In March 2024, subscribers explored the Eclipse.
Many in Birdmoss believe that the arrival of the Eclipse is heralded by the chaos of wings, as an immense Owl throws evening’s shadow over the land. As the light begins to change, Bats emerge and swoop through the sky. Spiders begin to dismantle their webs. Trios of mushrooms bubble up from the earth.
Among the villagers, the brave and the curious rush outside with a variety of perforated devices. Sieves, baskets, and flower-frogs are all pressed into service as pinhole projectors. Held over the smooth pathways, they cast images of the circular Sun. Children marvel as the projected Suns becomes Moon-shaped, waning to thin crescents. Or is the Sun a round loaf, devoured by birds?
On this day, history expands. Every journal fattens with eagerly scrawled notes and sketches.
The Eclipse Box includes an abundance of beautiful objects; hints and additions to expand the story; 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. It is available only in the Eclipse Box.
- Lore Card
- The Eclipse are 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."
- Metal Sieve
- A child offers you a small perforated device so that you can project the Sun’s changing shape on a flat surface. In addition, you can use your sieve to strain muddled cocktails and potions; or to skim ingredients from a simmer-pot.
- Luminogram Kit
- The Foxes use cyanotype photography to create detailed botanical journals. The same sensitive paper can be used to create images with light, or luminograms. The Foxes bring out their treated paper to document the Eclipse’s progression. Use your sieve or other objects to create striking patterns. Review the enclosed instructions before opening the black envelope of light-sensitive paper.
- Amber Tea Sugar
- You leave the busy village for the quiet of the treeline. As you approach, you see large animals moving slowly through the shadows. Drawing closer, you realize that the wild Horses have taken to the Forest. You have never seen them here before, but you are prepared with an offering: amber-colored rock sugar. This type of sugar is prized for tea because of its simple, clean sweetness.
- Promise-Making Bundle
- The day of the Eclipse or New Moon is an auspicious one for most new undertakings. Make a promise to yourself and use this bag of supplies to lay the groundwork for a new chapter in your life. Write your promise on the scrap of paper. The cinnamon is for good luck and protection; the Bee symbolizes the work you will invest in your plan; and the yellow cord signifies a guiding trail through darkness and fog. Add something of your own such as a coin from your purse (for prosperity), a hair from your head (for health), or a found stone (for discovery). Seal the elements together with the included beeswax. The wax contains a wick so the remainder can be burned as a brief candle as you contemplate your promise.
- Wild Ferment
- You receive a packet of sourdough starter which has been quickened with wild yeast. Use it to inaugurate a batch of bread starter which may feed your descendants for generations. Begin it on the day of Eclipse, upon any New Moon, or on a day which is significant for you. Then tell and re-tell the story of your heirloom starter every year.
- Watchful Owl
- As the Eclipse ebbs away and the Sun waxes wide again, the creatures begin to return to their usual habits. An Owl alights upon a branch above you and begins to settle, preening its feathers and watching you.
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