Celebrating the Divine Feminine: Rituals and Practices for Nurturing the Soul

Celebrating the Divine Feminine: Rituals and Practices for Nurturing the Soul by founder, SarahNicole In honoring the divine Feminine, we can draw inspiration from the ancient rituals and practices of the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, also known as North America. These original peoples held a deep reverence for the Earth, the cycles of nature, and the sacred Feminine energy that permeates all of existence. By exploring their Indigenous rituals, we can tap into a profound connection with the divine Feminine and nurture our souls in transformative ways.  One powerful ritual practiced by the Indigenous peoples is the Sweat Lodge ceremony. This sacred ceremony involves entering a small, dark lodge heated by stones and engaging in prayer, song, and purification through sweat. The Sweat Lodge ceremony is a deeply spiritual experience that allows individuals to reconnect with the elements, the ancestors, and the divine Feminine energy that resides within and around us. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of our bodies, our connection to the Earth, and the importance of purification and healing. My first sweat lodge was during my trip Red Lake Treaty Camp where I went to stand with the Water Protectors against line 3, the largest and most toxic tar sands pipeline ever to lay in our sacred lands. During this sweat lodge I experienced a purging within my Spirit like never before. I was silent, screamed, and sobbed. I also felt this deep, unexplainable connection to all my brothers and sisters around me. Traditionally men and women were kept separate, but some medicine people allow them to coexist.  Another practice rooted in our Indigenous traditions is the Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel is a symbolic representation of the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of all things. It consists of four directions, each associated with different elements, seasons, and aspects of life. By working with the Medicine Wheel, individuals can tap into the wisdom of the divine feminine and cultivate balance, harmony, and alignment within themselves and with the natural world. It is a powerful tool for self-reflection, healing, and spiritual growth. This is something that we focus on in our “Warrior” course.  Indigenous drumming circles are also significant in celebrating the Divine Feminine and nurturing the soul. Drumming is a sacred practice that invokes the heartbeat of Mother Earth and connects individuals to their own rhythms and inner wisdom. In drumming circles, participants come together to create a unified heartbeat, fostering a sense of community, harmony, and reverence for the Divine Feminine energy. Drumming circles provide a space for personal expression, spiritual connection, and the celebration of the interconnectedness of all beings. The drum is with us always, beginning conception at the heartbeat of our mother, to then developing a heart beat of your own. This ongoing rhythm keeps us grounded here on Earth.  The practice of smudging is another Indigenous ritual that can be incorporated into our lives to honor the Divine Feminine. Smudging involves burning sacred herbs, such as sage, cedar, or sweetgrass, to purify and cleanse oneself and the surrounding space. It is a ritual of prayer, gratitude, and intention-setting. Through smudging, individuals can release stagnant energy, invite healing and balance, and create a sacred atmosphere that nurtures the soul and honors the Divine Feminine essence within. I remember when I was given my first braid of sweetgrass was after we had built Teepees on the capital grounds of Minnesota. My hands shook with gratitude. It’s delicate smell filled my lungs with a light and soothing feeling.  By embracing these Indigenous rituals and practices, we can celebrate the divine Feminine and nurture our souls in profound ways. Let us honor the wisdom of the original peoples of Turtle Island, acknowledging their profound connection to the Earth, their reverence for the cycles of life, and their celebration of the divine feminine energy that flows through all of existence. By incorporating these rituals into our lives, we can deepen our connection with the sacred, foster healing and transformation, and embrace the nurturing power of the divine feminine within ourselves and in our relationship with the world around us. Where do your people come from? What medicines did/do they use? I encourage you to find out and sit with them! One micro shift at a time.  At Free the Feminine our boudoir photography and empowerment company is dedicated to helping you embrace your authentic beauty, celebrate your strength, and ignite your inner power. Through our transformative photography experiences, we invite you to step into a realm of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and empowerment. It is our belief that every individual possesses a unique story, a radiant essence, and a reservoir of untapped strength.  Now is the time to honor yourself, to shed the layers of doubt and societal expectations, and to stand in your truth. Join us on this empowering journey of self-discovery, as we capture your essence and help you see the beauty that has always resided within you. Embrace the transformative power of boudoir photography and embark on a path of self-love, empowerment, and celebration.  It’s time to unleash the extraordinary being that you are. Book your session with us today and let us capture the essence of your divine beauty. Together, we will create images that not only inspire and uplift you but also serve as a powerful reminder of your limitless potential. Embrace your journey to empowerment and let your light shine through the lens of our empowering boudoir photography experiences. Ready for more?! Let’s connect! [email protected]

