The Wendy Stokes Page
Features, interviews, articles, dream analyses, Q & A, etc., by Wendy Stokes
Sunday 17 March 2024
Who Was St Patrick?
Durrell Wildlife Charity
The Durrell Conservation Trust is an international charity that protects endangered species from extinction. It is an international charity founded by the naturalist and writer, Gerald Durrell OBE. His entire life was inspired by spending several years as a child on the island of Corfu. Gerald died in 1995 and the Trust is overseen by his wife, Dr Lee Durrell who has continued his outstanding work. Dr Lee Durrell was awarded an MBE in the late Queen Elizabeth II Birthday Honours List.
The Durrell Wildlife Park, previously known as Jersey Zoo, is a modern day stationary Noah’s Ark where rare species can be bred and studied and returned to the wild where possible. There is a training programme with courses available and education projects are run by highly skilled specialists in species conservation. The Park is open to visitors who wish to see some of the most endangered species in the world. Summer is a favourite time to visit as the breeding programme often reveals newly born rare species, such as the yellow mongoose triplets born this year and the male Black Lion Tamarind that was born by caesarean section, hand reared and syringe fed at the zoo. http://www.durrell.org/Latest/News/Baby-black-lion-tamarin-born-by-caesarean-section-at-Durrell/
Friday 15 March 2024
The Advent Moon - A Poem
“The Advent moon shines bright and clear; my soul waits -
These Advent nights are very long;
Writing a Film Review
Date of Release:
Certificate:
Duration:
Genre:
Director:
Principle cast list:
Summary: Accurate description of the story-line. Was it based on a true story, a book or play, is it a remake? etc.
Personal opinion of certificate, duration, genre, acting and setting. Avoid criticism of Director and casting. Give a personal rating.
Provide an illustration of the film, a trailer or podcast link if possible.
The 3 of Cups - Dali Tarot
Understanding your own emotions. Because the card reminds us of the three graces, the three Norns (the Norse goddesses fate), and the three wishes of many fairytales, it leads us to the cosmic wisdom exemplified by the saying “all good things come in threes”. The blue palm trees and the blue grotto point towards bliss, enchantment, and great joy. Life will become a feast if you go beyond yourself and learn to retain your emotional independence, even in the company of others.
This card is all about the quality of your feelings. The nudity of figures represent beauty and naturalness. Symbolically, it encourages honesty and at the same time warns of insolence (shamelessness and lack of culture). The red forms in the upper corners can be interpreted as a curtain that can be drawn across, obscuring the appreciation and gratitude required to fully know what this card reveals. On the left and right sides, two springs gush fifth, representing the inconsistencies of your emotional life.
The Bee Blessing - A Tradition
In the distant past, country people had a tradition...
Wednesday 13 March 2024
Romance Literature
Geoffrey of Monmouth (1150) wrote the ‘History of the King’s of Britain’ in the Chansons de Geste genre and imposed chivalric codes on the fictionalised story that centred around Arthur, his court of noble knights and their high born ladies. Later the Norman poet introduced the Round Table, a place of brotherhood and equality. Chivalry was the highest code, and designed for knights to lead a pure life and to get to heaven. It demanded to act honourably, support good causes, and have complete self control. Many endowed churches, went on pilgrimage, and fought abroad. The essence of chivalry was to defend the holy land, liberate the Holy Sepulchre. Many women and children fought alongside men.
From 1165, Chretien de Troyes introduced themes and characters, including Lancelot, Percival and the Grail. In each of the five poems, a knight looks for adventure and the rescue of damsels in distress, to defeat dragons, face enchantments, increase prowess, loyalty and courtesy. Percival is told by his mother to stop at every church and pray, and never take anything from women except a kiss and a ring. But Percival broke into a woman’s tent, aggressively kissed her and ripped a ring from her finger. An older and wiser knight tells him to help women and orphans and give mercy to any knight who needs it, and not to talk much. The quest for spiritual perfection, moderation, jousting and courtly love are high values.
Tuesday 12 March 2024
How to Write a Card Deck Review
Some information is standard in all card reviews:
the number of cards
whether they have textual information (and what is that information? If a book is included with the deck, a book review is required also)
the names of those who designed/created the deck - artwork and textual information and some background about them
whether it is a standard tarot deck or has anomalies, such as an unusual size or the cards placed in an unusual sequence or whether extra cards have been added.
a description of the card backs, whether they are reversible or irreversible
the publisher’s website or secure place of purchase
the recommended retail cost
ISBN number