pat's story
I have been a Missouri Ozark forest dweller working with herbal medicine and practicing shamanism for over five decades. I am the crafter of Willow Rain Herbal Goods made from the wild native plants of our Ozark mountain Sanctuary. My wreaths are also available at Green Door Art Gallery in Webster Groves MO.
I have always been intrigued by the mystical aspects of Nature – the elements, indigenous plants, animal encounters and wild weather. My life purpose is to help people reconnect with Nature, reclaim their sense of wholeness and home. Awareness of native people’s philosophy and folk traditions has taught me the power of natural healing, deep observation of Nature, and the ancient way of the scout.
Our land has been a private campground known as Elemental Earthcamp since the late 80s. Many seekers, wanderers and adventurers have crossed the creek to immerse in Nature, study shamanism and wild plants.
In my late teens, I became a student of horticulture and plant medicine. My work with plants put me upon my spiritual path in my early twenties. Plants taught me who I am and that all is connected in deep kinship. They are alive green beings serenely awaiting your recognition.
In 1983 I began studies in earth awareness with Sun Bear as a tribal apprentice and Nature Kinship with Dorothy Maclean of Findhorn. Shamanic skills were cultivated with Michael Harner, Sandra Ingerman, Brant Secunda and Tom Cowan. I am a member of the Society for Shamanic Practice and a perpetual student of plants; spirit allies; Celtic Gypsy ancestors; and my dogs, Morgan and Finn (now in spirit).
My dogs Finn, Hunter, Morgan and I volunteered our services to track the lost and missing. I started search and rescue training in 1998 with NASAR and after 25 years I am now retired from SAR. Searching for the lost and missing is a privilege and I considered it a responsibility to bring the missing home and give families closure.
I am a seventeen-year survivor of ovarian cancer and attribute my recovery to forest shamanism, native plants, nutrition, gifted healers and the loving support of family and friends. Since 2012 I have been challenged by West Nile Virus passed to me from a tiny mosquito. I have had to simplify my life and make changes in my career. See my Field Journal Shadow of the Bird and The Wisdom of Stillness.
My life is inspired by the Fianna, forest shamans of ancient Ireland, and the Deer Clan of the Cherokee who walked upon this land. They are spiritual ancestors traveling beside me awakening dreams and visions... heroic ancestors who have struggled courageously for the good in the world.
may the stars watch over you...
Pat Tuholske