MY EXPERIENCE TURNING THE WHEEL

For over 9,000 years the yarn, thread, ropes and cord we used were spun on this simple tool. Feel the connection to our ancient matrilineal line as you create one of the most essential materials to human evolution.

During my travels in the high Andes of Peru I often witnessed shepherd women walking down a mountain with their flocks, a baby strapped to their backs, spinning as they walked. 

Many indigenous cultures regarded (and still regard) spinning and weaving as a spiritual/mystical practice. Ritual clothing was often created in a highly charged environment where the spinner or the weaver worked in isolation to imbue their creation with sacred properties. 

Early on in my spinning practice I recognized the deep meditative state that it opened me to. Like the spinning whorl itself it centered and grounded my being. So I began taking my spindle or my spinning wheel nearly everywhere I went - camping, to the beach, on travels, or even just outside when the weather was beautiful or the sun was setting.

For me spinning is not about making yarn per se, but about a practice that calms my mind and infuses my spirit. It is this that I want to share with you. 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The ultimate goal of this class is to teach beginning spinners how to use the spindle, and to use it with enough skill and confidence to culminate in a group walking meditation. We will be learning and practicing at the beautiful Wind Walkers Medicine Wheel in Joshua Tree. Our final session will be spent walking the Animal Spirit Path. Our host, Abe Daniels, has agreed to set us off on our spiritual journey with a purification and blessing.

This is my first experience teaching spinning in this way and I'm excited to embark on this journey together. I promise that it will be memorable, enlightening and impart a skill that you’ll always carry with you.

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PLEASE BRING

Water, sun protection.

Light refreshments will be served.​​