Category Archives: Moccasins

Soul Proprietor’s Winter Workshop Schedule

“There is no difference between the Creator and creation, just as there is no difference between the ocean and its waves.”  ~  Amma

Calling all seekers and artists.  Come.  Have fun.  Craft in a sacred manner – medicine objects – tools for your practices at home and at work, tools for your rituals and ceremonies.  Bring your good intentions.  Come and create just for the sake of creating.  Working with animal, plant, and mineral medicine is joyful, it centers and teaches in surprising ways.  A workshop day slows our pace  and can create peace of mind – an extra gift to yourself.

Working together in a good way – there is something quite special about sitting in a circle, with community.  One heart.  One mind.  Each working individually yet together.  Spiraling up.  Gathering light.  What is needed to support you at this time?  What is calling to you?

Mitakuye Oyasin  ~  All My Relations

https://www.soulproprietor.org/events/

January 2015
10 The Ceremonialist Children’s Circle
11 Wing Medicine Learning Workshop
17 Drum Birthing Day
18 Turtle Rattle Crafting Learning Workshop
24 Drum Birthing with Soul Sisters (closed)
25 Wing Medicine with Regine della Luna (closed)

February 2015
8 Wing Medicine Learning Workshop
14 The Ceremonialist Children’s Circle
15 Rattle Crafting Learning Workshop
21 Drum Birthing with Soul Sisters (closed)
28 Drum Birthing @ Bodhi Center (Bainbridge Island)

March 2015
1 Wing Medicine Learning Workshop
8 Drum Birthing with Hazelnut Circle (closed)
14 The Ceremonials Children’s Circle
15 Drum Birthing Day
22 Rattle Crafting Learning Workshop
28 Moccasin Crafting Learning Workshop Day 1
29 Moccasin Crafting Learning Workshop Day 2

SOI’s 7th Annual Artist Fair

Gratitude is the theme of this years Sundust Oracle Institute’s Artist’s Fair!  What a tremendous place of focus as I work and prepare for this show.  Every stitch, each knot is tied with intention – GRATITUDE!

The Winter Solstice will be a celebration of art, entertainment, music, poetry, readings, food, silent auction, solstice ceremony and a dance party!  Come!  Celebrate with old friends, make new acquaintances, shop for last-minute holiday gifts with purpose.  The Artist are all local people committed to a path of spirit oriented work that serves the greater good.

The Factory Luxe  ~ 3100 Airport Way South, Seattle WA 98134  Sunday, December 21 ~ 11am~8pm, plenty of free parking available.

Soul Proprietor will be bringing a variety of medicine objects – feather fans, rattles, drums, baby moccasin, staffs and talking sticks.  Every piece of work crafted with intention, holding the feeling of gratitude, connecting consciously with the physical sensations, the emotional experiences and the earnest desire to share – to pass it on so that gratitude might live within each of us, full-time.  While I’ve been working and holding this way of being in my heart, I’ve been reminded of The Night Turtle Dance – the dance is a ceremony of gratitude.  Mother Earth is so generous, all our needs are met and then some by her multitude of offerings.  The medicine I have been working with, all a gift of the Earth – Winged Ones, Four-leggeds,  Standing Ones, Water Beings and the Stone Nation – each have been prayed for and now prayed with that whoever is drawn to each piece receives the gift of gratitude as well as the gift of our Mother.

I have offered  my own gratitude to All the Nations I have been working with.  I am fortunate to receive such abundance, medicine for my own life and process.  Blessings and Boons!  Wopila!

I’ll be measuring feet for the durable moccasin I am sewing too.  These shoes are custom fit for your feet.  While I am taking measurements at the show, they will be crafted in the Studio afterwards – first come, first served.

And a bit of photography just for fun!

Mitakuye Oyasin  ~  All My Relations

3M

The Medicine of Moose a Moccasin Workshop.

I’ve been drawn to work with moose medicine for some time.  I am  eager to birth a sweat lodge and a community drum of moose hide.  It hasn’t been right timing just yet.  I’ve used a thick tanned  moose hide with an unusual finish as inserts between the inner and outer layer of moccasin sole leather, cushioning the steps very nicely.  I hadn’t worked with moose hide quite like the one that came forward last week for a pair of moccasin.  OMG!  Sumptuous, butter soft, caramel color leather.

