Ceremony
WHAT IS CEREMONY?
Basically, a mainstream ceremony is one that marks a significant occasion or milestone! In this practice all ceremonies are designed to lift the indivual and collective spirit. You ARE the milestone!
What ceremonies are you currently offering?
Shamanic Drumming Circle
I'll do my best to translate a 5-dimensional concept into a 3 dimensional space:
For the sake of translation what I describe as a shamanic drumming circle is a timeless medicine practice found throughout the Americas passed down from our Siberian ancestors. There might be other instruments involved like rattles, mayohuacanes and more. At times I'll use my rattle (bring yours along!), but I'm partial to my buffalo-hide hand drum! There is normally a facilitator or 2 present that moderate the space whom are medicine people. We guide you through a journey that coincides with the particular theme of that circle or ceremony. These spaces provide a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals to explore their spiritual path and experience profound personal growth. You'll find that the drum is the key medicine pratitioner, accessing brainwaves that induce theta and alpha states, thereby enhancing intuition and facilitating visionary experiences. You may find yourself in a dream-like state, a space that makes it easier for your body to metabolize medicine!
DESPACHO
A despacho is a traditional Andean ceremony that involves creating an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits) to express gratitude, seek blessings, and restore balance and harmony. The offering, also known as a despacho, is typically made up of various natural elements such as flowers, seeds, grains, sweets, and other symbolic items. These elements are carefully arranged on a piece of paper or cloth, and the ceremony is often accompanied by prayers, chants, and rituals led by a shaman or spiritual leader.
The despacho ceremony is a deeply spiritual practice that connects participants with the natural world and the spiritual realm, fostering a sense of unity, gratitude, and reverence for life.
RITE OF PASSAGE
At this time, the rite of passage ceremony I am offering are Death Ceremonies. A rite of passage death ceremony is a ritual or event that marks the transition of an individual from life to death. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and social traditions and serve to honor the deceased, provide closure for the bereaved, and facilitate the transition of the deceased's spirit to the afterlife. These ceremonies provide a structured way for individuals and communities to process their loss, honor the deceased, and find comfort and support during a difficult time. If you or a loved one would like to learn more of how I can support in the end-of-life care journey I invite you to visit my end-of-life care page to learn more of how I can be of service. If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out and connect!
TEA CEREMONY
Many cultures have traditional tea practices including ceremonies! A common theme I find throughout China and Japan is the meditative quality that fosters mindfulness, appreciation of the present moment, and a deep connection between partipicants, the elements, and plant kin. The ceremonies I offer have a traditional component supplemented with guided meditation. My tea ceremonies focus on a particular healing theme supported by herbs associated with that healing focus. More detail it outlined in the particular event descrition.
Who is this for?
It really depends on the event type. Circles are usually more for a broad collective. Circles bring together individuals from various walks of life, transcending age, gender, and status, identification. With ceremonies, however, I often find that participants have a certain level of resilience and focus, but at the end of the day, honestly, it depends on the individual.
When it comes to medicine, "dosages" must be compatible with the particular recipient, and to figure out what space is more compatible for you there can be a bit of a trial and error process; which is what the life journey looks like! At any rate, I try to consistently capture in the event description the targeted collective. If you still feel unclear if this is right for you, please reach out and I'll try to answer your query when able to.
Each ceremony and circle is deeply steeped in intention.
Circle vs Ceremony
Spiritual Circle:
Informal Structure: Typically more relaxed and less structured.
Ongoing Meetings: Often held regularly, such as weekly or monthly.
Focus on Sharing: Emphasizes group sharing, discussion, and mutual support.
Variety of Practices: May include meditation, drumming, chanting, or other spiritual activities.
Community Building: Aims to create a sense of community and connection among participants.
Spiritual Ceremony:
Formal Structure: More structured and ritualistic.
Specific Occasion: Held to mark a particular event or milestone, such as a rite of passage, healing, or celebration.
Rituals and Symbols: Involves specific rituals, symbols, and practices that are often culturally or religiously significant.
Guided by a Leader: Typically led by a spiritual leader, shaman, or facilitator.
Purposeful Intent: Focuses on a specific spiritual purpose, such as honoring ancestors, seeking blessings, or facilitating transformation.
Both circles and ceremonies are rich in indigenous medicine, so respecting protocols in these sacred spaces is a MUST!
MORE ON DRUMMING
Format
Normally this is a group function! However, if you're seeking the benefits of medicine drumming on a personal level, after you've had a read on this page about medicine drumming please visit the Shamamic Healing Page to learn more about this personalized healing experience.
Like many gatherings, there's a beginning, middle, and end. There will be a central theme present carefully nurtured and curated to provide healing and education that complements the selected area of attention for the occasion.
Indoor vs Outdoor
The preference is outdoor, but due to external factors (pun intended) we may be forced to hold the space indoors. The experience will be profound nonetheless. The physical space is important but not nearly as important as your ability to be present. The key to unlocking the magic that you have access to during this precious time is found in your will and attention.
Songlines are Medicine!
People are complex and because of that, history is complex (The present and future can look less complex the more we rehabilitate). Why do I mention this?Well, because it impacts this space! My ancestors were the first of the Native American peoples to have their songlines interrupted by European conolization. My people, known today as Taino, live on through their descenadants today, but it means that many of us have connected with other indigenous groups to fill that gap. We've all got our own personal stories, mine has lead me to forge transcending relationships with other brothers and sisters that have gifted me their medicine. So, many of the music you'll hear are from my soul family!
Drumming benefits
Cultural Connection: Receiving privilege to gain access to indigenous spiritual spaces
Cultural Education: Have a better understanding of indigenous spiritual spaces and how to intentionally operate within them
Community Building: Foster a sense of unity and connection with others through medicine music!
Stress Relief: Experience relaxation and stress reduction through rhythmic drumming and communal participation!
Emotional Expression: Provide an outlet for emotional release and self-expression through music!
Spiritual Growth: Connect with spirit and explore personal insights and healing!
Healing: Experience the therapeutic effects of drumming on mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
BECOME MORE WHOLE!
"Think of how quickly we could heal this world if more of us were dancing, singing, storytelling, and spending time in silence ... especially, if we were doing these things together, in gatherings, everywhere ..."
-author unknown
What is the cost and session duration?
I aim for the duration of the ceremony to last the advertised time of the event (normally 45 minutes to 2 hours), but spiritual-time does not operate as linear as man-prescribed time, so don't be surprised if we go over the time by a bit!
Some ceremonies will be free, whilst others will not. Check event details for cost, or message me!
Testimonial
”I spent this afternoon enjoying a powerful meditation incorporated with essential oils then we shared a variety of beautiful teas. Thanks so much for the wonderful afternoon highly recommend can’t wait to do it again.”
