Having spent past Walpurgis nights in relative solitude for over a decade, the stars aligned now in such way, that this year I was invited to spend it together with fellow photographer and occultista Anna Krajewski. Above are a few impressions of our little sabbath, as we explored a chapel built in follow to the execution of the region’s last witch, and ventured on through the forest, as the blue hour began. Finally we came to sit among tree roots descending towards a lake, in the company of myriads of bats and various waterfowl, a swan and last but not least a grey heron, sliding elegantly across the water’s mirroring surface…
Wooden Seed Boxes #27-30
11 MarThe boxes contain seeds from at least 44 different venific and benific ‘witch’ herbs. The boxes are pyrographed with the “sigilum major” or “greater sowing seal”, stained and varnished. Then hundreds of little paper bags are labeled and filled with the seeds, which I partly gather by myself and partly purchase from other places. I usually spend at least 40 hours on four of these boxes. It is a tedious but also rewarding process, which gives me the chance to connect deeper with the herbs and it also empties the mind and brings new inspiration. It is my hope that the content of these boxes will bring joy to others and aid them in their own studies.
Update: the boxes are sold. Please write to me at info@teufelskunst.com if you wish to reserve one in the future!
In the mail today: New Single by Path of Samsara!
2 JulWhen you least expect it! Now here is another jewel from this German band – in my mail today.
Unpacking is a pleasure. No note from the band just an envelope and the CD inside. Cover and backside are stamped with a traditional print, front showing the beautifully done band logo by Akherra Phasmathanas/Ars Leprosa. The seal on the back was created by the hands of Kitti Solymosi of Anatiummi Arts. (Will have to check her out!) The CD sporting the classic look of vinyl is another nice treat. Gray in gray, a simple and well-designed booklet with credits and another mysterious illustration of a devil’s hand, reminiscent in style of tantric artworks. The packaging alone would deserve a price.
But on to the music. So there’s two new songs. Putting them on you immediately recognise the band. They continue merging Western sounds with Eastern motifs. There’s always a bit of playful Roky Erickson, blending in broader stoner rock elements and making something listenable out of it. We don’t like genres. So for the sake of convenience I will just call this pop. (Pop can be good music also.)
The first song Veil of Gold is driving, pushing forward. They put quite a bit of force in the drumming and there’s a nice dirty solo, thrashing in the end, but still melodic and rounding this song off nicely. The second song Dawn of Saturn starts with a melancholic melodic guitar part, followed by a dark driving beat. There are certainly homages to the last the Devil’s Blood. Dark yes, heavy, but also somewhat self-effacing. They build up tension and you basically wait for the great culmination, but instead they tone it down again. It’s like a struggling for something, then radio-friendly, then again mystical. Waiting, tic toc, now, solo, beat, heavy, chorus – “The skies are burning. The dawn of Saturn comes. And on demon wings. On and on I fly…” swaying, “Till love will fall”, repeat, “till all will fall”, end. 5 minutes, 34 seconds. Neat.
Judging by the previous album Black Lotus, which I have had spinning many times and the music of which accompanied quite a few hours filled with working on art, I expect this little two-side single to be on rotation for a bit. Alas, I am thirsty for more already…
If you have also licked blood check out the Path of Samsara website. Besides they currently put down the prices on everything in their webshop so do not miss out on this chance to get some of the first shirts and records they printed as long as they are still available: http://pathofsamsara.bigcartel.com