Sequel to meeting the Guildmistress

As I descended the spiral staircase, I envisioned what my room would look like. I could see, in my mind's eye, a place that mimicked the night sky: black satin fabric covering walls in a 360 degree space, with pinpoints of crystal lights and a touch of star- sparkle peeking through, forming familiar constellations; a bed with a pale cerulean blue coverlet appeared to be the perfect size for nestling my tired self. Now, stepping down the final stair, walking along the corridor, my hand touched the wall, hitting the tapestry of the unicorn, which instantaneously opened into a room whose image I had held in my 3rd eye just moments ago. Smiling, I entered, moving towards the bed to retire for the evening. As I lay in the comfort of this safe space, I began to drift into a sleep, watching as the stereographic panorama of the entire vista changed from celestial hemisphere to celestial hemisphere......... and began to dream.

Maps, Map Holder

My maps are of the land and of the heavens... for the journey. Also, a map holder.

Pouch for the Journey

This is the pouch for the journey that will contain helpful items. It is hand crafted of leather and has the symbol of the moon on the front. I will be working on the celestial map within the next week or so.

Paper Bag Journal/Mini Journals

I completed my paper bag journal and the 12 mini journals (to be inserted inside the paper bag pockets).

Meeting the Guildmistress

I walked across the hall to meet other artists gathered in front of the fireplace, hugging each one as they stated their names. The fire was crackling, flames dancing, and the exchange of conversation stimulating. I decided to find a room to contemplate the journey thus far, bidding newly found friends a good night. As I gazed around the room, a door caught my eye. It was exquisite in decor, embellished with cords of braided tri-colored copper metal hammered into thick planks of grained wood. Gemstones of amethyst, moonstone, ruby, and lapis lazuli were laid into patterns of curvilinear mazes opening into a rectangular center filled with pieces of pink quartz. This door opened upon my approach, and I entered, passing into a winding corridor softly lit from a luminescent quality emitted from the stone . Heavy tapestries illustrated with fabulous fantasy animals decorate the walls, and eventually, I came to an elaborately carved wood stairway spiraling upward. As I strained my eyes to see where it ended, I began the climb and reached the top, stepping onto an oval platform with an arched entryway. As I entered the room, a huge glass dome surrounded me. The entire vista was open to the night sky - constellations visible at every turn. The moon shone brightly, nearing its fullness, filling me with peace and contentment. I was elated, as I missed the open space and comfort of Sirius, Orion, the Pleiades, Cassiopeia, Pegasus, Andromeda, Cygnus, and Perseus. A slight noise startled me, as I thought I was alone. Even though the dome was starlit and moonlit, I did not notice the presence of anyone. I turned, looking into a face that became visible by the gentle soft haze of the lit orbs in the sky. It was a face filled with wisdom, kindness, and knowing. In the stillness a voice sounded, "I am the Guildmistress. I visit the observatory nightly before retiring for the night. I am happy to see that you have found this, the highest point in the Guild structure, as it is one of my favorite places. You are Lavenda Kakabell, are you not? You bear a remarkable resemblance to one of your ancient ancestors, Kallikrates, keeper of the universal spheres. I welcome you to the Guild. Feel free to wander about. I am sure you will find your niche to rest until it is time to take your leave." With this said, she gave me a hug. I thanked her before glancing around the rotunda, taking in the view of the heavens before exiting. We exchanged smiles as I passed her on my way to the top of the spiral staircase, on my way to find a place to light.

Call to the Guild

I felt the call to seek the Guild, knowing somehow, that for me, it was to be found under the brightest star in the Universe, the Sun. I made my way from dense indigo into the pre-dawn sky, an entirely new experience for me, prepared to experience the shift from night to day. I entered this new sky space from the East, with a bit of trepidation, eagerness, and excitement, but with a strong sense of being one with Spirit. There it was, a magnificent building, towering high above the earth. An aura of the sacred radiated from its walls, and the winds of the East blew gently around its perimeter whispering the hope of truth and a new beginning. I knew neither judgement nor blame must ever make an appearance in any way, shape, or form in this monumental abode. The atmosphere was filled with varied hues of yellow, subtle to rich, as the Sun rose from the forever space. An eagle soared nearby, sounding a "caw", a bond made eons ago. As I descended, the doorway of the East was before me. Ornately carved in ancient markings, images from cultures long gone were magnificently displayed. Although there was no handle, the door opened as I touched it, slowly moving, due to its immense size and weight. I followed a cloistered walkway that had sconces mounted on the interior walls cradling softly glowing candles, which lit my way. After a few steps, I approached a wall and another door, decorated with a mandala set with gemstones in its very center, stopping me in my tracks. This door was not as large nor as heavy as the door to the East, and it opened to reveal a large room with a fire burning in the hearth, warming a number of figures who were exchanging pleasantries as I entered. I thought, "Kindred Spirits".

