Virgin Figurehead

Have you noticed the ships figurehead painted on Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic White Knight Two carrier aircraft? It seems ironic that in the space age we're still using these superstitious devices, which certainly go as far back as ancient Egypt when pairs of eyes were painted on the prows of ships, presumably to help them "see" their way. (Note the blue iris surrounding the word Virgin.) Gods, goddesses, lions and mythical monsters have all been used to confront the waves and safeguard mariners. Eve must be the first figurehead to wear a space helmet. She's named after Richard's Mum.