Shiva, in the form of Nataraja, is a beautiful image of the cyclical nature of the universe. Virtually every last element in this image has a deeper, mythic meaning: the drum of creation; the fire of destruction; the uplifted leg and down pointing hand is a nod to Ganesha, remover of obstacles; the flowing hair of sensuality; the trodden dwarf of ego, apathy, laziness, and ignorance; the snake, an image of destruction and reincarnation; the fearless abhaya mudra; the ring of fire as the universe yet the entire dance is on a lotus, which is the center of our heart. It is by far a most enchanting image.
You certainly know your stuff! Very impressive.
Thank you for the very cogent explanation of the various elements of the Nataraj!