It’s not always clear to me why I choose to give a certain peace pipe or sacred box to someone. If I know the person’s spirit animal or totem then it’s sort of a no-brainer. Other times it seems just part of the “I-thou” relationship and spiritual process contained within my particular craft/healing art. I like that there is something in my life that is mindful and creative but without too much planning or conscious thought. Somewhat like “free association” in psychoanalysis I just let the choice come to me and listen to what my inner voice has to say about it.  Joede’s pipe and box today were a mixture of both. I know Joede is all about dragonflies, so the box I stumbled upon in my collection was right, even tho my rational mind started jabbering with neurotic thoughts like, “But that box is too big! She wont be able to take it back home to Chicago or to her place in Arizona”.  I just told my “inner neurotic” to shut the fuck up. The pipe I selected for her was somewhat surprising, even to me. It was an first generation CaptainCliff tribal peace pipe with bamboo, fabric scraps, and an interesting stem and custom pipe holder. I see Joede as not only a gifted healer and a spiritual person but also as an inspiring female role model with an unusual amount of creative energy, organizational ability, direction, and purpose. In terms of being a “doer” and a “straight-shooter” she reminds me of my father who just passed away and as my eulogy reflected (but probably wasn’t understood by many people) Joede represents the opposite energy of my often conflicted/disorganized ADHD personality. My father loved Joede very much. The bamboo peace pipe’s stand was a found object I adapted and has a triangular arrowhead shape connoting a clear sense of “direction”. It also suggests the right or moral way to go. in life.  Knowing Joede, I suspect the right way is the path with heart, with love, and with personal integrity and passion. I like that the peace pipe, a universal symbol of peace and spirituality is standing on a base that implies the importance of taking direct action, purpose, and especially unity.

In Kabbalah it says we “give by receiving” and we also “receive by giving”.  By giving to Joede this piece of intentional art, I also receive the empowering energy of my lifelong connection to her and the deeper qualities that the ritual object represents. Of course if you wanted to you could also smoke pot in the pipe and get pretty high. We are all unique beings and therefore so are the various artistic forms and creative expressions we choose to sooth, heal, and strengthen both self and others and in so doing create reciprocal energy and intention.