Moon Woman Conversation: Nikiah Seeds Part II
My conversation with author, artist and priestess Nikiah Seeds continues, with rich insights into her creative process. As a jewelry and drum artist and creatress of ceremony, Nikiah shares her thoughts on what makes her work (and life) sacred. If you missed PART I, read here. Otherwise, settle back in with that cup of tea and enjoy...
Aja: I completely agree about the spiritual and practical often coming together in a woman's life. I loved that your book mirrored that so thoughtfully. I also love that you say honoring your moon time need not be a huge production and that simple acts can be transformed into a small ritual. Which leads me to wanting to know more about your gorgeous jewelry - I love wearing jewelry and find that adorning myself each day is a simple, but important ritual especially when the pieces are infused with sacred power. Can you tell me a little about your creations? About your creative process and how you hope they move through the world once they find an owner?
Nikiah: My creations, whether it is jewelry, drums,
smudge wands or crafting a ceremony are all heart centered and soul driven. I
find wild inspiration for my surroundings and from other women. I think it is
extraordinary what women get up to in terms of creation! When I first started
to make sacred jewelry it was for myself and then for a few friends who wanted
something sacred to represent what they were going through at that time in
their lives, something that they felt good putting on and powerful in. This
inspired me so much that when I sold my business I used some of the money to
seed being able to make sacred jewelry for others as well. The stones I choose
are all from the earth, I do not use anything synthetic in my jewelry, and I
believe this plays a huge part in woman's experiences with them. Over the past
few years some of my pieces have begun to reflect my shamanic path. I added
pieces carved out of bone and antler with power animals on them. Women connect
deeply with the animals in their lives both spiritually and those whose real
presence has affected them, so to be able to have a sacred medicine piece that
reflects these animals is also very powerful.
Once they are out in the world, either up at Red Moon Designs or in a store, I know that they will find the perfect owner for them. This became apparent to me when I nervously left my first set of necklaces in a store knowing that I would never have any contact with their new owners. Later that day I got a call from one of the women working there telling me about the first sale. It was to a woman with Parkinsons disease who saw the necklace meant for her and had a very powerful and healing experience with it, and bought it right away. Since that time I have received many e-mails and met many amazing and wise women, who when they find the right piece for them know it in their bones, know it is for them, and exactly why. All I have to do is get out of the way, because at that point my job is done. This fills my heart and soul and it is in these moments I know I am doing the right thing.
Aja: What a wonderful story. It leads me to ask your thoughts on what it is that makes something sacred. Also, what are some areas of your life that you placing sacred intention on these days?
Nikiah: I love your questions - What makes something sacred, and it took me a moment to reflect, as it is so easy to take for granted this work. For me personally, when I am working on jewelry or any creative project that is sacred, my intent is the first thing that I set in place to make it so. All it really takes is intent and energy to create either sacred space or a sacred object. For my own personal objects I work shamanically with my guides and together we will create a sacred object for my shamanic work. However since I also create sacred necklaces, talismans, amulets and drums etc... I will explain how these become sacred.
I begin with intent and creative inspiration; often I call in my guides to assist me in keeping the space sacred and to support me in my work. Then the imbas, or creative energy, flows and once I begin I am not happy until the necklace or drum or whatever I am working on is done. Before each of my pieces goes out into the world it is cleansed and hung up on a beautiful wooden stand I had hand made for my necklaces. This way when a customer receives their necklace it is clear and ready for them to add their own energy to it. The same goes for the drums and other sacred objects I make.
Some of the other areas that I am placing sacred intention to are my ceremonial work. I just launched a new web-site Red Moon Ceremonies.com that I am really excited about and I am so happy to be doing this work alongside my jewelry. The ceremonies allow me to get out into the world and work one on one with women and their partners as well as to sit in sacred circle making drums. This sacred work fills me right up!!
Aja: What advice or suggestions would you give to women seeking to instill more sacred energy into their everyday lives?
Nikiah: Keeping the sacred in our lives is often hard to observe when everyday stress takes such a toll on our spirits, but even lighting a candle in the morning while you get dressed or eat breakfast can be a sacred act and can be very grounding.My best advice is to simply remember that everything they do and touch is sacred, if intent is added. Taking a bath can be transformed into a sacred ritual with intent, candles and mindfulness. We are all spiritual beings first and have great capacity for spirituality, we just get caught up in the how's and when's, but honestly light a candle in the morning and see how you feel!
Many Blessings to you Aja and to all your readers, it has been a delight!
Thank you Nikiah, for sharing your beautiful creations and sacred work. X.Aja
Nikiah has been working in the realm of woman’s spirituality and healing for the past 14 years. She is a jewelry and drum artist, sacred beekeeper, and writer, having co-written the book Moon Mysteries: Reclaiming Women's Menstrual Wisdom. Nikiah is also an Ordained Spiritual Minister and life cycle Celebrant, specializing in creating unique wedding ceremonies and handfastings for couples. Nikiah lives in Vancouver B.C. with her husband their 2 children a few thousand honey bees, 4 chickens, and a cat named Solstice. Visit Nikiah online for more information on her jewelry,ceremonial work and everyday life.
Moments of Peace
Sharing several shots from my trip to the Berkshires last week. The land is so beautiful there and looking at these photos help me take a pause - like that butterfly, who was fluttering around with the wind and then landed on the goldenrod for a deep rest.
Happy weekending, X.Aja
The Avowal
The Avowal
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As swimmers dare by Denise Levertov |
Moon Inspiration
Don’t go anywhere. I beg you; the Moon you are looking for is inside you. -Rumi
A prayer for Mother Earth
My feet firmly planted in your soil,
My lungs fed by your trees,
My spirit nourished by your presence,
My hair tossed by the breeze.
My skin cleansed in your waters,
My heart opened by your grace,
My bones warmed by your fire,
My soul held in your embrace.
Earth Mother Invocation
Ruth St. Denis in Yosemite Valley
Earth Mother Invocation
Oh Earth-Mother
We praise thee
That seed springeth
That flower openeth
That grass groweth.
We praise thee
For winds that whisper
Through the shining Birch
Through the lively Pines
Through the mighty Oak.
We praise thee
For all things
Oh, Earth-Mother, who gives all life.
Prayer and Silence
Today a prayer and time for silence in rememberance of those lost during the disaster in Japan.
It is a woman's sacred work to care for all earth's children - below is a Buddhist prayer to offer your protection.
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May I become at all times, both now and forever
A protector for those without protection
A guide for those who have lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
And a servant to all in need.
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Please consider extending your good will and protection by making a donation to the RedCross.
