Astrolabe: Here, At the Appointed Hour
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It was a dilemma to chose the category into which this astrolabe fits. I have decided to place it with Feminine Forms as I am currently reading When the Drummers were Women by Layne Redmond, and am coming to recognize the lunar feminine form in both the circular shape as in navigational function based upon astronomical observation and the nature of time in its unfolding of life.

Beneath the rete cutwork of the copper top plate, depicting various life forms active in dynamic time, is the brass under plate in which are engraved spiraling Hebrew words from the evening Barachu prayer. An approximation of the translation goes like this:

“...that from within the Word the evening passes; with wisdom are the gates opened and with deep understanding do the seasons transform. Times progress and the stars are arranged in the heavens according to the Great Desire. Day and Night arise, with Light revolving to Darkness and Darkness revolving to Light. And Day passes and Night is brought forward, with the differentiation that comes between the two. Colored Spectrum is a name for the Ineffable.“

The Hebrew words etched around the base of the brass plate say:

Henini mucHan oomizuman - “Here I am, prepared and invited (at this appointed hour).”

It seems that our times are revolving and evolving at an unprecedented speed. Within the context of these rapidly unfolding dynamics may we be truly present and prepared to respond “Here I am.”

Acid etched brass and copper, with hand-cut copper fretwork.   12" diameter with 1.5" hanging ring.