PRIESTESS MOTHER
Two 90 Minute Recordings
with Jumana Sophia and special guest Kelly Tisdel
This one is so close to my heart. I have wanted to hold something like this - something that acknowledges mothering as a priestess art - for a long time. But more recently it has actually been requested, so it must be time.
My son is 26 years old now. I am no longer the maiden-mother of a little boy or the mother-anchor of a force of teenage nature. There are so many different kinds of moments that come to mind as I ask myself what I mean by "Priestess Mother," but the one that strikes me as the most relevant is an adolescent one.
I remember when my son was entering his adolescent dark time, cave time. I was a single mother, single provider at the time. It was the beginning of a decade of motherhood marked by what I can only describe as a bereaved, mildly terrified helplessness mixed with resolve and love and an inexhaustible, stubborn faith in my son. I remember a man in the community (a good man who worked rites of passage with boys) advising me - "Well, you're just a mother. That's not enough." And I remember the immediate and simple voice that responded in my own silence. "You're not "just" a mother. You're a priestess. He has no idea what you're capable of. "
I wouldn't say that there's anything "just" to being a mother. Period, ever, full stop. But I know what my heart meant when she spoke to my silence and my helplessness, my permanent state of I-have-no-idea-what-to-do-and-this-is-the-most-important-thing-I-will-ever-do. She meant that I would need to serve as priestess to my son's becoming and it would require everything I had ever been taught.
In Priestess Mother, I articulated what aspects of motherhood are actually priestess arts (that you're already instinctually practicing) and why it matters to acknowledge that. I kept it potent and simple by focusing on three of the arts held by HER Mystery School that I think are most relevant and supportive to the hard, holy, unparalleled role of Mother.
Priestess Mother unfolded in two parts:
We started with an hour and a half of teaching time - First, we honored motherhood with curated sensibilities from the deep feminine wisdom stream. Second, we turned these sensibilities into practical support through applied practices and reflection into your very specific journey of motherhood.
After that, we were blessed to spend another hour and a half with my dear friend and exceptional teen/parent whisperer Kelly Tisdel. Kelly was with me throughout my son's journey, as his teacher, then outdoor guide, rite of passage keeper, and soul seer. She was a pivotal mentor for both of us and I want you all to have some of her too! For our first hour she and I were in interview/conversation and then we opened up the last half hour for more interactive conversation with all of you.
This was a one time offering, focalized but also family style. You can purchase the recordings via the button at the bottom of this page.
With Special Guest Kelly Tisdel
Kelly is one of the finest human beings I know. She was with me through my son's teen years, mentoring him and guiding me through that passage. I trust her deeply. Her skill as a mentor for both teens and parents can only be described as gifted (unless you're me and you also describe it as priestessing).
Kelly is based in Ashland, Oregon but she works with families all over the world. She has gathered over 20 years of experience working with teenagers in one-on-one mentoring and counseling sessions, in circles and backpacking trips, and in the Waldorf classroom as a class teacher.
She can show up to be with youth in a diversity of ways and settings, but no matter the setting she brings rapport, authenticity, intuition, and presence. She creates a space of warmth, trust, and acceptance in which parents and teens feel seen for who they truly are, without judgment. From this foundation, reflection and healing can unfold naturally—without pressure or prying—making it possible to move through challenges that might otherwise feel overwhelming to face alone.
As parents grow in their own awareness and skills, the potential for harmony at home expands. This shift doesn’t just ease conflict—it strengthens connection, resilience, and the well-being of the whole family. And when families thrive, our youth and communities also thrive.