Bells, Whistles & Bling
Wax Pouring Ceremonies
Anyone who has studied, practiced or worked with me knows I’m not “into” bells, whistles & bling. Culturally-centred healing knowledge and practices are not about “show”. They are about how we live and show-up in our day-to-day lives. Integration…
So, having said that, if you have found this page, I chose the tongue-in-cheek title Bells, Whistles & Bling because this “hidden” page is how I promote one of my by-donation services that, frankly, looks a little blingy, and definitely has some bells and whistles. However, make no mistake, this page is not for people wanting to partake in spiritual-trends, nor those who are interested in window-shopping “wohoo”, nor those who are looking for surface-witchy-entertainment.
❋ Who This is For
Anyone willing to work with a guided process,
who understand that there are ways that energy reflects, aligns and “speaks” symbollically (or literally) through the physical world around us,
and who is willing to do the work required to integrate the insights and material that the ceremony reveals.
❋ The Olde Wax Pouring Tradition
Wax-pouring is a Ukrainian healing ritual or ceremony that works with the elementals. Called “vylyvaty visk” — to pour forth wax — this ritual is usually performed by grandmother-healers and wyse wombyn, and (traditionally) addresses states of fright, trauma, & anxiety that lead to discomfort, general unwellness, illness, misfortune, and other challenges.
❋ Why I Pour Wax
I have been apprenticing with the elementals for many years, and specializing in the study & making of oberih (ritual objects) and associated seasonal- and life-rites since I was in my early 40’s. Wax is a very special substance that I have grown great reverence for, both in what it means as part of the oberih traditions, as well as in vylyvaty visk. These practices are part of how I connect across the realms through blood & bone memory, with the forces of nature, and with the Great Mother.
❋ My Approach to Pouring Wax (The “Woohoo”)
We begin with a simple conversation exploring what you are looking for — insight into a situation or pattern in your life, guidance & finding direction, clearing and grounding, or whatever else is your needs might be…
~ From that intent, we begin the ceremony. ~
Wax is melted, waters gathered from various sources (wild moving water gathered from streams, rainfall, lakes, thunderstorms, etc.) are chosen and aligned with your intention, and then wax is poured into it… A wax-form emerges, and together we read the shapes given.
During sessions, we may additionally:
seek further insight or clarification with a bone & stone or oracle card reading;
do a smoke-clearing (obkuryuvaty) using herbs, and/ or feather-clearing (broom — vinyk — brushing off), and/or hands-on energy work.
The wax is reformed, with prayer & ritual actions, before you leave the session.
*Photos of your wax-form will be emailed or texted to you.
**You will have an opportunity to journal (point-form) any insights or guidance given before leaving the session (if you don’t have a journal, paper will be provided).
***You will also have “homework” in the form of a candle-ritual that will help integrate the session (instructions and candle will be provided).
The session is interactive — you are an active participant in all steps of the ceremony, rather than a passive witness or by-stander. Approximately 1.5-2 hours
~ I offer this service by donation. ~
~ Please reach out to me on my contact page to book a time for session. ~
The following are my other "by-donation" services...-
Various stones, shells, and found objects are thrown, then “read” with respect to whatever question you are holding.
What is reflected are insights, blockages, patterns, and areas needing attending in your life.
Yes/ no questions (“will I be rich?”) and fortune-telling questions (“will so-and-so be my future partner?”) do not work here.
Better questions are “What, in me, do I need to unblock in order to move forward financially?”
or
“What do I need to heal in order to be ready for a partnership in my life?”
Sometimes we also use oracle cards in order to clarify or enhance the reading.
The reading takes 1 to 1.5 hours
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I often use 2 or 3 decks when doing an oracle card reading.
For the primary reading, I prefer to work with cards that have evocative images that are self-interpretted, relying on your personal reflection and insight to derive meaning. I offer my own insights and reflective-questions to help bring more substance and form to what is being revealed, especially if you are unclear.
Some aspects of the reading may require greater clarification, and thus I draw on other decks for further insight and direction.
The reading takes 1-1.5 hrs
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As noted on my “Personalized” page of this website, talismans and amulets (oberih) can be made for any intention or need. Most oberih are related to specific seasonal rites, life rites, or specific healing practices.
Oberih can include:
Motanky (talismanic dolls)
Bone Charms
Pysanky (talismanic eggs)
I have also made wearable pieces — in the form of shawls, ladanky (neck-worn pouches), and necklaces. These tend to be more intricate and time-consuming.
All personalized pieces require conversations to clarify your intentions and needs before proceeding.
Donations are for the service of creating, not for the objects themselves.
Time to create is generally a minimum of 1 day, and up to 2-3 months (depending on intricacy and size (shawls)).
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Utilizing a number of different techniques (smoke clearing, sweeping, prayer-work, bells…) I move across the land or through the house/ building, with you in accompanyment.
Usually there is so much information that comes through, that I ask you to take notes, especially if specific instructions are given. (Examples, “keep this hallway clear and place a mirror at the far end” or “put fresh flowers in this location for the next few weeks”, or “refrain from arguing in this room.”)
While I do an initial clearing, the relaity is that some spaces will require regular upkeep in order to keep them “clear”, and thus… Expect homework!
Time depends on the size of the pace and complexity of the work. Generally, 1-3 hours.
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Sometimes we have “stuff” that accumulates, or simply feels stuck. And sometimes we have been moving a lot of personal energy (loss and grief, for example, or life transitions and changes).
Having someone attend to you with care, clear away debris from your energy body, and offer hands-on energy work can be helpful, calming and nourishing.
Obkuryuvannya (clearing with smoke) is combined with brushing-off using feathers. Sometimes I also work with bells for an additional layer of clearing. Then hands-on energy work helps to balance, smooth, calm, and redirect the energy field.
1 hour
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Prayer-infused candles, made for your own working, ritual, or ceremony
These are hand-dipped and hand-formed beeswax candles with handplied flax-fibre wicks… Each candle is prepared in accordance with the prayer or intention your are requestiong. These are not mass produced — I only craft a candle when the candle is requested (or as part of the wax-pouring ceremony).
Donation is for service of creating, not for prayer nor for the candle.
Time to create is 1 hour.
PS — Prayer is free, always. If you’d like prayers for any situation, please just ask. No candle, no exchange… Just prayer, my heart to Spirit on behalf of yours.