Dark Solis

Beltane, and pagan spring rites has always been a huge source of inspiration of my work over the years. This is just a few examples of many. This is when I feel like the year truly starts, like the bells are ringing and I have permission to BE again.

Basically since Jan 1st. my life has been utter chaos, not for any negative reason, it’s just been a long winded transformation and upheaval that I’m hoping will soon settle. Sometimes even when changes are good, it can take someone like me who struggles when routine is thrown off, to feel like I’m floating into space uncontrollably. My Beltane wish is to get grounded and reconnect. Which may seem a little counter intuitive since this is a liminal time. But connecting with spirits of land and earth always has a way of making me feel at home ✨🌸

Happy Beltane!

And the final installment of the Wheel of the Year series is here… and what an ending with Yule.

The winter solstice ushers in the longest night and the harshest darkest time of the year. But it also venerates the return of the sun, as from this point forward the light will return slowly but surely. This kind of hope brings forth an undeniable magic. There is so much lore about the winter. Seasonal spirits and ghost stories, strange traditions and familiar heart warming ones that have stood the test of time and predate Christian religions in the western world.

This time of year our ancestors suffered great fear of the harsh conditions they would undoubtedly face in the winter. But they kept hope alive by honoring the spirits in their hearths. They would bring the greens indoor to remind themselves that life is still present. The tended flame of the fires within the home is essential survival but a reminder of the warmth of the sun that will someday return. Feasts and gatherings were reminders that life was precious and worth celebrating, filling their bellies with precious treats that will be in scarcity in the season ahead . The longest night brought hope and new beginnings. It brings in magic for protection and good tidings. It has always been one of my favorites to celebrate.

Prints are currently available on my shop.

Blessed Samhain!🎃

I can’t believe we are here. Samhain brings on the dark part of the year and the last harvest. It’s is liminal, a gateway, both the beginning of a new year and the end of a cycle. It’s no wonder that our ancestors from all over honored this time as a means to understand death, to connect with the spirits of the otherside both human and non. Samhain,the celtic fire festival, is but just one human manifestation of this highly venerated time of year.

This one might have been the most difficult surprisingly. Since Samhain and Halloween are soooo tightly intertwined I knew it had to represent a balance of both the older traditions and more modern symbols we might associate with present day Halloween. All while still keeping with the spirit of the sabbat. That’s why you’ll see soul cakes, but also candy apples. An iconic modern witch hat, but contrasting with turnip Jack on lanterns (rather than the more modern pumpkins) It was a difficult balance but I think it came out all right in the end. My hope is that it invokes msichief, magic, ancestral connection, autumn chill, and veneration of the old gods of the land.

I paired this post with this song by Florence and the Machine from the new album (just released today) because I actually felt its message was perfect for Samhain. Because to me Samhain is the antitheses of magic and sort of the representation of the cycles of nature completed. And I’m obsessed with this song from our mother witch ✨

Happy Autumn Equinox 🍂🍁

I was a bit behind with this one but I’ve gotten it to a decent finish to share today! I will share details about prints for sale in the coming days. If you are interested in compelling your collection stay tuned!

The wheel turns and the harvest continues. I’m ready for magic filled days, steaming cups of mulled wine, crisp air, crickets singing through the night, fallen apples fermenting in the dirt, and divination during golden hour. This time of balance, equal day and equal night settles. As we enter into Libra, the scales are settled in all aspects. The air moves again, it’s easier to breathe, there is warmth in the day, and chills in the night. There is a coziness and a darkness. It’s where I feel the most at home.