The Grace of Deathbed Visitations
Just as it does at a birth, the veil between the worlds thins during a death, and the other side of the river can become more visible.
The Problem with a Happy Funeral
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
Shaman, Priestess, Mystic, Scapegoat
This wide-ranging interview explores the difference between The Priest/ess, The Shaman, and The Psychopomp as archetypes.
My Teachers: Betsy Bergstrom
Betsy’s no-nonsense approach to the relationship between the worlds keeps her grounded in this reality and the others.
Digging my Father’s Grave
There’s something deeply cathartic about passing the shovel from hand to hand, and carving out a spot for the one we love.
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