Amanda Hunt - April 1, 2015
On Grace, Rituals, and Sacred Adornment
La Luna Social is a space for women to gather globally in rhythm with the cycles of nature. Led by the lovely Myrah Penaloza of Kundalini Gown Collection.She was kind enough to ask me about my views on grace, rituals, and sacred adornment. Read below for the interview...or check it out HERE..ON GRACE, RITUALS, + SACRED ADORNMENTS WITH AMANDA HUNT
Q: What is your morning ritual to cultivate clarity and grace?
A: When your studio is in your backyard, it is tempting to stay in your pajamas all day. But I make an effort each day to get dressed in something I love and ALWAYS put on my jewelry. If I’m not wearing jewelry I feel naked and in some way unarmed for the world. Some of the pieces are things I wear daily and some are talismans that I foresee I will need for that particular day, such as a necklace for self love, an heirloom from my grandmother, or a bold warrior piece. And if the weather is right, before I get to work I drink my tea on my back porch overlooking my backyard. Tuning into the gentle symphony of the morning birds and the elements helps me start the day with a clean slate.
Q: What is the true essence of “Amanda Hunt Jewelry”?
A: At its heart of hearts, my jewelry is an exploration of our innate connection to myth, symbolism, and the collective unconscious. And by adorning ourselves with these sacred symbols, we can bring beauty, enlightenment, and empowerment to our everyday lives.
Q: Name one muse that continues to inspire you?
A: I have so many, but shining brightly above all I would have to say the Moon. The moon and all her phases. She is a muse that is in our presence every day and a powerful force I still continue to learn from. Her inspiration is endless! I am highly aware of the affect the moon has on me physically and emotionally and I continue to be humbled by her power over everything she shines down on. Whether I am in the city, the wilderness, or my own backyard, I try to always look up and find her before my day is over.
Q: What is your daily ritual to stay connected and in the creative flow?
A: This is a great question because I have a lot of air in my chart and can easily float away into the realm of thoughts and ideas. This is great for dreaming up concepts, but to me, the act of creating is about hands-on action. So getting grounded is crucial to my process. My daily ritual is sweet and simple…I start by burning some incense, sage, or palo santo to ground my senses. This is the best way I’ve found to quickly focus myself. Then I say a prayer I wrote which helps open me, without fear or expectations, to the creative journey I am about to embark on. Entering the process without judgment or concern about the end result is so important. And I always have a candle burning when I am wax carving…which is both spiritual and functional.
Q: What makes you feel Graceful and Victorious?
A: When what is in my head and heart comes through my hands into form, just the way I envisioned it.
Q: How do you wish women to feel in your adornments?
A: I hope that they will feel beautiful, empowered, and aided on their journey in life. For a woman to look at herself with joy and beauty when adorned in my jewelry and also feel protected, strengthened, or transformed by the piece is my ultimate goal.
Q: What are your rituals in regards to the New Moon and Full Moon phases?
A: I am grateful for the times when I have been able to celebrate a moon phase with a group of like-minded women, but more often my rituals are simple and solitary. One practice I always include no matter what is making and burning incense. I love the ritual of selecting the herbs and resins according to what I would like to draw in (for a full moon) or release (for a new moon), then crushing and blending them together. The grounding act of burning is something that I hold very sacred. I also try and set my collection of stones and crystals out in my garden under each full moon.
Q: What is your current Mantra, Prayer or Affirmation that you pull up for support?
A: “My desires and dreams make their way to me, in all ways, every day”
Q: What are you really excited about for 2016 and what were you grateful for in 2015?
A: I am so grateful that every day I get to do what I love, and I am thankful for how much I got to do that in 2015! The creative process of making jewelry is one that I adore but it is just as important to me to be able to share the stories and inspirations behind my designs with as many women as I can. So in 2016 I am excited for more travel, more inspiration, and more opportunities to spread the love!
