March marks the third year anniversary of my beloved Mother's passing.  It got me thinking about how, as tenebrous souls, we view death perhaps a little differently than some.  This month's Creature Feature is dedicated to the Memento Mori - precious treasures that remind us of the inescapable.

With a sudden rise in the popularity of a more romantic vampire icon (blame Twilight and True Blood), the awareness and demand for Memento Mori  and Victorian Mourning Jewelry is flooding the fashion industry.  These morbid and often ornate trinkets can add the perfect Gothic statement to any outfit.  Originally designed to be worn as part of a grieving wardrobe, brooches, rings, lockets and tear catchers have a certain flair and uniqueness that makes them true works of wearable art.  MEMENTO MORI, Earthly Adornments, Laurelle Limited, Time Dances By and Tear Drop Memories are great online antique shops where you can view and purchase authentic pieces.  I will warn you in advance, these items are very rare and quite costly.  To shop vintage goth jewelry can seem like buying a diamond from Tiffany's.  Lay-aways and payment plans are negotiable at some of the above mentioned.  Your local antique shops, Ebay.com as well as better flea markets and estate sales are also great places to treasure hunt for these rarities.  But, if you are like me and want the style without the major investment, there are tons of amazing artists who are inspired by Memento Mori.  Absolutely check out Alchemy Gothic Jewelry!  Making creations since 1977, this British pewter-crafter has stunning and affordable designs with friendly prices.  What makes their pieces extra desirable is the fact that they become collectible over time.  Mistress is especially fond of the Requiem Tryptich Coffin locket.  Obscuria and Gorey Details are Tenebrous Magazine favorites to visit for official Alchemy.  There is an amazing assortment of goods on Etsy these days!  Gorgeous and unique, hand-made creations make fabulous finds on a budget.  TARTX and No Monet feature vintage art with modern interpretation.  Fascinating dark-themed accessories and baubles made with clip art, bottle caps and watch parts seem to have a soul of their own and a haunting story to share. 

Memento Mori isn't just defined through jewelry.  It is a movement that has elements in art, fashion and literature too.  Although the morbidity level was a bit too high for Mistress' approval, it should be mentioned that photography of the recently deceased was very popular in the Victorian era.  You will no doubt encounter this in antique shops while hunting mourning items.  Often, the only image a family had of their loved one was a post-mortem portrait.  Locks of hair carefully preserved in frames as well as human ash stored in tiny vials are all common souvenirs of the departed.  Taxidermy of beloved family pets, resin castings and skulls are classic Memento Mori.  Widow's weeds (from the old English word waed, which means garment), black ribbons, black lace edged hankies, black rosaries and black parasols are Victorian mourning traditions that are tenebrous style staples today.   

Still don't feel morbid enough?  Mistress had a few recommendations to inform and inspire you.  "Walking The Twilight Path" written by Michelle Belanger is an incredible read for anyone seeking a better understanding of death.  The book covers the history, practices and spirituality of mortality with dignity, grace and awe.  If you need guidance and path working to aid in grief or just looking for Memento Mori themed cartomancy, The Graven Images Oracle and the Bohemian Gothic Tarot are both award winning divination tools worth checking out.  Both utilize beautiful and unusual imagery that is perfect for tenebrous hearts. 

Finally, in parting, if all this Memento Mori hasn't sated your Gothic soul, then try speaking with the dead directly.  Although spirit communication is an extensive and controversial subject, Mistress suggests visiting The Enchanted World Of Amy Zerner & Monte Farber before you embark on your quest.  These metaphysical experts have created safe, reliable, self-explorative tools to help heal, entertain and enlighten you.  Their spirit communication boards go way beyond the typical Ouija to promote positive experiences with the mystery of life after death.  Mistress wanted to be sure you checked out their Spirit Of The Ancestors Alter Kit (link and photo below) as the perfect modern Memento Mori.