Mar 4
madsillustrated // "As Above, So Below."
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madsillustrated // "As Above, So Below."
The Emerald Tablets: As Above, So Below
Thousands of years ago, before the fall of Atlantis, a priest-king named Thoth allegedly penned the ultimate secrets of the universe on plates of imperishable green emerald.
These are not just ancient artifacts; they are a manual for the human soul.
The core teaching of the tablets is simple yet terrifying: "As above, so below; as within, so without."
We look at the stars to find answers, but the cosmos is just a mirror. The chaos you see in the world is a reflection of the chaos in your mind. The order you seek in the universe can only be found by creating order in your soul.
Alchemy was never about turning lead into gold. That was a metaphor for the uninitiated. True alchemy is turning the "lead" of your trauma, fear, and ego into the "gold" of consciousness.
A thought for the Truth Seeker: If your outer reality is a reflection of your inner state, what is your life trying to tell you right now? Look around you. The mirror does not lie.
Unlock the wisdom of Thoth. The door is not locked; you just never tried to turn the handle.
Awaken! Enlighten! Transform!
Hold on tight, or you might lose yourself.
✨ "As Above, So Below" is a digital collage made by the Clayshaper in 2024. Based on "Saint Michael the Archangel" by Francesco Cozza in 1650.
May DWC Day 7 - Captivate This is referencing Vixannya's gallery opening/afterparty
It wasn’t the first time he had seen the now infamous portrait of the man being crushed by what appeared to be parts of Dalaran. Vixannya had given all of her employees a personal tour of the gallery prior to the event, since many of them wouldn’t be able to see everything the night of. But it felt different being among others witnessing it for the first time, now able to focus on the various reactions instead of his own existential dread.
Annya’s work often had a way of shocking and appalling, it was her purpose, but this was brought to a whole new level. People were already on the edge thanks to the Radiant Song, but this frightened many. So much had already happened to and within the beloved city. On their earlier tour, he spent a good ten minutes scrutinizing what could be seen of the crushed soldier’s uniform. That was something that would change over the years and while he had no idea what future designs may look like, he knew enough from recent events to recognize this was a current style. Of course that didn’t mean anything, they would likely still use this same uniform design for years to come.
He explained as much to Tinnaire, his plus one, and watched her reaction with curiosity. It was a heavy subject, one that loomed over the entire room. People wanted to discuss it, they wanted to contact their relatives and friends, but they also didn’t want their entire nights ruined when they knew the afterparty was there waiting for them. It was fascinating to watch everyone attempt to compartmentalize everything so quickly. It was Annya’s intention, no doubt, with duality being a theme.
As expected, the remainder of his evening was quite enjoyable, but he had always been excellent at compartmentalizing. Tin and he explored all the various nooks and crannies provided by the hostess, he personally found the underground among the roots the most captivating. There were some things one did not grow out of as a child, and that was exploring maze-like areas that provided fun little surprises around every corner.
It was almost a shame he had to work half the night, but that thought was easily pushed aside when he remembered the gold this particular gig brought in was worth it. Providing escort services at this type of event was always an interesting time, especially since the majority who requested such services had never done something like this before and occasionally had a friend or two join them for moral support. He finally exited the building as the sun was peeking over the horizon, sending off a message to Tin ensuring the rest of her night went well and she got home safely, and also thanking her for joining him and being delightful company. He smiled to himself as eyes drifted up towards the tall Dalaran spires, remembering the painting. Oh, right. That was possibly going to become an issue sooner rather than later. He needed to decide what he was going to do.
@daily-writing-challenge @kharrisdawndancer @vixannya
May DWC Day 6 - Confidence
Referencing Vixannya's latest gallery!
He watched with interest the myriad of reactions the guests presented as they gazed upon the focal portrait in Vixannya Ana’diel’s gallery. Some were immediately startled by what they saw and almost seemed to display the beginnings of a panic attack prior to realizing where they were. Others appeared almost happy as little smirks spread over their lips before being hidden behind a hand. All the while, his music soared throughout the space, with the purpose of amplifying whatever emotions were individually felt. Annya had clearly known what she was doing when she hired him to play here, expressing that what she was seeking was to make her guests feel deeply. He was confident that he had accomplished such given the horrified gasps, tears, and occasional laughter he witnessed.
He was paid very handsomely to play for only a couple hours before being turned loose into the afterparty. Having traveled the world and seeing all sorts of magnificent natural and manmade structures, he had to admit that this event immediately went towards the top of his list of breathtaking things he’s seen in person. He stopped in his tracks and stared in awe at the Tree of Life, having to remind himself internally that they were still in Dalaran.
“Like what you see?” The feminine voice chimed in behind him as fingertips brushed along his shoulder, Vixannya herself stepping up beside him.
