The Lineage of Light: The Women Who Made Me
We currently sit between two significant points on the UK calendar: International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day. It is a season of reflection on the feminine, yet a recent "deep and meaningful" with one of my new Shaman’s Way students struck a chord with me.
She asked, with genuine curiosity: "Where are all the good female leaders and teachers?" She is in her mid-forties, watching her daughters grow up in a world where women are still often painted as the "weaker" sex—where female leadership feels like the exception rather than the rule. Having finally found this path, she wondered why it took so long to see the way.
It made me look back at my own map. While the world may struggle to highlight them, my life has been a tapestry woven by extraordinary women. In gratitude, and to help you reflect on your own inspirations, I want to share the stories of those who held the lamp for me.
The Foundation: Maternal Strength and Family
My Mother is my first "No. 1." I don’t always paint a perfect picture of her; she isn’t perfect, and neither am I. She was a tough teacher—stoic, unemotional, and firm. But in that toughness, she forged my steel. She taught me that I am enough and that with a focused mind, I am capable of anything. Most importantly, she gave me the sovereign right to choose my own path.
My Mother-in-Law is a constant source of "it’s never too late." In her mid-70s, she has just earned her second PhD and is launching a new business. She consults for governments, travels constantly, and treats the entire world as her home. She is proof that curiosity has no expiry date.
The Wisdom Keepers: Female Mentors in Shamanism
Brooke Medicine Eagle taught me to hear the whispers of my ancestors and introduced me to the magic of the Cacao Ceremony. Now in her 80s, she still travels the world, teaching us how to inhabit a female body with grace—from puberty through menopause—sharing the "taboo" wisdom that should be our birthright. Recently, her work has evolved to help us reconnect with our roles as Earthkeepers. This resonates deeply with my own soul, as I believe a vital part of our path is remembering that we are here to nurture, not destroy, our planet. She reminds us that when we heal ourselves, we heal the Earth.
On the subject of taboos, we have to talk about Betty Dodson and Lady C*nt Love. Betty, who passed only a few years ago in her 90s, was a true sex guru; her book Sex for One taught women that the path to self-love—not shame—starts with our own bodies. When I had my own daughter, I felt a deep responsibility to find a new way to speak about sexuality. I was terrified of accidentally passing on the same difficulties and "hang-ups" I had struggled with myself. Lady C*nt Love’s work was the antidote. Though she passed far too young, her legacy (continued by her devoted family) teaches women how to find pleasure even where there has been trauma or a lack of positive knowledge. Together, these women taught me that our bodies are not a source of shame, but sacred ground to be nurtured and celebrated.
Walking the Female Lineage on the Shamanic Path
Pip Waller is the woman who changed my destiny. A Herbalist and Shamanic Healer, she gave me my first soul retrieval, an experience so profound it led me to become a practitioner myself. She didn't just teach me; she mentored me as an apprentice and eventually gifted me her thriving London practice. It was the most powerful professional gift I have ever received.
Seersha O’Sullivan and Hazel of the Grove expanded my horizon. Seersha integrated the Mayan and Druidic paths into my soul, while Hazel helped me hear my ancestors so loudly that I could no longer ignore the call to teach the Shamanic path. I was nervous and resistant, feeling "not enough," but Hazel - or rather her ability to get me to hear the messages of my ancestors pushed me to leap. Seven years later, that "leap" has evolved into ‘The Shaman’s Way’ training.
Debi Steven, founder of Action Breaks Silence, taught me the power of "No." She empowered me to fight for myself when I had been conditioned to lie down and surrender. I often wish I’d had her lessons as a young girl; if I had known I could say no, I would have. Debi hosts workshops teaching real-life self-defence to people of all ages, but her impact goes far beyond the UK. She takes her work to rural India and parts of Africa, where she helps heal the root causes of violence. By teaching girls to fight back and showing boys they don’t have to follow in the footsteps of previous generations, she heals entire communities. She is a living testament to the power of one woman’s vision.
HeatherAsh Amara is a powerhouse who brings a vital feminine perspective to the ancient Toltec wisdom. Having trained for many years with Don Miguel Ruiz (author of The Four Agreements), she has a unique gift for empowering women to strip away the "masks" of who they think they should be, and finally step into who they were born to be. Her Warrior Heart Practice is a tool I still use today; it is a profound method for untangling the messy stories we tell ourselves and transforming stuck energy back into power and clear intention. I once committed to her journaling process for an entire year, and I can honestly say it was life-changing—it is a practice that never fails me when I need to move forward with grace.
The Spirit Teacher: Guidance Beyond the Physical
And finally, I must add one more — Mama Cacao.
I know she isn't human, but she is a mother to me in every sense of the word. She is perhaps the most empowering teacher I have ever encountered, moving beyond logical lessons and sinking directly into my cells. Through her, I didn’t just learn the theory of "oneness"—I felt our deep, ancient connection in my very bones.
She has been a gentle mirror, showing me that love is not a scarce commodity we must fight for, but an infinite, overflowing resource. Because of her, I have finally stopped hunting for external approval; she held me, soothed me, and shared her wise, heart-opening whispers until I finally learned to love the woman in the mirror. She is the companion who nurtures me so that I may, in turn, nurture you.
Reflecting on Your Own Spiritual Lineage
As you read this, I invite you to pause and look at your own map. We often look for "leaders and hereos" in history books, but the most potent influence usually comes from the women in our immediate orbit.
Ask yourself these questions to see who has held the lamp for you—and where the path might still be dark:
The Root: Who taught you how to be "tough" when the world said you were weak, and gave you the foundation to survive?
The Body: Who showed you that pleasure and your physical form are sacred birthrights, not sources of shame?
The Spiritual Mirror: Have you ever had a woman truly "see" your spiritual gifts before you did? Someone who didn’t just teach you at a pulpit, but walked with you into the mystery?
The Missing Link: If you look at your daughters, or the younger version of yourself, do you see a female guide who embodies the power, ancient wisdom, and untamed spirit you wish to mirror?
If you find a gap there, don't be discouraged. That "empty space" is a calling.
A Call to Your Own Journey
If you are looking for a female teacher to guide you on a spiritual journey—to activate your shamanic gifts and inner sight—I am here for you. I am here only because these women were there for me.
I’ve been a cleaner, a gardener, a cook, a barperson, a recruitment consultant, a university lecturer and a shop manager, and while I loved the service in those roles, stepping into my power as a shamanic guide and teacher is the most deeply fulfilling and inspirational path I have ever walked. Today, my students—most of whom are incredible women—inspire me just as much as my own teachers did.
We have just one day left on our discount for the Shaman’s Way course starting March 20th. We have just a couple of places left for those ready for an epic year of transformation.
Ready to start? Please email me directly.
Let’s make time to talk as soon as possible. I want to hear your story and help you decide if this is your time to step into the lineage.
I look forward to hearing from you.
