“What is a Wild Woman?” – Embodying The Wild Woman/ Divine Feminine / Shakti – A poem

“This is a WILD WOMAN” 

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She is a medicine woman, full of laughter and mystery and a wide open heart with sacred boundaries that she fiercely protects.

She wears beautiful, comfortable clothing that allows her to move with ease and grace.

She is full of laughter and light, and she carries an energy of sacred abundance and receptivity with her wherever she goes: she has a strong, solid energetic container for receiving abundance, and allows money to be sacred to her.

It is sacred nourishment to her, and she is grateful for all abundance received, and expresses this gratitude in spontaneity and ritual.

She embodies the balance between ease and structure, function and flow. She is beautiful from the inside out, magnetic, radiant, and masterful at relationship and connection.

She also takes care of her need to be alone and in communion with the divine through nature, the lunar cycles, and plants.

She is reverent in the presence of the cycles of nature and brings this reverence into her everyday life.

She is a healer, a leader, a confidante, and a mother. She is a friend and a passionate lover.

She is enchanting and knows her own enchantment, but does not let her ego get involved – she simply recognizes that she, like all women, possesses an inner radiance that she can tap into at any time.

She is a walking bolt of laughter and music, and brings her healing medicine wherever she goes.

She is a bit of a rogue, a rebel, an innovator, a catalyst. She doesn’t worry about conforming to social norms; she doesn’t disrespect them just for the sake of disrespecting them but simply follows the beat of her own drummer.

She is fully alive and feels everything. She is full of scars, but knows that the scars are the places where the light gets in. Her scars are the places that are filled with gold.

She has fully claimed her own beauty and does not ask for anyone else’s permission to shine. She is not afraid to look herself in the eyes.

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Alas, this one not one of mine, but I do love it ❤

Here is the source.

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“Spinning & Weaving the Web – Shamanic Drum Palm-Cushion” by Alison ‘Tribal’ Brierley – Shamanic Artist and Roadkill Recycler

“Spinning & Weaving The Web – Shamanic Drum Palm-Cushion”

I learned an amazing new and ultra simple skill the other weekend thanks to the gorgeous and super talented Gitta Cooper.

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I was lucky to be with my Tribe at a favourite annual festival.  It is always held at Lime Tree Farm, a stunning Nature Reserve near Grewelthorpe, Ripon, Yorkshire (UK).

This is a family Pagan camp and is always held at LAMMAS (or LUGHNASADH) commencing on the last Friday in July.  It is a thanksgiving that marks the harvesting of the crops and fruits provided that year, and is symbolised by the baking and offering of bread.  Today it is still very common to find agricultural fetes and contests taking place all over the country.

There is a strong spirit of community.

 At this camp we share skills, hold workshops, share food, sell our hand crafted wares, sing Songs, dance, play music around the fire, basically anything that feels good, fits in with the camp ethos and others want to share!

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This year I learned how to spin wool, make yarn and create something special from what I had made, all in the same weekend!

Gitta taught me how to spin wool directly from RAW, unwashed fleece, the kind you pick from the grass in a field, or from a barbed wire fence onto a SIMPLE STICK!!

You could use any type of wool however!

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Raw fleece, a stick and finished product

Spinning the wool and thread onto the stick

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This can be done anywhere, it is so simple!  It can be done whilst walking, talking or chilling 😀 and it’s a great thing for kids to do.

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I was Spinning & Weaving The Web that holds us all together!

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  It occurred to me while I was winding the fleece around the stick that I was actually singing the songs around me into its creation.  As soon as I became aware of this I did it with conscious intention.

Very soon the finished product contained so many Goddess and folk songs, healing chants, love, sisterhood and reverence.  I pondered on and contemplated the symbology of the Spider, of all the mythological stories, archetypes and related Goddesses.

Spinning and Weaving are such magical acts!

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I wanted to make and complete my creation that very weekend, to seal the magic in.

Gitta reminded me how to crotchet a soft, round circular piece which ended up finding its own purpose that evening becoming a hand cushion to protect my palm from the sharp BAT CRYSTAL of my Shamanic Fox/Deer/Bat Drum whilst drumming intensely around the large communal fire.

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The Bat Crystal center of my Shamanic Fox Drum

My new Wool Cushion fits perfectly

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I love it when a cosmic plan comes together, lol, thank you Gitta 💜

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Basic Bat Symbolism

* Shamanic work, Hidden knowledge, Hidden work
* Active dreaming, Past Life Journeys, The Underworld
* Instinct, Perception, Vibrational Sensitivity
* Beginnings (Initiation

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Basic Spider Symbolism

* Patience and Receptivity
* Weaver of life’s fate and Creativity
* Feminine Energy and Vibrational Sensitivity
* Shadow self, dark aspects of life or personality

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“All creation is sacred.  All that exists is alive“

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This latest shamanic tool is one in a series I created in the summer of 2016

The common threads running through all of them are:

Respect,

Honouring,

Speaking Ones Truth,

Standing up for Ones Principles

and

Treading Lightly on the Earth.

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The story of these can be found by following the relevant links below.

 “FOX DRUM”, “GODDESS RATTLE“, “FOX DRUM BEATER“ and “VULTURE SMUDGER”

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Fox-Bat-Deer Drum

Goddess Rattle

Bat Crystal

Fox Fang and Blooded binding

Black Vulture and Python Smudger

Python Vertebrae

Fox Drum Head and Tails

Drum Beater Deer handle

Fox and Deer Drum Beater

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“As with a lot of my work, I aspire to gently push the viewer, including myself, to question preconceptions and socio-cultural taboos by creating something beautiful and compelling from something dead and/or socially repulsive”.

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Additional Notes…

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The Bat Crystal…

The Bat Crystal has its own amazing story.

The Cambodian trip in 2007 was a solo trip that immediately followed a huge fight and subsequent breakdown of a relationship and business partnership.  I literally threw my passport, a pair of knickers and my credit cards into a bag and drove to the airport.  I was at my tethers end.

It was necessary at the time to throw myself to the mercy and wisdom of the Universe, alone and accepting.  I was in great emotional pain.  I wanted to re-find myself, to rediscover my TRUTH,VOICE and COURAGE and begin my life all over again.  I discovered a lot in Cambodia, about life, me and my path.

(read more here…)

Anyway….

As well as working with an independent mobile medical unit that delivered first aid and medical attention to the displaced refugees in a camp just outside the Cambodian capitol, I did a bit of sightseeing, lol.

I hired a moped and visited some ancient caves, in a protected eco-system in the countryside around Phnom Sampeou that were famed for its bat population.

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At dusk millions, literally millions of small bats come bursting out of the mountain forming a steady stream toward the countryside, where they spend the evening stuffing themselves with insects.  Towards dawn they retire back into the mountain.

I went caving with a local guy, who, equipped with a torch and a few wide brimmed hats took me deep into the caves, squeezing through tight gaps and exploring huge caverns.

On approaching the main bat cave he handed me a hat with instructions to look ‘up’ very carefully!  The reason for this became apparent when I entered the cave.

It was ‘RAINING’.

But it wasnt rain… it was millions of bats clinging to the cave ceiling – PISSING!

It was incredible!  The noise was intense!

Where ever we shone the huge torch we saw seething masses of little furry rodents with wigs… families of bats, babies, copulating couples… it was quite something!

The guy shone his torch to one of the walls.  I was mesmerized!  The walls glowed!  Most of the interior of the cave was made of CRYSTAL!

It was a CRYSTAL CAVE!

For millennia these crystal walls had been absorbing the sounds, smells and essence of BAT day in, day out.

On the floor, which was now many meters deep in Guano, were chunks of these crystals that over time had fallen from the walls… and I put one in my pocket and brought it home.

I knew I would one day make something special out of it… and it now forms the center piece of my drum.

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This entire process was deeply informative and transformational.

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“LOST BODIES”

“Visceral and graphic yet tender and beautiful. Most importantly it was positive and affirming and showed power and perfect honesty”.

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“The Shamanic Fox & Snake Goddess Rattle” was completed in July 2016.

It was constructed for my personal use, and to be used during the “Lost Bodies” performance with artist Nicola Hunter (formerly Canavan).  Nicola Hunter is the feisty artist behind the acclaimed“Raising the Skirt” projects.

