TCPDF Example 039 - Viking Art Glass

"Viking Glass Zodiac Mushrooms Made in 1970 -1971"
by Preston Ver Meer
The 1970 Viking Catalog introduced the Zodiacs by Viking in a full
page spread on page 15. 10 different items were shown with the
Zodiacs etched in them one way or the other. They were by number
a #786 14 inch Plate, #814 12 oz. Hi Ball Glass, #918 14 oz.
On-the-Rocks Tumbler, #6976 Paperweight, #7045 Iceberg
Paperweight, #6942 - 3.5 Mushroom, #6939 -5.5 Jumbo
Mushroom, #6974 4 Paperweight, #6975 coaster and the #6973
Ashtray. I have to believe each of these items was made with each
months etchings. Many of these were just listed in the 1970 Viking
Price List.
This article is going to focus mostly on the #6942 3.5 Inch
Mushroom.
These mushrooms have a large Zodiac etching on the top of the
head of the mushroom. BUT! There is also a very scarce set that
has the etching on the bottom of the stem with a crystal clear head.
When you look through the head it seems to magnify the
Zodiac image etched on the bottom.
Also some details on the #6939 - Jumbo
Jumbo Etched Mushrooms are Very Rare!
The 1970 Viking Catalog shows the #6939 Jumbo with the etching
on the top. I have never seen one but I have the Jumbo with
Cancer etched on the bottom of the stem. So these RARE! Items
must be out there. These sold for $10 in 1970. The Above Photo
shows the top view of this 5.5 inch Crystal Etched Jumbo!
It is almost impossible to photograph the etching on these
mushrooms. For now I am running the best photo I have. There will
be more information added as it come to my attention.
Viking used etching similar to the European Zodiac Signs from the 16th Century. I thought it would be interesting, for this article, to match the following characteristics of the Western Zodiac signs as
understood by astrologers. This information was taken from Wikipedia!
Astrologers consider each of the signs to represent an ideal
type. In other words, no individual shows all of the
characteristics of any one sign. Rather each person is a
combination of many signs, which must be assessed as a
whole in that person's horoscope or natal chart.
Capricorn (The Sea-goat) (cardinal, earth, universal):
Keyword: "I use". The Capricorn person is prudent, responsible,
realistic, formal, patient, methodical, disciplined, traditional,
cautious, conventional, hard-working, persevering, self-reliant,
ambitious, businesslike, career-oriented, authoritative,
conscientious, and competent. They can also sometimes be rigid,
suspicious, status-seeking, demanding, insensitive, inhibited and
saturnine. Suitable occupations are where responsible, patient and
economizing qualities can be exercised; such as scientist,
engineer, manager, civil servant, mathematician, farmer, builder,
page 1 / 6
politician, director. In medical astrology Capricorn governs the
knees and skeleton. In astrology Capricorn is ruled by the planet
Saturn. The sun sign dates for Capricorn are December 22
January 19. The earth form of Capricorn is hard cold winter
grounds or mountains.
Aquarius (The Water Carrier) (fixed, air, universal): Keyword:
"I know". The Aquarius person is unconventional, detached,
intellectual, objective, individualistic, inventive, tolerant, unique,
rebellious, sophisticated, future-oriented, friendship-oriented,
humanitarian, cause-oriented, believes in groups and society, and
progressive. They can also sometimes be unpredictable, dogmatic,
over-permissive, aloof, eccentric and elitist. Suitable occupations
are where the progressive mental qualities can be developed,
preferable in a group; such as, photographer, writer, broad castor,
publisher, social worker, scientist, and the electronics, aviation, and
computer industries. In medical astrology Aquarius governs the
circulatory and nervous systems and ankles. In astrology Aquarius
is ruled by the planets Saturn and Uranus. The sun sign dates for
Aquarius are January 20 February 18. The air form of
Aquarius is a hard winter storm.
