Secret Key

Between 2015 and 2020, I had the tremendous honor and privilege to study and take initiation with the Blue Iris school of the Crossroads tradition of earth-based spirituality and magic, under the inestimable witch elder and herbalist Colette Gardiner, a wise woman whose life has been dedicated to teaching the Mysteries and serving her community and the land, and whose work continues in a new form as the Golden Web Mystery School. Although the school formally closed in 2020, I have been honored to be of service to its continuing community as a teaching assistant and ritualist.

The Crossroads tradition is a modern branch on an ancient tree. Drawing on the lineage of Reclaiming practice, the Feri teaching of Victor and Cora Anderson, deep sources in the Celtic and European traditions, and the unique spirits and living landscape of the Pacific Northwest, the school prepared its students to serve as priests and priestesses of a living initiatory tradition.

During this time I was also honored to learn from and practice with such luminous souls as Larry Savides, a wise and gentle teacher and healer who mentored me in the shamanic arts; Pomegranate Doyle, whose powerful presence and unshakable sense of self challenged me to grow into my own power; and many others whose warmth, beautiful spirits, and wisdom have earned them a place forever in my heart.