Only a dusting of snow, most of it graupel, was present at dawn this morning, and that only in patches — but the earth revealed around it is now mostly green.
Despite the bitter cold brought by a trickster wind, our small world here is filled with spirits dancing upon a green earth, from the fluttering trajectories of the smaller birds to the soaring loops and swooping dives of raven and raptor to the sheer unbridled joy of the dogs at play. We have a mixed week ahead of us, more mixed rain and snow in the forecast flanked by sun and ending the week in unseasonal highs in the sixties. Normally, we would be concerned by the heightened temperatures this early, but they seem to be counterbalanced by regular and wholly seasonal lows, and by a greater volume of precipitation than is usual for us this time of year.
The early warmth has an added benefit for us now, mostly confined to quarters, as it were: We will be able to plant earlier than usual. That, in turn, will produce more benefits, from keeping us occupied productively to providing us with food for the table earlier than the norm. And given that no one has any clear idea how long we may need to maintain this near-full quarantine, the earlier we are able to feed ourselves independently of outside circumstance, the better.
It feels as though the spirits are speaking to us now, reminding us of our histories, of our ancestors’ ability to survive circumstances far more dire than ours are currently, of the lifeways and lessons they and the spirits have granted to our peoples since the dawn of time. It feels less onerous than a lesson, though, less prescriptive than teachings — partly reassurance, yes, but more a realignment, directing our attention toward the gifts that are ours to call upon precisely in times like these.
While we are busy realigning expectations, they are realigning our spirits, thoughts, and acts, not only through teachings, but through the joy of song and dance.
Today’s featured work is this gift made manifest in silver and stone, an evocation and invocation of old ways, spirits infused into a pair of earrings adance in the colors of the season. From their description in the Earrings Gallery here on the site:
Spirits Dancing Upon a Green Earth Earrings
Summer is the season of spirits dancing upon a green earth, guardians and guides whose gifts are prosperity and abundance. Wings summons the spirits to the song of the leaves and the drum of the earth’s heartbeat with these earrings, granted a stylized figurative form. Each earring is wrought in layers of 20-gauge sterling silver, each layer designed and cut entirely freehand and fused together in overlay fashion, each embracing three intensely-hued malachite gemstones. Near the top, small round cabochons of boldly banded malachite serve as head and face. At the center, perfect squares turned diamond-shaped become the earth’s body, its lines a graduated contrast that produce a nearly ombre effect. Lower body and limbs revolve in large round cabochons, striated in the shades of an electric emerald. Each hangs suspended by way of an organically wrought and drilled tab from sterling silver wires. Earrings hang 2.25″ long, excluding wires, by 1-1/16″ across at the widest point; small round cabochons are 3/8″ across; square cabochons are 1/2″ along each edge and 3/4″ across the diamond’s center; large round cabochons are 5/8″ across (dimensions approximate).
Sterling silver; malachite
$975 + shipping, handling, and insurance
These earrings are slightly heavy, weighty with both substance and spirit. Such is the way with traditional teachings, less a burden to carry than a simple reminder of their force and power. This pair is much the same: You cannot forget their presence, nor what they represent.
It’s a valuable quality at this moment, when we need reminders not only of all the things we must do and cannot do, but of all the things we are able to do — strong enough, brave enough, skilled enough, generous enough.
We have a long, hard road ahead of us. We still have a realignment, and a reason for dancing. The spirits will show us the way.
~ Aji
All content, including photos and text, are copyright Wings and Aji, 2020; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.