Pisces (The Fishes) (mutable, water, universal): Keyword: "I
believe". The Pisces person is compassionate, empathetic,
imaginative, sensitive, mystical, spiritual, dreamy, passive,
easy-going, idealistic, visionary, inspirational, accepting,
undiscriminating, charitable, believes in soul growth, self-sacrificing
and artistic. They can also sometimes be distracted, detached,
illusory, impractical, gullible, neglectful, escapist and lazy. Suitable
occupations are where compassionate and intuitive qualities are
needed; such as caring for the sick, needy and animals, religious,
social workers, hospitals and institutions, poets, writers, actors,
psychics, and models. In medical astrology Pisces governs the feet
and immune system. In astrology Pisces is ruled by the planets
Jupiter and Neptune. The sun sign dates for Pisces are
February 19 March 20. The water form of Pisces is the ocean.
Aries (The Ram) (cardinal, fire, personal): Keyword: "I am".
The Aries person is assertive, brave, energetic, action-oriented,
intelligent, individualistic, independent, impulsive, full of strength,
competitive, eager, straightforward, forceful, headstrong,
pioneering, a leader, focused on the present and freedom-loving.
They can also sometimes be intemperate, violent, impatient, fiery,
rash, extreme, and arrogant. Suitable occupations are where
initiative and enterprise are needed, and preferably physical
page 2 / 6
activity; such as entrepreneurs, businessmen, soldiers, sports
people and explorers. In medical astrology Aries governs the head
and skull. In astrology Aries is ruled by the planet Mars. The sun
sign dates for Aries are March 21 April 19. The fire form of
Aries is a wildfire, an uncontrolled fire.
Taurus (The Bull) (fixed, earth, personal): Keyword: "I have".
The Taurus person is resourceful, thorough, dependable,
responsible, loyal, patient, placid, stable, sensual, affectionate,
comfortable, solid, earthy, strong, money-oriented, practical,
productive, cautious, musical, and artistic. They can also
sometimes be stubborn, indulgent, insecure, acquisitive,
possessive, rigid, stodgy and slow. Suitable occupations are where
perseverance, practicality and responsibility are awarded, and
security is available; such as builders, farmers, bankers, civil
servants, accountants and artistic pursuits, especially singing and
sculpture. In medical astrology Taurus governs the throat and neck.
In astrology Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus and for a few
modern astrologers, the dwarf planet Ceres. The sun sign dates
for Taurus are April 20 May 20. The earth form of Taurus is
fertile soil that has green growing plants.
Gemini (The Twins) (mutable, air, personal): Keyword: "I
think". The Gemini person is versatile, inquisitive, whimsical,
nimble, articulate, lively, active, curious, independent, talkative,
sociable, and mercurial, They can also sometimes be restless,
scattered, dual or two-faced, inconstant, rash, gullible, gossipy and
superficial. Suitable occupations are; and where constant variety
and/or travel are guaranteed; such as commercial traveler, writer,
journalist, clerk, teacher, printing and publishing. In medical
astrology Gemini governs the hands and lungs. In astrology Gemini
is ruled by the planet Mercury. The sun sign dates for Gemini are
May 21 June 21. The air form of Gemini is strong winds.
Cancer (The Crab) (cardinal, water, and personal): Keyword: "I
feel". The Cancer person is protective, sensitive, tenacious,
retentive, resourceful, self-contained, family and home oriented,
maternal, security oriented, nurturing, warm, sympathetic, patriotic,
sentimental, emotional, and loving. They can also be touchy,
clinging, over-protective, moody and crabby. Suitable occupations
are where shrewd but sensitive nature can be constructively
employed, or in looking after others; such as nurses, gardeners,
archaeologists, fashion and hairdressing, hoteliers, publicans,
estate agents. In medical astrology Cancer governs the stomach
and breasts. In astrology Cancer is ruled by the Moon. The sun
sign dates for Cancer are June 22 July 22. The water form of
page 3 / 6
Cancer is a torrent.
Leo (The Lion) (fixed, fire, social): Keyword: "I will". The Leo
person is creative, generous, proud, risk-taking, fun-loving,
dramatic, dignified, theatrical, passionate, affectionate, ardent,
ambitious, loves attention, independent, noble, a leader, sunny,
bright, magnetic, kingly, powerful. They can also sometimes be
bossy, patronizing, snobbish, egotistical, boastful, over
self-conscious, and arrogant. Suitable occupations are where
leadership and powerful self-assurance can be displayed; such as
manager, director, social organizer, chairperson, acting, person of
the year. In medical astrology Leo governs the heart and spine. In
astrology Leo is ruled by the Sun. The sun sign dates for Leo are
July 23 August 22. The fire form of Leo is a controlled
bonfire.