This is her latest work celebrating grief as a strengthening process for the soul, a metamorphosis and a labored fight in the darkness, answering the call of the Wild Woman. This was a deeply moving and inspirational performance of an actual transition, assisted and held shamanically by me.

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If YOU are feeling the call to strengthen your own growth process, shed your old skin and follow the call of the Wild Woman, this raw, deep-diving and deeply inspirational performance is not to be missed ❤

‘LOST BODIES’ was performed at TF2016 Day 3 in Croydon, London and is next showing in

LEEDS (UK) on the 7th October 2016 at

LIVE ART BISTRO

Doors – 8:30pm Performance – 9:00pm

£6 in advance.

Bookings – http://buytickets.at/liveartbistro/66598

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If you comment below I will keep you posted…..

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“Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. The wildish nature comes to us at birth, society’s attempt to “civilize” us into rigid roles has plundered this treasure, and muffled the deep, life-giving messages of our own souls. Without Wild Woman, we become over-domesticated, fearful, uncreative, trapped” – (Clarissa Pinkola Estes).

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Look out for blogs on my other ART projects – SHAMANIC ROADKILL CAPE, PLACENTA  ART & COOKERY, PLACENTA BOOTIES,  PLACENTA DISCO-BOOTIES, SHAMANIC SHAKTI BEAVER MERKIN, ANTI  BADGER-CULL TRIP-TIC, ROADKILL SQUIRREL TESTICLE EARRINGS  , BURNING-MAN ASARO MUD-FAMILY PERFORMANCE ART &  JAPANESE WISHING TREE

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“Shamanic Ceremonal Bone Choker” with Crow, Fox and Snake – by Alison ‘Tribal’ Brierley – Shamanic Artist and Roadkill Recycler

“Shamanic Ceremonial Bone Choker”

Crow skull mounted on a sacred wood disk stained in Menstrual blood.  Crow and cow pipe beads.  Fox leather cord ends, tassels and spacers.  Snake vertebrae, recycled wooden beads and Tigers Eye.

 (Completed in 2016)

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“All creation is sacred.  All that exists is alive“

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I made this new choker in response to losing my Big Cat Warriot Tribal Bone Choker recently at a festival.

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Well, whatever happens to this old choker is just meant to be…. here is my new one!!

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It’s a lot more kick-ass in the Shamanic department! Lol. I have grown and moved on a lot since I made this ceremonial choker nearly ten years ago.

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The skull is crow (roadkill obviously, lol) as are 18 of the pipe bone beads hand crafted from wing and leg bones.

The thickest pipe bone joins the other handcrafted bone dread-beads in my hair.

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The wooden disk is a small section of a Horse Chestnut tree that dominates a very special spot down by the sacred spring at Lime Tree Farm  in Yorkshire.  My fathers ashes are scattered around the base of this tree, as are many others – it is a place where you can get in touch with the spirits of the ancestors, as well as the spirits of the stunning nature and energy of this amazing land.

Anyway… this huge, ancient old tree was struck by lightning a few years ago and I asked permission for a section of branch to make wooden disks.

The tree survived perfectly and continues to be a scared place for many.

I always visualise this tree when I do shamanic journeying.

The disk has been stained red with my menstrual blood.

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The white divider beads are snake vertebra, again processed and handcrafted by me years ago.  This snake was one of about 5 that was given to me courtesy of two friends many years ago when someone they knew bought a pet shop and one of the freezers had a bag of dead snakes in it!

“Ali, can you make any use of a bag of frozen snakes?”

lol…. I get the best text messages ever!

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The white leather choker dividers, cord ends and tassels are made from Mr Stinky Fox white leather.

This fox in particular became a mascot of sorts, a stand against going against ones principles… and a reminder to speak ones truth.

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Mr Stinky…

Mr Stinky was NOT roadkill.

In 2012 I participated in a TV programme for the Discovery Channel – it was called “FORBIDDEN”.

I hand-picked a group of like-minded friends and we called ourselves the “Roadkill Collaborators” and we hosted the very first UK “Roadkill Food Festival”.

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(Our contribution, Episode 7 was called “FREAKY FOODS” – first shown 11th November 2014)

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The producers wanted FOX on the menu. Fergus had one in his freezer, and he became known as the “Flying Fox” as the show had paid for him to be flown up to Scotland from London where he resided in a friends freezer!

…but he was frozen solid with ‘dry ice’ when he arrived and un-skin-able!

We said if we found one on the road we would happily have it on the menu.

The producers had one shot!…

We were really pissed off and threatened to cancel the rest of the filming. Shooting the fox for entertainment was the absolute antithesis of the message we were trying to convey. The film crew were incredibly embarrassed and apologised profusely on behalf of the producers.

Mr Stinky Fox as we affectionately called him did not appear on the show, but when the filming was over and the crew left, I processed both foxes myself, respectfully and peacefully.

I promised Mr Stinky that his death would not be in vain and that he would be honoured.

And I kept that promise 💜  he is both part of my new DRUM, RATTLE and also the BEATER for my drum.

He is now part of my new ceremonial choker too.

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This beautiful white “Mr. Stinky” leather was made using just water and salt.  I didn’t intend to make leather as his pelt was so plush (and stinky) but his fur slipped unexpectedly during tanning.

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The beads are black and brown recycled wooden beads and the center beads are faceted Tigers Eye, recycled from a necklace gifted to me by a dear old friend as a birthing gift.

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Lots of BIG medicine in this one!!

Very excited to test drive it!!

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NOTE

I tend to use personally foraged animal medicines and material in my work.  I use a lot of roadkill.  It is important to me that I know the history of everything that I use in as much detail as possible, and that it is ethically sourced.  Everything I use has specific and significant meaning.

 

 Working so intimately with these animals enables me to absorb and transmute their special essence into an energy I can work spiritually with.

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As always, this entire process was deeply informative and transformational.

I have been working closely with Fox, Crow and Snake energy now for many months and I have been wearing handmade (by me) various bone beads in my Elf Locks for the past three years!

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Dear Fox especially has been a very special ally.

Thank you FOX ❤

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Basic Snake Symbolism

The snake is powerfully connected to life force and primal energy. In many cultures, it is revered as a powerful totem representing the source of life. It has the ability to shed its skin and metamorphosise.

When the snake spirit animal appears in your life, it likely means that healing opportunities, change, important transitions, and increased energy are manifesting.   It offers spiritual guidance about life changes and transitions, whether they are happening at the physical, emotional or spiritual level.

Pay attention to how you use your energy, and where you draw it from.

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*  Sense of allegiance, Very earnest.

*  Perfectly patient, Highly tolerant.

*  Looking to renew everything, Making everybody equal.

*  Cleaning the environment, Immune to heat.

*  Acute perception, Highly protective.

*  Out of the ordinary, Overtly resourceful.

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Basic Crow Symbolism

*  Life magic, mystery of creation.

*  Destiny, personal transformation, alchemy.

*  Intelligence, Higher perspective.

*  Being fearless, audacious.

*  Flexibility, adaptability.

*  Trickster, manipulative, mischievous.

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Basic Fox Symbolism

* Physical and mental responsiveness, increased awareness
* Cunning; seeing through deception; call to be discerning
* Ability to find your way around, to be swift in tricky situations
* Affinity with nocturnal activities and dream work

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I have had a good old shufty in my medicine bag this year and subsequently made an entire set of new tools.

These new Sacred objects are about:

Respect,

Honouring,

Speaking Ones Truth,

Standing up for Ones Principles

and

Treading Lightly on the Earth.

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.

Fox-Bat-Deer Drum

Goddess Rattle

Bat Crystal

Fox Fang and Blooded binding

Black Vulture and Python Smudger

Python Vertebrae

Fox Drum Head and Tails

Drum Beater Deer handle

Fox and Deer Drum Beater

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There are also far more personal meanings attached to the birthing of these objects.

“FOX DRUM”, “GODDESS RATTLE“, “FOX BEATER” and “VULTURE SMUDGER” as well as the obvious symbology attached to each animal used.

.

“As with a lot of my work, I aspire to gently push the viewer, including myself, to question preconceptions and socio-cultural taboos by creating something beautiful and compelling from something dead and/or socially repulsive”.

