As I was tackling a taco with questionable grace, my friend lobbed a question my way: "What religion were you raised in?" I usually go with "raised outside any religion" or "garden-variety atheist," but honestly, those labels don't really do justice to my childhood, which was filled with mysterious adventure and wonder. My mom always said, "Nature is my religion," which struck a chord with me.

My mother, pragmatic yet profoundly in tune with nature, always seemed most at home among the high peaks and dense forests. In my eyes, she blends almost seamlessly into the idea of Mother Earth. Her lessons on our connection to the natural world have deeply influenced my own understanding of life.

Growing up in Lake Tahoe was a series of adventures, with my mom leading the way on countless hikes. She even helped build the Rim Trail, a 170-mile path encircling the Lake Tahoe Basin that became our frequent playground.

From infancy, my sister, Betsy and I were her constant trail companions. We were carried in packs, pulled in sleds, and, for one memorable week, even placed atop a burro for longer hikes in the High Sierra.

As I grew, I started walking by myself, though not without complaints. My legs would ache, and my mom would cheerfully reassure me, "Don't worry, you'll get your second legs soon." Decades later, at 37, I'm still not sure "second legs" exist, but the phrase charmed me so much that it found its way into the dialogue of my novel.

My sister and I cherish the tales of our hiking exploits with Mom, affectionately dubbed "death marches." We never let her live down the time she accidentally guided us up New Army Pass in the High Sierra—a family legend.

Today, as I celebrated Mother's Day with my own children, I insisted on a hike, echoing the traditions my mother set. I find myself turning not only into my mom but also towards the universal mom, Mother Nature, continuing a legacy of love, laughter, and the great outdoors.

Cybele

Celebrating the Essence of Motherhood: Drawing Inspiration from Cybele, the Ancient Mother Goddess

Cybele, an ancient Anatolian goddess revered in Phrygian culture and later in Greek and Roman societies, embodies the profound and nurturing force of motherhood.

Her origins in the lush landscapes of what is now modern-day Turkey highlight her role as a potent symbol of fertility and the natural world. Known as the "Mountain Mother," her association with wild terrain and animals, especially lions, underscores her strength and protective nature—qualities that resonate with the spirit of Mother's Day.

Why does Cybele have a castle on her head?

The crown worn by Cybele, often referred to as a mural crown, is a significant and symbolic piece of iconography in depictions of the ancient goddess. Unlike typical royal crowns, a mural crown is designed to resemble the fortified walls of a city or castle. This type of crown is not just decorative but deeply emblematic, representing protection and guardianship over urban spaces and their inhabitants.

In the case of Cybele, the mural crown emphasizes her role as a protector and mother of cities. It underscores her connection to civilization and urban life, symbolizing her divine guardianship over these communities. This crown effectively transforms her head into a metaphorical stronghold, suggesting that she not only nurtures but also fortifies and defends the cities that honor her.

The imagery of Cybele wearing a mural crown also conveys her association with nature and civilization's boundaries—the walls that both protect and define a city. It’s a powerful representation of how the goddess embodies the dual roles of nurturing life and providing robust protection, mirroring the ways in which urban environments, like natural ones, must be both fostered and defended.

This symbolism resonates with the ancient belief in deities who were not only creators and sustainers but also protectors of their people and their crafted environments.

Featured Wax Color: Hera

Hera, the majestic queen of the gods in Greek mythology, embodies the quintessence of maternal strength and devotion—qualities that resonate profoundly on Mother's Day. As the goddess of marriage and childbirth, Hera's stories are deeply intertwined with themes of loyalty and protection, even amid personal and familial adversity.

Despite the turbulent storms brewed by her often wayward husband Zeus, Hera's fierce commitment to her divine duties mirrors the resilient and boundless love of mothers everywhere.

As you melt Hera wax, the subtle scent of frankincense will fill your senses, creating a calming and meditative atmosphere. The fragrance is both uplifting and grounding, helping you to focus and center your thoughts as you seal your letters. While the scent of frankincense fades as the wax cools, the memory of the experience will linger on.

Françoise Marie de Bourbon (1677-1749) as Juno by François de Troy

The Art of Wax Seals

The most important course I've created is now available for pre-order.

This course is your gateway to mastering the intricate art of wax seals, whether you are a seasoned creator or a novice eager to explore this unique craft.

What You'll Learn:

• Wax Marbling: Dive into the art of color blending to forge stunning, unique marbled patterns. Kathryn’s expert tips will help you craft vibrant and intricate designs that elevate the charm of any wax seal.
• Wax Weaving: Gain proficiency in weaving wax strips, adding depth and a textured elegance to your creations. Learn to make sophisticated patterns that infuse character into your wax seals.
• UV Paints: Bring an extraordinary dimension to your designs with UV-reactive paints. Create fascinating patterns and shapes that glow under UV light, making your wax seals come alive in the dark.
• Pigments: Explore the use of sun-activated and bold pigments. This module will teach you how to skillfully blend these pigments with wax to achieve striking effects.
• Figures, Pearls & Stones: Learn to embed figures, pearls, and stones into your wax seals, adding layers and depth. Kathryn’s techniques will guide you on how to seamlessly integrate these elements into your designs.

Key Features of the Course:

• Self-Paced Learning: Enjoy the flexibility to learn at your own pace and schedule, ideal for anyone looking to balance learning with personal and professional commitments.
• Comprehensive Modules: Each part of the course is packed with detailed instructions and step-by-step guides, ensuring you grasp every technique thoroughly.
• Exclusive Access: Get a rare peek into the personal techniques and artistic innovations that have positioned Kathryn Hastings as a leading figure in wax seal artistry.

Special Pre-Order Pricing:

• Pre-Order Rate: Secure your spot in this course now for $300 and save $50 off the regular price.
• Launch Rate (July): $350

This is more than just a course—it's an invitation to be part of a vibrant community of creators who share a passion for the beauty and tradition of wax seals.

Sonnets are full of love by Christina Rossetti

Sonnets are full of love, and this my tome

Has many sonnets: so here now shall be

One sonnet more, a love sonnet, from me

To her whose heart is my heart’s quiet home,

To my first Love, my Mother, on whose knee

I learnt love-lore that is not troublesome;

Whose service is my special dignity,

And she my loadstar while I go and come

And so because you love me, and because

I love you, Mother, I have woven a wreath

Of rhymes wherewith to crown your honored name:

In you not fourscore years can dim the flame

Of love, whose blessed glow transcends the laws

Of time and change and mortal life and death.

​

With love.

Kay