Wildhearts Ceremonies

Dear friends, if you have been paying attention, you will know that there are huge and important things going on in our communities and big things are being asked of those of us who have long benefitted from systems of racism and injustice. A lot of businesses have been making statements in support of the protesters and #BlackLivesMatter and I've felt reluctant to join the deluge because to me a whole lot of it has felt performative and opportunistic - another chance to get i...n on the zeitgeist of the moment. So instead of taking up space, over the past few weeks, I've been watching and listening and trying to learn about how to best show up as an anti-racist, queer, white settler and small business owner. And the truth is, I still don't know how best to do that. I don't have any big statement to make about it. For now I intend to continue to listen, learn from and support anti-racist BIPOC authors, educators and leaders. I will continue to hold the deep grief and righteous rage in my heart for all of the people affected by and lives lost to white supremacist violence. I will continue to work on unlearning my own racism and challenging the systems that benefit me at the cost of those with black and brown skin, immigrants and refugees and those who are Indigenous to this land. And I will continue to speak with my money and support causes that are important in my community. Last year my social action funds went to support a young African refugee being resettled in Canada. This year my funds will be used to support organizations challenging racism and white supremacy. Hit me up if you know of a good local BIPOC led anti-racism organization I can support. Oh yes, and of course I will continue to offer ceremonies that are inclusive and affirming for people of every race, culture, religion, gender and sexual identity and ability -because, as this badass couple shows, celebrating lives and love still matters, even in the midst of a revolution! https://www.vogue.com//wedding-black-lives-matter-protest-

I've been thinking a lot about how we can celebrate loved ones who may pass on during this pandemic, whether from the virus or from some other cause. I'm personally sitting with the possibility of not seeing my dad again, since he's at the palliative stage of a terminal illness and I don't know how long he, or this pandemic, will last. Will I get to visit him to say my goodbyes and gather with family to honour his life? I just don't know. But maybe this writer has something r...ight in asking us to consider celebrating those we love while they are still alive and able to receive our words. I will certainly consider this with my dad - it's been hard to know what to say to get to a deeper connection with him, to get past the familiar habits of talking about the weather and the pets and the kids. But maybe this is the key - letting him know what he means to me while he's still here. Have any of you done this? I'd love to hear how it went.

Goodness there is no much going on in the world right now, I don't even know where to start. For those of you who were planning a wedding or needing to honour a lost loved one and are unable to gather, I am truly sorry. For those who are struggling with all of the loss and change, I am with you. For those who may be feeling afraid and anxious, you are not alone. I am holding all of you in my heart. I am currently working on ways to support people through ceremony during this difficult time. Please watch here for offerings in the coming weeks and feel free to reach out to me if you have ideas for how ceremony could help you or your community during this time. I'd love to help make them a reality. May you be safe and well, dear ones and may we find our way through this to a more deeply connected and caring future. <3

#andreagibsonpoetry #lifelessons

I got this lovely thank you card in the mail awhile back from my first wedding clients last season. Yes, that is a real owl! #victoriawedding #hatleycastle #vancouverislandcelebrant #weddingofficiant #celebrant #coolestjobever