Hellandi

I have a long way to go, but I’m nearly done with the major arcana.

Here are some of my favorites:

I set myself a design challenge (as I often do). I wanted to limit the color palette and the brush styles to create a very consistent look.

And since each card focuses on black cats, it forces me to think deeply about symbolism and design to make sure the meaning of each card is clear and each design is unique.

But there’s still a lot of variety coming through. It’s not all class, or all silliness - just like cats

I have a forearm tattoo of the cats in this one ☝️

I’m so happy with how both of these two managed to feel dark, but adorable at the same time.

And then there’s this one absolute diva:

Most of these used my own feline friends for reference.

Much more to come soon!

i don't use commissioned longarm services for my quilting because i can't afford it, but i also used to really struggle with the idea of having another person complete such a prominent part of my project. i thought i wouldn't be able to say 'i made this.'

but i didn't grow the cotton that got woven into the fabric i'm using.

i didn't design the printed fabric collection.

or paint the batik.

i didn't do the math and writing that went into the patterns i use.

i didn't drive any of the ships and trucks that transported the fabric.

i didn't mine the metal that turned into the needles in my machine or hand.

i wasn't the shelf stocker at the chain store or the owner of the indie shop i bought from.

Language Of Birthdays: February 13 - Aquarius

[You can find the rest of the series here; or check out my masterlist]

The Day Of Liveliness

The energetic individuals born on February 13 are usually up for most anything stimulating, within reason. They seek out exciting events and themselves enjoy being in the spotlight. In fact, many born on this day qualify as outright exhibitionists. Those who do not seek the notice of a wider public may still command a great deal of attention in their family or social circle. February 13 people tend to be emotionally demonstrative, wishing to share their feelings, whether joyful or melancholy. Volatile individuals, those born on this day find it difficult to keep secrets or contain their thoughts for very long. Indeed, their frankness and emotional spontaneity can land them in plenty of trouble, particularly in regard to matters of love.

February 13 people generally believe in letting it all hang out, but sometimes do so in only one or two specific areas of their lives. In those particular areas, there is little chance of hold- ing them back or bringing them into line. Their rational side is actually well developed, and their minds facile, but sometimes there is an apparent split between their brain and their body, their head and heart. Thus they can be quite disconnected, failing to apply the brakes to their feelings or on the other hand bring some emotionality into their detached mode of thinking.

Spirited, uninhibited behavior is not uncommon in many February 13 people, which for the most part is healthy and expressive. However, less evolved individuals born on this day can tend toward the violent or self-destructive side (or both). For all February 13 people, cultivating calm without being overly cool, learning to limit spontaneity without repressing it and remembering that not everyone can stand up to their demands and criticism are crucial to their growth as human beings. They must also realize that by being so demonstrative they might be inhibiting the people with whom they are involved, who probably wish to be more free-spirit- ed themselves.

February 13 people have to locate and remain in touch with their center, and perhaps dig deeper into their complex personalities if they wish to move along in their personal development. They must work to better understand the thought processes of others, and be more responsive to people's fears, needs and wishes. Those born on this day sometimes make the mistake of expecting a kind of instant recognition when it comes to interpersonal contacts. They may assume that others are as secure and trusting as they are when such may not be the case at all. It is understandable that February 13 people wish that those they talk to or deal with intimately be on their wavelength, but they must not grow impatient or irritable when a block to understanding arises or when what seems perfectly obvious to them is not so clear to others.

Strengths:

Spontaneous

Outgoing

Energetic

Weaknesses:

Impulsive

Reckless

Distracted

Advice

Those born on February 13 may be accident prone, and must resist any urge to court injury with dangerous physical activities. Particularly at risk is the lower half of their body. Learning to remain calm in trying circumstances and not to react impulsively helps a great deal. Therefore all centering activities, such as yoga, meditation and tai-chi are highly recommended. The February 13 diet often tends to the extravagant, but it is best if those born on this day can tone things down a bit by restricting sugar and stimulants, butter and cream, and excessive meat February 13 people are usually highly sexually oriented, and must mind that the ebb and How of their sex life does not play a disproportionate role in their love relationships, or become a focus of concern. As far as exercise and sports are concerned, only moderate activity is recommended for those born on February 13.

observe yourself living

Remain in contact with the feelings and opinions of others

Cultivate greater willpower and self-control

Natural behavior is generally admirable but not always pleasing to others or appropriate for a given situation