philamuseum:Deer are considered to be the sacred messengers of Shinto deities, and are often depicte
philamuseum:Deer are considered to be the sacred messengers of Shinto deities, and are often depicted in mandalas, as seen here. A white stag rides on a cloud, symbolizing his role as a messenger between the earth and the gods. On his saddle is a branch of the sacred sakaki tree and a mirror, which, along with the sword and jewel, is one of the three sacred symbols of Shinto. “Deer Mandala,” 1600s, Japan -- source link
#mirror