.

Additional Notes…

.

“LOST BODIES”

“Visceral and graphic yet tender and beautiful. Most importantly it was positive and affirming and showed power and perfect honesty”.

.

“The Shamanic Fox & Snake Goddess Rattle” was completed in July 2016.

It was constructed for my personal use, and to be used during the “Lost Bodies” performance with artist Nicola Hunter (formerly Canavan).  Nicola Hunter is the feisty artist behind the acclaimed“Raising the Skirt” projects.

This is her latest work celebrating grief as a strengthening process for the soul, a metamorphosis and a labored fight in the darkness, answering the call of the Wild Woman. This was a deeply moving and inspirational performance of an actual transition, assisted and held shamanically by me.

.

.

If YOU are feeling the call to strengthen your own growth process, shed your old skin and follow the call of the Wild Woman, this raw, deep-diving and deeply inspirational performance is not to be missed ❤

‘LOST BODIES’ that was performed at TF2016 Day 3 is now a three event tour…

next showing in LEEDS (UK) on the 24th September (venue TBA).

If you comment below I will keep you posted…..

.

“Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. The wildish nature comes to us at birth, society’s attempt to “civilize” us into rigid roles has plundered this treasure, and muffled the deep, life-giving messages of our own souls. Without Wild Woman, we become over-domesticated, fearful, uncreative, trapped” – (Clarissa Pinkola Estes).

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“FORBIDDEN” airs on British TV!

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On September the 30th this year the DISCOVERY CHANNEL broadcast the series we took part in last year…

Originally called Extreme Worlds (working title) the series launched with the episode “Double Lives”.

 

“What is a delicacy to some can be disgusting to others. Adventurous eating is a growing fad, but these foodies take exotic to a new level. Standard fare just will not cut it for these appetites – they prefer roadkill, insects, and in some cases, dirt.  In the picturesque farmlands of New Zealand, rams’ testicles are gulped down at a food festival. In Japan, a culinary revolution is unearthed when a chef cooks with topsoil. In Scotland, a foraging family chooses a diet rich in foods from the wild – berries, mushrooms, and roadkill”.

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Look out for blogs on my other ART projects – SHAMANIC ROADKILL CAPE, PLACENTA  ART & COOKERY, PLACENTA BOOTIES,  PLACENTA DISCO-BOOTIES, SHAMANIC SHAKTI BEAVER MERKIN, ANTI  BADGER-CULL TRIP-TIC, ROADKILL SQUIRREL TESTICLE EARRINGS  , BURNING-MAN ASARO MUD-FAMILY PERFORMANCE ART &  JAPANESE WISHING TREE

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“Shamanic Vulture & Snake Smudger” by Alison ‘Tribal’ Brierley – Shamanic Artist and Roadkill Recycler

“Shamanic Vulture & Snake Smudger”

Eurasian Black Vulture feather, recycled leather lacing and ribbons and Burmese Python vertebrae

 (Completed in 2016)

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“All creation is sacred.  All that exists is alive“

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The goal of smudging is to make a place (or person) clear of lingering energy that is different from what you may be intending for that space.

Using smoke and burning herbs has been used for this reason for thousands and thousands of years.

The use of a smudging tool not only directs the smoke where one wants it to go, but also introduces the particular essence and/or intent of the piece used.

Any conflict, anger, illness or unhealthy intent is absorbed by the sage smoke for the duration, and beyond, at the time it is used.

Smudging is ritual alchemy — changing and shifting the air element, and transforming our current experience to a mystical one.

The sage ceremony lifts the veil between the everyday and the sacred.

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I completed this Smudger in July 2016.

It was constructed for my personal use, and to be used during the “Lost Bodies” performance with artist Nicola Hunter.

 Nicola Hunter (formerly Canavan) is the feisty artist behind the acclaimed “Raising the Skirt” projects.

This is her latest work celebrating grief as a strengthening process for the soul, a metamorphosis and a labored fight in the darkness, answering the call of the Wild Woman. This was a deeply moving and inspirational performance of an actual transition, assisted and held shamanically by me.

.

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“Lost Bodies” was performed on The Day 3 Evening of Tempting Failure – at Theatre Utopia, Matthews Yard, Croydon.
23 July 2016

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“Shamanic Vulture & Snake Smudger”

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Eurasian Black Vulture

Burmese Python

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It is important to me that I know the history of everything that I use in as much detail as possible, and that it is ethically sourced.

I tend to use personally foraged animal medicines and material in my work, mostly roadkill.

In this case neither was roadkill…

the Vulture feather was found by me, and the Python used was gifted but skinned and processed by me also.

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 Basic Vulture Symbolism

The vulture is what it is, and could care less about what you or I think about its appearance.   It moves with grace in the skies.  On land it moves with authority, as if all things are within its rightful ownership.

The vulture represents birth and death as well as new beginnings, it is effective and positive.  It represents energy – all year round.  The vulture has been connected with prophecy of the future, Love of the Mother goddess, new visions, and of course, protection.

The vulture symbol reminds one of smart work and not hard work.

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*  Sense of allegiance, Very earnest.

*  Perfectly patient, Highly tolerant.

*  Looking to renew everything, Making everybody equal.

*  Cleaning the environment, Immune to heat.

*  Acute perception, Highly protective.

*  Out of the ordinary, Overtly resourceful.

.

Basic Snake Symbolism

The snake is powerfully connected to life force and primal energy. In many cultures, it is revered as a powerful totem representing the source of life. It has the ability to shed its skin and metamorphosise.

When the snake spirit animal appears in your life, it likely means that healing opportunities, change, important transitions, and increased energy are manifesting.   It offers spiritual guidance about life changes and transitions, whether they are happening at the physical, emotional or spiritual level.

Pay attention to how you use your energy, and where you draw it from.

.

*  Sense of allegiance, Very earnest.

*  Perfectly patient, Highly tolerant.

*  Looking to renew everything, Making everybody equal.

*  Cleaning the environment, Immune to heat.

*  Acute perception, Highly protective.

*  Out of the ordinary, Overtly resourceful.

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The Python bones are threaded and knotted onto orange and yellow ribbon tassel.

Colours can have different meanings for every person, but in this context they symbolise:

ORANGE

The colour of the Sacral Chakra, creativity, emotional expression, productivity, optimism.

YELLOW

The colour of the Solar Plexus Chakra, personal power, logic, lightness, humour, intellect.

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These new Sacred Shamanic tools are about:

Respect,

Honouring,

Speaking Ones Truth,

Standing up for Ones Principles

and

Treading Lightly on the Earth.

.

.

Fox-Bat-Deer Drum

Goddess Rattle

Bat Crystal

Fox Fang and Blooded binding

Black Vulture and Python Smudger

Python Vertebrae

Fox Drum Head and Tails

Drum Beater Deer handle

Fox and Deer Drum Beater

.

.

There are also far more personal meanings attached to the birthing of this DRUM, RATTLE, BEATER and SMUDGER as well as the obvious symbology attached to each animal used.

.

“As with a lot of my work, I aspire to gently push the viewer, including myself, to explore inwards and question preconceptions/ socio-cultural taboos by creating something beautiful and compelling from something dead and/or socially repulsive”.

.

Additional Notes…

“Visceral and graphic yet tender and beautiful. Most importantly it was positive and affirming and showed power and perfect honesty”.

.

.

If YOU are feeling the call to strengthen your own growth process, shed your old skin and follow the call of the Wild Woman, this raw, deep-diving and deeply inspirational performance is not to be missed ❤

‘LOST BODIES’ that was performed at TF2016 Day 3 is now a three event tour…

next showing in LEEDS (UK) on the 24th September (venue TBA).

If you comment below I will keep you posted…..

.

“Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. The wildish nature comes to us at birth, society’s attempt to “civilize” us into rigid roles has plundered this treasure, and muffled the deep, life-giving messages of our own souls. Without Wild Woman, we become over-domesticated, fearful, uncreative, trapped” – (Clarissa Pinkola Estes).

.

.

