Picture this: a pantheon of ancient, otherworldly beings, chilling in the cosmic crib, waiting to mess with your mind. These dudes, known as the Great Old Ones, are on a whole other level of weirdness. We're talking tentacled monstrosities, shapeless horrors, and all-around bad vibes. They're like the cool kids at the cosmic party, but way scarier. Now, let's talk about the main event: Cthulhu, the big kahuna, the OG Dread Lord of cosmic horror. This dude is like the nightmare you never knew you had, with his octopus head, wriggly tentacles, and monstrous bod. He's been chillin' in his underwater crib, R'lyeh, for eons, just waiting for his moment to shine.

Skögul as DEATH, © THowell 2024

In the iconic Death tarot card illustration, Skögul strides confidently through a battlefield, axe in hand, surrounded by the remnants of fallen warriors. The stag-horned helm atop her head symbolizes her connection to the wild and untamed aspects of nature, while her axe represents the swift and inevitable passage of time.

Jörmungandr as JUDGEMENT, THowell 2024

Jormungandr for the Judgment tarot card conveys a powerful message of renewal, awakening, and divine judgment, inviting the querent to embrace change and embark on a journey of spiritual transformation.

The illustration for THE MOON tarot card by T Howell (2024) is evocative and atmospheric, capturing the essence of mystery, transformation, and exploration that defines this enigmatic tarot archetype.

Freyr as THE KING OF SWORDS. In the realm of the Norse Tarot, Freyr stands as the embodiment of intellectual authority, leadership, and governance in the Minor Arcana card of the King of Swords. His depiction amidst a sunny field of hops near a homestead paints a vivid picture of his regal presence and strategic prowess. Let's explore the symbolism imbued in this illustration and its correlation to the traditional attributes of the King of Swords card.

Freyja as THE EMPRESS. Briefly, In the realm of Norse mythology, Freyja stands as a powerful symbol of the divine feminine, embodying the nurturing and fertile aspects of the Empress archetype. As a goddess of love, fertility, and abundance, Freyja's presence evokes creativity, sensuality, and the transformative power of growth and nurturing. Let us delve into the depths of Freyja's depiction as the Empress in a Viking-inspired tarot deck, exploring the rich symbolism imbued in her imagery and how it resonates with the traditional interpretation of the Empress card.

In the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, amidst the clash of swords and the roar of battle, stand two formidable figures: Skuld and Skogul, valkyries of destiny and war. As we delve into the depths of Norse lore, we uncover the mysterious and awe-inspiring tales of these fierce maidens who serve Odin, the Allfather, and weave the fabric of fate on the battlefield.

In the frost-kissed realms of Norse mythology, one figure stands tall amid the towering peaks and icy winds: Skadi, the Jotun lady of Thrymheim and the queen of ice and snow. Adorned in shades of icy blue and white, Skadi embodies the rugged beauty and untamed wilderness of the northern lands.

As the father of Freyja and Freyr, and the initial husband of Skadi, Njord's familial ties weave a complex web of relationships within the Norse pantheon.

Freyr's essence radiates with the verdant hues of green and gold, symbolizing his dominion over fertility and prosperity. As the son of Njord, the sea god, Freyr embodies the cyclical rhythms of life and the vitality of the changing seasons. In the Eddic poem "Gylfaginning," Snorri Sturluson describes Freyr's divine attributes: "Freyr is the most renowned of the Æsir; he rules over the rain and the shining of the sun, and therewithal the fruitfulness of the earth." These words evoke the benevolent nature and boundless generosity that Freyr bestows upon the land and its inhabitants.

Freyja's essence is as enchanting as the hues of gold and turquoise that adorn her being. As the daughter of Njord, the sea god, and sister to Freyr, the god of fertility, she embodies the cyclical rhythms of life and nature. Her golden locks and turquoise adornments symbolize her celestial origins, evoking themes of prosperity, abundance, and transcendence. In the words of the Eddic poem "Grimnismal," Freyja's radiant presence illuminates the cosmos: "Her tears are red gold, her beauty gold, and her tears pearls." Through this evocative imagery, we gain insight into the ethereal beauty and divine grace that characterize Freyja's essence.

In the Norse mythological tradition, Nidhogg is described as dwelling within Niflheim, the realm of mist and darkness, where it gnaws incessantly at the roots of Yggdrasil. These roots serve as the foundation of the cosmos, linking the nine realms together and sustaining the order of the universe. Nidhogg's ceaseless chewing symbolizes the gradual erosion of this order, foreshadowing the impending chaos of Ragnarok.

Origin of the Milky Way is a Cherokee Storytelling mask based on the Cherokee folktale explaining how the Milky Way came to be.

Ratatosk the squirrel talks trash to the dragon Nidhogg.

Random thoughts on the inspiration and processes involved in creating the mixed media sculpture Nidhoggr:Ragnarok.

Wonder if Thor knows Mjolnir was just a dowel and a napkin ring…

A little drawing or painting for fun.