Snohomish Thursday Farmers Market
Full Moon Fires
Soles for the Soul Moccasin Crafting Workshops
Adults ~ Babies
Drum Birthing Workshop
Rattle Crafting Workshop
Wing Medicine Workshop
Medicine Bag Workshop
Talking Stick Workshop
Private – Group – Experiential Workshops
Oh! This set me back on my heels. I trust. But, do I trust absolutely? In all moments? Within days I was given an opportunity, a test of my absolute trust.
These last many months, it feels as though I am, we are, constantly being tested. Absolute trust is required to stay sane, balanced, and right-sided. And action. Many actions. All our attention is needed in every direction. There is no being on the fence.
I write this as a small boat, with duel American flags, slowly motors by on the river below where I sit. What trust is required to be an American, to be a citizen of the world? How does one go on aware that there was not one Treaty ever honored with our Indigenous Relatives, on stolen land where immigrates are unwelcome, while their government systematically destroys people, sacred places, civil rights, and has it’s dirty warmongering hands in the destruction of foreign people and lands globally? To trust that this is all in divine order requires great strength, total surrender, and a willingness to face the terrible facts head-on – it hurts, yet the suffering of other living beings the world over is unimaginable. Rising in compassion and empathy, it is only absolute trust that carries me. I hearing the birthing cries above the commotions and distractions, above the motor of the boat drifting by. #RiseUp #Vote #Divest
One Human Family – Sending Up A Prayer
To you, your families, and your communities… Love…
All My Relations
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am created by Divine Light
I am sustained by Divine Light I am protected by Divine Light I am surrounded by Divine Light I am ever growing into Divine Light Swami Radha was my first spiritual teacher some 25 years ago. Her teachings woke me up to myself through the many practices of yoga. I was surprised to discover I wasn’t studying yoga. This powerful path was self discovery – body, mind, and spirit. Until then, I’d been a sleep-walker, in survival mode. I really worked it hard, this union of self/Self. I’m awake. Even with this, it was a medicine way path that brought me fully into my heart. The Bear Nation showed me a way home to myself by way of the heart. A four chambered heart – open, full, clear, and strong – a unified, whole, integrated self. “The mountains have always been here, and in them, the bears.”
~ Rick BassIn the Light |
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FIRST DANCE
Gratefully, I was commissioned to craft moccasin for a Dancer, she hadn’t worn moccasin before to make her prayer. Prayers of health, help, and happiness, as well as her own prayers were held with every stitch. They came together so beautifully, red buffalo medicine. A brief and sweet exchange over tea, we wished one another off to our respective ceremonies. I returned home to find this photograph and an email in my inbox:
“I hope you’re not horrified,
these moccasin went to the depths and back with me. They were strong traveling shoes and I’m so glad for them.” ~ CE Horrified? Quite the contrary. The sight of the good Red Earth and her words brought me to tears of joy and gratitude. Worn only once, their first dance, four days, sacred shoes, sacred feet, dancing a prayer. So filled with Spirit, they are even more beautiful. It humbles me. It is an honor to be united in this way of making prayers. “What if we All came together
to pray for peace, unity, and justice for ten seconds? Just ten seconds. Imagine how powerful our prayer could be in this sacred place.” ~ BRWhat if? It’s all sacred.Join me, from wherever, however. 10am PST ~ Daily 10 SecondsAll My Relations |
Open ~ Medicine Gift Crafting: Create whatever you wish! How can I support you? Announce your intention to attend, thank you. ♥ Offering ♥ Gratitude
Wing Medicine: Craft a feather fan to cleanse and clear in your personal life and for professional practices.
Drum Birthing: Send up a call, let the beat of your drum harmonize with the heartbeat of our Mother Earth.
Rattle Crafting: Move the energies, call your guides, meditate and journey with these powerful tools.
L♥VE Offering ~ Fund Raiser for Cocoon House
Soles for the Soul: Moccasin are for everyday wear, for ceremonies, moccasin for life!
Medicine Bags: Personal, protective and private – honor the medicine that comes forward for you in a good way for the new year.
Talking Sticks: Are you one who has been called to form a talking circle? Many have in these times and it is good. The talking stick is a respectful way to share and listen to what is on one another’s hearts.
Leather Crafts: Come sew, stitch your best intentions into the leather, create what you have a need for. There will be cake.
Children’s Circle: In a sacred way, each circle date is a unique exploration into the natural world.
Feeding the Fire Ceremony: Celebrate the feminine by feeding the fire with Grandmother Moon.
Looking forward to spending time together working in a sacred way. With gratitude.
