Hypnosis

I think of that moment as I prepare myself for the sacred realm of dreaming, but it is a troubled brow that I lay upon the soft fleece and hypnosis does not come easily.

I have vivid memories of the autumn Tristeria – almost two years past – which left me with a sense of dissatisfaction that I cannot place. I wonder if my love for Dionysus has grown too strong. The allure of the youth has power to move me beyond my present confines and I am drawn to follow him in a way that would be irresistible were it not for my oaths to Apollo.

Whether I might share in Dionysus’ gift of eternal life without sacrificing my first allegiance to the Sun-King is a matter that occupies my mind greatly, most often when darkness falls. I cannot safely confide these thoughts to anyone, for if I do not remain true to Apollo and above the temptations of passion, then none will have faith and his rule shall end.

It is my dreams that sustain me. On nights such as this – warm and heady with the thick scent of Datura – my longing for adventure brings the dolphin to Psyche’s realm; I join him as he shoots like an arrow through the deep, swelling sea.

I am of course able to direct the course of my dreams. It is a skill that is cultivated in whomsoever holds this office, and it is upon this that the world’s most powerful men place extraordinary value.

I spread my heavy hair about the fleecy headrest and – with my hands still entwined in the golden threads – I gaze at the glittering constellation engraved above me. It is of the sun-seeker Orion, beloved of the Moon-Queen Artemis. Her love holds him there in perpetuity.

Tonight I shall dream of the huntress in the sky, who raised her bow at Apollo’s behest and claimed the life of her lover unawares. In this way i will learn from her the art of subjugating the crackling fires of desire, by which I shall make the love of my own life immortal.

Future inscribed on lead

She stands in the centre of a great hall with her head held high and her long, bright hair braided into an elaborate arrangement that is held in place by a gleaming circlet. Her white linen robe is bound with pure gold and she is still as a statue, both eyes fixed upon the world.

There is no wind beneath the temple roof and the air is warm, within and without. The only sound that can be heard is an occasional bleating of goats and the distant murmuring of servants as they make ready for the Spring Council, which is to be held at this place in three days time.

She has swept clean the marble floor and it shines like the full moon in April. Mid-morning sunrays flood the hallowed space, infusing every atom. Narrow gaps between the thick, rounded pillars reveal sections of a motionless scene, silent as if time had ceased.

Happy are the men who enter this house and ask of her, “What do you see?” The wisest make the best of the answer they are given, but more enlist the counsel of priests to assist with their understanding.

Others seek more, but seldom to any avail, for there is a certain way we do things at this place, here at the navel of the world, where the future is inscribed on lead.

Precession of the Equinoxes

Descending twilight saw the Master sitting on the floor facing East in a distinctly prayerful posture, calling the Earth to witness. By the time the sun had set and Venus rose like a diamond on its band of gold, each cardinal direction and each of the elements had been called upon in turn.

Flame, Air, Water, Earth, Reflection; Starlight is the love inflection.

Looking up at the sky, the Master saw how the quintessential force was thrown into relief by the glowing pharos of Mars, silently beckoning his paramour as he bequeathed to her the dark and endless night.

The god of war was preparing his surrender at the temple of beauty, but he also had a message for the Master and this was the key to understanding other things:

Here in orbit turn the star-lings – planets binding, suns inclining – in such ways that whole dimensions fold inside the vaults of Heaven.

Mars was in perfect conjunction with Venus and the half moon, signaling the return of The Lovers to Earth.

Not only this, but the equinoxes were on the verge of their precession; together they gave rise to the most potent cosmic conditions that had been witnessed from Earth since the Star of the Magi heralded the turning point of history.

That the cosmic design might remain undefined was inconceivable, but how, precisely, it manifest was a mystery beyond even this:

“Meek”, He said, “the World is Thine,

This the reason: Just, Divine.

Bless these words, inform the start.

Energy, Created Art.”

The Golden Boots

Jo Hayes Ward 3 Edge Bangle — Jo Hayes Ward

I peered dubiously at the layer of flat, damp stones: “Why do I have to go first?” They didn’t answer immediately, which made me even more dubious.

I wasn’t exactly afraid, but this hadn’t been my idea; anything could have been down there and it may have been something sinister. One thing was for sure, we weren’t supposed to be there.

Maybe I was supposed to go first because rule-breaking was my specialty, I pondered, or maybe it was because I owned the magic blue vehicle.