They had met on his much less bougie turf previously at the Darkmoon Faire, but being here in this fancy space and rubbing elbows with the rich and famous was on a whole new level he was not accustomed to, and he felt himself almost flustered in her presence. Blue eyes immediately settled on her as he smirked, “Beautiful.” He still had his charms.
She gave an amused hum, “Go enjoy yourself, you’ve earned it. Perhaps I’ll see you later, in the tunnels.” And with that she was whisked away.
He had no idea where or what these ‘tunnels’ were, but he was absolutely going to find out at some point. The schoolboy crush was real and he felt a bit silly for it, but Annya’s darker nature spoke to him on a deep level. For now, it was time to explore! Each different area left him more and more gobsmacked; the magic that went into illusions like these were accomplished only by the most gifted, and everything, magic or not, seemed to flow with ease.
A few familiar faces were spotted here and there, but he was less interested in socializing and more so in exploring. He did spend a longer time admiring Ryland perform within the underwater fantasy, but eventually continued his tour. He ate well, drank top shelf liquor, indulged in various dusts and pills, danced, flirted, relaxed, found a dark corner here and there with a new friend, and overall had probably one of the best and most memorable nights of his life.
It was around the witching hour when he found himself wandering the tunnels beneath the Tree of Life, a little drunk, a little high, and feeling quite euphoric overall when he heard that familiar voice, “You found me.” Eyes darted around, wondering if for a moment he had just hallucinated the voice before Vixannya stepped out from a small crack hidden in the winding caverns. Technically he didn’t find her, he was just a little lost and got lucky. “Come join?”
“Absolutely.” Following her back through the small crack, it opened into a larger space with a bar lit only by hanging, colorful lanterns. Cushioned seating areas were tucked back into various nooks and crannies, making the whole place seem rather cozy. Ryland was there, among a few other faces he didn’t recognize. They were all in various states of undress, mostly for comfort, possibly for other activities, and he was happy to add to the pile of suit jackets off to the side. Taking a seat among the others, he deeply inhaled whatever incense was being burned and dropped his head back against the cushion, grinning to himself.
Soon enough he found Vixannya perched atop his lap, long cigarette holder in hand as purple smoke curled upwards from between her lips, offering him a drag which he greedily accepted. “Welcome to the real afterparty, darling.”
The most memorable night of his life indeed.
@vixannya @rylandfalkov @serazhen (is probably there too!) @daily-writing-challenge
5. There are two selves; the higher and the lower self. 6. The higher self is human spirit clothed with soul, made in the form of Allah. 7. The lower self, the carnal self, the body of desires, is a reflection of higher self, distorted by the murky ethers of the flesh. 8. The lower self is an illusion and will pass away; the higher self is Allah in man, and will not pass away. 9. The higher self is the embodiment of truth, the lower self is truth reversed and so is falsehood manifest. 10. The higher self is justice, mercy, love and right; the lower self is what the higher self is not. 11. The lower self breeds hatred, slander, lewdness, murders, theft, and everything that harms, the higher self is mother of the virtues and the harmonies of life. 12. The lower self is rich in promises, but poor in blessedness and peace; it offers pleasure, joy and satisfying gain; but gives unrest, misery and death. #ManKnowThyself #AsAboveSoBelow (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnLObpErbFw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
🍁 Market Special! 🍁 I know a lot of you are waiting for word on my usual October Autumn update but I’m doing things a little different this year. I will be releasing a bunch of new creations IN PERSON (!) at the @salemnightfaire, for the first weekend only, 10/21 & 10/22. If you can’t make it to the market, don’t worry, what remains, along with some other new things, will be released online on Halloween. 🎃 The Salem Night Faire was so much fun last year that I knew I wanted to make this year even more special. This special 🍂copper on black🍂 version of the As Above, So Below screen print will be exclusive to the market along with some other beloved screen prints in the same color scheme. The faire will be the place to grab these copper on black versions because if they sell out at there, they will not be available online. However, if there are some leftover from the market, those will be made available. The Crone’s Cottage screen print will debut at the market, as well, but I’ll only be bringing a limited number! The majority will be sold online as part of the Halloween update. Stay tuned for more info about upcoming releases and new creations! Hope to see you at the @salemnightfaire! 🎃 #poisonappleprintshop #witchgift #asabovesobelow #screenprinting (at Pioneer Village: Salem 1630) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjidtqKL2gy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Amazing artwork of my players for our campaign.
Gragnar our Sorcerer Kobold who just picked a fight with death.
Steel-Toed Sam our Rouge and hot mom of the group. Also, the only levelheaded/sane person in this madhouse.
Phraan the Bard/Rouge who betrayed his country and sold his soul for love.
Seraphina the runaway prices who would do anything to find her dead husband.
Art By: https://twitter.com/LustriaVT - @lustriavt
Check out our camping: https://www.youtube.com/@AASBTTRPG