Look out for blogs on my other ART projects – SHAMANIC ROADKILL CAPE, PLACENTA  ART & COOKERY, PLACENTA BOOTIES,  PLACENTA DISCO-BOOTIES, SHAMANIC SHAKTI BEAVER MERKIN, ANTI  BADGER-CULL TRIP-TIC, ROADKILL SQUIRREL TESTICLE EARRINGS  , BURNING-MAN ASARO MUD-FAMILY PERFORMANCE ART &  JAPANESE WISHING TREE

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“Shamanic Fox & Deer Drum Beater” by Alison ‘Tribal’ Brierley – Shamanic Artist and Roadkill Recycler

“Shamanic Fox & Deer Drum Beater”

Fox leather, deer leg, fox fur and recycled leather lacing.

 (Completed in 2016)

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“All creation is sacred.  All that exists is alive“

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I completed this beater at the same time as my new Shamanic Fox drum on my birthday this Summer 2016.

I had a total stinker of a cold, even to had to cancel my birthday meal out because I couldn’t taste bugger all, lol, but I had a lovely, slightly quarantined, indulgent day, full of love, family and dear friends 💜

I also scraped enough energy together to finish my new Fox/Deer/Bat Shamanic drum and beater.  It felt important to make them on my birthday.

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I normally use deer legs as beaters.  as well as the obvious shamanistic attributes, I find them both beautiful to look at and comfortable to hold.

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Time for a quick story…

I had 5 salted foxes in storage.

I tend to use personally foraged animal medicines and material in my work.  I use a lot of roadkill.  It is important to me that I know the history of everything that I use in as much detail as possible, and that it is ethically sourced.

Two of the foxes I had in mind had specific and significant meaning – Mr. Stinky & The Titchmarsh Fox.

These were to form the main body of my new DRUM and BEATER

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The Titchmarsh Fox…

The Titchmarsh fox was roadkill.

I was asked to cook on the Alan Titchmarsh Show in September 2014.   I didn’t have much “unusual” roadkill stock in my freezer and they wanted something sensational.  I gave them all the information and recipes they were after and we started to plan the date for the show.  They still however wanted a ‘show-stopper’ and during one particular phone call I told them that the next ‘unusual’ thing I found on the road I would cook for them… I just happened to be covering a lot of miles that day.

Then on the way home that very eve I found this FOX on the A59.

Something just didn’t feel right.  I decided to sleep on it.

Next morning I told them that I hadn’t found anything despite feeling under pressure.  I was adamant about not straying away from the ethical message and didn’t want to cut up a ‘dead dog’ on daytime telly for an unappreciative and non-understanding audience.

They were not happy with pheasant, squirrel or rabbit.  Anyway…. in the end the job didn’t happen.

Titchmarsh Fox became my drum and Mr Stinky became my Beater…

.

Mr Stinky…

Mr Stinky was NOT roadkill.

In 2012 I participated in a TV programme for the Discovery Channel – it was called “FORBIDDEN”.

I hand-picked a group of like-minded friends and we called ourselves the “Roadkill Collaborators” and we hosted the very first UK “Roadkill Food Festival”.

.

(Our contribution, Episode 7 was called “FREAKY FOODS” – first shown 11th November 2014)

.

The producers also wanted FOX on the menu. Fergus had one in his freezer, and he became known as the “Flying Fox” as the show had paid for him to be flown up to Scotland from London where he resided in a friends freezer!

…but he was frozen solid with ‘dry ice’ when he arrived and un-skin-able!

We said if we found one on the road we would happily have it on the menu.

The producers had one shot!…

We were really pissed off and threatened to cancel the rest of the filming. Shooting the fox for entertainment was the absolute antithesis of the message we were trying to convey. The film crew were incredibly embarrassed and apologised profusely on behalf of the producers.

Mr Stinky Fox as we affectionately called him did not appear on the show, but when the filming was over and the crew left, I processed both foxes myself, respectfully and peacefully.

I promised Mr Stinky that his death would not be in vain and that he would be honoured.

And I kept that promise 💜  he is both part of my new DRUM, RATTLE and also the BEATER for my drum.

.

This beautiful white “Mr. Stinky” leather was made using just water and salt.  I didn’t intend to make leather as his pelt was so plush (and stinky) but his fur slipped unexpectedly during tanning.

.

.

The leather formed the beater head and it was stuffed with his beautiful fur.

.

Fox leather beater head stuffed with fox fur

Fox and deer beater on fox drum skin

Deer leg handle

.

This entire process was deeply informative and transformational.  I have been working closely with Fox energy now for many months and I have been wearing handmade (by me) fox bone beads in my Elf Locks for the past three years!

.

 Working so intimately with these animals enables me to absorb and transmute their special essence into an energy I can work spiritually with.  Dear Fox has been a very special ally.

Thank you FOX ❤

.

.

Basic Fox Symbolism

* Physical and mental responsiveness, increased awareness
* Cunning; seeing through deception; call to be discerning
* Ability to find your way around, to be swift in tricky situations
* Affinity with nocturnal activities and dream work

.

Basic Deer Symbolism

* Gentleness, Being Sensitive and Intuitive
* Ability to move through life and obstacles with grace, ability to change directions quickly
* Being in touch with your inner child, innocence
* Vigilance, Magical ability to regenerate, being in tough with life’s mysteries.

 .

.

These new Sacred Shamanic tools are about:

Respect,

Honouring,

Speaking Ones Truth,

Standing up for Ones Principles

and

Treading Lightly on the Earth.

.

.

Fox-Bat-Deer Drum

Goddess Rattle

Bat Crystal

Fox Fang and Blooded binding

Black Vulture and Python Smudger

Python Vertebrae

Fox Drum Head and Tails

Drum Beater Deer handle

Fox and Deer Drum Beater

.

.

There are also far more personal meanings attached to the birthing of this “FOX DRUM”, “GODDESS RATTLE“, “FOX BEATER” and “VULTURE SMUDGER” as well as the obvious symbology attached to each animal used.

.

“As with a lot of my work, I aspire to gently push the viewer, including myself, to question preconceptions and socio-cultural taboos by creating something beautiful and compelling from something dead and/or socially repulsive”.

.

Additional Notes…

“LOST BODIES”

“Visceral and graphic yet tender and beautiful. Most importantly it was positive and affirming and showed power and perfect honesty”.

.

My drum beater made its public debut during the “Lost Bodies” performance with artist Nicola Hunter (formerly Canavan).  Nicola Hunter is the feisty artist behind the acclaimed“Raising the Skirt” projects.

This is her latest work celebrating grief as a strengthening process for the soul, a metamorphosis and a labored fight in the darkness, answering the call of the Wild Woman. This was a deeply moving and inspirational performance of an actual transition, assisted and held shamanically by me.

.

.

If YOU are feeling the call to strengthen your own growth process, shed your old skin and follow the call of the Wild Woman, this raw, deep-diving and deeply inspirational performance is not to be missed ❤

‘LOST BODIES’ that was performed at TF2016 Day 3 is now a three event tour…

next showing in LEEDS (UK) on the 24th September (venue TBA).

If you comment below I will keep you posted…..

.

“Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. The wildish nature comes to us at birth, society’s attempt to “civilize” us into rigid roles has plundered this treasure, and muffled the deep, life-giving messages of our own souls. Without Wild Woman, we become over-domesticated, fearful, uncreative, trapped” – (Clarissa Pinkola Estes).

.

*******************

.

“FORBIDDEN” airs on British TV!

.

On September the 30th this year the DISCOVERY CHANNEL broadcast the series we took part in last year…

Originally called Extreme Worlds (working title) the series launched with the episode “Double Lives”.

 

“What is a delicacy to some can be disgusting to others. Adventurous eating is a growing fad, but these foodies take exotic to a new level. Standard fare just will not cut it for these appetites – they prefer roadkill, insects, and in some cases, dirt.  In the picturesque farmlands of New Zealand, rams’ testicles are gulped down at a food festival. In Japan, a culinary revolution is unearthed when a chef cooks with topsoil. In Scotland, a foraging family chooses a diet rich in foods from the wild – berries, mushrooms, and roadkill”.

.

*******************

.

.

Look out for blogs on my other ART projects – SHAMANIC ROADKILL CAPE, PLACENTA  ART & COOKERY, PLACENTA BOOTIES,  PLACENTA DISCO-BOOTIES, SHAMANIC SHAKTI BEAVER MERKIN, ANTI  BADGER-CULL TRIP-TIC, ROADKILL SQUIRREL TESTICLE EARRINGS  , BURNING-MAN ASARO MUD-FAMILY PERFORMANCE ART &  JAPANESE WISHING TREE

.

