Celtic Medicine Doll Workshop
A felted medicine doll can be used as a tool of magic, for holding your intentions, used for ritual, meditation, & for connecting to the spirit world.
An Ancient Tradition
The discovery of medicine doll weaving triggered a deep reconnection to my ancestral heritage, and to a relative who made medicine dolls as well. Medicine dolls have been woven with the wisdom of the ancestors and nature’s healing power throughout history. They are talismans of spiritual energy and are vessels for healing. Traditionally they would have been made with natural materials such as cloth, wool, clay, and sticks. Centuries later, these dolls still convey the same powerful message of healing and hope. It is my intention to share their magic with you.
Creating Your Own Celtic Medicine Doll
You begin the process by connecting deeply with the Creator within. Your ancestors, guides, and sacred familiars will be invited to help you create your dream doll. In this class, you’ll learn how to needle felt, a soft sculpture technique using wool. We will explore medicine doll magic, pilgrimage, folklore, herblore, and techniques for gaining a deeper connection to intuition and your ancestors.
During the making of each medicine doll, it carries the energy and focus of your prayers, intentions, self-expressions, gratitude, and healing. Furthermore, they are a manifestation of your intention to change, clarify, and transform. Using wool, textiles, herbs, amulets, talismans, and sigils, you enter the liminal space between time and access wisdom, intuition, and ancestral knowledge. Plant and tree medicine energy will be used in each workshop, as well as Celtic Goddess energy.
The Process
A shamanic guided journey into the spirit realms will be part of the Sacred Circle where you give birth to your medicine doll. At the place of your ancestors, you will receive guidance and healing that will assist you in creating the medicine doll that is most appropriate to your needs. Before creating your medicine doll, you will journal with your vision.
Our next step is to create your own medicine bundle that holds your intentions. It is always this that starts the process with medicine dolls. She’ll be built up with natural fibres woven with a felting needle, and once completed you can hand-adorn your doll with flowers, herbs, stones, crystals, and beads. While a face will not be created, faint features may appear during the workshop.
Workshop Themes
As tools of magic and holding intentions, Celtic Medicine Dolls can be used in rituals, ceremonies, circles, and sacred spaces. In order to absorb your dreams, you can place her on your altar or near your pillow.
Dream Weaver
Draws on the energies of the Winter Solstice, a time for slowing down and reflection. The essence of this doll is to capture your dreams as you sleep.
Fire Weaver
Inspired by Imbolc, a fire festival, and Brigid’s energy. In essence, this doll is meant to capture your intentions and help you manifest your dreams.
Moon Weaver
Drawn from the energy of the moon goddesses, representing birth, nurturing, death, and rebirth. The Moon Weaver Medicine doll can enhance your moon magic spells.
Mother Earth Weaver
Working with the energies of the Summer Solstice, Mother Earth, the true creatrix, enhancing the powers of creativity, joy and abundance
Water Weaver
Connecting with the element of water and autumn. The element of spiritual awakening, intuition, psychic abilities, and healing.
Crone Weaver
Connecting with the energies of Samhain and the thinning of the veil to connect with your ancestors and enhancing the magic in your life
A Full Day Workshop
The space is open for four women and is located at my home in Havant, Hampshire. Please be aware that there will be a very friendly dog sharing the space with us. You will receive an email confirming the full address details, and any additional information, once you have purchased your ticket.
10:00 – 16:30 (approx)
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP
- Opening and closing ceremony
- Shamanic Guided meditation to meet your ancestors
- Reflective creative journaling practice
- Oracle card guidance
- Step-by-step needle felting tutorial
- Wool and Needle Felting Tools are supplied for the class
- Herbs, dried flowers, crystals, feathers, charms
- Snacks, beverages, and a light vegan lunch
- A blessing ritual for your medicine doll
WHAT YOU CAN BRING:
- The ability to be open-minded and curious
- You are welcome to decorate your doll with small adornments and/or nature items that you have collected
- Wear whatever makes you comfortable. It’s a relaxed, casual setting.
- You are welcome to invite friends and family to join you!
ACCESSIBILITY: My wish is to make this course financially accessible for all, should you need to pay in installments, then please get in touch.