She’s a folk heroine, whose love story can be read here

It is said that her lover, Panganoron, is the clouds that surround Mt. Mayon’s peak, while she is herself the volcano, which has always been seen as remarkably beautiful in shape

It’s said that the volcano grew where they were buried together

Which is why the shape of two lovers seen in the smoke of its most recent eruption is so culturally significant. 

Philip Jackson. 1944.

Fantasy Art by Japanese Artist Miho Hirano

Miho Hirano is a Japanese artist living in Abiko, Chiba.  She is a graduate of Musashino Art University.  The fantasy world Miho paints is inhabited by ephemeral women who seem to be merging with their environment as their hair flows into flowering tree limbs, bird filled bushes, and drifting seaweed.  Not knowing all the cultural significance of the natural world in her paintings makes it hard to truly appreciate her work, but it is easy to fall in love with the wonderful women and world that she has created.  Miho Hirano’s work is in a group display at the Jiro Miura Gallery in Japan until August 15, 2015.  Thanks to Hi-Fructose.  You can see Miho Hirano’s portfolio at mihohirano.strikingly.com

Sun: personality and ego Moon: emotional expression and comfort Mercury: thoughts and communication Venus: attraction and approach to love Mars: energy and strongest passions Jupiter: luck and growth Saturn: fears and goals Uranus: originality and approach to change Neptune: dreams and approach to spirituality Pluto: power and transformations Ascendant: impact on people and the world Midheaven: career

Is/are affected by your…

Aries: passion and impulsiveness Taurus: material goals and practicality Gemini: open communication and curiosity Cancer: sensitivity and need for stability Leo: playfulness and confidence Virgo: logic and analysis Libra: peaceful union and beauty Scorpio: emotional detachment and calmness Sagittarius: curiosity and desire for freedom Capricorn: status and practicality Aquarius: social rebellion, friendships, and humanitarianism Pisces: empathy and imagination

And is materialised through your…

1st/AC: self-expression 2nd: possessions 3rd: communication 4th: family and home 5th: personal satisfaction 6th: professionalism 7th: partnerships 8th: privacy and secrets 9th: expansion and discoveries 10th/MC: social status and career 11th: community and individualism 12th: subconscious and creativity

Paired with your (planet), which is effected by your (sign), these energies…