.

.

.

.

“Shamanic Fox, Deer & Bat Drum” by Alison ‘Tribal’ Brierley – Shamanic Artist and Roadkill Recycler

“Shamanic Fox, Deer & Bat Drum”

Fox-Bat-Deer Drum

Fox Drum Head and Tails

Bat Crystal

 

Fox hides and tails, deer rawhide, bat-cave crystal from Cambodia and a Scottish oak drum hoop.

 (Completed in 2016)

.

“All creation is sacred.  All that exists is alive“

.

I completed this drum on my birthday this Summer 2016.

I had a total stinker of a cold, even to had to cancel my birthday meal out because I couldn’t taste bugger all, lol, but I had a lovely, slightly quarantined, indulgent day, full of love, family and dear friends 💜

I also scraped enough energy together to finish my new Fox/Deer/Bat Shamanic drum.  It felt important to make it on my birthday.

.

This drum has been waiting to be birthed for many years…

.

Time for a quick story…

I had 5 salted foxes in storage.

I tend to use personally foraged animal medicines and material in my work.  I use a lot of roadkill.  It is important to me that I know the history of everything that I use in as much detail as possible, and that it is ethically sourced.

Two of the foxes I had in mind had specific and significant meaning – Mr. Stinky & The Titchmarsh Fox.

These were to form the main body of my new DRUM and BEATER, and is also used on my new GODDESS RATTLE

.

.

The Titchmarsh Fox…

The Titchmarsh fox was roadkill.

I was asked to cook on the Alan Titchmarsh Show in September 2014.   I didn’t have much “unusual” roadkill stock in my freezer and they wanted something sensational.  I gave them all the information and recipes they were after and we started to plan the date for the show.  They still however wanted a ‘show-stopper’ and during one particular phone call I told them that the next ‘unusual’ thing I found on the road I would cook for them… I just happened to be covering a lot of miles that day.

Then on the way home that very eve I found this FOX on the A59.

Something just didn’t feel right.  I decided to sleep on it.

Next morning I told them that I hadn’t found anything despite feeling under pressure.  I was adamant about not straying away from the ethical message and didn’t want to cut up a ‘dead dog’ on daytime telly for an unappreciative and non-understanding audience.

They were not happy with pheasant, squirrel or rabbit.  Anyway…. in the end the job didn’t happen.

Part of him became my drum head.

.

Punching holes in the fox drum skin

Lacing using deer rawhide

Finished but still wet

The fur side that wouldn’t slip, it insisted on being pulled.

.

Mr Stinky…

Mr Stinky was NOT roadkill.

In 2012 I participated in a TV programme for the Discovery Channel – it was called “FORBIDDEN”.

I hand-picked a group of like-minded friends and we called ourselves the “Roadkill Collaborators” and we hosted the very first UK “Roadkill Food Festival”.

.

(Our contribution, Episode 7 was called “FREAKY FOODS” – first shown 11th November 2014)

.

The producers also wanted FOX on the menu. Fergus had one in his freezer, and he became known as the “Flying Fox” as the show had paid for him to be flown up to Scotland from London where he resided in a friends freezer!

…but he was frozen solid with ‘dry ice’ when he arrived and un-skin-able!

We said if we found one on the road we would happily have it on the menu.

The producers had one shot!…

We were really pissed off and threatened to cancel the rest of the filming. Shooting the fox for entertainment was the absolute antithesis of the message we were trying to convey. The film crew were incredibly embarrassed and apologised profusely on behalf of the producers.

Mr Stinky Fox as we affectionately called him did not appear on the show, but when the filming was over and the crew left, I processed both foxes myself, respectfully and peacefully.

I promised Mr Stinky that his death would not be in vain and that he would be honoured.

And I kept that promise 💜  he is both part of my new DRUM, RATTLE and also the BEATER for my drum.

.

This beautiful white “Mr. Stinky” leather was made using just water and salt.  I didn’t intend to make leather as his pelt was so plush (and stinky) but his fur slipped unexpectedly during tanning.

.

.

The Bat Crystal…

The Bat Crystal has its own amazing story.

The Cambodian trip in 2007 was a solo trip that immediately followed a huge fight and subsequent breakdown of a relationship and business partnership.  I literally threw my passport, a pair of knickers and my credit cards into a bag and drove to the airport.  I was at my tethers end.

It was necessary at the time to throw myself to the mercy and wisdom of the Universe, alone and accepting.  I was in great emotional pain.  I wanted to re-find myself, to rediscover my TRUTH,VOICE and COURAGE and begin my life all over again.  I discovered a lot in Cambodia, about life, me and my path.

(read more here…)

Anyway….

As well as working with an independent mobile medical unit that delivered first aid and medical attention to the displaced refugees in a camp just outside the Cambodian capitol, I did a bit of sightseeing, lol.

I hired a moped and visited some ancient caves, in a protected eco-system in the countryside around Phnom Sampeou that were famed for its bat population.

.

.

At dusk millions, literally millions of small bats come bursting out of the mountain forming a steady stream toward the countryside, where they spend the evening stuffing themselves with insects.  Towards dawn they retire back into the mountain.

I went caving with a local guy, who, equipped with a torch and a few wide brimmed hats took me deep into the caves, squeezing through tight gaps and exploring huge caverns.

On approaching the main bat cave he handed me a hat with instructions to look ‘up’ very carefully!  The reason for this became apparent when I entered the cave.

It was ‘RAINING’.

But it wasnt rain… it was millions of bats clinging to the cave ceiling – PISSING!

It was incredible!  The noise was intense!

Where ever we shone the huge torch we saw seething masses of little furry rodents with wigs… families of bats, babies, copulating couples… it was quite something!

The guy shone his torch to one of the walls.  I was mesmerized!  The walls glowed!  Most of the interior of the cave was made of CRYSTAL!

It was a CRYSTAL CAVE!

For millennia these crystal walls had been absorbing the sounds, smells and essence of BAT day in, day out.

On the floor, which was now many meters deep in Guano, were chunks of these crystals that over time had fallen from the walls… and I put one in my pocket and brought it home.

I knew I would one day make something special out of it… and it now forms the center piece of my drum.

.

.

This entire process was deeply informative and transformational.  I have been working closely with Fox energy now for many months and I have been wearing handmade (by me) fox bone beads in my Elf Locks for the past three years!

.

Punching holes in the fox drum skin

Scraping the skin

Making Titchmarsh fox fur

Beautifully tanned and soft

.

 

 Working so intimately with these animals enables me to absorb and transmute their special essence into an energy I can work spiritually with.  Dear Fox has been a very special ally.

Thank you FOX ❤

.

.

Basic Fox Symbolism

* Physical and mental responsiveness, increased awareness
* Cunning; seeing through deception; call to be discerning
* Ability to find your way around, to be swift in tricky situations
* Affinity with nocturnal activities and dream work

.

Basic Bat Symbolism

* Shamanic work, Hidden knowledge, Hidden work
* Active dreaming, Past Life Journeys, The Underworld
* Instinct, Perception, Vibrational Sensitivity
* Beginnings (Initiation

.

Basic Deer Symbolism

* Gentleness, Being Sensitive and Intuitive
* Ability to move through life and obstacles with grace, ability to change directions quickly
* Being in touch with your inner child, innocence
* Vigilance, Magical ability to regenerate, being in tough with life’s mysteries.

 .

.

These new Sacred Shamanic tools are about:

Respect,

Honouring,

Speaking Ones Truth,

Standing up for Ones Principles

and

Treading Lightly on the Earth.

.

.

Fox-Bat-Deer Drum

Goddess Rattle

Bat Crystal

Fox Fang and Blooded binding

Black Vulture and Python Smudger

Python Vertebrae

Fox Drum Head and Tails

Drum Beater Deer handle

Fox and Deer Drum Beater

.

.

There are also far more personal meanings attached to the birthing of this “FOX DRUM”, “GODDESS RATTLE“, “FOX BEATER” and “VULTURE SMUDGER” as well as the obvious symbology attached to each animal used.

