Who we are and why we do what we do

 
When we decided to create Appalachian Wise Women, we looked for the definition of "wise woman"- but the only definition we were able to find was "a woman versed in charms, conjuring, or fortune-telling." What a shocking disappointment! This is how lost our societies ideas about women and nature have become. The Honored Tradition of ‘Wise women’ is an essential role that has been neglected in our modern society.

 We have chosen to re-define the phrase "wise women".  We maintain that a wise woman is an older experienced woman who knows her own spirit. She holds the wisdom of how to live the best possible life in a way that sustains the individual, the family, the community and the environment on which all life depends. She is recognized throughout the community by her actions. She is seen as a leader, yet she is not in control over anyone. She is the one people come to. People seek her out to gain her wisdom and use it in their lives for their own positive growth and the good of all life. She is expected to be ethical and never do harm to another human being. The Wise Woman tradition heals by nourishing the wholeness of each unique individual, honoring the cycles of life.


The Appalachian Wise Woman tradition is little known.
Women, as caregivers, take responsibility for the health and well being of their family and community. Because these responsibilities are taken on through Love and respect with understanding of the cycles of life and the unexplained nuances of human interaction - what we would today call emotional intelligence-, these loving actions came to be the realm of “women’s work”, thereby devaluing and sublimating the true wealth of information that IS the thread that holds together families and communities around the world. Grieos in the Latin cultures, story tellers, medicine women and midwives embodying the knowledge of a teacher, while keeping the questioning curiosity of a student. The Wise Woman tradition does not balance, cure or fix. She NUTURES. Difficulties with living and problems become doorways to transformation. Appalachian Wise Women find the challenges life brings, planetary destruction, negative self fulfilling prophecies, intolerance of the “other”, conformity and war, an opportunity to serve.

 

Nurturing is invisible. Nourishment is provided through the body, mother’s milk.
Mothers are the caregivers taking responsibility for virtually all family members throughout life-99% worldwide!
None of this care is paid, and rarely is it measured.

Women-especially women of color are invisible to the white male dominated culture.

These actions and responsibly are woman centered, with an oral tradition. Anthropologists and historians –usually white men- dismiss this culture because they do not see it or value it. The accounts of female healers, midwives, herbalists, educators, artists’ and leaders are not written down-or are known only by their husbands name in the account.

 

The Appalachian Wise Woman Tradition flows from experience rather than faith in books, through observation and discussion, sharing and appreciating uniqueness. The Tradition favors creativity rather than dogma, finding new ways to honor the individual, rather than a monolithic tradition with out deviations. The Appalachian Wise Woman Tradition is simple. Taking things one step at a time, listening all the while with ears, eyes and heart, using discernment to understand hidden pain and fears that block us from being our true best selves.

As Wise Women Living the spiral of life with all the ebbs and flows life becomes an opportunity to learn,
grow and serve our highest ambitions.

Interrelated interrelationships are sought after, acknowledged and honored, adding a new awareness to and appreciation of the uniqueness of all things.  An acceptance of our realities while not judging other’s realities.
This is not an either or world. The Tradition teaches this is a both/ and world.  
Many seemingly conflicting points of view may co-exist, each with its own truth.
There need be no standard other than uniqueness, as Susun Weed states.
Everything changes. 
True objectivity is impossible to truly achieve. 

When we are open to all forms of energy we create allies of our problems.
This enables one to learn from discomfort by adding the new truth of ones difficulties to our wholeness.
This does NOT mean acceptance of abuse or intolerance, there is always a time and place for appropriate introspection. Be kind to yourself during troubling process’.
Say NO when things are overwhelming- this will nourish you . 

Nourishment will help incorporate the lessons learned into a NEW wholeness within the individual,
blending and honoring the process which will lead you along the spiral of life in the Appalachian Wise Woman Tradition
-a possible thirteen step that keeps the spiral moving-
perhaps to a new transition, transformation, growth and integration,
encouraging LOVE for all the many “parts” of ourselves.       

Reawaken to a new understanding of health and earth/body wisdom.
The Appalachian Wise Woman way is an alternative to the body alienating body objectifying methods of creating health.
A whole vision in which method and attitude and lifestyle blend to create a sense of union with the universe,
healing the planet as well as the people on it!
The individual must engage in learning to perceive the health and wholeness of any condition
by asking the how and what, when necessary and useful, the why.
Knowing change is something that can be counted on.
Become more present as one opens to a different level of awareness.



    *If you are interested in joining us to meet other Wise Women, helping to create a functioning circle of knowledge exchange, alternate economy, equal energy exchange, emotional support and continued learning Please contact us!*