We commonly have energetic or emotional connections (aka a “cord”) with others that no longer serve us. This practice severs the cord that connects you to a person, or persons from whom release is needed. It is not uncommon to be unaware of detrimental cords.

As an Ordained Minister in combination with his training, Rites & Initiations, Tom can preside over all sorts of ceremonies such as retreats, weddings, baptisms, funerals, house blessings and many other types of spiritual events. We can combine much of what you see here and/or get creative.

Shamanic practice of healing and integrating one’s body, mind, and spirit to make this transition easier. The method helps the spirit learn to move between the seen and unseen worlds leaving no energy or life force trapped in the physical body. This is in contrast to how a priest seals off entry points to / exit points from the physical body during religious last rites.

This tradition engages at the soul level and allows participants to show gratitude for the guidance of the spiritual world. As the shaman places offerings into the despacho mandala, participants focus their intentions, transforming the circle into a living prayer. It is a pledge to the natural world and a commitment to harmony, love and gratitude. 

Despachos can be created for various reasons: receive guidance, repel negativity, blessing a new home, welcoming a baby, etc. Once completed, the paper is folded and tied into a bundle then buried or burned. (If burned, the participants must turn their backs to the fire until the despacho is gone.)

In indigenous societies throughout the world, elders bestow the tradition of gathering around a fire with love and the intent to heal both themselves and each other.  It is a space to release what no longer serves us and also to manifest dreams into reality. 

The fire ceremony's purpose and dedications can range from personal to ancestral, to guides and guardians or anything of nature such as the earth or full moon. A fire ceremony can be part of another ritual or the main event, typically ending with the participants communing over a potluck meal.

This practice helps us to honor and celebrate a physical body loss such as a hysterectomy, mastectomy, circumcision, vasectomy, amputation, etc. Regardless of the level of choice in the matter, we can reclaim power and gain relief from grief. We may incorporate fire, individual eulogies and meditations for gratitude, self love, acceptance, forgiveness, etc. Each ceremony ends with the circle breaking bread via potluck. It is recommended that counseling occurs with your trusted therapist both before and after this practice.

A home blessing or clearing ceremony is an ancient tradition that consecrates a home. The purpose is to pray for the inhabitants, their lineage, and heritage, asking for blessings for the past, present, and future.  As the home is an extension of the self and/or family, these ceremonies are typically invoked to welcome a new chapter or honor an ending.