"Kai Khusrau, Farangis and Giv Crossing the River Jihun (Oxus)", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1425 - 1475

This painting from a Shahnama, or Book of Kings, depicts Kai Khusrau, Farangis, and Giv crossing the River Jihun. At its heart lies the symbolism of crossing a threshold – a motif echoing through human history. The river Jihun, a boundary, a challenge, a trial to be overcome. This notion is not bound to time or place. Think of the River Styx in Greek mythology, or the Jordan River in Christian tradition; each represents a passage from one state to another. Note the tree above; in many cultures, the tree is the axis mundi, connecting the earthly and divine realms. It roots dig into the subconscious, reminding us of humanity's connection to nature and the cosmos. It's a poignant reminder that we are all part of an ancient, ever-evolving narrative, forever marked by the symbols we inherit.