Samhain 2011 Update

In some traditions Samhain is held as one end of the calendar birthing a new year. In Texas that's often when the weather turns from hot and intimidating to less hot, less intimidating and we receive more exciting, cooler winds. It's a month I look at where business is concerned as the dawn of my Enterprise, this mid-month marking two full years since I started working on making my passion a profession. However as the cycle of seasons turn so too does the eye of pragmatism re-evaluating at this milestone operational efficiency when juxtaposed in consideration towards greater objectives and goals.

Education has always been a core tenant to my ideology. The Universe is a vast, marvelous place, so much so that even a hundred human lifetimes cannot comprehend all there is to know. From relationships and perspective we learn there are more truths to each story than the ones we think we understand. Even when all sides are observed there are still facets that elude us, revealing ours is but one telling, one version, one unique instance founded upon factors unique and random and non-replicative from a boundless dimension of possibility. To specialize is to choose, to limit oneself from infinite potential. Yet we do this, transient beings as we are, because it is part of our nature. We have such little time to explore the vastness of existence that even lethargy or the abstention of intent and activity is a choice in how we openly engage our lives while we are alive.

If I've often had difficulty establishing a mission statement it is because I consider my profession and who I am for my time here inexorably related. It seems like it should be enough that I chose a name for my business which embodies the spirit of what my activities signify to me. Whether in artistic performance or in making concepts of the mind a physical reality the underlying essence has remained the same. An Enterprise. A word meaning initiative and challenge, innovation with scope; that rather than lie recumbent as heart and flesh dissolve in entropic decay one strives to guide with creative intent forces that go forth as ripples in a pond to shape and inspire our world as this shining sphere of mineral and memory so too has stoked our heritage. To defy our own mortality by embracing it, in defining purpose where such may not exist we forge meaning through our choices and activities and make of uncertainty a truth. To embrace and understand one's legacy for some people even a lifetime isn't enough, and often on paper few words do little justice to crystalize the apotheosis of who we are, who we have been and the potential of who we may one day become.

I am entering a new phase of my Enterprise. As with any resolution or analysis certain aspects of life become revisited to be restructured, archived or eventually eliminated. Of the lessons, experiences and people who have become a part of my journey I would not trade a thing these last few years. You are a part of my life that has enriched it as I hope I have enriched yours. Through this shared time I've learned much, and though I would love to charge on braving new paths in the landscape of what leather art could become I have tested and acknowledged the pacing restraints that equilibrium asks of all pilgrims.

I will be moving within a year. To some of you the noteworthy aspect of this news is that I've stepped towards a finer analysis of the prime candidate cities. Dallas has been a welcome nest to develop my work in to where it is today, however as in tendering the earth soils must be turned, fields left fallow and seeds set adrift to cultivate a vaster bounty. I seek opportunities this home does not provide as eagerly that will more strongly enable my work to grow. In pursuing such potential I aspire to develop a stronger foundation from which a greater art and more potent legacy may flourish.

As consequence to this decision I will be consolidating my activities. Though my skills will still be available for commissioning I may not be able to take on as many as I have in the past. Concordantly I will be attending fewer venues and events as my business. The professional developmental activities I have enjoyed engaging thus far unfortunately do not provide quite the cut of resources necessary for workshop relocation.

Perhaps of more significance to me however will be the consequence of leaving those I have come to look on as clan and family over these last many years. Most my life has been lived within a thirty-mile radius. Reunion, casual engagement and communion has often been readily available with the greater part of those who have inscribed my heart. To move will be to interrupt those days for me now and indeterminably. The star of Aquarius is cold and distant and wide-seeing but not without a soul and in it's home too it is a sun. Of this community I withdraw from some are long acquaintances while others have become quick companions. Whether I know you well, have not seen you for years or am only beginning to discover the marvel of who you may be know that in each of you I cherish the seed of Divinity I see shared within myself. Our paths have touched each others' lives in ways no one else's shall, and though we may not have grown alike, wear the same woes, tread the same paths anymore or find joy in similar majesties know that you are a part of this world as rich and complicated and infinitely integrated into the lives of all others, dear to me as my own brief voice in the Great Song of Being.

