Lori Boess was raised in the Pacific Northwest where she spent most of her weekends camping at surrounding lakes and rivers. She felt blessed to grow up with grandparents from both sides of her family. The "farm" grandparents shared their love of gardening, horses, farm life, and fishing for sturgeon on the Columbia River. Her "city" grandparents had a cabin at Olalla where Lori attended memorable family gatherings and learned to fish for salmon. On her eleventh birthday, Lori received a gift that would be a significant companion in her life, a horse.
At an early age Lori became aware that all things are animated by Spirit. The trees could be a source of comfort and grounding, as well as good listeners. She could see the auras around people and plants. She was never fearful of ghosts or spirits that remained on earth. Spending time with the elders in her life gave her peace and comfort.
In Lori's young life she didn't have anyone that she could share her experiences. No one that could validate the "knowing" of what she could "see". Finally in her late 20s Nancy, a friend took her to a Pow Wow. As the drums began to beat and the dancers came forth she began to cry. Something deep inside her connected with the experience of what she was witnessing. A few months later, Nancy introduced Lori to a Lakota Elder, Berniece Falling Leaves. This wise woman witnessed and validated Lori for the first time in her life. Now all that she had learned from the Earth had a place and Lori sensed that she belonged.
A new road of knowledge began as Grandmother taught her the power of thought, the right use of will, and the power of positive intention in the service of others. Lori learned the preparation of the sweat lodge, drum making, earth weaving, fire ceremony, prayer and other metaphysical teachings. These teachings became the foundation for her walk on the Red Road, integrating them daily into her life.
Lori has been personally trained in the art of Drum Making, Sweat Lodge, Fire Tending, and Alchemical Healing. She is a Massage Therapist and Reiki Master.
Lori is also involved in two women's communities, Women's Summer Solstice and Woman's Way Long Dance. Each of these respective communities supports women's spirituality through honoring our elders, living in integrity, mentoring, ceremony and intentional prayer.