* I just got scolded by Steller’s Jay.  I have hides – deer, elk and horse – hanging on the deck railing, it’s such a gorgeous October day. This mornings fog, a cozy blanket, gave way to the sun and now the hides are soaking it up.  I offered ceremonies to honor their spirits.  These hides have given as much as they’ve received already.  Wopila!  Saturday they will be birthed into drums at the Bainbridge Island Bodhi Center.  Today, Steller’s finds them in his way.  Too bad!

Back to the moose, Alces alces.  I watched the moose in this photograph a few years ago while at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado .  There were several in a loose group, cows and juvenile, who kept my attention for hours – they were browsing casually through the grasses, willows and aspen twigs, paying no mind to me.  Moose are such massive animals, beautifully muscled, they were quiet and graceful as the moved their hulk with ease within the branches and briars of the meadow. They came so close I felt I must be invisible, holding my breath I backed away as silently as dry grasses and shriveled leaves will allow giving them the space they deserve.  I’ve been fortunate to see moose in Washington, Idaho,  Alaska and Canada also.  Rare sightings that thrilled me.   While the population of moose in Colorado seems to remain stable, their numbers are markedly diminished in across North America yet the species as a whole is still consider of least concern in efforts to conserve their population and habitat.  As the reach of climate change deepens, while mining permits are still being issued and habitat loss continues, the threats are increasing to the wellbeing of the majestic moose.

“Moose are in jeopardy across the U.S. – from New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine; to Minnesota and Michigan; and even Montana. One of America’s most iconic animals is at risk of becoming just a memory. It’s time to take action on climate change.”  National Wildlife Federation

The fact of this makes working with the medicine of moose an even greater honor.  Rather than getting lost in the conflict that accompanies these disturbing facts, I embrace the opportunity to be present with the needs of this magnificent creature.   What are the tangible and concrete practical measures that must be taken allowing their numbers rebound?  And to keep their environments are healthy and abundant?  What are the prayers that are needed so the needs of moose are met?  What apologies need to be made to the moose nation for the acts of mankind can I make on our behalf?  What other ways can I be involved in the conservation of habitat or protection of the overall ecosystem in which the moose resides in North America?  I remind myself that my vote counts despite what seems a dismal political landscape.

The Athapaskan would pray to Raven to assist in their hunts of the moose.  Thus when the moose appeared, it was a special and sacred gift.    The moose can teach invisibility, shape-shifting, depth perception, acute judgment and ability to negotiate landscapes.  Moose carries a feminine energy from its association to water and great maternal energy.  There is a primal strength with moose.  Their ability to dive into the depths of water reflects the ability of an individual who aligns with moose to go into the depths and draw new life and nourishment from it. When moose comes into your life, the primal contact with the feminine force and void of life is being awakened.  It is an invitation to learn to explore new depths of awareness and sensitivity within yourself and your environs. ~ Paraphrased excerpts from Ted Andrews Animal Speaks

Moose hide moccasin
Moose hide moccasin

Join in and attend a Moccasin Workshop October 18-19. In this workshop you will commune with the spirit of the animal – moose, buffalo and elk are available, each carrying their own powers to support your walk in the world – your everyday and any ceremonial needs you may have.  With every stitch you can call on the wisdom of the four-legged and your ancestors who walk with you.

“Barbara I have to tell you that your moccasins are more than something to wear on my feet. I LOVE wearing them, as they hug my feet, giving a sense of security, tenderness and love. I slow down my steps when wearing them – mindfulness? reverence for a feeling I don’t fully understand? I’ve already had the feeling that I NEED to put them on, and once felt they were on, when they weren’t! Thank you for sharing this medicine. I will continue to try to be mindful every time I wear them. In gratitude.” ~ Marge

Reserve your seat and confirm your hide preference.

Deep gratitude for the moose’s medicine!  Aho Mitakuye Oyasin!

