G’day and Welcome
G’day and welcome to Celestial Heraldry, an exploration of how heavenly objects serve as symbols of personal identity and are interpreted in heraldic art.
A basic need to reflect identity in art is evidenced throughout our history and across cultures, from hands painted in caves to emblems of nationhood and belonging. In heraldry, the elements most essential to an individual are amplified, bringing together romance, reality and meaning in how we imagine ourselves and how we seek to be remembered. What, then, are the narratives and unseen powers behind personal connections to the cosmos?
If you were hoping to find an official coat of arms for the planet Jupiter, twinned with Thaxted, you’ll be sorely disappointed. This is about us earthlings and the heraldic charges used to show who we are. For perspective, it is the heavens as perceived from our world. None of those lofty palaces in the realms of the Gods. Just the stars in their firmament, the comets, whatever they may import, the sun, planets and the moon.
The blog articles develop into a sequence, offering insights into heraldic practices as described by authors from the sixteenth century to the present.
In memory of Donna Biles Fernando (1972-2024), a Ngemba-Murawari woman and a dear friend.
Start here: Starry, Starry Knight
(for demonstration purposes only)
A coat of arms represents its owner. Though it can be freely represented, it cannot be appropriated, or used in such a way as to create a confusion with or a prejudice to its owner.
The arms of Benjamin Nossiter, emblazoned by Quentin Peacock, are personal property and not to be reused without consent.
Unless otherwise attributed, all heraldic artwork on this website was created by Benjamin Nossiter and is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
