Orestes and Pylades Disputing at the Altar

Pieter Pieterzs Lastman

In the throngs of a crowd, as the heat of a burning altar warms their faces, two friends decide which one of them is to die and which is to live. Orestes and Pylades, so goes the ancient Greek tale, had travelled to Tauris to steal the statue of Artemis, but were found out and, as was custom for any unwanted visitor, sentenced to death at the altar. Yet, taking pity on the friends, the priestess of the temple allowed them to chose between them who was to be sacrificed for the other. Both fought for their own death, to save their friend and, in the end, neither were killed as the priestess of the temple was none other than Orestes long lost sister Iphigenia. Lastman was the first artist to paint this story, and for all of it’s complications, his rendering is succinct and effective. He cuts through much of the contextual difficulty of the story to find the heart of the fable - one of sacrifice, and the platonic love between friends and siblings.

Monday 14th September

The Moon continues through the earthy constellation of Virgo today, keeping our attention close to the soil, the roots and the practical work of the garden. Mercury and Uranus also form a trine across the earth signs, creating a harmonious relationship between clear thought and unexpected insight. This can support new ideas that are not merely imagined, but can be brought into practical form through our hands and our work. Around midday, however, the Moon occults Venus, passing directly in front of the planet and briefly concealing it from view. In biodynamic practice, such an occultation may bring a period of disturbance, so it is best to pause from delicate work with plants during the middle of the day. Use the steadier morning and afternoon hours for tending root vegetables, gently cultivating the soil or putting a new idea for the garden into practice.