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.

Tuesday 15th September

After the Moon’s long stay in Virgo, the largest constellation of the zodiac, it finally moves into Libra, bringing a lighter and more balanced quality to the day and encouraging us to turn our attention towards the flowering realm of the garden. This is a good time to tend late flowering plants, gather flower seeds and bring beauty and order back to beds that have grown tired or unruly. At this time of year, the garden often seeks our help in finding balance as the season begins its descent towards longer nights. We can clear what has finished while leaving seed heads and sheltered places for insects, allowing care and restraint to work together. As the light gradually withdraws and the natural world turns inward, many traditions speak of the veil between the visible and invisible worlds becoming thinner. We too are invited to become quieter, to listen more closely and to contemplate the deeper spiritual dimensions of life.