Mitakuye Oyasin ~ All My Relations
Literally the Stars are aligned. And the new Moon in Scorpio. The depth of my own prayers in the lodge, the heart of the pourer. The energetic healing from Shamrock. A visualization from the Star Nation combined with breathing into my root, into Maka, clearing chakra and connecting to the Golden All – truly mind altering. My physicality too. The medicine of the Black Horse, new rattles created in a sacred way from this hide – all whispering their gift for me while sending up a call to their new partner – who will come to adopt them? The teachings of Chief Avrol Looking Horse and Chief Phil Lane, Jr.. The gorgeous (m) Northern Flicker whose back patch is shimmering fluorescent orange, just begging me to follow – drum with me. Shadow work. The teachings of the 16 Mysteries. A lone Canada Goose. Why are you alone? Are you like me? Who are you calling to? Am I the one? The word for this 54th year was adventure, am I missing something? Many more come honking their communal calls. Joy is elevated. My dreamscape – so many delights to be acted upon – where to start? Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria. Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. Each with invaluable words, lessons and inspiration. The power and courage of my own heart and words. Falcon. Forgiveness. Love. Deep Gratitude. Snow in the mountains. Echo Lake slowly filling up with the rains. The rejection of Keystone XL – arms linked in solidarity.
Everything is going to be alright. Winds of change have come.
Mitakuye Oyasin ~ All My Relations
Having spent the past year immersed in the teachings of Hereditary Chief Phil Lane, Jr. I am a little wiser than I used to be, more sure of the direction we are going as a people and proud to be included in his Circle. And I love to hear him laugh! http://www.fwii.net/
Chief Arvol Looking Horse, among many other things valuable, is the founder of World Peace and Prayer Day. Annually since 1986 he rides horseback in the Bigfoot Memorial Ride to honor his ancestors in the massacre of Wounded Knee. http://wolakota.org/index.html
Both Brother Phil and Brother Avrol can be heard speaking on the Shift Networks Global Indigenous Wisdom Summit, a free three-day powerhouse of Indigenous Elders and Youth speaking for the needs of our times. No matter your philosophical or spiritual beliefs much wisdom will be shared during these days that can positively affect the way we live and relate to one another and the Earth. A’ho !
Rik Astrohawk Astrology www.astrohawkastrology.com
Well, I depend upon no one’s heart (or courage) but my own, so thinking this, I look for horses. ~ Song of Self-Reliance sung by Old Buffalo
A few weeks back, the Fire Circle was coming to birth drums. I journeyed to seek out the medicine that wished to come forward for them as we had not discussed anything in specific. I am no longer surprised yet I am always amazed at how directly aligned the wisdom comes through – it is always exactly in keeping with the path of the seeker. Black Horse, unambiguous definitively black, appeared. While familiar with the medicine of Horse, having read several old stories, I went in search of more. I wanted some details that might help me understand what this medicine in particular was bringing forward.
“I am from the Void where Answer lives. Ride on my back and know the power of entering the Darkness and finding the Light.” ~ Dreamwalker
When the Fire Circle gathered, we took time to ground in with one another sharing where we were at and what were we needing at this time. Up to this point, their medicine waited quietly. While I listened to their shares, I well with emotions – Black Horse was precisely what is needed. When they were complete, it was my turn to share, a dark horse* previously unknown is now prominently in the room. Overwhelming, overflowing agreement that this day will be the beginning of what is sure be a powerful journey. Black Horse had come to offer the Mystery in magical ways.
And indeed, four black horse drums were birthed and are making magic known in the lives of their caretakers.
Not usual, after the drum heads and laces have been cut unused hide is so inviting . Every scrap speaks. Black Horse has come calling, work with me for your highest good. From some of what remains, I have sewed rattles, taking this opportunity to ride into the Void, into my dark places and bringing back the Light.
I have been on a spiritual path for some time now and naturally life and questing have guided into some dark places. Last summer’s Sun Dance, I was gifted/guided to explore deeper, to make a concerted effort to attend to my shadow work. Surprisingly, my shadow work isn’t what I thought it might be. It has been far more gentle than I was anticipating. It’s the Medicine and Light, the Ceremonies – they support my personal path and healing process in incredible unimaginable ways. And self-love.
“Self-Love is Always the Answer.” ~ Northside Dream Circle
Sewing with this Black Horse – the hide is soft like butter, easily pierced by a sharp needle, no resistance when pulling the stitches tight. This feels so symbolic, like grace accompanying every prayer and stitch, tightly woven into the process of healing the shadows with Light. This Black Horse teaching me not to fear those places within with steadfastness, gently lifting me up to the light of day. Spaciousness occurs. The gravitational pull towards Light, riding this swift horse, I am delivered unto myself in a good way. There is still working to complete these rattles – as of yet no voices – what will I hear? Their handles incomplete – when sanding and polishing, finding the “fit” in my hand, what can be garnered? Already I’ve been gifted with freedom, bravery and generosity.
