White Deer - Rites of Passage
Ritual, Myth & Popular Art Culture
“Within the great story of reality, we enter into the canopied forest of our life, then return with the sunlight of our transformation.”
White Deer - Rites of Passage is a large complicated project that I am currently working on. If God willing and the stars align, it will premier in 2026. It’s complex because it fuses elements of publishing, animation, music, performance art, and original art in a gallery setting. At this stage of my art career, the goal is to combine popular art culture and fine art worlds with gallery shows that are immersive.
Memory of a Cosmic Heart was to be the first of these multi-media projects I wanted to roll out – the music was finished, and the story was almost finished for the graphic novel– but then this dreamlike, fairy tale like poem grew in my mind. It’s strange because I am not a fan of poetry, but this is the way spirit wove it, so I surrendered to the process.
At the heart of nature's core
A truth awaits, forevermore
That life's enchantment never ends
We evolve, transform, transcend
White Deer - Rites of Passage is a mythic poem about facing the fears and challenges of growing up, especially for girls transitioning from childhood to adult. In our modern times, coming of age can be a daunting endeavor, because…
Innocence is a mystic trance
Childhood's eternal dance
Where laughter echoes, free and bright
Hearts whispering with delight
But then…
Forever young, in morning's light
Waxing old at twilight
Growing up is a heavy weight
The weary burden of our fate
The journey begins…
I awoke, but my eyes were sleeping
Lucid, and yet still was dreaming,
There was a pond, an ancient mirror
A girl, then a ghost white deer
Throughout history, stories, rituals and symbols have been used to help us integrate into our communities, confront our fears and move forward with an empowered life.
“The central idea of coming-of-age ceremonies across different cultures is the recognition and celebration of an individual’s transition from childhood to adulthood, symbolizing their readiness to take on new roles, responsibilities, and privileges within society. In different cultures, coming-of-age signifies the moment when a young person reaches maturity. They are now an adult member of society.” - Scott Ingram
The process of spiritual, physical, and psychological preparation differs widely from tribe to culture but many coincide with a girl’s first menstrual period. According to anthropologist Arnold van Gennep there are three main stages individuals undergo during significant life transitions.
Separation
Transition
Incorporation
These stages were intuitively integrated within the poem. I liken the poem to the process of meditation. Like a ritual the meditation begins with the concept of separating mind from the body, finding a sacred space designed for this purpose. Next through breathing techniques and/or mantras the chattering brain begins to quiet down and we transition from alpha to beta consciousness. The breath slows and the interiorized mind is almost complete. When the breath has stopped, and the focus has become “no mind” the transition is complete, becoming one with spirit, one with self, “i.e.” Self Realization. Incorporation begins when the meditator returns their awareness to the world, with newfound peace and stronger intuition.
White Deer legend and lore can be found in many indigenous cultures around the planet – Asia, Europe and North America. Native Americans believed the female white deer represented benevolence, kindness, creativity, spirituality, renewal, connectedness. A white stag symbolized longevity, virility, abundance and endurance. Symbolically, antlers represent sun rays of the great spirit.
The Celts considered white stags to be messengers from the “other world” and their appearance was said to herald profound change in the lives of those who encountered them. White deer are also a symbol of higher knowledge and to remind us of our spirituality.
In Japan and China, the appearance of a white deer is considered an omen of good luck and prosperity. These animals are often associated with Shintoism, a native Japanese religion that emphasizes harmony with nature. In some Shinto beliefs, white deer represent the union of heaven and earth, symbolizing balance and unity.
The story White Deer - Rites of Passage reflects the experience of a 12 year old girl’s mystical journey from childhood insecurity to empowered maturity. The graphic novel will include a musical soundtrack performed by award winning talent. James Raymond (David Crosby’s son) is producing the music with me. An animated film is also being created to be shown with a live musical performance, accompanied by a show of the original artworks. Panel discussions with scholars, experts and indigenous representatives, along with various workshops will dive deeper into the concept of life’s transitions, and ritual. It’s going to be epic.
Slated for late 2026.
I will be creating an animation team with professionals and local college students who want to learn story telling and concept design skills while working on this project. Supporters and sponsors are encouraged to join the production.
Contact me for more information– greg@spalenka.com
Greg This will be a lifetime achievement for you. I'm so very proud to call you my Brother. You never cease to amaze me on the beauty of your Art and the love and creativity you pour into your work. I know A lot of long long hours, love and hard work was put into this project. I can't wait to see the final results of your hard labor of love n passion!