“Crying Woman” 2021

WHO IS THE STORY MEDICINE?

The Story Medicine transmits stories through the medium of her voice foremost but also as a ceremonialist and craftswoman of spiritual art.

The Story Medicine’s work not only expresses the Sacred but also acts as healing and protective. Her stories drip the oceanic smell of Woman, Womb and Earth. Exuding a primal, deeply maternal and emotional quality, her work often communicates the life cycle with a special emphasis on Death and Rebirth. It is her magic to challenge the way the world sees and relates to what we call Woman.

The Story Medicine has been a Storyteller for over 15 years. She resides with respect on the land of S’Puyalupubsh, Coast Salish People, now known as Tacoma, WA and is well known in her community for being a spiritual mentor in her spare time. You may have previously heard of or known The Story Medicine referred to by her birth name Jessica, which she went by until May 2021.

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THE WOMEN WHO CAME BEFORE

I feel very fortunate and proud to have been brought up by such strong spiritual pillars, bones, Grandmothers. I know it is because of their profound influence and presence in my life that I have the gift of hearing Her whispering through every single moment. Their memory lives on.

My maternal Grandmother migrated from the Philippines in 1980 with a vision for a better life and 9 children on her back. She had 10 total. She adorned herself daily, scarves, jewelry and flowers - to me she was a living Goddess. She taught me how to tell story by example of how she chose to live, speak and move through the world. She received her Masters of Divinity from Seattle University at the age of 60! Bringing people together was important to her. She believed in tradition, ritual and family. She brought me to my first Storytelling Circle around 10 years old. On my maternal side, I am first generation born here in the United States.

My paternal Grandmother passed down to me a different way which was much quieter. She taught me that each person’s spiritual life was unique to them instilling in me responsibility for mine. She taught me to always run back Home to our Salish Sea, especially when needing to have a heart to heart conversation with Her. She modeled to me how to fiercely protect and guard my solitude, how to do the Lone Wolf-Woman Dance. She was the first generation born here in the United States, her parents migrated from Russia in 1914.