Jassy Watson
Queensland, Australia
I invite participants at all of my workshops to join in Red Thread Ceremony as I not only believe, but know deeply, that it is a most profound way to connect the group and prompt them to think sincerely about their purpose and intention. There have been many powerful moments, but one that stands out is a Paint Your Muse workshop I held for a group of teenage girls aged between 12 & 15. I had not committed fully to including it in this particular workshop, as I wanted to ‘feel’ into the energy of the group. We were all brand new to each other, most of the girls had never met and it was the first time meeting me in the studio. After our introductions and a discussion about the day I decided that YES! We were going to NEED the RED THREAD. I could sense anxiety and knew that calling a circle was going to help alleviate that. Inviting them into ceremony would act as a connector. If it went how I envisioned, the girls would see that they were all feeling the same – a little anxious, nervous and self-conscious.
None of them had ever participated in a circle discussion, let alone a Red Thread Ceremony. I explained some of the myths and legends behind it, why I do it at all my classes and how it would work for us in the context of the work we were doing that day. I did receive a few uncertain looks, especially when I mentioned how great it would be if everyone could share a word or a line about their intention for the day. With each passing of the thread from one girl to the next, I could see and feel each of them relax. Smiles lit up faces, postures altered, shoulders dropped and all were brave enough to speak up. Through this shared experience a bond was formed. A space of safety was created and they intuitively knew that they were going to be able to express themselves freely in the group under my gentle guidance.
I told the girls that they too could share this experience with others: With friends at school or with family. I told them a Red Thread Circle could be called at any time, for any reason. Many of the girls have returned for more classes at the studio and I always smile when I see them still wearing their piece of the Red Thread.
What I have come to know through all the Red Thread Ceremonies I have called, is that there is a profound awakening and a deep re-membering of what it feels like and what it means to be in a sacred circle of women.
Jassy Watson, who lives on the sub-tropical coast of Queensland Australia, is a Mother of four, passionate organic gardener, Intuitive/Visionary & Community Artist, Teacher, Intentional Creativity Coach and a student of Ancient History and Religion at Macquarie University, Sydney. She is the Creatress of Goddesses Garden, Studio & Gallery; a school for the Sacred Creative Arts. Jassy teaches regular painting workshops in person, nationally and internationally, and online based around themes that explore myth, history, earth connection and the Goddess. Regular creative events and presentations are also held that have included visits from international scholars, artists and musicians.