.

“As with a lot of my work, I aspire to gently push the viewer, including myself, to question preconceptions and socio-cultural taboos by creating something beautiful and compelling from something dead and/or socially repulsive”.

.

Additional Notes…

Hoop lovingly made by Andy Hurst – Woodwright ❤ made in a traditional manner from Scottish Oak fastened with copper boat nails.

Feels gorgeous. Thanks Andy. xxxx

https://m.facebook.com/AndieCraft/

.

**********************************

.

The Deer rawhide was purchased off Lynne Cowley – as well as this fox head rattle this hide was used to make the lacing on my new drum as I didn’t have enough fox to cut into strips… (and the Deer added the strength and grace I wanted).  Anyone wishing to make their own rattle, or drum, can purchase sustainably sourced leather and rawhide directly from Lynne and Phil Cowley of Shamanic drums and rattles. I have visited their place years ago, and I have to say that their hand scraped and brain tanned rawhides and suede are the best quality I have ever seen anywhere. They truly are masters of their craft ❤ theirs is the only outside source that I trust.

visit

Shamanic Druidry

.

**********************************

.

“LOST BODIES”

“Visceral and graphic yet tender and beautiful. Most importantly it was positive and affirming and showed power and perfect honesty”.

.

“The Shamanic Fox & Snake Goddess Rattle” was completed in July 2016.

It was constructed for my personal use, and to be used during the “Lost Bodies” performance with artist Nicola Hunter (formerly Canavan).  Nicola Hunter is the feisty artist behind the acclaimed“Raising the Skirt” projects.

This is her latest work celebrating grief as a strengthening process for the soul, a metamorphosis and a labored fight in the darkness, answering the call of the Wild Woman. This was a deeply moving and inspirational performance of an actual transition, assisted and held shamanically by me.

.

.

If YOU are feeling the call to strengthen your own growth process, shed your old skin and follow the call of the Wild Woman, this raw, deep-diving and deeply inspirational performance is not to be missed ❤

‘LOST BODIES’ that was performed at TF2016 Day 3 is now a three event tour…

next showing in LEEDS (UK) on the 24th September (venue TBA).

If you comment below I will keep you posted…..

.

“Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. The wildish nature comes to us at birth, society’s attempt to “civilize” us into rigid roles has plundered this treasure, and muffled the deep, life-giving messages of our own souls. Without Wild Woman, we become over-domesticated, fearful, uncreative, trapped” – (Clarissa Pinkola Estes).

.

*******************

.

“FORBIDDEN” airs on British TV!

.

On September the 30th this year the DISCOVERY CHANNEL broadcast the series we took part in last year…

Originally called Extreme Worlds (working title) the series launched with the episode “Double Lives”.

 

“What is a delicacy to some can be disgusting to others. Adventurous eating is a growing fad, but these foodies take exotic to a new level. Standard fare just will not cut it for these appetites – they prefer roadkill, insects, and in some cases, dirt.  In the picturesque farmlands of New Zealand, rams’ testicles are gulped down at a food festival. In Japan, a culinary revolution is unearthed when a chef cooks with topsoil. In Scotland, a foraging family chooses a diet rich in foods from the wild – berries, mushrooms, and roadkill”.

.

*******************

.

.

Look out for blogs on my other ART projects – SHAMANIC ROADKILL CAPE, PLACENTA  ART & COOKERY, PLACENTA BOOTIES,  PLACENTA DISCO-BOOTIES, SHAMANIC SHAKTI BEAVER MERKIN, ANTI  BADGER-CULL TRIP-TIC, ROADKILL SQUIRREL TESTICLE EARRINGS  , BURNING-MAN ASARO MUD-FAMILY PERFORMANCE ART &  JAPANESE WISHING TREE

.

.

.

.

.

“Shamanic Fox & Snake Goddess Rattle” with added Crow & Rooster by Alison ‘Tribal’ Brierley – Shamanic Artist and Roadkill Recycler

“Shamanic Fox & Snake Goddess Rattle”

Fox fang, snake bone, rattle snake tail, driftwood, fox, deer & snake skin, crow & rooster feathers and crow blood and menstrual blood rattle.

 (Completed in 2016)

.:

“All creation is sacred.  All that exists is alive“

.

Fox Fang and Blooded binding

.

I completed this rattle in July 2016.

It was constructed for my personal use, and to be used during the “Lost Bodies” performance with artist Nicola Hunter (formerly Canavan).  Nicola Hunter is the feisty artist behind the acclaimed “Raising the Skirt” projects.

This is her latest work celebrating grief as a strengthening process for the soul, a metamorphosis and a labored fight in the darkness, answering the call of the Wild Woman. This was a deeply moving and inspirational performance of an actual transition, assisted and held shamanically by me.

.

“Lost Bodies” was performed on The Day 3 Evening of Tempting Failure – at Theatre Utopia, Matthews Yard, Croydon.
23 July 2016

.

.

The Goddess Rattle…

.

Goddess driftwood handle with Deer skin “Fox” shaped rattle head, filled with mixed Snake vertebrae bones.

Bound with white (Mr Stinky) Fox leather around a pair of Fox fangs (roadkill).

Stained with Crow blood (roadkill) and my Menstrual Blood.

.

The opposite rattle is a Rattle Snake tail (my sons first ever baby rattle) bound with Mr Stinky white fox leather.

Decorated with Crow (roadkill) and white Rooster feathers, sewed onto blood red ribbon.

Base bound in white Python skin and Mr Stinky white fox leather.  

Stained with the same.

.

.

It is important to me that I know the history of everything that I use in as much detail as possible, and that it is ethically sourced.

I tend to use personally foraged animal medicines and material in my work, mostly roadkill.

However….

.

Mr Stinky was not roadkill…

In 2012 I participated in a TV programme for the Discovery Channel – it was called “FORBIDDEN”. I hand-picked a group of like-minded friends and we called ourselves the “Roadkill Collaborators” and we hosted the very first UK “Roadkill Food Festival”.

.

(Our contribution, Episode 7 was called “FREAKY FOODS” – first shown 11th November 2014)

.

The producers wanted fox on the menu. Fergus had one in his freezer, and he became the “Flying Fox” as the show had paid for him to be flown up to Scotland from London where he lived, but he was frozen solid with ‘dry ice’ when he arrived. We said if we found one on the road we would happily have it on the menu.

The producers had one shot!…

We were really pissed off and threatened to cancel the rest of the filming. Shooting the fox for entertainment was the absolute antithesis of the message we were trying to convey. The film crew were incredibly embarrassed and apologised profusely on behalf of the producers.

Mr Stinky Fox as we affectionately called him did not appear on the show, but when the filming was over and the crew left, I processed both foxes myself, respectfully and peacefully.

I promised Mr Stinky that his death would not be in vain and that he would be honoured.

And I kept that promise 💜  he is both part of my new DRUM, RATTLE and also the BEATER for my drum.

.

This beautiful white “Mr. Stinky” leather was made using just water and salt.  I didn’t intend to make leather as his pelt was so plush (and stinky) but his fur slipped unexpectedly during tanning.

.

.

Basic Fox Symbolism

* Physical and mental responsiveness, increased awareness
* Cunning; seeing through deception; call to be discerning
* Ability to find your way around, to be swift in tricky situations
* Affinity with nocturnal activities and dream work

.

Basic Deer Symbolism

* Gentleness, Being Sensitive and Intuitive
* Ability to move through life and obstacles with grace, ability to change directions quickly
* Being in touch with your inner child, innocence
* Vigilance, Magical ability to regenerate, being in tough with life’s mysteries.

 .

Basic Snake Symbolism

*  Sense of allegiance, Very earnest.

*  Perfectly patient, Highly tolerant.

*  Looking to renew everything, Making everybody equal.

*  Cleaning the environment, Immune to heat.

*  Acute perception, Highly protective.

*  Out of the ordinary, Overtly resourceful.

.

Basic Crow Symbolism

*  Life magic, mystery of creation.

*  Destiny, personal transformation, alchemy.

*  Intelligence, Higher perspective.

*  Being fearless, audacious.

*  Flexibility, adaptability.

*  Trickster, manipulative, mischievous.

.

