Full & new moon ritual candles
Laura Anderson of Feral Fox Apothecary in South Dakota created a limited edition, custom line of ritual candles for Moon Shadow Rituals. This blog provides a Q&A between Life-cycle Celebrant Katie Melville and Laura Anderson about making candles, life, and ritual. This pair of like minded souls came together not out of luck, but because Laura and Katie know each other from growing up and going to school together in South Dakota.
Tell me about Feral Fox Apothecary and why it’s important to you.
The Feral Fox Apothecaryis significant, in that it represents a time of uncertainty and realization in my life. My youngest sister had just been diagnosed with cancer. I had just recently turned 40, and the acknowledgement of my own mortality was ringing loudly in my brain. I think when you reach that point, all you want is simplicity, and a place of quiet to care for yourself. The Feral Fox Apothecary to me represents a relationship of like-minded people that want self-care items without breaking the bank and keeping their atmosphere at home as simple and natural as possible. At the end of the day, it could be enjoying a cup of tea with a candle lit or slipping into fresh sheets with that perfect scent.
Why did you choose to make candles?
When my Sister, Merete, was diagnosed with cancer, and we were learning about what kind of treatments she was going to have, I started racking my brain as to what I could do to generate enough funds to help. The help she needed most was not monetary; it was time. I am an artist by nature and the idea of candles that are individually hand adorned popped into my head. Candles represent the light in the dark, and so I started. My Co-Workers were initially my biggest fans, and I was able to generate enough funds to go to Chicago and help her for several weeks.
What’s meaningful to you about making candles?
Every candle I make, I make with positive intentions. I want these candles to help people in whatever they need at the moment they light it. Every candle I make, I reflect on my family and how we have navigated the hurdles that life hands out. Merete had a successful treatment plan and has been cancer free now for a few years, I am grateful for that. My other sister Katie got on board with the Feral Fox Apothecary and has brought her knowledge of Essential Oils and Salve making skills to the table. The Feral Fox Apothecaryhas grown from being just me and my candles to being my sister Katie, and I and a multitude of self-care products. We have bonded over our work together, and I am grateful for that.
What’s your favorite part of making candles?
My favorite part of making candles, has got to be the release I get from being present in our existing world. That may sound silly, but that is my form of self-care. For just a few hours, I can ignore the chaos outside and focus on how this candle in my hand is going to turn out. I can choose to gift it with a Bloodstone, or an Amethyst, or maybe this Labradorite. Those are my moments alone, and why each candle is special.
Do you have a favorite ritual or holiday you celebrate?
I am a Samhaim girl. I have such an awareness of Death and New Beginnings, that Samhain is my favorite holiday. I like to sit with my thoughts and pray that my ancestors can hear them. I like to thank them for the bits of them that make up the whole of me. Usually, I light a fire of some sort, whether I can have a bonfire, or even just a lit candle. I like to burn things that I have written down, and it sets a tone for the upcoming year. I also love that it signals the beginning of Winter and the cycle of Death and Renewal.
Why do you think rituals are important in today’s world?
They are so important. I think that with today's world, you have to be able to take a break, to separate. There seems to be no end to the turbulence that continues to plague humanity. Whether it's your job, your hometown, or even if you only see it on tv, it is there and it doesn't stop. People need to be able to breath, and you have to take the time for yourself; no one else is going to do it for you. I also need to practice what I preach on this. I am famous for burning the wick at both ends, and yes, pun intended.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
When I am done with my nursing degree in two years, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland. Iceland is part of my heritage, and I have always been drawn to its rugged beauty and mystery. It gives me a feeling like I'm going to visit a long-lost family member.
Anything else you want to add?
Alot of people think I am "The Feral Fox", I am not. The Feral Fox represents Merete and her tenacity. I am just a Worker Bee.
