In December 2021, subscribers encountered the Castle. The Castle's halls are decorated for a celebration and filled with candlelight. You hear the faint sound of laughter and music; but where are the people?
The Castle Box includes an abundance of beautiful objects; plus a mysterious document and a lore card.
Some items are available for individual purchase.
- Mysterious Document
- An instructional document is augmented with marginalia which will help you interpret clues. Printed on an unusual velvety, textured paper, it is available only in the Castle Box.
- Lore Card
- The Castle is introduced in a full-color collectible 4x6 inch lore card. The artwork for this month's lore card was created by Joanna Rzepecka, a Warsaw, Poland-based illustrator. She says, "My work is inspired by biodiversity, mainly animals. Through my work, I'm trying to capture moments where nature is untouched by humans. Peaceful scenery, colors, and rough textures are some things that I enjoy the most."
- Elaborate Box
- A small square object awaits you in an empty hallway. It is a little box created from two elaborately folded sheets of paper. Take this handmade creation with you to hold trinkets; or to collect items for quickening.
- Ladybug
- Inside the box, you discover an unexpected companion: a bright scarlet ladybug. She crawls onto your hand briefly, and then flies ahead, alighting on a doorknob. She pauses as if to encourage you forward. As you approach, the doors swing open.
- Crystal Prism
- You feel a pull that invites you into the ballroom, which is filled with candles and flowers. You are alone for now, so you take some time to explore. The room appears beautifully maintained until you notice a few cracks in the walls. A vine has snaked inside and runs along the baseboards. You notice that a chandelier has been lowered, perhaps to tend its candles. One of its leaded prisms has loosened. The prism sparkles in the candlelight, but it will cast more beautiful rainbows in the sun. It does not feel transgressive to pocket it; instead, you know it is meant for you. Use it to quicken spaces or for light-bathing.
- Dessert Spoon
- The doors to the dining room swing open and you accept their invitation. The candles brighten as you you enter. Everything is exquisite and spotless; the crystal gleams. As you regard the room, however, you notice a drift of mushrooms sprouting in a corner. The ladybug leads you to a small spoon decorated with leaves. Incorporate it into your morning tea ritual or use it as a wand to direct your energy. You are now able to make powerful use of everyday items.
- Tea from the Meadow
- An alcove seems to function as a sort of butler's pantry. Its cabinets are full of salt cellars, sugar bowls, and coffee grinders. You open a drawer and find a beautiful blend of flowers and herbs. Drink this tea on the coldest, darkest days to summon up the meadow in sunshine.
- Soothing Balm
- The powder room's cabinet is filled with mysterious jars. Among them is a tin filled with a beeswax-based balm. It has been quickened under the New Moon for healing. Use it to soothe your hands, especially during the colder months.
- Dormant Plant
- The elegant conservatory is filled with unusual flowers in vibrant colors. You are surprised to discover a plant that appears to be dead; everything else in the Castle is bursting with life. Some rooms seem to be swollen with an overabundance of life as it climbs in the windows and heaves through the cracks. On an impulse, you place the sad, shriveled plant in a dish of water. Before your eyes, it unfurls and brightens. What other secrets does this Castle hold?
One-time box purchases include shipping costs. They usually ship within 3 business days of purchase.
"If you have any issues with your purchase, please reach out to me at shannon@birdmoss.com, and I'll personally do everything I can to make it right."
- Shannon, Birdmoss Curator and Liaison