Mitakuye Oyasin ~ All My Relations
Consider the workshop calendar. Let us make a time together, to sew rattles, birth drums from any number of medicines, Black Horse among them to carry you deeper from the shadows into Light. The Medicine of All Nations supports our walk at this time. Blessings…
*The idiom dark horse refers to hidden talents, potential, victory and gains in power.
Children’s Circles: September 12, October 10 and November 14 – Our gatherings begin at 1pm and generally complete by 6pm. We gather with respect for one another and our Mother Earth. All the nations our Mother supports are greeted with gladitude and gratitude. We come together to learn and to have fun, share a healthy meal, create, explore and vision for ourselves and the future. Our Circle welcomes all ages and identities with open hearts. Bring your parents of other adults to share this time. Suggested exchange $40.
Drum Birthing: October 18 and November 15, 9am until complete. The medicine of the Four-legged and the Standing Ones come together in a sacred way when we set our intentions towards birthing a drum. Each workshop is held in a respectful way, honoring tradition and ourselves in the process. Drum birthing is ceremony, a time for joyful prayer and a labor of love that lasts a lifetime. Please RSVP allowing me to properly prepare for your presence and your drum. Exchange $225.
Fire Circle Drum Birthing: September 27, 9am until complete – private circle.
Visioning Drum ReUnion: September 19, 7pm-10pm on Echo Lake. An invitation is extended to all drums that have been birthed at Soul Proprietor over the years. Migrate back to the waters of your birth to join in a Drumming Circle to Vision for the rebalancing what is needed at this time. Let’s come together with joy-full hearts, clear intentions, prayers and expansive dreams for the future – our drum beats and voices raising the frequency in a good way with a fire as our company to transmute the challenges of our times. Bring your friends no matter where their drums were born, they are welcome.
Feeding the Fire Ceremony: September 26, 4:30pm until complete. Women and girls of all ages are invited to gather for a Feeding of the Fire Ceremony where we will learn more about honoring the feminine through the natural way. We’ll light a fire, share stories and songs, we’ll feast afterwards. RSVP please for further details.
Rattle Crafting: Turtle Shell Rattles October 11, Rawhide Rattles November 1, noon until complete. Craft and sew in a good way an ancient instrument to call yourself home to yourself, move the energies, releasing what may be stuck from this lifetime as well as ancestral times, celebrating your wholeness. A rattle is a tool for shamanic healing work and personal ritual. Every voice is unique, every stitch a prayer. Sit in community, share yourself to whatever degree you feel called to, sing, laugh and create – the possibilities are as limitless as the sky. Please RSVP your intention to join in allowing for proper preparation. Exchange $75.
Moccasin Crafting: October 24 & 25 and November 21 & 22 – our moccasin workshops are taught in two day workshops – 9am to 7pm each day. Tough yet tender, Buffalo medicine supports your walk in the world and shares with you the abundance of right action. Buffalo hide moccasin are incredibly comfortable and can be worn daily as well as for ceremony or special occasions. These moccasin are custom fit to your feet, a measurement and foot tracing is needed in advance allowing for a pattern to be sewn prior to the workshop. This is easily arranged between us. Style choices and the adornment possibilities are endless. Exchange $275.
Medicine Bags: October 4, noon until complete. A medicine bag is personal. What strengths do you wish to support? What needs to be augmented at this time? Craft a medicine bag for your connection and protection. Whatever your needs, medicine is the grounding and underpinning that shelters you in life. As always, a prayerful protected container holds us in our work together. These days are community days yet the deeply personal component often makes for times of silence and reflection – it is always the right combination of call and response between each person and the Mystery. Please RSVP your intentions allowing for proper preparation for you. Exchange $75.
Talking Sticks: November 8, noon until complete. At this time, many are coming together in many ways for the rebalancing of our lives and for our Mother. Coming together in a Circle is powerful healing medicine. Using a Talking Stick while in Circle creates greater respect for the person speaking, for their story and the heart behind their words. Are you leading a Circle at this time? Perhaps doing so has tugged at you for a long while. Now is the time. Now is the time for each of us to step up and step into our power to birth forward the future. We are here at this time by agreement, by our choosing – let’s come forward in a good, true and beautiful way speaking our truth, allowing others to do the same. There is healing work to be done. Crafting a Talking Stick brings powerful medicine and voice into the world. Please RSVP your intentions allowing for proper preparations. Exchange $100.
Wing Medicine: September 13, October 31, November 28, noon until complete. This is where my work with medicine began. My Uncle, from many lifetimes ago called, reminding me why I came here at this time. The joy I feel for the Winged Ones was not the whole story, there is so much more. The Winged Ones are a powerful ally offering themselves as healing tools. There is no limit to their healing potential – what is needed? These ally are here to help. Feel free to bring your own medicine if you already carry something and receive the guidance for crafting a secure handhold that protects your medicine. Please RSVP your intentions so I may properly prepare for your presence. Exchange $75.
