Egyptian Mythology

Richard Bledsoe “Libra: Yes, No, Maybe So” acrylic on canvas 16″ x 12″

September 28 is my birthday, and this year my Libra nature is being celebrated in an upcoming exhibit in London, England: “The Stuckist Astrology Show,” on November 19, 2016.

Now I don’t believe the stars control our fates, or can be used to tell our fortunes. But life has proven to me again and again the time of year a person is born does seem to influence their personalities.

Why would this be the case? I have no idea. But my observations show me the universe is full of patterns, cycles, all evidence of the great underlying order beyond our limited human perceptions. The pseudo-science of astrology is the result of centuries of study on human behavior. Somehow we find echos of our souls projected out into a cosmic scale; around and around we all go, playing our variations of the 12 eternal roles manifested in symbols of animals, mythical beasts, and one inanimate object: the Scales.

I’m full of Libra traits that mark me as distinct from friends and family. I have a hard time making up my mind, and can see both sides all too easily. The Libra experience aims for balance, but the only way to get there is bobbing up and down, switching back and forth; the equilibrium is hard to achieve. But the process is full of moments of bliss and peace.

The painting I sent to England shows the experience in an oblique way. Since the piece was for a Stuckist show I worked rapidly and with exuberance, to create a painting with figurative elements. There is imagery suggested by a different set of ancient legends-the final test of the Egyptians.

Because for all their graciousness, dabbling and charm, the Libra is a tool of judgement-not on our own behalf, but as an expression of the chaos of life trying to find that place of harmony.