Page:The Grammar of Heraldry, Cussans, 1866.djvu/49

Rh The Phœnix, Fig. 131; Triton, Fig. 132; Mermaid, Fig. 133.



Besides these may be enumerated the Harpy, which is a vulture with a woman's head and breast; the Chimera, possessing the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a dragon; the Pegasus, or winged horse; the Winged Bull, Lion, and Deer; the Sphinx, Salamander, Unicorn, Sagittarius, &c.

The Celestial Bodies.

The Sun is always supposed to be proper, or in his glory, and is blazoned or, unless otherwise specified. It is represented by a circle, from which commonly proceed a number of wavy rays. A single ray may constitute a charge.

When eclipsed, it is blazoned sable.

The Moon, when full-faced and shining, is described as in her complement; when eclipsed, in her detriment.

A half-moon, with the horns directed upwards, is a Crescent. Fig. 178.

A half-moon, with the horns directed towards the dexter, Increscent.

A half-moon, with the horns directed towards the sinister, Decrescent.