Basic Rooster Symbolism

 *  Eccentricity, Uniqueness, Ego

*  Lack of Fear, Curiosity, Sexuality

*  New Beginnings, Sun Energy, Voice finding.

.

.

These new Sacred Shamanic tools are about:

Respect,

Honouring,

Speaking Ones Truth,

Standing up for Ones Principles

and

Treading Lightly on the Earth.

.

.

Fox-Bat-Deer Drum

Goddess Rattle

Bat Crystal

Fox Fang and Blooded binding

Black Vulture and Python Smudger

Python Vertebrae

Fox Drum Head and Tails

Drum Beater Deer handle

Fox and Deer Drum Beater

.

.

There are also far more personal meanings attached to the birthing of this DRUM, RATTLE,BEATER and SMUDGER as well as the obvious symbology attached to each animal used.

.

“As with a lot of my work, I aspire to gently push the viewer, including myself, to journey inwards and question preconceptions/ socio-cultural taboos by creating something beautiful and compelling from something dead and/or socially repulsive”.

.

Additional Notes…

.

The Deer rawhide was purchased off Lynne Cowley – as well as this fox head rattle this hide was used to make the lacing on my new drum as I didn’t have enough fox to cut into strips… (and the Deer added the strength and grace I wanted).  Anyone wishing to make their own rattle, or drum, can purchase sustainably sourced leather and rawhide directly from Lynne and Phil Cowley of Shamanic drums and rattles. I have visited their place years ago, and I have to say that their hand scraped and brain tanned rawhides and suede are the best quality I have ever seen anywhere. They truly are masters of their craft ❤ theirs is the only outside source that I trust.

.

**********************************

.

“Visceral and graphic yet tender and beautiful. Most importantly it was positive and affirming and showed power and perfect honesty”.

.

If YOU are feeling the call to strengthen your own growth process, shed your old skin and follow the call of the Wild Woman, this raw, deep-diving and deeply inspirational performance is not to be missed ❤

‘LOST BODIES’ that was performed at TF2016 Day 3 is now a three event tour…

next showing in LEEDS (UK) on the 24th September (venue TBA).

If you comment below I will keep you posted…..

.

“Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. The wildish nature comes to us at birth, society’s attempt to “civilize” us into rigid roles has plundered this treasure, and muffled the deep, life-giving messages of our own souls. Without Wild Woman, we become over-domesticated, fearful, uncreative, trapped” – (Clarissa Pinkola Estes).

.

.

Look out for blogs on my other ART projects – SHAMANIC ROADKILL CAPE, PLACENTA  ART & COOKERY, PLACENTA BOOTIES,  PLACENTA DISCO-BOOTIES, SHAMANIC SHAKTI BEAVER MERKIN, ANTI  BADGER-CULL TRIP-TIC, ROADKILL SQUIRREL TESTICLE EARRINGS  , BURNING-MAN ASARO MUD-FAMILY PERFORMANCE ART &  JAPANESE WISHING TREE

.

.

.

.

.

“The Pupppeteer” – The Cutting of the Strings. – A poem by Alison (Tribal) Brierley

.

The Puppeteer

 

Dear tiny, frail old lady

Dear gentle little thing

Quiet, unsuspecting Ring Leader

The Matriarch

The Manipulator

The Puppeteer

Pulling her Puppet’s strings

 .

A Puppet for every Occasion…

The Carer

The Administrator

The Cook

The Cleaner

The Doctor

The Agony Aunt

The Rottweiler

The Executioner

 .

All of these puppets

eager to fight back at something

that gives their dull lives some purpose.

That gives them a chance to be Nobel.

“Knights in Shining Armour”.

. 

A Knight to Defend the Weak and Helpless

Avenging their own Private Tortures

Redemption from their own Pain, Shame and Guilt

their own Childhood Scaring

Repeating their Karma

These Jailers of the Feminine Essence.

. 

The Puppeteer cries…

Stand to attention Puppets

Your Strings are being Pulled.

It is Time to do her Bidding.

Her Dirty Work.

It is time to Rescue the Old Princess.

. 

“Go Forth” Puppets and Punish the Beast

“Go Forth” and Tame the Dragon

…Burn the Witch

… Behead the Gorgon

…Cage the Phoenix

… Rape the Goddess

Tear her limb from limb

Before She Shines Light on Your Shadows

Before She Mirrors your Dark and Painful Truths.

 . 

Feel Good that you defended the old lady

Feel Good that justice has been served.

You Saved Her.

This Poor little Sparrow

The Bird with Broken Wings

Too frail and fragile

too lazy to do her own bidding

and stand up for Herself.

 .

Victim of her own Fear and Suffering

Her Dark and Painful Truths

Victim of her own childhood scarring

Helpless, frightened little thing.

Doesn’t know how to fend for herself….

.

The Puppeteer cries

and the Puppets spring to attention.

. 

You see….

. 

This Daughter had had enough

This Witch too Wise to have her Strings Pulled anymore.

This Gorgon too Fierce to be Forced into Submission.

This Phoenix too Free to be Caged.

She Said “NO” so best she be punished

Untameable Wild Thing.

Banished.

Blamed

Bullied.

Best they take her head

This shining light

This mirror that shows them

the Ugliness in their own Hearts.

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Little do you know “Puppets”

You have inadvertently Freed the Goddess from her Prison

Gave Her Permission to Escape

Break the Chains

You are the Scissors that cut the Apron Strings

The Knife that cut the Umbilical Cord

You Severed the Slavery to the Matrilineal Line,

…of  Patrilinal Doctrine.

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You Assisted in her Personal Healing

Her Personal Growth

Helped her Overcome and Grow

Do the Work

Heal the Mother Wound

Become Bigger

Wiser

A more Amazing Mother

No more a Slave to that Linear Curse

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By Alison (Tribal) Brierley

(2015)

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THE ROADKILL CONNOISSEUR – FERAL FUSION – “Southern Fried Squirrel” and “Squirrel Pot-Sticker Dumplings” or the MUNCHIES TV Channel

 THE ROADKILL CONNOISSEUR

Making the most of two squirrels!!

“Southern Fried Squirrel”

& “Squirrel Pot-Sticker Dumplings”.

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Recipes and methods:

“Squirrel Pot-Sticker Dumplings”.

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These pot-sticker dumplings – also called ‘Gyoza’ – are a bit of a fusion signature dish of mine as they are quick to make, use only one pan and can contain tiny portions of ingredients.  Great if what you have to cook is small like a crow, magpie or tiny mammal.

Ingredients:

1 x roadkill squirrel (meat only for this recipe)
Small handful of shredded Chinese Cabbage

few sprigs of coriander and chives
1 x Spring Onion
2cm Ginger
1x tsp Sesame Oil
1 x Clove Garlic
Approx 16 Gyoza Skins (bought frozen from the Asian supermarket)

For the frying pan
A tspn of Sesame Oil
Enough hot water to cover the dumplings half way up.

 Dipping Sauce:
1 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Saki
1 tspn Mirin
Sprig of coriander and a chilli to garnish (optional)

Method:

Skin squirrel then remove as much meat as possible from the bones and mince with a sharp knife. It’s fiddly work!  Chop vegetables, blend all dumpling ingredients together and let stand for 10 minutes to allow flavours to mix.  The dipping sauce can be made whilst the dumplings are cooking, simply blend ingredients together and garnish!

Add mixture to dumpling cases and form a tight seal at the edges.This method uses the fry and steam method and will take about 14 minutes per batch of around eight dumplings. Heat the pan, drizzle the oil over the base, and when hot, add the dumplings flat side down.  Add water and cover the dumplings half way up their sides. Place a tight fitting lid on the pan and turn down the heat to medium – simmer and steam.  Remove lid when water has completely evaporated and fry for a minute more and remove when their bottoms are golden brown.  Serve crispy side up.  There you have it!  Easy peasy, Tufty-Tastic, “Squirrel Pot-sticker Dumplings”.

Next….

“Southern Fried Squirrel”

Ingredients:

1 x roadkill squirrel

Sprig of coriander and a chilli to garnish (optional)

For the wash
1/4 pint of water
Squirt of your favourite chilli sauce!

