Ceremonies
Join us at ikal for a special event!
blue lotus ceremony
spring equinox
In our Spring Equinox Blue Lotus ceremony, we honor both the ancient wisdom of this sacred plant and the cosmic alignment that marks Earth's renewal. The Spring Equinox represents the perfect balance between darkness and light, a powerful threshold moment when the natural world awakens from winter's slumber. This day is celebrated across cultures as Earth's New Year—a time of planting seeds, both literal and metaphorical.
As we gather during potent portal, we will work with blue lotus in various forms such as teas, oils, the lotus seed, and more as our spiritual ally for manifesting our deepest intentions. The blue lotus's journey from mud to blossom perfectly mirrors the Equinox energy of emergence and renewal. Just as the flower transforms murky waters into exquisite beauty, we use this ceremony to transform our dormant dreams into conscious creations.
about blue lotus
The sacred blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), revered by ancient Egyptians as a divine flower of transformation and spiritual awakening, emerges from depths of muddy waters to open its luminescent blue petals in the light - a powerful metaphor for the journey of self-healing and consciousness expansion. This lotus was so central to Egyptian spirituality that it appears abundantly in temple art and hieroglyphics, often depicted as an offering to the divine spirits.
Beyond Egypt, the lotus flower holds profound significance across numerous spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, the lotus represents purity, enlightenment, and the journey to awakening—Buddha himself is often depicted seated on a lotus throne, symbolizing spiritual unfoldment and the rise from the muddy waters of attachment to the clarity of enlightenment.
In Hinduism, the lotus often represents creation and prosperity arising from primordial waters. This universal connection to enlightenment and the lotus across diverse ancient cultures speaks to its inherent power as a symbol of transcendence and spiritual evolution.
Physically, the flower contains gentle compounds that have been traditionally worked with to relax the nervous system and create a subtle euphoric effect.
Prior to reserving your spot, please review and complete our consent form HERE to ensure you aren’t experiencing anything that would affect your ability to participate.
Come join us at IKAL Thursday, march 20 7:00PM - 9:30pm
about the ceremonialist
Shaina Garfield is a Death Doula, Grief Coach, Ceremonialist, and the founder of Leaves With You. With her devotion to the sacred continuum of life and death, she extends compassionate support to all beings navigating the dying and grieving processes. Her mission is to cultivate a profound connection with the Earth and the Divine, fostering harmony within the web of life.
Shaina’s approach is deeply rooted in ritual, which she believes is essential for transforming grief, reclaiming spirit, and honoring the profound mystery of death. She offers group and individual grief sessions, handcrafts natural macrame coffins, plans and facilitates pre and post-death funerary rituals, and more. Her services are not only for the dying but also for those who experience losses of all kinds throughout life.
In addition to these services, Shaina provides an array of nurturing offerings including Blue Lotus Ceremonies, Rose Healings, Art Therapy, and Sound Healing. Through her heartfelt work, Shaina Garfield is reshaping the way we honor and embrace the cycles of life and death.
