The Bride of the Wind
Oskar Kokoschka
The fractures of heartbreak bleed into Oskar Kokoschka's paintings. The artist was only 26 years old when he began a passionate two-year relationship with the widowed Alma Mahler, but the anguish of their uncoupling would inspire the turbulent brushstrokes that became his signature. Kokoschka’s rigorous belief in the occurrence of omens guided him throughout his life, both artistic and physical. He had a faith in the universe, and listened to the signs it presented him. When Mahler left him due to a fear of being overcome by passion, it seemed to him a rejection of their earthly destiny. Painted midway through their tumultuous relationship, this painting is directly allegorical - the titular bride is Mahler, whose comfortable rest rings harsh against the open eyes and dissociative expression upon her lover’s face.
Tuesday 27th October
The Moon moves deeper into Aries, associated in biodynamics with warmth and the fruit and seed aspect of the plant. Our attention turns to what the garden has yielded and how we might preserve a little of the season for the colder months. Apples, pears and the last autumn berries can find their way into jams, jellies, chutneys and cordials, carrying their colours and flavours into winter. There is something satisfying about this work: gathering, chopping and stirring, while the kitchen fills with the scent of ripened fruit. As the Moon moves from Aries into Taurus, the emphasis shifts from warmth and fruit towards earth and roots. We can follow this transition by turning our attention to beetroot, carrots and other roots, checking what is ready to lift and store. From jars on the shelf to roots tucked away in a cool place, today invites us to care for what we have grown and make good use of the harvest.
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