‘Mother of Grief’ - Jerri Shelton @ SacredSpiritWeavers.com - 2021
Mother of Grief
I created this needle felted Medicine Doll as a loving, heartfelt witness to my beloved friend who has been called to sit with the Dark Mother of Grief. During the summer of 2020, Luna’s only son Hunter died at the age of 21. There was no preparation. Only a sudden descent into profound grief and loss.
The Death Mother has drawn her deep down into an inner journey of Self discovery to uncover who she is now asked to become. Luna has chosen to openly share her journey through grief with all who care to listen and learn from her. She asks that we lean in and face death, no matter how far it takes us to the brink of our own descent through fear.
We have been taught for far too long to look away, shut down, not speak, not feel, not share, not reach out or even ask. Most of us don’t know how to be with or support someone who is going through such tragic pain and loss. It brings up our own discomfort. Death has a way of creating separation and isolation from those closest to us and within the community, even though it is the natural cycle of being alive.
Death Mother of Grief wears the color of orange as she most favors sitting in the second chakra sacral energy. This is where she finds the truth of her emotions, her creativity, sensitivity, sexuality, intimacy, emotional well-being and self-expression.
The spiraling cycle of life, love and death has become undeniable and we hear this in her keening heart song.
The porcupine offers its quills for boundaries and protection through this harrowing journey because her strength is vulnerable.
Her snakeskin is the shedding of her old self, before death came and demanded a rebirth.
Rabbit snuggles her neck, offering comfort and nurturing for the sadness and fear of the unknown.
Butterfly is gently released from her hand as a loving nod to Hunter, who is now seen in all the butterflies.
The baby she carries on her back has named her the Eternal Mother. With her and of Her till the end of time. The three garnet stones on her baby’s swaddle radiates the immense love between Mother, Child and Self.
Blessings and Love,
Jerri Lynn Shelton
Learn more about Luna Jaffe’s Journey through grief and loss @ Altered By Grief