Once upon a time, in one of the southern kingdoms, there lived a beautiful queen who had everything people of that era could dream of. Her wealth was not limited to gold and jewels – her gardens, which emanated a heavenly fragrance all year round, and the lilting songs of birds nesting in her bushes, were just as treasured. The people admired her not only for her beauty but also for her heart, for she cherished the fine arts and cared lovingly for her subjects. Yet, there was one thing she lacked: the love of a man… Continue reading „The beggar Prince“
Autor: Ironwhistle
A Grain between two Millstones …
A Grain between two Millstones doesn’t ask which of the two is the good One!
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we have little power to change them. Yes, there are those spiritual teachers who tell you you can do ANYTHING, but these spiritual teachers certainly haven’t faced an oncoming wave or a hungry predator.
There are those situations where there’s absolutely nothing you can do. Except accept them! If, like me, you’re convinced that life never ends, but only changes, it’s easier for you, and in such moments you shouldn’t worry about whether it’s personal. Most of the time it isn’t, and even if we are rational and develop techniques and methods, globally speaking, we’re not much different than ants!
Think of yourself as a grain being ground between two millstones. It serves a purpose that the grain is unlikely to be aware of. It is ground up and thus provides nourishment – even if its original purpose was to carry the life of its mother plant out into the world, just as it did before it, but now? Now it’s being used differently.
And it doesn’t ask itself why me. It’s just the way it is. And this letting go of expectations and doubts gives you a great deal of freedom in such situations…
This Article is also available in German: Ein Korn zwischen zwei Mühlsteinen
The „great“ Spider
It’s hard to believe, but I used to suffer from arachnophobia: the fear of spiders! So how is it that today I not only create spiders but have also developed respect and appreciation for these little predators? It all began a few years ago with a vision … Continue reading „The „great“ Spider“
Talharpa made from Cherrywood
For this Talharpa, I used cherry wood from local cultivation – specifically from the Bavarian Forest. Since it is a bit softer than oak wood, the sound is slightly softer and warmer. And instead of working with sheet metal this time, I used a pyrography pen and simple paint. Continue reading „Talharpa made from Cherrywood“
Bass-Talharpa made of Oak and mongolian Horsehair
I like bands like Heilung, Wardruna, or Nytt Land – the primal sounds these musicians create with their wonderful, handcrafted instruments are, in my eyes, like keys to the soul. This, and the desire to create something lasting, were the reasons for me to start building instruments myself. Continue reading „Bass-Talharpa made of Oak and mongolian Horsehair“
Kantele from Cherry Wood
The Kantele is an instrument from the zither family, as it is traditionally played in the Scandinavian region. In reference to the Nine Worlds of Germanic mythology, I have strung this particular piece with nine strings instead of the usual seven, but I’ve tuned them in the pentatonic style. Continue reading „Kantele from Cherry Wood“
Psychonautics: Whats Reality?
We define the reality surrounding us based on what we perceive. Through the skillful use of instruments, we have expanded this reality. We know of radiation, its consequences, and—partially—its effects. But its essence remains hidden from us.
Our vision operates in the range of 750 nm to 400 nm; everything above and below is invisible to us. Our hearing functions from 16 Hz to 20 kHz—above and below that, we are deaf. And our olfactory perception, closely tied to our sense of taste? It, too, operates within a very limited range. Beyond that, we rely on our tactile senses, which are also quickly overwhelmed. Continue reading „Psychonautics: Whats Reality?“
About Dreaming and Traveling
Death is a recurring theme in nearly all of my works, and all too quickly, this might give the impression that I am weary of life. That is not true. I love life, I love feeling the sun on my skin and taking in the smells of nature. This morbid fascination with death—I think it stems from the fact that I came into contact with death and its effects far too early in my life. Continue reading „About Dreaming and Traveling“
If you are different
The first time I was on the internet, it felt like liberation to me. I grew up in a time when it was difficult to experience different perspectives other than the commonly accepted ones. What is often referred to as „the narrative“ today dominated back then. On the one hand, it was an interesting time: homosexuality was gradually becoming normalized, the first Pride parades (CSDs) were taking place in Germany, and me? Well, I struggled with the problem that I wasn’t normal either – something that at the time felt more like a curse to me. I wasn’t gay, but I was different. Continue reading „If you are different“
Night of the Rats
It is night, and I wander through the empty streets. At some windows, I pause, seeing the light within and imagining what it might be like there. People, family, togetherness – happiness? Perhaps, perhaps not. Snippets of an argument reach my ears. Here, a woman hysterically screaming at her husband. There, a toddler crying. And over there, lustful moaning, sounds of two people immersed in their own world of passion and devotion on this night. Continue reading „Night of the Rats“