“Myths of Death” podcast
Historian Torri Yates-Orr and mythologist John Bucher of the Skeleton Keys podcast discuss the mythology of death, as well as Thanatos, Hel, Gede, the Grim Reaper, and the afterlife.
Ritual
Omar’s Rubaiyat Contemplation Cards
My new art project, the Omar’s Rubaiyat Contemplation Cards deck, is now available. Oh, come with old Khayyám, and leave the Wise To talk; one thing is certain, that Life flies; One thing is certain, and the Rest is Lies; The Flower that once has blown for ever dies. ― Attributed to Omar Khayyam (1048-1131) … Read moreOmar’s Rubaiyat Contemplation Cards
“Work hard; increase production; prevent accidents, and be happy.”
Worker THX-1138 confesses to the prophet OMM in this scene from George Lucas’s 1971 dystopian science fiction movie THX-1138. The Amazen Kiosk, a very widely lampooned 2021 publicity stunt mental health initiative from Amazon.com, Inc.
A Social History of the Die-In
Writing for Active History, Daniel Ross offers a concise history of the die-in as a form of social protest: The fact is, by the mid-1970s the die-in was an established part of the repertoire of non-violent action used by social movements across North America and, to a lesser extent, in Europe. Local groups learned about … Read moreA Social History of the Die-In
“Death Differently”
Death Differently is cinematic education on innovations in death care featuring death doulas, hospice workers, alternative death advocates, music thanatologists, green burial funeral directors, and many others. The series’ goal is to highlight these individuals working in the emerging – but mostly unknown – death and dying space to challenge death myths that contribute to … Read more“Death Differently”
My Wind Phone: Let the Wind Take Your Words
Mywindpone.com offers resources for creating and locating wind telephones inspired by Itaru Sasaki’s original concept: I read about Itaru Sasaki and his Phone Booth of the Wind. I imagined sitting in his white phone booth surrounded by Itaru’s beautiful garden, holding the phone to my ear, dialing Emily’s number, and listening as the rotary dial … Read moreMy Wind Phone: Let the Wind Take Your Words
Floralia 2023
Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, and I just spotted what may be the first Great Blue Heron of the season. The time has come again to crown the Duende with flowers … … and to begin a project I’ve been looking forward to. I’ve started participating in the new Atlas Obscura online course … Read moreFloralia 2023
“Passing Electrical Storms”: New Extended Reality Art Experience Simulates the End of Life
In this new exhibit by artist Shaun Gladwell, participants can experience a simulation of death via VR and medical technologies: Passing Electrical Storms is a participatory XR experience with a deeply affecting, ‘out-of-body’ nature. Gladwell simulates the experience of dying through XR and medical technologies. At once meditative and unsettling, this interactive work guides participants through … Read more“Passing Electrical Storms”: New Extended Reality Art Experience Simulates the End of Life
“Inside the Spiritual Jacuzzi”
I’m reading Carole Cusack’s excellent Invented Religions: Imagination, Fiction and Faith and am delighted to have discovered the Hot Tub Mystery Religion, intriguingly described in this 2003 Reason.com article by Jesse Walker: Atheists have long regarded religion as, at best, a collective work of art, but in the last century that view has grown popular … Read more“Inside the Spiritual Jacuzzi”
Art at Green-Wood Cemetery (Brooklyn, NYC)
The notably arts-friendly Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York City has hosted a number of artistic installations including works of sculpture, dance, poetry, photography and ritual.