My moving date will be one of prospect, objective and opportunity. Once the final evaluations are complete I will better be able to define the criteria necessary for relocation before proceeding to make such happen. Till then I remain your faithful artisan, crafter of dreams.

~Aaron Rathbun~

NEWSLETTER - Imbolg 2011

Boy and Howdy Folks!

2011's kicked off to a fast start! January's already come and gone with what looks like a busy Spring ahead. If all goes smoothly I'm planning on spending more time developing a good number of product lines including refinements to older models as well as debuting some new ones! Most of my planned events for this year look like they'll be centering around the Dallas/Fort Worth area so my temporary apologies to you extra-North Texas terrestrials. Keep your eyes peeled for art pieces however, especially you Reader's Studio folks – I've got a few special items in the works with the words “Fancy Dress Ball” written all over them!


PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT: Tarot & Zodiac Charm Key Fobs

With the new year I'm excited to introduce a charming new series with vast potential for custom personalization! Ever since my first experiments with laser burning I've been itching to put miniature Tarot cards on whatever they'll look good on and now, with my new line of key ring fobs, I've got the excuse to do just that and say they're practical at the same time! Able to embellish any distinct, illustrative work down to the 1/1000ths of an inch level of precision my currently available Laser Library includes the full major arcana from the Marseilles tarot, a complete set of plates from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot (majors, minors and court cards) and original designs for the twelve grand rulers of the Zodiac. Ideal for gifts and keepsakes Tarot and Zodiac Charm key fobs make a fantastic addition to anyone's personal affects!


OF NOTE: Wacky Planets on the Horizon!

Saturn has gone retrograde just in time for Mardi Gras starting off 11 solid months of planetary reversals. While the Celestial Taskmaster is backwards expect to see a general levity in the air. Adventuresomeness & risk-taking are likely to emerge more but beware rash decisions that may have lasting consequences.

Mercury goes on its first semi-annual flummox shortly after the Ostara Equinox on 30th March spelling temporary mischief for matters of study, travel and communication. Fortunately for those attending Reader's Studio this year the Winged Adept returns to normal about 23rd April, a good week before the Beltaine sabbat.

Pluto jumps in on the fray 9th April further enhancing the capricious challenges instigated by Saturn's retrograde. With the Dark Lord reversed anticipate a little melodrama from sources believing their feet are bigger than their shoes. Be careful about starting new projects with long-term goals.

Take extra caution from 9th - 23rd April when all 3 planets are dancing backwards together; matters of maturity and business ventures - especially contracts - should be dealt with patient and considerate examination to ensure an ideal outcome for all parties involved.

For candle practitioners seek out soothing indigo or violet to appeal to Saturn's discipline when you feel your focus is wavering, keep a striking yellow or orange on hand if Mercury's mischief starts causing more problems than you can handle and stock up on the serious browns or black should Pluto's mantle obscure your goals.


CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

11th February - "Carnival of Creatures" (Sons of Hermann Hall; Dallas, TX)
A Masquerade Variety Show incorporating 17th century Venetian Carnivale with a Steampunk twist!
I will be attending this event as a vendor.
http://blaminggrace.com/carnevale/
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160033524033039

4th-6th March - "North Texas Irish Festival" (Fair Parks; Dallas, TX)
One of the largest Celtic culture and heritage festivals outside of the Emerald Isle itself.
I will be participating as an artist creating a unique chalk installation tailored to the event.
http://www.ntif.org/

19th March - "Deep Ellum Outdoor Market" (Indiana & N. Oakland Ave; Dallas, TX)
A monthly bazaar in the eclectic Deep Ellum district of Dallas featuring a variety of talent from the local arts & crafts, homemade goods and odd collectibles scene.
I will be working this event as a vendor.
http://deepellummarket.com/

23rd April - "Cedar Springs Art Fest" (Cedar Springs & Reagan; Dallas, TX)
The second annual Spring street art fair located in the heart of the Dallas gayborhood.
I will be working this event as a vendor.
http://www.shopcedarsprings.com/art_fest.asp

29th April - 1st May - "Reader's Studio" (La Guardia Mariott Hotel; New York City, NY)
One of the world's premiere Tarot events bringing celebrated luminaries, initiates and adepts alike together for a weekend of esoteric study and engagement.
I will be attending this event as a vendor.
http://www.tarotschool.com/RS11/index.html