KWAN YIN
GODDESS OF COMPASSION

Kwan Yin is the Chinese Goddess of Compassion and Mercy. Her name translated means “she who hears the cries of the world”. Kwan Yin was a Buddhist, who through great love and sacrifice during life had earned the right to enter Nirvana after death. But standing at the gates of Paradise, she heard the cries of anguish from the Earth below. Turning back, she renounced her reward of bliss eternal, but in its place she found immortality in the hearts of the suffering. She vowed to stay until every single living creature attained enlightenment. Worshipped especially by women, she is the goddess who comforts the troubled, sick, lost, senile and unfortunate. She is the protector of seamen, farmers, and travelers. She cares for souls in the underworld, and some invoke her during post-burial rituals to free the soul of the deceased. Worshippers believe Kwan Yin to also bring fertility, and many will ask to be blessed with children from her.
Kwan Yin is often shown pouring a stream of healing water, “the Water of Life”, from a small vase. With this water devotees and all living things are blessed with physical and spiritual peace. She can be seen holding a sheaf of ripe rice, or a bowl of rice, seen as a metaphor for fertility and sustenance. The dragon, and ancient symbol for high spirituality, wisdom, strength, and divine powers of transformation, is a common motif found in combination with Kwan Yin.
Kwan Yin is also known as The Maternal Goddess; the Protectress of Children; the Observer of all Sounds.

Element: Water or Air.
Zodiac: ruler of the 6th house
Chakra: heart
Stones:
Rose quartz, Calcite – pink, Halite – pink, Yellow Amber, Jade
Totems:
Turtle, Dragon, Horse, Parrot, Parakeet, and Peacock
Trees:
Willow, Peach Tree, and Elm.
Incense/Oils:
Amber
Plants:
Lotus, or white carnation as a substitute
Music:
Gongs, or singing bowls
Magical Tools:
Vase, The Willow branch, Jade bracelet
Offerings:
Water (the calmness of the mind); flowers (the impermanence of life); fruit, and egg less cakes (the gratitude for our food which comes from the hard labor of other beings)



Meditation/Chants:

Simply chant her name over and over, while concentrating on intent. (compassion, healing, mercy, etc…)

“Om Mani Padme hum Hrih” is the typical meditation/chant for Kwan Yin. Spoken it is pronounce as Om Mani Pay May Hom. It is a mantra that is spoken for infinite meanings, and blessings.

Prayer to Kwan Yin can be very powerful. Set up an altar for her to guide you through life with compassion for others, and yourself. Pray to her daily to heal the sick, and aid mothers in childbirth. Pray to her for blessings for your children, and family. Pray to her to heal your own mind, body, and soul. She hears the cries of the world.