Virgo (The Virgin) (mutable, earth, social): Keyword: "I
analyze". The Virgo person is practical, industrious, efficient,
thorough, methodical, exacting, precise, detail-oriented, observant,
critical, work and service oriented, painstaking, pragmatic, modest,
discreet, health and cleanliness conscious, mentally active, and
flexible. They can also be fussy, nervous, pedantic, petty, and
over-critical. Virgos often have a long beautiful neck and can be
careless with fingernails. Suitable occupations are where analytical
and practical, methodical qualities are needed; such as teacher,
psychologist, nursing and health and hygiene sectors, scientist,
accountant, secretary, inspector. In medical astrology Virgo
governs the intestines and digestion. In astrology Virgo is ruled by
the planet Mercury. The sun sign dates for Virgo are August 23
September 22. The earth form of Virgo is a full grown
harvest. Totem animal is the Bush baby.
Libra (The Scales) (cardinal, air, social): Keyword: "I balance".
The Libra person is co-operative, diplomatic, sees both sides,
open-minded, just, urbane, fair, partnership oriented, avoids
conflict, refined, balanced, graceful, charming, debative, idealistic,
equalitarian and sociable. They can sometimes also rationalize, be
easily deterred, indecisive and lazy. Suitable occupations are
where human relationships and a harmonious environment are
important; such as artist, poet, diplomat, social worker, cosmetic
industry. In medical astrology Libra governs the kidneys and lumbar
region. In astrology Libra is ruled by the planet Venus. The sun
page 4 / 6
sign dates for Libra are September 23 October 22 The air
form of Libra is the calm fall winds.
Scorpio (The Scorpion) (fixed, water, social): Keyword: "I
desire". The Scorpio person is passionate, secretive, powerful,
penetrating, intense, determined, purposeful, keenly perceptive,
deep, complex, analytical, inquisitive, resourceful, ambitious,
magnetic, hypnotic, creative and mysterious. They can also
sometimes be cunning, suspicious, compulsive, aggressive,
jealous, and controlling. Suitable occupations are where the
penetrating mind and determined attitude can prevail; such as
research work, detective, physicist, doctor, surgeon, engineer,
butcher, lawyer, the occult. In medical astrology Scorpio governs
the pelvis and reproductive organs. In astrology Scorpio is ruled by
the planets Mars and Pluto. The sun sign dates for Scorpio are
October 23 November 21.] The water form of Scorpio is calm,
murky waters that holds unknown things.
Sagittarius (The Archer) (mutable, fire, universal): Keyword: "I
see". The Sagittarius person is freedom-loving, extrovert,
straightforward, benevolent, philosophic, idealistic, sincere,
intellectual, knowledgeable, philosophical, broad-minded,
truth-seeking and telling, just, fun-loving, athletic, adventurous,
expansive, and optimistic. They can also sometimes be blundering,
careless, exaggerative, know-it-all, over-indulgent, tactless and
scattered. Suitable occupations are where free-ranging and
versatile qualities are needed and where philosophical traits are
important; such as churchman, lawyer, philosopher, interpreter,
teacher, politician, explorer, also working with animals. In medical
astrology Sagittarius governs the hips and thighs. In astrology
Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter. The sun sign dates for
Sagittarius are November 22 December 21 The fire form of
Sagittarius is a campfire or a room with multiple candles in it.
Conclusion: If you are fortunate enough to get a set of the #6942
Viking Zodiac Mushrooms with the Etching on the Bottom you are
amongst the elite collectors of these Zodiacs. If you want to get a
complete set of 12 of any of these pieces you are going to have a
major project on your hands.
You can barely make out the Fish in the "Pisces" Mushroom.
The etching is backwards when looking at it from this side. It
is clear and magnified when looking through the head of the
page 5 / 6
Mushroom.
©2007 VikingArtGlass.com
page 6 / 6