Behind the Session - Samantha’s Initiation
Sometimes, the ways we create together change me on a soul level. And this Initiation Ceremony was, without a doubt, one of those times.
This session changed how I approach all my future Initiation Ceremony sessions and co-creation entirely.
Samantha and I had been acquainted through mutual community for several years before connecting directly a few years ago. Our connection was instant, and I immediately knew Samantha was a forever soul sibling. We bonded deeply over many things including a profound and shared love for movement, authenticity, and plant medicine.
After a few months of growing our friendship, Samantha booked their Initiation Ceremony, and I instantly knew it was an experience that would forever change me.
And wow, friend. We went deep.
We chatted beforehand about the creative vision that wanted to come through based on where they were at in their life. Early in our conversation, it was clear there was a palpable energy of rebirth present, which meant that this Ceremony absolutely needed a water element.
It also became clear how deeply significant community connection is to Samantha, so we knew we desired to find a way to include other folks in a part of the experience.
After brainstorming the creative soul of their Initiation, we brought it all into the body through a guided movement ceremony. Samantha and I met virtually, and I lead them through an intentional somatic movement journey. We tapped into the deepest, purest truth in Samantha's body that tied into our creative and energetic intention for their Ceremony. Not only did this give Samantha a physical conversation to move through and resolve, but it also gave them specific body-based cues to come back to during the photographic part of our session to help bring an even deeper level of emotion and intentionality to the imagery we created together.
On the day of their Initiation, we met in the woods at the most gorgeous and serene spot in New Hampshire. Passing moss-covered rocks with every step, we followed the short trail to the small waterfall that flows into a pond and began.
We began with an opening ceremony. Deep breaths together, lighting candles and incense creating a small mandala, and Samantha pulling some tarot cards. From there, the magick flowed freely for the next two hours. An hour in, a crew of Samantha's dearest friends showed up, and we all got into the water.
Friend, I don't have words for the power of what unfolded throughout the final hour. The images below will have to speak for themselves.
We wrapped the shoot as the sun was setting with a loud howl and group hug, each of us soaking wet from the pond water and filled to the brim with joy.
“Wow. I am in awe. Thank you for seeing me, my friend. I am speechless, this cocreation was everything to me!!”
Years ago, when the idea for the Initiation Ceremony session offering came to me, I thought it was too 'out there', too weird, too wild, and that no one would 'get it'.
Every time someone books an Initiation Ceremony, I remember how foolish of me to ever believe that doubtful voice in my head.
This Initiation helped me to remember the power of intentionality. To remember the power of following our gut, our heart, our soul. It reminded me of the power of movement, and connecting the body to what we're experiencing emotionally and mentally. It reminded me of the power of gathering in community. It reminded me how much it matters to be seen and held in all of our authentic magick, whatever that looks like for you.