Some say that all gods and all living creatures originated in the stream of Oceanus which girdles the world, and that Tethys was the mother of all his children.
But the Orphics say that black-winged Night, a goddess of whom even Zeus stands in awe, was courted by the Wind and laid a silver egg in the womb of Darkness; and that Eros, whom some call Phanes, was hatched from this egg and set the universe in motion.
Eros was double-sexed and golden-winged and, having four heads, sometimes roared like a bull, or lion, sometimes hissed like a serpent or bleated like a ram.
Night, who named him Ericepaius and Phaethon Protogenus, lived in a cave with him, displaying herself in triad: Night, Order and Justice. Before this cave sat the inescapable mother Rhea, playing on a brazen drum, and compelling man’s attention to the oracles of the goddess. Phanes created earth, sky, sun and moon, but the triple-goddess ruled the universe, until her sceptre passed to Uranus.
The Homeric and Orphic Creation Myths, Robert Graves
In a chair, at the far side of the room facing the outer door, sat a woman. Her long yellow hair rippled down her shoulders; her gown was green, green as young reeds, shot with silver like beads of dew; and her belt was of gold, shaped like a chain of flag-lilies set with the pale blue eyes of forget-me-nots.
About her feet in wide vessels of green and brown earthenware, white water-lilies were floating, so that she seemed to be enthroned in the midst of a pool.
‘Enter good guests!’ she said, and as she spoke they knew it was her clear voice they had heard singing. They came a few timid steps further into the room, and began to bow low, feeling strangely surprised and awkward, like folk that, knocking at a cottage door to beg for a drink of water, have been answered by a fair young elf queen clad in living flowers.
But before they could say anything, she sprang lightly up and over the lily-bowls, and ran laughing towards them; and as she ran her gown rustled softly like the wind in the flowering borders of a river.
“And you that we have loved shall live our dream. Lest the dream should die with the passing of our age it shall be written that destiny has flooded through the gates again of earthly paradise.
In words, thou art free, and satisfied are we that our will to be done is now in place for you to make with us the final journey.
The fortune was our dream and your most dearly beloved did taste the wine of your success, while you helped shape the future with each beating of your heart.
Always shall we remain in your mind as fulfillment for the giving of the dream.
Your gardens has been watered with the tears of earthly love. The muse of ancient melodies, forgotten when the Earth revealed her age, shall resound throughout your place, forever scented with the rose of youth.
With beauty you prayed and we could feel the love which sent homage to our fathomless place.
Whence came your yearning but from memories of the fated realms? Seven styles created in the clouds of starry skies shall be the wonder of elections made through each presiding scion of our race.
Our message is released and comes in time, the light relays the promise and yes, we are certain, the coming shall be quick.
What is seen now on Earth shall be seen again in eternity, the realm of pure being.
From the eyes of every being shines a brilliant and penetrating, silvery white light”.
The silver mirror turns to fire.
Golden haired, a halo of sunrise
Is in the clouds.
His robe is cloudy grey and heavier.
Than the robe of air
That was lighter than petals, silk or breath.
He passes over my head like a wind horse;
The hem of his robe brushes my face.
“Nephilim” Someone said.
“Elohim”, I replied.
He is standing above and beyond me;
I see him looking East.
He is a young-looking and handsome;
He is older than day, cooler than rain,
But there are no tears in his eyes; his eyes dry.
He watches and waits like a coiled Spring,
Radiating fiery light that is silvery grey,
Like fire of the moon and dry rain.
I cannot breathe or blink, I do not feel or think
As I watch him watching the sun rise.
I hope his gaze does not turn on me.
Angel, anima, herald, star, who is he?
It matters less if he does not see me.
His impenetrable breastplate
Is his silver chest of translucent air;
Knight of the sun or prince of the night,
His hair reflects the golden light,
Rising in the dawn he knows is coming.
Ever he swears allegiance:
Eternal is His dominion;
I watch for Him until day breaks.
If the Watcher stops watching, will the watched-for never return?
