Season of the Witch: After Haitus

 From the desk of Vitasta Raina

Dated: Samhain, 2024

Time: Irrelevant 

It has been a long time since I last came here. Seems like a lifetime away. And what do I have to show for all this time away? Some wins, some losses, just a few stories in the journey of my life. And I am rusty now. It has been about 3 years of no writing, no musing, and very little artwork. You know there is a saying that eventually, we all return to our natural state of being, things that come to us with ease, that we enjoy doing. And that doing these things that bring meaning to our souls transport us to places where we connect with a higher plane of consciousness. 

For me, I think I have just been meandering and barely connecting with anything beyond what the narrow vision through these academic blinders I have been wearing, have afforded me these past few years. I have learned a few new things, but I have also forgotten a lot of things that were the essence of my being. I am older now, life they say begins at 40, but only if you allow yourself the grace and patience to grow, to develop, to feel comfortable in your own skin. To own your own self. 

You can't always go back to the past, but you can shape the future you want for yourself. Anyway, these are two small things that happened these past months that make me believe things will be okay, even as I quit a way of life, and step out on an uncertain path. 

A book cover and some old short stories

Front cover of Emanations Zen. Digital Art by Yours Truly :)

This year I did the front cover of the 10th volume of Emanations. The cover draws inspiration from esoteric art, and it's one of the finest digital artworks I have done in my own opinion. I did this artwork during my field stay at Chowk village in 2023 when I had gone to collect data. I'll write about this soon. The volume also contains some poetry and a few illustrations. 

Next, two of my older short stories got published. "Art and Anarchy", a story I had written maybe a decade ago finally saw the light of day in the current issue of Phenomenal Literature journal (Vol 8 Issue 2). Another story, "When God Left a Workingman to Hitchhike", will soon be published in the upcoming issue of Emanations. 

An Art Show

Poster for my artwork at Den, Bandra

I had my first-ever public Art show at The Den from August to November. It's not much, but it is a start. It's an exhilarating experience for sure. I put up 5 pieces on display, and I hope they brought those who chanced upon them some amount of joy. 

Self with artwork at Den

Some Lightwork and New Directions

Blessed Samhain

Samhain is about letting go of things that no longer serve you, and moving on towards the light. This year I have consciously decided to leave behind my PhD studies. And it has been a challenging decision. I have struggled hard over these past few months, wondering the what-ifs but I no longer have the capacity to continue, nor do I think I need to make elaborate justifications for choosing myself and my mental health. Sometimes it is important to listen to your gut feelings. 

I have spent so much time separating my core state from what I am trying to accomplish, that this constant schizophrenic state of being is taking a heavy toll on my mental and physical health. And I have realized that I don't need to prove anything to the world. This year, as I celebrate the festival of light, I acknowledge myself, my needs, and my aspirations for the future. I believe. 

*

Anyway, this is where I am at the moment. Expect more posts and some more theories. And pardon my writing for a few, I'm relearning how to fly :)

Shanti!