 

 

 

 

 

Well Worn and Repaired

An opportunity to repair some well loved and well worn moccasin came up yesterday.  With it some time to reflect – what were the original intentions that had been sewn into the shoes for the owner?  Had there been an impact in the life of the one who’d been wearing the shoes “everyday”?  The chance to talk, ask these questions and learn the answers was also an opportunity to deepen my relationship with the person.  This makes the work I do far more meaningful and enriches my life.

Carefully the worn sinew would need to be cut out and then replaced.  We didn’t discuss any new prayers or intentions.  What to do?

Before

Start with smudge.  Sage to cleanse and clear my heart and hands, bring my attention to this work. Call my ancestors to help me sew.  Sure I know how to do this work alone, I just don’t want to do it alone. I need and want the presence of my guides.  Wopila! Gather my supplies, smudge them too.  And because the sun is shining, working outside is always my first choice.  These final days of summer are golden – the cooler temperatures, the recent rains having dusted everything off just like the sage smoke will and blue sky with sunshine – perfect work sitting by the lake to sew.

I’ll hold the highest good as my intentions for the owner of these shoes.  Good health.  Any help that is needed.  Happy and whole heart.  Health, help and happiness – cannot possibly go wrong holding these intentions for another’s highest good.

After

There is something sweet for me, seeing the way the feet imprint upon the hide, the sole patterns.  I think with these moccasin there is the possibility of one more repair before the soles will need replacing – the uppers are still in remarkable condition.  This shows me how there is always balance – always room for improvement and always things that are just right as they are.

Om and Aho!  All my relations.  Pilamaya!

Workshops & Circles ~ Autumn 2014 Schedule

The Ceremonialist Children’s Circle

September 13, 2014 ~ noon to 4pm
Join in this open circle to celebrate the coming Autumnal Equinox.  Open to girls and boys ages 9 to 13, both moms and dads are welcome.  We will honor the abundance of the season and the turning of the wheel here at Echo Lake. Email Barbara for details on what to anticipate and what to bring for sharing.

Rattle Crafting Workshop

September 14, 2014 ~ noon until complete
In this workshop you will learn to craft a rawhide rattle that will be perfect for clearing energy, for meditation and journey work, for calling up your allies.  Craft with horse, deer, elk, bear or buffalo hide, using cedar, fir, driftwood, bone or antler as your handle.
Register to attend this workshop or email Barbara for details.

Wing Medicine Workshop

September 20, 2014 ~ noon until complete
Learn to use smudge for clearing and cleansing with a feather fan. Craft a medicine wing to use in your personal or professional practice that serves your needs at this time. Wing Medicine is a powerful way to tend to the energetic needs of the mind, body and spirit of the individual, family, office and community.
Register to attend this workshop or email Barbara for details.

Drum Birthing Workshop 

September 27, 2014 ~ 10am until complete
What is calling you – deer? elk? bear? buffalo? horse?  Each voice is unique, the power of the four-legged is immeasurable.  The Standing Ones give us a sacred hoop that holds the hide yet it does not contain it – instead it is a vehicle that gives rise to voice and one of its purposes in the world.  Use a Shaman style hand-drum for journey work, for meditation, for the joy of it. Register to attend this workshop or email Barbara for details.

New @ The Bodhi Center on Bainbridge Island       

Drum Birthing Workshop – October 11, 2014

Rattle Crafting Workshop – November 23, 2014

These workshops are being taught at the beautiful and tranquil Bainbridge Bodhi Center on Bainbridge Island, WA.  These two workshops are being offered at a special reduced rate.  Space is limited.  Register to birth a drum and register to craft a rattle on this website or email Barbara for details.

The Ceremonialist’s Children Circle

October 12, 2014 – 11am – 4pm

Hard to say what sort of fun and adventure we’ll have this day but we will for certain!  There’ll be sweetness and ceremony, outdoors and discovery.  Come and see for yourselves!

Moccasin Crafting Workshop       

October 18 & 19, 2014 ~ 10am to 8pm each day
This two-day workshop is a great time in community sewing moccasin that are just for your feet!  These hand crafted one of a kind moccasin are sewn from the hide of the buffalo who will support your walk in the world with sweet guardianship. You will have a pair of moccasin you won’t want to take off. Register to attend this workshop or email Barbara for details.

