwork will depict a lion when a specific magical/spiritual goal is to be achieved.

Conversely, winged eagles in alchemical texts are symbolic of the beginning of a process. Alchemical eagles are symbolic of youth, initiation and the unbridled exuberance felt when launching in a new direction.

So, when we see winged lions (a mix of eagles and lions), it's a message of combination - a juxtaposition between beginnings and endings, fact and potential, the seeker and the accomplished.  Griffins are considered a version of winged lions. They're typically viewed as guardians of sacred places.  Griffins guarding transformed souls, honoring what has passed and protecting what is yet to be.

The Lifehouse is all about Transformation.  Troy is a perfect fit for our front yard.

Heather