The Three Spiders - One-Time Box Purchase

In December 2025, subscribers encountered the Three Spiders.

The old stories say that the duration of each and every life is determined by a trio of oracles. They work tirelessly: spinning, measuring, weaving, knotting, and cutting the silvery threads that correspond to the lifelines of an endless population. Sooner or later, everyone is subject to the actions of the Three Spiders.

They snip a thread, and somewhere, a body releases its vapor; which wavers, uncertain, until a dark cat appears to escort it to the water.

The Spiders measure out lifetimes – but also the gestations of children, books, paintings. Marriages. And the time it takes for a cruel sorrow to fade.

The Three Spiders 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 Three Spiders Box.

• Lore Card
• The Three Spiders 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."

• Ocean Constellations
• Contemplate the starry visual patterns in this sea urchin “test,” or shell, to prepare to Dream to the Web of Stars in the rafters of the Owls’ Library. Shells like these (as well as spiderwebs, snowflakes, and some flowers) all share a radial symmetry. The Library contains an entire section of books exploring hallowed proportions and patterns; but the best example of their beauty is the awe-inspiring web system on the Library’s ceiling.

• Measuring Tape
• Arriving in the Library, you look up. The ceiling is ornamented with a celestial mosaic of tiny blue and indigo tiles. But as your eyes adjust to the lamplight, you see some other glimmers: delicate, shining strands appear to outline other constellations. These constellations are shifting and transforming before your eyes. Three Spiders busily pluck and rearrange the filaments: measuring, trimming, weaving, knotting. You climb a winding staircase for a closer look. Various tools, including a measuring tape, rest on a nearby ledge.

• Quickened Scissors
• The Spiders briefly pause their work to greet you. They see your interest in the tools on the ledge and give you permission to examine them. A pair of scissors catches your eye. These scissors have been quickened with black tea to support the clarity and focus the Spiders need for their work.

• Weaver’s Eye
• The Spiders set you a task to help you better understand the mechanics of their work: crafting a colorful Weaver’s Eye charm by wrapping lengths of thread around a frame. Cut the threads to the units that resonate with you: the height of a loved one, the length of a flowerbed. To add additional cord magic, try incorporating knots or beads into your design.

• Preserved Spiderweb
• The Three Spiders give you a tiny snippet of the Web of Stars. Its delicate strands are preserved by a glass cabochon. At first, you are concerned that you are holding someone’s brief lifeline in your hand. The Spiders explain that this particular, diminutive piece correlates to various projects you have completed over the past year. Now you can feel your own deep connection to the Web of Stars, even when you return to your own world. 

 Photo props are not included.