The problem with trying to have a happy funeral is, that when someone we love dies, we aren’t happy, we’re sad. There can be parts of a funeral that have happiness. But when someone we care about dies, the normal and natural
This wide-ranging interview explores the difference between The Priest/ess, The Shaman, and The Psychopomp as archetypes.
Betsy’s no-nonsense approach to the relationship between the worlds keeps her grounded in this reality and the others.
There’s something deeply cathartic about passing the shovel from hand to hand, and carving out a spot for the one we love.
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.
b. Jan 24 1936 in Coleman AB. d. April 5 2017 in Nelson BC. m. Sheila Alice Smith, Feb 21 1965 in Calgary AB.
This interview with podcast host James Stovall, delves into a fascinating array of topics about death, dying and being dead.
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.
Holistic vet Dr. Edward Bassingthwaighte interviews Sarah about what happens, energetically and spiritually, as an animal dies and how to prepare for euthanasia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Kerr2009-2015
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.
