In this design, the mystical Quetzal bird crosses the threshold between two realms, from the transcendent to the material plane. The transcendent, heavenly realm is anchored by the Sun and the UFO. Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec diety is known as the Venus Morningstar and heralds the Sun’s rise at dawn. The return of the morning star after its 50-day inferior conjunction behind the sun is an auspicious moment in Aztec cosmology. As Quetzalcoatl is reborn after his journey through the underworld, it is a potentially destructive and transitory moment.

The UFO symbol represents the mysterious forces beyond our understanding, depicted as deities and angels by the ancients and as “aliens” in contemporary times. The UFO allows for a layered interpretation of the symbolism, made even more culturally relevant by recent disclosures from the U.S. government and contested information from private journalists on the subject, including potential examples of physics breakthroughs, new forms of energy and propulsion, spiritual technology, etc.

This context ties into the symbolic narrative as the Quetzal soars over the concrete wall pushing back the rainforest. The rainforest serves as a transition between heaven and earth, while the grey, monotonous city below emits plumes of black smoke alluding to fossil fuels, global warming, deforestation, etc. The smokestacks are also reminiscent of the nearby Rose Park smokestacks, connecting the imagery to the local neighborhood.

In summation, the Quetzal is a symbol of rebirth and renewal, bringing ancient cosmic mysteries to an enclosed city that has isolated itself from nature. It speaks to the situation we find ourselves in today, on the precipice of a new historical era and many converging paradigm shifts. It is a hopeful and inspiring message that prompts curiosity and reflection on the mysteries of the present, future, and ancient word.