June 2019: “ENOUGH!” I am shouting. “Enough of saying yes when I mean no. Enough of the voices of women being silenced. Enough of the bodies of women not being honoured. Enough of the Goddess being written out of the story. Because we need her, now more than ever.” The bright lights are on me as I prise apart a … Read More
‘Self Marriage’ – A Personal Ceremony
In this blog I’m delighted to introduce Holly, a creative young woman, who invited me to co-design and hold a personal ceremony of ‘commitment to self’ last month. This is her story, told in her words and mine. Holly: “In September, Jackie held a space for me to honour my relationship with myself. It was a ceremony of self-love, self-reliance … Read More
An Urban River Ritual
Every first Friday of the month, whatever the weather, I pack my bags with fire-lighting materials, don wellies and warm woollies and head down to the end of Meadow Lane to await a small troupe of like-minded folks, some carrying drums. We hop over a five bar gate and walk down through a neglected water meadow to a spot that … Read More
A Divorce Ritual
This year in my work as a celebrant I have had the great pleasure of presiding over two weddings and a civil partnership, all joyful and memorable occasions, and relationships I have faith in. However, much as we want to believe in ‘happy ever after’, sometimes a relationship comes to an end, just as a life ends, and if this … Read More