Epiphany is time for my #linocut of Perchta, also known as Frau Perchta or Berchta (or Bertha in English), a figure from Alpine folklore, who visits during the 12 days of Christmas. Her name may come from “the bright one” or the German word for the feast of the Epiphany and her history is linked to white robbed goddesses like Holda who oversaw spinning and weaving or the goddess Frigg and she emerged from Germanic and 🧵

#printmaking #folklore #Perchta #winter #Berchta #12daysOfChristmas

One of my dolls lives in a museum. You can meet and greet her in The Museum of Magic, Fortune-telling & Witchcraft in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's Frau Perchta from Germanic mythology. She is waiting for you in Folk Witch display.

If you run a museum or any other public space that you think could benefit from such doll, let me know. I'm open for discussions and creating the doll that you need. I just love museums and the idea of my witch dolls greeting people in public spaces. If my doll lands in your museum I will brag about it forever.

#perchta #germanic #mythology #museum #witchcraft #fortunetelling #magic #history #scotland #edinburgh

Dornenreich / Vinsta – Dortmund

Braving the thorny shutdown of London’s Heathrow Airport a week ago, I recently travelled to Dortmund by way of Düsseldorf on very little sleep. Awaiting an evening in attendance of Austrian Black Metal / Neofolk veterans (and fellow Prophecy labelmates) Dornenreich‘s recent Arcane Ceremonies acoustic tour.

Hosted in the atmospheric surrounds of Dortmund’s Pauluskirche, the Saturday service was certain to be something special, even as we stepped in from the somewhat urban Schützenstraße under fading daylight. The power of church architecture to draw focus away from the mundane and into the spiritual is never to be underestimated. A suitable match for the music of the night.

Sadly, original supports Perchta were unable to make the tour. Instead, we were treated to a captivating performance by fellow Austrians Vinsta. Originally a solo project by Perchta’s dulcimerist Moosemandl, a full band politely stepped up to deliver an acoustic set no less electrifying for the lack of amplification.

With the hammered dulcimer featuring strongly in Vinsta’s compositions, I was taken aback at how such a traditional instrument could sound thoroughly modern in the right hands. Progressive compositions and themes drew my interest, reinforced by tender, delicate violin. A fine replacement indeed.

It has been a long time since I last saw Dornenreich, playing their Black Metal in Bradford back at the turn of the century in support of “Her von welken Nächten”. Impressive enough at the time, it was a very different band that filled the pews tonight.

Older, perhaps wiser, and stripped down to a two-piece, vocalist Evíga was joined by violinist Ínve, and together they held the attention of all in attendance for a time that seemed eternal yet transient.

Performing a selection of reinterpretations from across their three decades of existence, focus was understandably from 2008 folk opus “In Luft geritzt.” Simpler song titles reflecting the intimacy of the evening, and carving their own way in the air.

Although my German skills are rusty these days, it was still enough to be able to follow along. The intent of the music carrying forward across the syntax of language even if the exact words escaped me. Drifting off on hypnagogic waves of emotional rapture, and very much taken through the dream.

Tremendous gratitude to dear friend Méli and family for the invite and ensuring I was well looked after during my all-too brief stay. After a decade of online interaction, it was delightful to finally meet in person, and especially enhance the occasion with fine food, beer, and finer conversation.

I will most definitely return!

https://heathenstorm.com/2025/03/31/dornenreich-vinsta-dortmund/

#acoustic #arcaneceremonies #church #dornenreich #dortmund #germany #livemusic #melimelancholia #music #neofolk #pauluskirche #perchta #prophecyproductions #vinsta

Epiphany is time for my #linocut of Perchta, also known as Frau Perchta or Berchta (or Bertha in English), a figure from Alpine folklore, who visits during the 12 days of Christmas. Her name may come from “the bright one” or the German word for the feast of the Epiphany and her history is linked to white robbed goddesses like Holda who oversaw spinning and weaving or the goddess Frigg and 🧵

#printmaking #folklore #Perchta #winter #Berchta #12daysOfChristmas #MastoArt

Now the days of the "Perchten" begin. It is a tradition in the Bavarian-Austrian Alps, around Christmas and New Year. They, as many traditions around the world in this time, shall drive out evil ghosts of winter. For more information: Wikipedia is your friend.

So, disguised "Perchten" now running through inner cities frightening off people as sort of "fun".

Picture taken in Passau (Bavaria)

Attention: Picture may trigger anxiety or shock!

#photography #percht #perchta #tradition

Working on some lil' holiday pieces with leftover art supplies for a Christmas Eve thing...

#art #painting #Christmas #holiday #Perchta

Cave of Wonder

With just over a week before Solstice fly out to Finland, and life outside the band likewise refusing to slow down; I take brief pause to reflect on a wonderful weekend in and around Balver Höhle.

Prophecy Fest has always been a unique affair. Expertly curating an eclectic line-up of bands beyond the usual expectations of Extreme Metal. Personal highlights would have to be incendiary performances by both Perchta and Dymna Lotva – band of the weekend to both neck and ears. Wild noise and feminine fury contrasted by such as the acoustic introspection of Empyrium – performing the entirety of “Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays” to a rapt audience moved by earnest, well-earned integrity; and of course Wolcensmen at the warm-up.

As for our own set, delivered without apology or compromise, I feel we carried ourselves well. Playing to many who may not be aware of our intent, a quintet of classics offered appropriate introduction – even as we meticulously work on new material for the forthcoming album. The many fists raised and cheers resounding throughout the cave prove our purpose found its place.

Joining the Prophecy family was a daunting prospect; with the tropes of Heavy Metal seeming cliched and primitive against such sophisticated, multi-textured soundscapes. Rather than cower intimidated, I choose to take this as vital inspiration to evolve and grow as an artist. To embrace and explore how these different styles may complement each other, rather than compete in the trite posturing and insecure blather of smaller circles.

To channel another cave, what we believe as reality can often be tainted by the shadowed projections of a narrow, stymied perspective. It is only by stepping into the light that we see what truth may come to pass.

The support and solidarity of our labelmates has been phenomenal. Breaking bread and making merry, sharing conversations insightful and inane. Friendships forged in Wieland’s Smithy, and camaraderie which will linger as steel.

Humblest praise also to the hard-working crew who tirelessly kept everything together over the festival. Their kind patience made us all feel welcome and valued, and none of this could happen without their exemplary efforts.

It is by no coincidence that we are all connected. A synchronicity of spirit and sincerity of soul. My gratitude abounds for the presence of those who share these precious moments of wonder; and for the opportunities presented as I walk my own creative path.

https://heathenstorm.com/2024/09/11/cave-of-wonder/

#dymnalotva #empyrium #heavymetal #livemusic #metal #music #neofolk #perchta #prophecyfest #prophecyproductions #solstice #wolcensmen #Blog #Solstice

general mood...
les boucles qui se superposent les unes aux autres pour se mélanger là c'est toujours un petit bonheur perso

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krPMGebI5lY

#Perchta #RadioPouet #NowPlaying