The Pomegranate Grove - One-Time Box Purchase

In October 2025, subscribers encountered the Pomegranate Grove.

The dark, tannic pomegranate is the symbol of the Birdmoss Below. Thus, the Pomegranate Grove is generally considered the mouth of the underworld.

The old stories say that a young woman fell to dozing in the Pomegranate Grove. Upon waking, she was enticed down to the Birdmoss Below. During her descent, her heel was bitten by a Snake, and she soothed her fever with the cool juice of a pomegranate fruit; in this way, the Below claimed her as its own.

According to the legends, she now spends her days in the misty caverns beneath the tree roots. Craving companionship, she returns to the Grove, seeking to lure others to join her shadowed existence.

The Pomegranate Grove 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 Pomegranate Grove Box.

• Lore Card
• The Pomegranate Grove 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."

• Pomegranate Seed – Adjustable Garnet Ring
• When I first ventured Below, she placed this ring on my hand. I no longer need it; the roots are always open for me. Here, let me slide it upon your finger.  Now we’ll turn it 3 times to open a passage.

• Clay Lamp and Candle
• It is dark below the Grove. Light this lamp to illuminate your path. It is made of clay – of earth – so it is drawn down the passage, just as we are.

• Pomegranate and Moth Supple Notebook
• The Moths have seen your light. They flutter here from the Island of Spirits, whispering warnings. They say, “Once you descend, the shadows will not let you leave.” Do not listen to them. They are but weak and fearful and confused. Look at me and know: I will not lead you into danger.

• Closed with a Kiss – Pomegranate Seal Stamp and Wax
• Here in the Birdmoss Below, I have learned that it is important to seal your secrets. You can do so with a kiss, but there is something similarly powerful. Here is a stamp – and some lustrous brick-red wax – to quicken your notes. We don’t want the Moths telling tales.

• Purifying Spice – Tin of Sumac
• Sumac grows in the same part of Birdmoss as the Pomegranate Grove. Purifying sumac berries are cleansing and tart and ember-red (like the pomegranates). Steep a half-teaspoon of this powder in 8 ounces of cold or hot water and add honey to make a refreshing drink. Cold-brewed, it is similar to lemonade. Wrap the sumac in a muslin bag or a scrap of cheesecloth so you can strain the powder from the rosy tonic. You can also make a rub for roasted meat by adding some smoked paprika and a pinch of salt to the sumac. 

• Oath-Knotted Cord – Scarlet String Bracelet
  • I have tied this cord with seven promises to protect you. Any jealous, hungry shadows will sense it and know I claim you. The ring allowed you to enter; this bracelet will allow you to leave. But mark my words: until it falls away from your wrist, we are tied together. 

Photo props are not included.