The Spiritual Significance of Bow and Arrow

The Inchworm Archery Method by Kao Ying  (Gao Ying) was written 

during the Ming Dynasty and was part of the "Traditional Martial Archery Study Classics" book. This illustrated book goes into great detail on the body mechanics of Kao Ying's preferred archery style. This includes drawing, reaching max draw, and the release of the arrow. 

 

The Bow and Arrow possess deep spiritual meanings, generally symbolizing divine direction, focused intention, protection, and the active pursuit of spiritual goals. They represent the connection between human effort and divine power, where the arrow signifies the soul or intention directed toward a target, and the bow represents the strength or willpower involved in the process. 

Tibetan goddess figure uses the bow to dispel
ignorance and attachment to the ego self.

Divine Direction & Willpower: The arrow represents a targeted intention, while the bow represents the force propelling that goal. In Native American traditions, it represents the connection between "Grandmother Earth" and the user.

Spiritual Warfare & Protection: In Christian symbolism, arrows can represent "fiery darts" of evil, but also divine protection against them. Conversely, God is depicted as an archer, using a strung bow to signify the administration of justice. A The bow is most purposeful when fully drawn, symbolizing that humans find purpose when focused, disciplined, and acting with intent. The Path of Karma: The flight of an arrow symbolizes the continuation of karma, representing actions already taken that must complete their trajectory. 

Symbolism of the Bow in Asian religious tradition.
Representng clarity and direction of purpose.

“I & I no come to fight flesh and blood but spiritual wickedness in high and low places,”

Bob Marley, Jamaican Reggae prophet and musician

The Spirit Bow is not for hunting ordinary game of flesh and blood but for hunting and banishing psychic and spiritual game that act to pollute or corrupt the environment along with the people

that live there.

‘Game’ for the spiritual archer is the essence of a thing or its core nature. The bow is used to connect with a special core essence when it sounds.

Used with the intention to cleanse, remove or banish, its singing cleanses,

removes and banishes.

Used with the intention to draw or attract to oneself, its singing draws and attracts.

The sound of the bow string causes demons and spirits to flee when it sings.

The sound of the singing bow is the sound of divine wind.

The singing of the bow string is the singing of divine order. When the bow sings it is a sign that the bowman is in harmony and is singing with the universe.

The sound of the bow cleanses the space giving humans the freedom of movement and

freedom of being.

The sound of the bow makes the space safe for companions to enjoy each other's company without interference from noxious or intrusive spirits.

The bow of Cupid, meaning ‘passionate desire’, pierces the hearts of lovers and fools alike. Cupid is Roman iconography while Eros is the Greek god of love and sex. Eros also wields a bow and arrow and uses his bow to make both mortals and immortals fall in love under the control of

overwhelming desire.

Each spirit bow is meant to be a companion for life and is filled with Kami or spiritual power as the essence of protection, direction and balance.

 

Before making each bow the maker fills himself with kami with the use of Soma, chants, sacred intention and meditation as he brings each form to life, making it hold divine energy and giving it spiritual power.

My first bamboo harvest. Hawaii, 1978. This bamboo was for 

building a chicken coop and goat pen back on the land.