150 years of Warrior Women

150 Years of Warrior Women by founder, SarahNicole Over the past 150 years, the world has witnessed the incredible strength and resilience of warrior women, particularly those from indigenous communities. Indigenous women have played a vital role in the fight for land rights, cultural preservation, and social justice, leaving an indelible mark on history. From the late 19th century onwards, Indigenous warrior women emerged as powerful voices for their communities. Women like Sarah Winnemucca, a Northern Paiute activist, tirelessly advocated for the rights of Indigenous peoples in the United States, highlighting the injustices they faced and demanding change. One woman who speaks volumes to me is Kizh/Tongva Native, Toypurina. She played a crucial role in resisting Spanish colonization in Southern California. As a medicine woman and spiritual leader, Toypurina led a rebellion against the Spanish presence, seeking to reclaim and protect her ancestral lands. Her bravery and leadership inspired her people, and her actions left a lasting impact on the indigenous communities of the region. Toypurina’s legacy serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Tongva people in the face of adversity, and her story continues to be celebrated as a symbol of indigenous resistance and empowerment. Throughout the 20th century, Indigenous warrior women continued to lead the way. Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, transformed her community through her leadership, prioritizing education, healthcare, and self-governance. In Australia, activists such as Faith Bandler fought for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, working towards equality and recognition. In recent decades, Indigenous warrior women have been at the forefront of environmental activism. Vandana Shiva (Check out her website for an extraordinary documentary), an Indian environmentalist, has fought against destructive practices and advocated for sustainable agriculture, recognizing the deep connection between land and indigenous cultures. Winona LaDuke, an Anishinaabe activist, has dedicated her life to protecting tribal lands and promoting renewable energy. I (SarahNicole) have had the pleasure of not only meeting Winona LaDuke, but also laying the foundation for her home on Madeline Island. While also on island, I had the incredible honor of smoking a pipe with her, Paul Demain, and some others, in ceremony with a sacred blend of tobacco.  Warrior women have existed, exist, and will continue to exist. The warrior spirit is undeniably present in some. I, myself, align with this Spirit immensely which is why I have built out the “Warrior” intensive program. These warrior women have not only fought for their own communities but have also been powerful advocates for Indigenous peoples worldwide. They have brought attention to issues such as cultural appropriation, colonization, and the preservation of traditional knowledge. Their courage and determination have inspired generations of Indigenous women to reclaim their heritage, challenge injustices, and assert their rightful place in society. The last 150 years have seen Indigenous warrior women rise as powerful forces for change, advocating for land rights, cultural preservation, and social justice. Their contributions have been instrumental in raising awareness about Indigenous issues (which is really ALL people’s issues), empowering their communities, and challenging the dominant narratives. The legacy of these warrior women continues to inspire and guide the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and the recognition of their vital contributions to the world.  Whether you are Indigenous to Turtle Island, or elsewhere in the world, here at Free Feminine we encourage you to connect with your roots, the warriors in your history, and continue their power forward in your own life.  At Free the Feminine our boudoir photography and empowerment company is dedicated to helping you embrace your authentic beauty, celebrate your strength, and ignite your inner power. Through our transformative photography experiences, we invite you to step into a realm of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and empowerment. It is our belief that every individual possesses a unique story, a radiant essence, and a reservoir of untapped strength.  Now is the time to honor yourself, to shed the layers of doubt and societal expectations, and to stand in your truth. Join us on this empowering journey of self-discovery, as we capture your essence and help you see the beauty that has always resided within you. Embrace the transformative power of boudoir photography and embark on a path of self-love, empowerment, and celebration.  It’s time to unleash the extraordinary being that you are. Book your session with us today and let us capture the essence of your divine beauty. Together, we will create images that not only inspire and uplift you but also serve as a powerful reminder of your limitless potential. Embrace your journey to empowerment and let your light shine through the lens of our empowering boudoir photography experiences. Are you ready to find the power within you?  Ready for more?! Let’s connect! [email protected]

How It Started – FreeFeminine

How It Started – FreeFeminine by founder, SarahNicole For as long as I can remember, I’ve been standing on my own feet, proudly sporting a seriously independent spirit.  It manifested in many different ways, but the seed was planted during my childhood years in a divorced and highly dysfunctional household that was defined by integrity, transparency, honor, but also, an undeniable undercurrent of tension and deep pain.  At age 14 everything came to a head. After an emotionally draining weekend visiting my father  (our relationship has always been rocky) for Christmas and New Years, I returned to my mom (my forever best friend) and was struck with a feeling that something was wrong. I didn’t know how wrong it really would be. My mother battled fibromyalgia, depression, and constant pain from bulging discs in her spine. I watched as my mother’s light slowly dwindled with each pill she took. The pain was too much for her to bear and unexpectedly, my mother took her own life on New Years Day, overdosing with pills. Even at 14 years old,  when I didn’t fully understand what or why this tragedy was happening, I knew I had to dig deep and stand tall. At that moment, I realized the only person I could depend on was myself.  For the next 5 years through school, various jobs, and beyond, I became an expert at putting on any and every mask that would make me feel safe enough to belong – even just for a minute. I jumped between various friend groups, interests, passions, and living situations. I became an expert at over-occupying my time and energy so I didn’t have to feel and look at the true pain that was buried below the surface. I was a seemingly well rounded person, excelling in sports and academics, but was developing an addiction to alcohol, battlling depression, and anxiety.  I tried to distract myself from my physical, emotional, and spiritual pain well into my 20s. I struggled with my fair share of narcissistic relationships, several questionable living situations (one ending in the tenant drawing a gun on his girlfriend), debt, codependency, near homelessness (sleeping in a car), anxiety, abuse, terrifying self-talk, PTSD, trauma, and emotional repression… just to name a few.  But the harder I worked to fill the holes with outside influences, the more empty and alone I really felt. It was only through total surrender that I found myself at the foot of a mountain of brutal honesty. What I was doing, my way of thinking, how I dealt with my emotions and the past simply weren’t working.  Are you ready to find the power within you?  Let’s walk hand in hand through the highs and lows, as we rediscover your inner strength and rewrite your narrative. It is my greatest joy to see people owning their power in full force. As a survivor of abusive and narcisstic be In your transformational coaching session we will start from the roots up, repolishing and reframing our inner voices while creating soul serving systems that actually serve us.  Let’s uncover the limitless potential that lies within you. 💫 What’s one self-love practice that has helped you reconnect?🌟 [email protected]