The Day Dream ~ Dante Gabriel Rossetti

I would be remiss in continuing much further with my series of dark haired, blue robed Pre-Raphaelite beauties without including one of Rossetti's intriguing portraits of Jane Morris.  To me she has always radiated a stronger, earthier quality than many of Rossetti's red haired maidens, who tend more towards the ethereal or mystical side of things (though I think he struggled with this duality in the many, many versions of his Proserpine, which I will address in a later post).  At any rate, in Rossetti's imagining at the very least Jane always seems much more at home in the Green, and I think this image more than any other is the best representation of that affinity.

Circe Invidiosa ~ John William Waterhouse

Still quite tired, but this piece has been on my mind frequently of late, so I wanted to share it.  Giving Sir Edward a temporary respite so that we might enjoy this gorgeous portrait by Waterhouse, which is one of my all-time favorite paintings.

For an in-depth analysis of this work, please see Stephanie Pina's wonderfully informative and well-researched post over on Pre-Raphaelite Sisterhood.

Back From Beyond the Veil

Still in recovery from FaerieCon. The weekend was an absolute whirlwind, and having to jump straight into a full workload upon my return isn't helping matters any.  My daytime hours today were split between sleep and attempting to catch up on all of the journal writing I never got the chance to do while I was away.  Things should continue to be hectic for the next week or so, but then once we make it to Thanksgiving I shall truly have time to *relax*, with four days at home entirely to myself.  I'm afraid a full accounting of my trip will have to be put off until then.  Suffice to say for now that not only did I have a fun if exhausting time visiting with all my wonderful friends, I also got strong confirmation on various fronts that the return I've been making to studying priestess work, witchcraft, and nature spirituality is definitely the right path for me to be on at this time.  I'm just going to have to work to maintain my course and make sure I don't stray from that path again.

Off to capture a few more moments of precious sleep before heading out to earn my keep.  This portrait of Night feels particularly appropriate tonight, since now more than ever she is a ruling force in my life...

Night ~ Sir Edward Burne-Jones

Cupid Finding Psyche ~ Sir Edward Burne-Jones

Cupid Finding Psyche ~ Sir Edward Burne-Jones

The Social Event of the Season

By this time tomorrow I will be rushing about to complete last minute preparations before heading out to the train station to make my way south to FaerieCon!  This is the third time I will be attending this convention, and the second one I have traveled for (the first being held in my home city).  It really is the most delightful time you could possibly imagine if you are a devote of fantasy, folklore, and magic.  It is full of art, music, and the friendliest people I have encountered anywhere (as Anne would say, there are many kindred spirits among them).

Artwork by Annie Stregg

I am looking forward to the panel discussions, classes, and workshops; exploring the beautiful wares on offer in the marketplace; but most especially seeing many friends and acquaintances who I only encounter at this event.  Since I tend to favor the more reclusive archetypes like Hestia and Artemis, this span of about four days is really the most social interaction I have all year, which may sound a bit odd, but suits me perfectly.  It's rather like a concentrated potion with long-term, lingering effects...

It is uncertain whether I will have time to update while I am away, or indeed if I will even take my laptop on the trip, since one of the nice things for me about a vacation is getting away from technology for awhile.  Regardless, I promise to take copious notes on the goings-on and make a full report upon my return to civilization :)  Also, you may expect a few more entries between now and my departure--though really, I should see to my packing first!

Hope ~ Sir Edward Burne-Jones

The work of the Pre-Raphaelites in general, and of Burne-Jones in particular, is deeply entwined with the aesthetic tone I'm trying to cultivate for this blog, so I expect you will find me posting a great deal of his art in the near future.  This piece felt particularly appropriate for today.

Later on I plan to share my thoughts on anticipating and preparing for FaerieCon, but first I must venture out to cast my vote.  I hope the rest of you will be doing the same :)

Hope ~ Sir Edward Burne-Jones

Consolatrix Afflictorum ~ Pascal-Adolphe-Jean Dagnan-Bouveret

Consolatrix Afflictorum ~ Pascal-Adolphe-Jean Dagnan-Bouveret 

Luna ~ Evelyn de Morgan

Luna ~ Evelyn de Morgan

Between the Worlds

Samhain Eve is upon us.  Thankful to have escaped the devastation of the hurricane, when so many did not. This morning the remnants of the storm finally passed on, and as I left work to make my way home I was struck by the astounding beauty of the clouds, as great masses of violet, lavender, and smoke drifted across the sky at various elevations; some quite high in the atmosphere, others obscuring the tops of the tallest buildings in the distance downtown.  It brought to mind many ancient tales of supernatural beings hosting through turbulent skies--the Valkyries, the Wild Hunt.  Although Science tells us such stories are baseless, there is some magic in such clouds that can't be explained away by water vapor and barometric pressure.  This is especially so on nights like tonight, which is widely celebrated as the Witches' New Year, when the realms of Faerie and the Dead draw nearer to our own.

The Three Witches From Shakespeare's Macbeth ~ Daniel Gardner

It saddens me that fatigue and the necessity of work prevent me from making a proper observance of the holiday, but I have meditated on it a great deal over the course of the day, and I plan to hold a little ritual a bit later in the evening, which will have to suffice for the present.  Next week when I have a bit of extra free time I may belatedly stage something a bit more elaborate.  With FaerieCon in particular approaching, I should more than make up for tonight's lost time communing with otherworldly beings :)

Since today is of course a celebration of all things witchy, I am including some wonderful 18th century portraits in this post, with an old favorite above, and a delightful piece that was brought to my attention this very evening below.

Horned Witch ~ Artist Unknown (French School)

A Happy Halloween and Blessed Samhain to all who wander through...