The Forest Portal: A Walk Between Worlds

This weekend, I wandered deep into the forest, where the trees whispered secrets, and the air carried the scent of damp earth and pine. As I followed the winding path, something unexpected caught my eye—a painting standing alone among the trees as if it had emerged from another dimension.

The artwork captivated me at first glance. A woman in a flowing white dress, her fiery red hair cascading over her shoulder, stood barefoot before a dark cauldron. She seemed to be gazing into the abyss, perhaps searching for her reflection, a hidden truth, or a vision from another realm. Behind her, tall reeds swayed like silent witnesses, while in the background, a barely perceptible blue figure hovered—like a spirit watching from beyond the veil.

I stood there, spellbound. It felt like I had stepped into a living Tarot card rich with symbolism, mystery, and transformation. This piece resonated deeply with the Tarot deck I am creating, Erotic Shadows of Transformation. And it is no coincidence that it, too, is filled with women adorned with red hair—keepers of secrets, embodiments of passion, and symbols of the eternal dance between Light and shadow.

A Reflection of My Tarot Journey

This image resonated deeply with my artistic journey in creating Erotic Shadows of Transformation. The woman, on the edge of the unknown, mirrors the archetype of the Seeker—a figure who dares to look into the shadows, confront what is hidden, and embrace transformation.

The dark water represents the subconscious, a portal to profound truths.
The spirit in the background is like a guardian or a forgotten memory lingering just beyond reach.
The act of gazing inward is a powerful metaphor for self-discovery and the erotic energy of transformation.

It reminded me why I create Tarot art—to capture these moments of revelation when the physical and spiritual worlds intertwine.

Nature as a Living Tarot Deck

Nature itself feels like a living Tarot deck, offering symbols and archetypes in unexpected places. The play of Light and shadow, the cycles of life and decay, and the mystical energy of the wild all shape my creative process.

Seeing this artwork in the middle of the forest was a reminder that inspiration is everywhere—hidden in the trees, reflected in still waters, waiting for us to notice.

The Mirror Lake: A Gateway to Stillness and Reflection

As I continued my walk through the forest, I stumbled upon another artwork standing among the trees. This time, it wasn’t a mysterious figure gazing into dark waters—it was something different yet equally profound: a tranquil lake, its glassy surface reflecting the towering trees and the shifting sky, captured in paint. The colors bled into one another, mirroring how Light dances on the water, shifting between reality and illusion.

I stood still for a moment, absorbing the scene. The actual forest behind me blended with the painted one in front of me, and for a brief second, I felt as if I had stepped into a liminal space—between the tangible and the imagined, between what is seen and what is felt.

Water as a Symbol of Transformation

In nature and Tarot, water is the element of emotion, intuition, and deep reflection. A still lake like this is a perfect metaphor for the subconscious—a mirror to our inner world. Just as the surface reflects the trees above, it also hides the depths below. What lies beneath? What unseen stories stir in the waters of our minds?

🌟 A pool of self-discovery, where the Seeker gazes inward and finds hidden truths.

🌟 A symbol of sensuality and fluidity, reminding us that transformation is not rigid—it is ever-flowing, like water.

🌟 A reflection of duality, where Light and shadow coexist in perfect harmony.

Looking at this painting, I wanted to bring more of this serene yet mysterious energy into my art.

This moment became another weekend ritual of inspiration that fuels my creativity and reminds me why I create art that explores the erotic, the shadowy, and the transformative.

The Flight of Vision: A Message from the Sky

As I walked deeper into the forest, another painting revealed itself—a striking image of a bird in flight. An influential hawk soared over an open landscape, its wings spread wide, its eyes locked onto something unseen. Below, a mysterious structure lay nestled within the greenery, almost hidden, like a forgotten relic waiting to be discovered.

This painting had an undeniable energy—a call to rise above, see beyond, and embrace clarity and transformation. It felt like a direct message from the Tarot, a sign to trust my intuition and take a broader perspective on my journey.

The Hawk as a Symbol of Vision and Freedom

In nature and mysticism, hawks are messengers of sharp focus, heightened awareness, and spiritual guidance.

What the Hawk Represents in My Tarot Journey:

🦅 Perspective – Sometimes, we get lost in the details of life. The hawk urges us to rise above and see the bigger picture.

🦅 Freedom – It reminds me to create without limitations, to let my art be as wild and untamed as the wind.

🦅 Inner Knowing—Hawks have an intense gaze and a deep awareness. In the Tarot, they symbolize trusting one's intuition and inner wisdom.

Much like the woman gazing into dark waters in the first painting or the stillness of the mirrored lake in the second, this painting speaks of another aspect of transformation—the power of rising above, of seeing beyond illusion, of taking flight toward something more significant.

The Hidden Structure: A Mystery in the Landscape

While the hawk dominates the image, my eyes are also drawn to the strange, dome-like structure in the background. What was it? A forgotten temple? A portal to another realm? Or is it simply a reminder that something is always hidden, waiting to be uncovered?

This duality—the freedom of the hawk and the mystery of the hidden structure—felt like a perfect metaphor for my creative process. Some days, I fly with inspiration, feeling limitless, while others, I must dive deep into the unknown, searching for meaning. Both are essential. Both are part of the journey.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Call to Soar

This painting gave me a sense of momentum, adventure, and clarity. It reminded me that inspiration is not just about looking inward—it’s also about looking outward, expanding our vision, and daring to take flight.

As I continued walking through the forest, I felt lighter, freer—ready to embrace whatever creative visions awaited me next.

Today's revelation:

“ Do not get stuck in the shadows of life, lost in uncertainty. Invite the Light, embrace transformation, and rise higher than ever! ✨🔥”

— Zane Moss

👉 Have you ever had a moment in nature that felt like a message? What animal symbols speak to you the most? Let’s share in the comments! 🌿✨

Would you like me to refine or expand on any part of this? 😊

Portals in the Forest: Walking, Dreaming, and Creating Tarot Art