How to make your own smudge stick

How to make your own smudge stick

Ritual & Sacred Living

Smudge sticks are derived from Native American culture, where they were used in ceremonies to cleanse and bless people and places. Smudging, or smoke cleansing is used in many other cultures too. Indigenous Australians use native eucalyptus leaves in smoking...
A Norse funeral?

A Norse funeral?

Ceremonies, Funeral

Looking for ways to celebrate your loved one? You could try themeing the service. A viking-style funeral could be a spectacular send off, while Star Wars has influenced the life celebrations of a number of fans. I have officiated a Star Wars funeral service –...
Art as meditation

Art as meditation

Art and Creativity

Many of us have heard about the benefits of meditation, but sometimes find it hard to do.  Fewer of us know about the profound benefits of artistic expression. Creating art, however, is another way to access a meditative state of mind and the profound healing it...
Painting to music

Painting to music

Art and Creativity

We all need a passionate boost in our creative process once in a while. Creative writer Julia Cameron makes the point, “When I am afraid of my own creativity (which may be to say I am afraid of my own passion), I turn to passion and creativity of others whose...