Feeding the Fire Ceremony   

November 7, 2014 ~ 4pm until 9pm
This circle is a celebration of the feminine open to any girls that are nearing their moon time and beyond.  Invited are Mothers, Aunties, Grandmothers or any other Woman who is supporting this girl as she grows into a young woman.  Our time together is a common narrative of what it means to be in the skin of a woman, a sacred feminine being.  We share a place at the fire with stories, songs and respect. A simple and healthy shared meal honors our ceremony.  Email Barbara for details.

Experiential Gifting

In our consumer driven society, where most of us truly have far more things than we need – an experiential gift is both meaningful and worthwhile.

A Soul Proprietor Learning Workshop is a gift of significance.  Each time we come together to craft, we create purpose, intention and substance.  Whether for a celebration occasion like birthdays and anniversaries or to deepen time with family and community – a children’s day, girlfriend time, male bonding, new babies, emotional and spiritual healing or for no reason at all – schedule a time to immerse yourself and your intended  in a positively influential endeavor.  The time spent together creating is a lasting gift – wing medicine for smudging, a talking stick for council,  a drum to journey with, a rattle or custom fit moccasin crafting – a gift that can alter life in a good way for many years to come.

The experience of a medicine gift nurtures the mind, body and spirit of the one receiving as well as the one who gives the gift, the medicine working in subtle and mysterious ways.

Gift for the joy of it!

Blessings for your good health, happy and whole hearts and all the help you might need…. Aho Mitakuye Oyasin!

 

Light Revolution

It is true that there is a lot of darkness in the world.  In this  country alone, the homeless population is estimated to upwards of 3.5 million people – half of which are children.  An estimated 38 million people in America are food insecure.  22 young veterans commit suicide every day.  The United States of America isn’t united – the delta between political, philosophical and spiritual beliefs is wide – fear fills the gap.  Chemical poisons are fouling our rivers and drinking water.   The number of countries globally involved in some sort of conflict or war is staggering.  Species of all sorts are in radical decline for a vast number of reasons.   The list is long, easily overwhelming and depressing to think about.

This is why I am constantly called to speak up.  There is light in the world too.  Not just the heart warming clips on the evening news but real live people in our everyday lives that move and inspire us to believe in a  renewed faith that goodness is in the world.

That’s how Toni appeared to me recently.  I was at a bank cash machine when she came up to me and asked me where I got the moccasin I was wearing.   I told her I had made them.  I offered that I could make her a pair.  Trusting me, a total stranger, she gave me $100 cash before she even knew my name or phone number!  Sewing a pair of moccasin for her was much more than meaningful work for me.  Toni showed me that there are people other than myself who still believe in the goodness of a stranger, that the darkness and skepticism that is so pervasive isn’t the sum-total of beliefs.

I realize too, I am open to this sort of exchange with another – light attracts light.  Light also extinguishes the darkness, only taking one person to turn on the light in a darkened room filled with thousands.  It isn’t naiveté, there are solutions to hunger and homelessness.  Use your voice and vote to demand protected and clean water – people over coorporations.  Reach out to those who have served and whose lives have been so fractured by war, lend your helping hands and hearts.  Light is revolutionary – it’s time for a revolution.

Toni3Pilamaya Toni!  Pilamaya!

Soul Proprietor custom fits each moccasin to the individual foot (I traced and measured Toni’s feet in the parking lot). These hand stitched moccasin hug your feet.  I also offer learning workshop, teaching you to sew your own moccasin – scheduled conveniently between us.  I hold any intentions, needs or prayers I am asked to by you while I sew.  Each stitch has the presence of love and light.   Three styles to choose from – how would you like to walk through the day?

 

Moccasin – Day 1

I am honored to hold space, share what I’ve learned and guide  through the processes – a long day of good work by very focused and diligent Hanbleciyapi – sewing their moccasin in preparation for their Vision Quest.  One shoe down and one to go – bring on the Day 2 – they are ready and so am I.

The end of our workday was graced with an aerial show by Bald Eagle fishing who was chased by determined Crow – who were in turn chased by Red-winged Blackbird.  Such a gift to witness both the birds flying at Echo Lake and the Questers.

Pilamaya! Pilamaya!