With Gratitude
Mitakuye Oyasin ~ All My Relations
How am I doing?
My front screen door has never fit well into the frame. A few days ago, I am pulling hard, it takes an effort to close the door and snap. In a split second, I’m on my butt with the handle broken off in my hand. Unharmed and laughing. I right a stack of books, toss the handle in the trash. Then toilet won’t flush – the handle mechanism rusted through. Hmmm. Two broken handles in one day. What is this telling me?
How am I doing in the practical? How am I doing in the mystical?
NTD kitchen – No dairy. No grains. No broccoli. No shellfish. No sugar. No problem. The menu and shopping list and time. There is such abundance, we will eat well from the bounty of our Mother. In gratitude, I offer a blessing for the water, the earth and the hands who tended the seeds, the salmon, fisherman and four-legged. The meadow remembers the patterns of our feet dancing gratefully to give back to our Grand Mother Turtle, for her infinite generosity. She knows we are coming. I feel my connection.
Moccasin commission for a dance helper – completed with the help of Osprey, Eagle, Pileated woodpecker and Dragonfly.
A drum birthing day is scheduled for the day after my return from the Night Turtle Dance ceremony. I have prayed and prepared, hides and hoops are waiting.
The screen door handle remains broken. The old toilet handle has been replaced with a “universal” handle. Oddly this mundane object leaves me feeling a connection to the whole. I feel the need to test it by reaching out, speaking – connecting the desires of my heart with the want of the mind. How am I doing?
There’d been a chartreuse green cricket-like bug in my bathroom, I’d seen it on two consecutive nights. This morning I found it treading water in the toilet (ironic), I scooped him out, set him free. A juvenile Nuthatch crashed into the slider – there seemed to be a collision between him and a gray squirrel, the squirrel ran off. I gathered up the little bird, flopping on his back, held him tenderly and singing until he flew away into the Noble fir. And a Crane fly tangled in an abandon spider’s web, I rescued him from the stickiness and watched him fly free. Not even noon, already three lives saved.
“…and there was a new voice, which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do – determined to save the only life you could save.” Mary Oliver, The Journey
A’ho Mitakuye Oyasin ~ All My Relations
The BC fires smoke has me feeling pinned here at the lake. The sky is matte gray, slightly moist. The water is flat save for the circles created by dragonflies touching the glass. The trees that ring Echo Lake are still brilliant green against reflection and sky, yet I feel thirst. The lake level is quickly receding.
Each day I bless the water. This has been my practice since the past spring equinox. There is only one Water. It flows in all forms. You. Me. The big water – Grand Mother Ocean. Rivers. Snow. Blessing the water is blessing myself, blessing us and our Mother. Our unique, as we know it , planet blesses us with fresh water. Our home, our Mother, gives us life. Water. Is. Life.
On my circle walks, I find the Timothy grass waving in the breeze, it is taller than I am now. Some of the Bracken fern are too, a few out stretch the grasses. The look strong like their ancestors the beginning of time. Why didn’t I pick those fiddleheads? (missed opportunity) The orchard grass is chest high, blooming, beautiful. I find the Horsetail is petering out already, weeks early. Out my kitchen window are giant fireweed, perhaps 12 feet tall. They number fewer than a dozen of plants. How old I wonder? It looks as though it will be a banner year for blackberries, the bushes laden with hard green berry buds. But will it? I’ve seen a lot of shriveled berries too, petrified ornaments among the withered canes. Lack of water. I think of the bears. What is the high country like? Down here it is parched.
I was very disappointed Inslee didn’t call for conservation measures NOW when he declared draught in Washington. I am doing my best now to conserve. Join me?
I think I was 16 when I had a vision of myself as an old women. I was in the desert, wind chimes all around (ha!). Will the patterns persist? Is the desert coming to me? What does the future hold for us? The Polar Pioneer en route. Bought and paid for politicians. Stupid Humans.
“Every day brings more news that Shell’s 2012 near-catastrophes weren’t a fluke,” said Travis Nichols of Greenpeace, which organized protests while Polar Pioneer was berthed at Terminal 5 at the Port of Seattle.
“Last week we learned Shell will only be able to drill one well at a time because they deliberately ignored the Obama administration’s regulations to protect walruses. This week we learn the company can’t keep its fleet in working order even before it reaches the Arctic.” ~ Joel Connelly
Off my soapbox now but still banging the drum. I’ve got moccasin patterns to sew, happily. The blue full moon and ceremony is coming soon. Wopila Grand Mother Turtle for your generosity!
A mother Northern Flicker is feeding her juvenile son at the suet now as I write. It’s a good day to be alive. A good day to be still, be silent, open to the countless gifts that surround me. I’m breathing and finding balance. Making an offering. Over and out.
Mitakuye Oyasin ~ All My Relations