After training at Berkshire College of Art and Design in Fashion and Accessories, Jacey Withers went on to study silversmithing at the University of North London and leather at Cordwainers. His very first collection was designed in 2002.
Jacey has since worked alongside various fashion designers and established stylists. Mythology, elements of the supernatural and the magic of the animal kingdom inspire his unique signature style.
Jacey Wither’s ethereal jewellery is bold in design with a highly sophisticated use of colourful semi-precious stones. His latest sell out pieces include the stunning Snow Leopard collection, large hand sculpted leopards made in sterling silver decorated with 22 carat gold and a clever use of oxidising.
Wither’s unusual work has won him international acclaim, a high profile customer base and features in
Jacey Withers
publications including British Vogue, Italian Vogue and Elle.
In Jacey Wither’s SS10 collection we catch sight of mischievous but adorable silver monkeys swinging
from chains clutching semi-precious loot in their toes. Exotic flowers made in silver and gold incorporate Jacey’s trademark patterning to adorn rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Jacey Withers
Giant over sized claims embellished with 22 ct gold detail feature on necklaces replacing their usual pearl for a hand sculpted Jacey skull drop. Other sea life pieces include dancing sharks with golden fins, which flash on necklaces and eye catching earrings. In shore there are creatures of a feathered kind. Black parrots in oxidised silver with gold beaks and feathers fly on dark chains displaying their delicate tail plumage of fine chains and select stones.
Last but not least the Treasure Box necklace itself. This must have piece contain hidden jewels including; blood red carnelian, black agate and metallic pyrite. This gem set can dangle from the box or be neatly tucked inside enabling the piece to be worn in two ways. The Island and its curious charms provide an exciting collection defiantly worth making a voyage of discovery.
In his hands he held his lovely golden wand with which he can lull men’s eyelids or wake them from sleep: and with this wand he called the ghosts and led them, and they followed him*.
Zeus turned his attention to his golden son. “Step forward Apollo,” he said, “For I would have you build me here a house, where men from all corners of the world will come to hear of their destiny.
Standing on the outskirt of the forest, the Magician relayed a key message to his wine-loving friend:
“Zeus’s twice-born son, your time shall surely come.
As grows the living vine, the victory shall be thine”.
The wolf by Apollo’s side pricked up its ears and whined as he watched the two whispering on the edge of the emerald forest. Apollo looked down at his faithful beast and both cocked their heads to one side.
“And what of me, Father? Art I not the bringer of light, voice of all reason and destroyer of dark night? How shall my sun by worshipped if the temple is all thine and he is the death-defying vine?
Zeus looked long and hard at his progeny, whose heart was cold as his mind was brilliant light. “How soon, I wonder, my great golden child, ’til you think yourself greater, even, than I?”
It was then that Zeus’ deer silver daughter put a restraining hand on her golden brother’s shoulder and entreated him in an urgent voice.
“Bait him not, beloved brother; the chariot of the sun shall be struck down by lightening and the silver moon shall die of grief – then you would see that our licentious youth shall sober in a second and sit upon thy gilded throne!”
“Ay, sister of the moon, with his hairy hand upon my priceless goblet, while his sluts strum tuneless ditties upon my incomparable turtleshell lyre!”
Apollo’s eyes flashed hot and cold.
Dionysus raised his cup to them in a toast: “You have my blessing brother, I think not to steer the chariot of the sun, nor to take your hallowed place in heaven…”I’d rather have a bit of fun.
“You’ll have to watch the lyre, though, methinks the sound of music shall do much to make our mystery!”
Apollo turned back to their father with an ironic smile.
“The muses who love me shall make here their bed. The will of the King of the Gods shall be carved out in lead”.
Zeus clasped the prince of the Sun with both arms. “Ah, that’s my boy! And fear thee not, Prince of Paeans, for although it is my will that shall be done, it is you who shall dictate my whims and wishes to the wondering world.”
Some say that all gods and all living creatures originated in the stream of Oceanus which girdles the world, and that Tethys was the mother of all his children.
