Saying Goodbye to Bill
We’ve been vigiling with him since mid afternoon. All six of us are gathered around his bed, singing, crying, telling stories, chatting, and holding his hand.
James William “Bill” Kerr
b. Jan 24 1936 in Coleman AB. d. April 5 2017 in Nelson BC. m. Sheila Alice Smith, Feb 21 1965 in Calgary AB.
An Interview on Practical Shamanism
This interview with podcast host James Stovall, delves into a fascinating array of topics about death, dying and being dead.
A Sacred Abortion Ritual
I worked with a couple who were choosing to terminate a pregnancy, and we held a series of rituals to help everyone involved get through it with as much love and grace as possible.
A Holistic Approach to Pet Death
Holistic vet Dr. Edward Bassingthwaighte interviews Sarah about what happens, energetically and spiritually, as an animal dies and how to prepare for euthanasia.
Supporting Twins to Connect Beyond Death
The brother had never been ritually conveyed to the Village of the Ancestors, and the sister hadn’t been helped to reconfigure their bond so she could relate to him as an ancestor, rather than a living sibling.
My Teachers: Deena Metzger
Deena is a wise woman in every traditional and modern sense of the word. She’s one of the many healers and leaders who inspire me as they revive the ancient practice of community elderhood.
Helping Kids Witness Death
I recently did a euthanizing ceremony for Artie, a family’s beloved cat. The vet came to the house, so the whole family (including Panther, the other cat) could be part of it. It was both very sad, and very beautiful.
A Hospice Deathbed Ritual
They knew the death was coming, but that didn’t prevent the shock and confusion they felt. The ritual brought loving structure to a situation in which the family felt totally unmoored.
Home Deathcare: Tending to the body
Families have the option to care for the bodies of their deceased loved ones at home. For those who chose this option, the experience is personal, meaningful, and deeply healing.
My Teachers: Stephen Jenkinson
Stephen articulates the deep wisdom and healing power of grief and the need to learn the skills of grieving, both for our own sakes, and for the sake of the the world.
A Coffin Closing Ceremony
Instead of standing around awkwardly, drinking bad coffee, and trying to figure out how to act with a dead body in the room, the ritual gave them a way to move their grief.
Ruby Kerr
Ruby Kerr2009-2015
Green Funerals: The Ultimate in Recycling
Before industrial technology, we returned our dead to the earth directly through the transformative powers of Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We can still do that today.
Kathleen “Kay” Isobel (Hanson) Kerr
b. November 18 1919 in Saskatchewan. m. Jack Kerr. d. September 13 2015 in Blairmore, AB.
Keeping Someone’s Ashes in Your House
If you have someone’s ashes in your house, it’s probably for one of three reasons. First, you may be holding onto ashes because it’s the right thing for you to do.
My Teachers: Joanna Macy
Joanna’s embrace of deep time, in which past, present and future all exist together offers an important healing framework that reaches beyond the individualism and linear views of Western consciousness.
A Funeral Held 50 Years After the Death
When Annie was three, her mother and sister died together in childbirth. Fifty years later, the family system was still out of balance and Annie still struggled with her grief.