For the flour
1 x tspn corn flour
1 tspn salt
1 tspn pepper
1 tspn garlic powder

For the frying pan
Enough oil or lard to shallow fry

Method:

Remove legs from skinned squirrel.  Marinate in the chilli wash for 10 minutes.  Heat the pan and oil ready for frying.  Remove squirrel legs from wash and coat thoroughly in flour mix.  Add to hot oil and fry on a medium heat, not too hot, until cooked through and golden brown.  Drain on a piece of kitchen roll.  Serve with garnish.

They are also delicious dipped in the dipping sauce recipe used for squirrel Pot-Sticker Dumplings.  Other small animal legs, wings or strips of meat can be substituted for this recipe!

Cleaning up:

Don’t waste the squirrel!  Boil the carcass to make a Squirrel Soup stock.  The skin can also be preserved to make a little squirrel skin rug.

So please do try these two delicious recipes…. they truly are the “Squirrels Bollocks”! lol

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“Southern Fried Squirrel”

& “Squirrel Pot-Sticker Dumplings”.

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A ‘How to’ film for the MUNCHIES food Channel.

I spent a very pleasurable half day with two guys from VICE / Freemantle Media UK making a show for their “How to…” series.

MUNCHIES chronicles the wide spectrum of the global culinary experience. They liked how I combine roadkill with various forms of cookery styles and ingredients and asked if I would cook for the show. I enjoyed links to the other episodes so said yes!

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I made two of my “Feral Fusion” recipes using squirrel – “Southern Fried Squirrel” & “Squirrel Pot-Sticker Dumplings”.  They were very tasty and the show is pretty funny, lol.

 

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RAISING THE SKIRT 2-15 – PERSONAL COVER LETTER

“Raising The Skirt 2015″

Thrilled to be one of this years participants.

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I was drawn to a previous posting of the first RAISING OF THE SKIRT (in 2014) months ago and was compelled to Google further.  I found a website and read and listened with tears in my eyes and on my cheeks to some of the Odes to our beloved Cunts.  They resonated deeply.  Once again I realised that despite plenty of personal growth work already, I still owed my precious vagina so much more.

So when a “Call For Participants” popped onto my radar I sat bolt upright and started typing.  I sent in my CV and cover letter the artist Nicola Canavan, introducing myself and my story….  I was chosen.  I was delighted and I felt vitalized.

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(Taken from my initial Cover Letter to Nicola…)

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It saddens me to say that I hated my Yoni for years.  I blamed her for being useless, for hurting all the time, for ruining my relationships.  Despite feeling pain and discomfort whilst making love and for days after I wanted to please my previous partners in bed.  I believed this was simply because I loved them but more subconsciously it was because I was afraid to ‘lose’ them.  Then, after over 20 years of gynaecological issues, and all the ‘head crap’ that goes with it, I was cured!!  Well, almost, lol.  The medical profession can only take healing so far, the rest has to come from within.  This was in 2001.

The true healing of my heart, mind and yoni began in 2007 when I left a huge chunk of my previous life behind and spent an entire year shacked up in my studio, single and loving it!  I documented my inward journeying in a variety of media.  I explored old fears and patterned behaviours, new ideas, people, places and opportunities.  I began consciously “Healing My Temple Door”.

But how do you discipline yourself into opening and surrendering to love when you are hurt, afraid, or angry?  I began to practice.  Slowly I began to love my body again.  I read some fantastic books.  I delved deeply into death and the archetypal psyche of truly wild and witchy women.  I discovered ‘me’ again and so much more.

So, whilst in the sanctuary of my studio, after over two decades of frustration, fear and failed relationships I felt ‘fixed’ enough to be confident and powerful about my budding and belated sexuality!  I boldly decided to make my exciting journey public.  It took a lot of courage to ‘come out’ with regard to my sexual history and private mental tortures.  So many of us suffer as a result of poor sexual health, trauma and the pressures of conforming to a skewed and outdated socio-cultural model of what it is to be an ‘acceptable’ woman’.  I wanted to reach out, seek and include others who have experienced similar; women (and men) who actively want to heal heart, mind and yoni, to dissolve the collective female ‘pain-body’.

I have always been a ‘pusher of boundaries’ and have done some extraordinary things in my lifetime.  I love my life.  I have been a beacon for many women.  I still however struggle with deep-seated low self-esteem issues despite outwardly being incredibly confident and fearless.

Now I am in a solid, sexual and spiritual relationship.  I am still encouraged to be all that I can be.  I still feel the need to know and work on myself from time to time, especially since I have recently started the MENOPAUSE!

Now I face a new challenge.  I have searched for a suitable vehicle to take me on this deeper journey of personal growth but struggle to find ‘non fluffy’ events, workshops or like minded women that can facilitate them.  Then I found this event.  I can’t explain my excitement.  Is this the vehicle for me?  Whatever the decision, I will continue on my path and continue to grow.  I am simply happy that these events exist, and that transgressive female artists and other exceptional and empowered women are no longer burned at the stake for breaking out of our patriarchal constraints.

 

Thank you so much for your gifts and of the ‘Raising the Skirts’ dear Nicola. Viva Vaginas!! Lol.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Alison Brierley. (8^th May 2015)

 

 

 
1. A ‘gentle’ introduction to my taxidermy work, lol. “The Story of the Testicle Earrings!” –
https://alisonbrierley.wordpress.com/blog/

2. “KALI’S PANTS – AKA – NICE BEAVER” – SHAMANIC SHAKTI BEAVER MERKIN – https://alisonbrierley.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/kalis-pants-aka-nice-beaver-shamanic-shakti-beaver-merkin-yoni-art/

3. “HERNE’S HORN” – This was debuted at a festival, as are many of my performance pieces… it explored the masculine nature of women. It was a piece in response to ‘Kali’s Pants’ (Beaver Merkin) which explored and exaggerated the darker feminine aspects of the female psyche, Vagina Dentata and Kali. The horn is rhino and symbolises the lengths we have to go to be regarded as an equal… ie: grow our own cock! lol.

4. “THE ‘HAREY’ PURSE” – SHAMANIC ROADKILL FERTILITY FETISH OBJECT – Made from a hares head and various found and recycled objects.

5. SHEELA-NA-GIGS – Ancient fertility paintings and lino cuttings using placenta blood.   https://alisonbrierley.wordpress.com/2014/04/25/sheela-na-gig-placental-blood-lino-printing-fertlity-art/

 
6.  “Healing The Temple Door” – A Journey of Self Realisation and The Return of “Libido” – A POEM! (WARNING – EXPLICIT)
https://alisonbrierley.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/healing-my-temple-door-a-journey-of-self-realisation-and-the-return-of-libido-a-poem/

 

7. “My MASSIVE Vagina” aka “My Purring Pussy” aka “Festive Fadge” aka “The Temple Door” – A few years ago a giant vulva that graced a red tent opening.  My intention was to create a safe healing area/ re-birthing womb space for women to discuss issues around vaginas, heart and sex. It debuted however a ‘hobbit’ size honey moon suite for some dear friends at their Hand Fasting.  It was also used in the evening to ‘collar’ a few blokes we thought were total ‘cunts’ for a bit of Gurning… It hangs on the dining room wall at the moment. It was decorated in tinsel at Christmas and now has a loud purring and meowing mechanism installed.  Last week it was used for a Beltane ritual at a Rent Tent gathering.

8.   “POLARITY” – Cernunnos and The Bringer Of Light to Dark Places – AKA – The Horned Lord and the Witch. FERTILITY ART
https://alisonbrierley.wordpress.com/2014/09/18/polarity-cernunnos-and-the-bringer-of-light-to-dark-places-aka-the-horned-lord-and-the-witch-fertility-art/

9.  PLACENTA PABULUM – ART & COOKERY & COMMISSIONS – “Even before I became pregnant, I knew that I would do something special with it”.  https://alisonbrierley.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/preoccupied-with-placentas-10-experimental-adventures-making-beautiful-things-from-placenta-placenta-art-cookery/

10.  “MENOPAUSE” – Crow Woman – “I grow my black wings and scream in silence, stand back or I may tear out your soft throat with my teeth and paint my lips with your hot red blood”.   This is my latest work, drawn just last week.  Two poems accompany her but they are yet to be tweaked. I am in the process of collecting menstrual blood using a moon cup to paint the finsihed portrait.