About Heather Walize

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Kentucky in 2005, followed by a Bachelor’s in Divinity from the Universal Brotherhood Movement, INC. in Florida. In 2008, I completed a Graduate Certification in Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Louisville. In 2022, I obtained a Master’s Degree from the California Institute of Integral Studies, with a focus on Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness in relation to indigenous and spiritual practices.

My journey took a significant turn during my undergraduate studies when I had the privilege of meeting Grandmother Medicine Song, a Hopi Elder and retired Jungian psychologist, in 2005. This encounter ignited my passion for indigenous medicine work, particularly within the Hopi tradition, as well as in Jungian analysis and Steiner’s esoteric practices. I dedicated seven years to an apprenticeship with her, which concluded in 2015, during which I immersed myself in indigenous approaches to spiritual practice. In 2021, following Grandmother Medicine Song’s retirement from our local community in Kentucky, I was deeply honored to be appointed as a Ceremonial Leader, a role that I hold with great reverence and responsibility.

My commitment to promoting Hopi philosophy, indigenous practices, and holistic healing is a central part of my work. In addition to my role as a Ceremonial Leader, I serve as a spiritual teacher, sharing wisdom through storytelling, healing, and indigenous teachings. I facilitate wisdom circles, both online and in-person, to further this mission. Since becoming a licensed minister in 2009, I have offered spiritual counseling and eco-shamanic therapy.

My Journey with Grandmother Medicine Song

In 2005, as I approached the final semester of my undergraduate program, a remarkable course on Women's Spirituality opened a new chapter in my life. Our professor, a passionate advocate for the sacred feminine, invited several local female spiritual speakers to share the rich tapestry of their beliefs and practices. One such guest was the enchanting Grandmother Medicine Song, a woman who embodied a bridge between two worlds: the structured landscape of the Western paradigm and the profound depth of Indigenous spiritual traditions. With gentle authority, she regaled us with her journey, illustrating how she skillfully wove together the teachings of her Hopi ancestors with the intricate philosophies of Jung. Her grandmother, a revered Hopi elder, had cast a long shadow over her life, imparting wisdom that resonated deeply. During her heartfelt talk, she illuminated the concept of Justice Keeper, one of the sacred Thirteen Grandmothers, drawn from their time-honored teachings. Encountering Grandmother Medicine Song that day was nothing short of transformative for me; it felt like I had finally discovered the missing piece in my spiritual quest that had begun when I was twelve.

In 2006, buoyed by the inspiration from her words, I took my first steps into a deeper spiritual realm by joining a women's spiritual circle called the Thirteen Grandmothers. Our gatherings, vibrant and filled with shared wisdom, unfolded monthly over a year, creating a sacred bond among us. By the winter of 2008, I embarked on a profound seven-year apprenticeship known as the "Black-Faced Initiations," a journey steeped in deep introspection and a communion with the spiritual world. The relationship I nurtured with Grandmother Medicine Song evolved into something uniquely precious; she became not just my spiritual guide but also a nurturing figure akin to a second mother. Throughout this intensive apprenticeship, I learned a diverse array of spiritual practices, including past life regression, soul work, dream interpretation, shamanic journeying, prayer work, mindfulness meditation, and the sacred rituals of initiation. Each experience contributed profoundly to my healing, allowing me to unearth layers of understanding about myself and the world around me. Along this path, I delved into the rich wisdom of Native American cultures, particularly the intricate traditions of the Hopi people, which filled my spirit with a profound sense of belonging and purpose.

As my apprenticeship deepened, I achieved ordination as an interfaith minister through the Universal Brotherhood Movement, Inc. This transformative process was not merely an administrative task; it enveloped me in extensive study and spiritual training across a multitude of traditions, enriching my comprehension of spirituality and strengthening my connection to the divine. I chose to become ordained to share my knowledge through teaching spiritual circles, just as my beloved teacher had done, while also offering individual spiritual counseling and healing to those seeking guidance. My offerings now include a variety of services: Shamanic Therapy, journey work, dream interpretation, guided meditation, personal ceremonial work, past-life regression, and profound soul healing. The culmination of my apprenticeship in the winter of 2015 marked a significant milestone, allowing me to step into the role of a teacher within my community. This newfound position enabled me to accept apprentices—dedicated individuals who aspire to deepen their spiritual understanding and, in turn, pass on the teachings, just as I have learned. Presently, I guide three apprentices through their own transformative journeys of the Black-Faced Initiations, ensuring that the sacred circle of knowledge continues to thrive.

Through my unwavering commitment to both local and online spiritual communities, I have received the blessing from my teacher to share the timeless stories of the Hopi people. With each story, my aim is to share messages of peace, hope, and resilience, nurturing the right relationships needed to build a harmonious world for generations to come. The wisdom of the Hopi people is a treasure that I am honored to share, and I believe that by sharing it, we can all gain a deeper understanding of our place in the world and the interconnectedness of all life.