The young woman standing by my right shoulder leaned over to explain. “Its because you’re wearing the golden boots” she intonated phlegmatically, with perfect-seeming reason. “You’re the only one who can cross through safely.”

I caught sight of her out of the corner of my eye but could not see her face properly. She was smaller than I was and about the same age, with mid-length brown hair. I implicitly trusted her judgement– she seemed to have some innate sense of logic – although I wasn’t sure if we were actually friends, or merely acquaintances for this mission.

None of them were wearing shoes. I looked down at my own feet, which were dangling over the ledge where I was sitting. I had to admit they were looking quite fine. Two perfectly smooth and symmetrical round-toed boots that were clearly made of solid gold glimmered at me. They were very shiny.

I admired the boots for a second more and then made a decision to act. Stretching my legs down as far as I was able, I managed to graze the nearest stone with my toes, but it seemed slightly out of reach to touch properly.

I continued to reach down, my arms and legs all straining, while behind me I heard them suggesting that the best way might be to just jump down onto the platform.

Easy for them to say! I had doubts about their suggestion; as we had no idea of how far down we would have to go, or whether the stones would suddenly collapse leaving a gaping hole, it seemed foolish to make a leap that might lead to sudden death or discovery.

I decided to do it anyway.

The Watcher

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?

The Supernatural Style of Jacey Withers

: Jacey Withers

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

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.

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.

Ana De Costa’s Mystical Tarot

Ana De Costa yellow gold and tsavorite earrings

However brief a person’s encounter is in your life they leave a carbon imprint on your soul

Mystical Tarot is Ana De Costa’s first fine jewellery collection since she received high acclaim for ‘Cusp’, her St Martins graduation collection in 2005. Her ‘Mystical Tarot’, collection was inspired by a rare and special deck of tarot cards, introducing a design concept given Ana by a dear friend, who has been an inspiration to many key creative minds in the fashion industry.

Ana’s latest designs form a narrative, following the story of the characters from the Art Noveau tarot deck translated directly to the jewellery. Hand-picked for their visual poignancy and spiritual meaning, these Art Noveau images were designed by Antonella Castelli, an illustrious 1920’s illustrator, from a luxurious and decadent period which continues to provide the main aesthetic for Ana’s designs.

The collection includes twelve elegant pieces including pendants, dress earrings, a bracelet and cocktail rings, one which draws inspiration from the form of a papal design. The intricate design taken from the artwork of the cards forms the detail, sculpted in 18-carat rose, white and yellow gold.

Ana De Costa necklace — Ana De Costa tsavorite and onyx pendant

The design of a crescent moon forms a stunning monocle pendant, set in white gold with black pave set diamonds to look like the night sky. A dramatic sweeping drop earring, designed to be worn with a simple stud, shows an example of Ana’s quirky approach to fine jewellery, and her innate sense of style.

A combination of stones including tsavorites, fire opals, rose quartz, rubies and fancy coloured diamonds, demonstrates Ana’s playful use of colour, and reflects her freethinking, bohemian spirit. Her delicate fine jewellery collection, with gothic undertones, offers impactful statement pieces which feel just at home with a pair of jeans as a piece of couture.

Ana De Costa has also produced a stunning ‘Rising Gems’ collection in conjunction with The World Land Trust and Liberty.

Birth of Phoebus Apollo

The owl of Zeus’s daughter Athena sat blinking inscrutably in the branches of a large white tree.

Artemis, his deer, second-born child beneath, blinked her virginal eyes and then ran like the wind towards the edges of the emerald forest.

She sped through the trees until she reached the pebble-dashed shore of the finite sea, where Poseidon threw waters from the churning, ink-black ocean out to land.

A vast breaking wave upheld the glistening form of her darling, new-born brother, Phoebus Apollo.

The top of his fin cut the air like a knife,  carving a circle of purest, white light.  Seven sacred colours framed his perfect, golden mind,  as Artemis declared to him:  “We two are one, combined!”

Her love for him supplanted all other desire and she cried out loud: “Give me now my silver arrows, for I should strike down dead any one who would dare come between us!”

His answering voice was like an echo of her dream before she dreamt it. “Swim, enchanting sister, while my light is still cool, deep, into the salt-filled waters. A weapon such as this,” he held above him a golden bow, “may only be brought from the abyss”.

She cast off her linen robe and dipped one foot into the ocean, shielding her eyes from the blue-lit morning star as it rose up on the Eastern horizon.

Every other face turned toward it as she made her way to the bottomless abyss, heedless of the dragon chained within.