|| vvhitch hunts of medieval europe ||

Torture techniques included thumb screws,
iron maidens, witches shackles, the rack,
and having their finger nails removed.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Europe experienced a mass hysteria towards those suspected of being vvitches or practicing vvitch craft.  Historically this period in Europe has been referred to as "The Great Witch Craze" which in the very title emits a disregard of the severity of the brutality that took place. Unspeakable torture and cruelty was done to women and men suspected of consorting with the devil or evil spirits. Evidence points towards a grossly under discussed gender genocide.

 

The following is an excerpt from "A Brief History of Witchcraft Persecutions Before Salem" by Linder Douglas:  "Over the 160 years from 1500 to 1660, Europe saw between 50,000 and 80,000 suspected witches executed.  About 80% of those killed were women.  Execution rates varied greatly by country, from a high of about 26,000 in Germany to about 10,000 in France, 1,000 in England, and only four in Ireland.  The lower death tolls in England and Ireland owe in part to better procedural safeguards in those countries for defendants."

Women burning at the stake. Often times the victims would be drowned or hung before being burned.

A wood cut of a "Witches Sabbath"

 

The North Berwick Witch Trials of 1590

|| ten of arrows ||

 

 

 

The card of thought for the day is the Ten of Arrows.

It symbolizes instruction and communication. The passing down of wisdom,

skills, and arts from one generation to the next has been the carrier of

ancestral knowledge for thousands of years. However, we live in a world of constantly

advancing technology that easily sweeps us away from meaningful connections.

These growing gaps between families and the loss of ancestral ways are commonplace.

I encourage you to take a moment to reach out, listen and learn from your family,

an elder, or a mentor. Stay genuinely connected with those important in your life.   

|| autumn ||

 

 

The family bonfire at Grandma Judy's house in Collinsville.

 

With the thin veil of the spirits of Samhain behind us now, I look towards the winter solstice.

This is my favorite time of year to observe mother nature as she falls dormant.

The brilliant display of colors, the long nights and the cool breath of the morning air.

Bonfires, camping, collecting acorns, pinecones and leaves are my favorite past times during

this transitional period of the animal world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

|| ethereal window ||

 

 

 

Very excited to be working on my winter art show. For now the working

title is "Welcoming Winter" and I'm hoping to have it near the winter solstice.

 

The premise is recycled and reclaimed plant material and little scavenged things 

that are made into frames. They each have a unique name and meaning.

 

This one is the "Ethereal Window": a frame made of fallen oak, turkey feathers,

copper wire, deer hide, crystal quartz, and a little brass bell. The idea was a

spiritual portal through which wondering ethereal beings could enter or exit

this plane, ringing the bell as they pass.