Introduction to Lavenda Kakabell

Being an angel of the moon, living among the stars and constellations, I continuously wander the heavens. I - Lavenda Kakabell - a being of light energy, now claim the right offered to me by elder Light Beings, to transform into an earthly being, so that I may experience life on the earthly plane. My name -- Lavenda -- given to me by the universal Spirit, indicative of the essence of lavender, and the color purple, symbolizing royalty, spirituality, and the 6th chakra. Kakabell: kaka, speaking to the sound of birds; bell, calling forth tonal vibrations that reside in one's being, along with that of being warned to alertness. My travel case is wicker, allowing air, sound, scents, and energy to flow in, out, around, and through it. The cover is embellished with the crescent moon symbolizing the phases that bring about change. Buttons are scattered around the moon, some flat and some round, symbolizing the planets that inhabit the celestial heavens. As a light being, I have the ability to merge into alternate dimensions, and have recently felt the call to traverse the earthen plane. I am in tune with the moon and the stars and the heavenly constellations; however, I believe I need to spend time on the Earth in order to complete my understanding of "all that is" as part of the "round". Therefore, I follow the pulse of energy that calls to me for a purpose yet to be revealed, an opportunity offered to me by the Others, who delight in expansion and feeling experience. I am composed of a material which is as soft as the clouds, covered with netting and tiny crystal beads that catch the irridescent colors of the prisms of light, reflected from the moon and the stars. My hair, which was the color lavender, has changed to red for this journey, the color of the life force, and is flecked with the sparkle of stardust. I wear a glittering sphere around my neck, which contains magical properties of the 4 elements. My wings made of the feathers of birds that no longer exist, meld into my back when needed, appearing as tattoos. My eyes are surrounded by an ancient metal that empowers me to reflect to others what is necessary.

Artist Statement for the Travelling Artist's Guild

Paper, pencils, coloring books, crayons, scissors, glue, movie magazines/movie star scrapbooks -- All remembered from my childhood, bringing me much happiness and joy. Art in grade school, junior and senior high school... so very important to my self-esteem and development as an artist. Sixteen years old and finding a job working for a printer: typesetting and paste-up artist... more cutting, pasting and design. Marriage, children, a variety of jobs, metaphysical
studies, dream group, therapy, preceding my path to individuation -- College: psychology, painting, drawing,three dimensional art, materials and techniques, clay sculpting, internships... all new experiences that opened up expression of the self. Art Therapy found after so many
years, which I pursued energetically to earn a degree, with hope that I could assist other people to express themselves in a healing fashion -- followed by teaching, then private practice. Portraits and collage are my favored subjects; collage and mixed media my favorite way to express my style. Astrology, tarot, button collecting, tap dancing, antiques and old "stuff" make up my other interests that poke my imagination. I retired two years ago and keep busy making
art in my studio. I also make art to swap with on-line friends/art groups and am actively involved in local art associations and partake in gallery exhibits. And, of course, my husband, Bob, and family and friends fit in there somewhere!

Paper Bag Journal

I have been working on my paper bag journal, and it is not my most favorite task. However, it is nearly complete and needs a few more finishing touches. Next is my artist statement, then onto the journey.


The Travelling Artists Guild
http://travellingartistsguild.wordpress.com/
Here is the address, if anyone would like to inquire about this exciting journey of the Imagi-Nation. You can also follow along without any commitment. Gena Lumbroso is also co-moderating this group. Her blog may be found here: http://wispofwill.blogspot.com/