Category Archives: Workshops

Moccasin Workshop Weekend

A moccasin crafting workshop is scheduled this weekend at Soul Proprietor.  It will be full for both myself and the beauties who come to sew their new shoes.  Echo Lake will hold us  with an expanse of sky – sometimes sunny sometimes gray – to color the water blue or brooding, a circle of Standing Ones surround us, and always birds are present to delight  and distract us.

When I first set out to sew custom fitted moccasin, I hadn’t any idea what in-depth information the traced and measured feet could tell.  Of course there are the obvious – shape and size, fallen arches or bunions, the splay or length of the toes.  What was unexpected was that the tracings expressed not only shape but the complexion of their owner.  I have seen the fullness of personality and withdrawn tendencies, as well as both balance and imbalance.

As the patterns that will become the moccasin come together my guides will often offer words or phrases.  These are generally mysterious to me yet meaningful for the owner of the new shoes.

Ceremony to honor the buffalo, my ancestors, my teacher and the client always comes before any further work ensues.  If I am hand-stitching for a client, I ask what prayers or intentions they might want sewn into each stitch?  What will I hold for them as I work?  If a client is sewing for themselves, I encourage them to hold themselves in high regard, to be sure to sew their devotions are into their shoes.  The medicine of the buffalo tells us we have plenty, much abundance to be grateful for.  Buffalo also reminds us anything can be achieved through right action and that we must shoulder our own responsibilities to attain success.  These powers can be held in mind and heart while we sew.  Buffalo medicine is good guardianship for our walk in the world.

Consider joining an upcoming moccasin workshop or commission a pair of moccasin to be sewn for you.

Blessing to you all.                                                        Aho Mitakuye Oyasin

 

 

Deer Medicine

So this happened this morning!

Two young White-tail deer splashing around in the lake.  They seemed to be playing.  While watching them, I saw that the first of the wild irises have begun to bloom at the waters edge which is equally exciting as I have been endeavoring to reestablish the native species.   The deer were a perfect reminder for me to remember the many paths that can be taken, to go gently – with myself and with others.

I find it an interesting duality with the medicine of deer.  The animal itself appears cautious and even timid yet the deer hide when pulled into a drum is extremely powerful and carries a loud voice.  The medicine of the deer teaches about trusting our instincts, seeking safety in negative situations and about the plenitude of life.  “Deer teaches us to use the power of gentleness to touch the hearts and minds of wounded beings” says Sams and Carson.  The world could sure use more compassion like that!  How can I apply this medicine to my own life and the situations I find myself in?  How can I use this medicine with those I love?  What new adventures will arise in our relationships to ourselves and each other when I do?

The deer rawhide is gentle to work with also.  It pulls easily into a taut drum, it dries quickly as it is on the thin side.  This speaks to me personally about having thin skin and being too sensitive, about tuning into my inner thoughts and perceptions – about seeking the bigger picture and truth.  Tanned deer hide makes durable and protective drum bags.  This leather is supple and yielding – a direct contrast to the tight drum head, again leading me to look at the dualities in both the deer and in life.  There is always two sides to the coin.

Is a new deer hide drum calling to you?  Join in for the next drum birthing workshop on Monday May 26th.

In gratitude for the plenitude… Aho Mitakuye Oyasin!