From “The Book of Ways + Creating”
Becoming the Myth, Living the healing Story. These images have been captured in forest and field, in sun and snow and in the secret haunts and private lives of the archetypal Vinotok characters. These are the fey and the fierce who have woven and created our communal myth for 39 years.
We have caught these earthy folk in their magic, mystery and majesty–simply being who they are and doing what any Other-than-human-beings might do. Welcome to an enchanted Autumn Equinox. Be more Wild than good!
Photos by Mark Schwiesow and Lydia Stern (Mountain Magic Media)
Once upon a time, long ago and long into the future, the Godmother was told an ancient story…
about a village and valley who honor the Earth, and Marry the Land,
and the magical, mysterious people she meets along the Way.
Of a Sacred Smith who creates strange phenomena and Phoenixes of fire,
…with the Alchemical Artist who paints the world of First Nature and the Fey.
The glory and power of Harvest Mother, the Valkyrie who comes riding
…her golden steed SinNom, and birds winged with flashing light to visit her sacred Lands.
The enchanting Maidens who are her spirited stewards of the seasons,
…as they await the Harvest Child at Autumn Equinox and return of the Light to come.
Harvest Mother is both fierce and compassionate. She is full-bellied and pregnant, riding into battle to protect her Lands.
She calls forth the Wasteland to remind man of his devouring greed, of the raping and destruction of her glorious body, the Earth.
She summons the brave and the lonely ones–Crepitus, the Defender of the Great Grump, the sacrifice for the Seasons and return of the Spring,
…and the Earth Drummer, keeper of the Seasons and Heartbeat of time.
Ahhh, and answering her call, Earth Dragon explodes from the molten depths,
…and the majestic Red Lady of Mountain Waters flows forth from her wild streams.
She lifts the Chalice of life. The sacred waters and life blood of Earth have been polluted. The Well Maidens who protect the sacred springs have been ignored, disrespected, endangered.
It is now time for the Grand Sorceress to gather and guide the Pilgrimage of Wise Ones.
The Grand Sorceress lights the Cauldron, calling for the Union
…and the many faces of Sovereignty, the most powerful circle of Earth Protectors has become One.
Harvest Mother leads the power of Nature behind her, bringing Life to awakening.
Godmother holds “The Book of Ways + Creating” as the Seer of past into future, Priestess of the Wyrd, Earth ritual, reverence and respect.
Earth Dragon and Mother of the Wild, ancient and new,
Alchemical Artist who communes with Earth Beings,
…and the Red Lady who calls all men to task.
They bid the Maidens and muses of magical ways to Call Up the Green Man,
…the lover and leader, Father of forest and field, brother of all creatures and protector of the Earth.
He who is chosen by Maidens, Mothers, Warriors and Wise Ones.
In their searches, the Maidens discover the Green Man’s forest haunts.
The fierce, tender feminine will not falter. The goal is the Green Man and partner of Earth
…for a Year and a Day collective unity for all beings, creatures and lands align,
Celebrating our chosen one. Once a Green Man always a Green Man.
…and now we bring this story to you.
It is time to create your own unique ceremonies for the Land, for reciprocity, for caring kinship and to ignite your community’s deepest spirit.
It is time to stand forth and Celebrate. We are all One with the Earth.