Medicine woman

In 2010 I began walking along a new path. I recently read about shamanic initiation, and I'd venture to say that's what has happened to me. The path is strewn with petals and thorns, happiness and many tears. I've felt the joys, mourned the deaths, grieved the losses. The primary person who mentored, held, and guided me through this process is named Rose - an extension of the theme of petals and thorns. I've walked the path now far enough to see a meadow ahead, full of wildflowers and shade trees.

I've been studying metaphysics, crystal healing, and all forms of transformational living since I was 18; that's almost 20 years. But my learning has advanced exponentially. My work, as it has been communicated to me, is to remain as open as I can to all that is, all that can be, all that cannot be any longer. That openness demands vulnerability on a scale that, when I think about it too much, is totally overwhelming. And completely exhilarating. I do not know where this path leads. But it is mine alone to walk and the walking is liberating my soul.

I had no idea that I'd shapeshift and become myself finally at the age of 37. If you'd told me this at 25, or at 30, or even at 35, I would not have believed you. It all affirms my deep conviction that the best part about life is the notknowingness of it all. Tomorrow can bring just about anything; today, then, you must prepare. My preparation has led me to gather new tools, literally and metaphorically. The photo at the top of this post is my medicine pouch, custom made with a rose crafted out of leather - an homage to my own opening and blossoming, to my mentor-teacher-spirit guide who escorted me through the dark forest this year. I am just beginning to fill and work with my medicine bag and know that it will be my companion as I walk, for many years to come.