THE GUARDIAN VESSEL
From the sacred dog collection.
Your Guardian Vessel was handbuilt slowly and with intention. My inspiration for this shape comes from world mythologies that involve dogs as psychopomps (guides to the souls). These dogs guard the entrance to the Afterlife, and help human souls cross over. In some stories, the sacred dog ferries the soul on their back across dangerous rivers, fending off evil spirits, protecting and guiding.
The vessel features a dog figure at the prow, facing inward. Instead of scanning the horizon, the dog is a loyal companion and witness, protector of your inner world and the intention you placed inside the vessel: tears, ashes, herbs, notes, prayers, sacred objects…
The vessel is your sanctuary, under the watchful dog guardian.
HOW TO USE YOUR VESSEL
Made of ceramic. Handle with great care and only hand wash if needed. Not intended for food use. Most of my Guardian Vessels are safe to use in ceremonies or rituals involving water. But some might not be suited to hold water for extended periods of time. Perform a test first.
The bottom of the vessel is rough and could scratch delicate surfaces. Consider placing a piece of felt, pads or fabric underneath it.
Your vessel can be used in rituals, especially those involving grief and remembrance, protection and guidance, or healing and integration. It is a great vessel for spiritual and inner work practices such as meditation.
If you need extra support or guidance, pick the blessing below that corresponds to the intention you want to set. Breathe deeply, placing your hand on your heart and checking in with yourself in tenderness. Read the blessing out loud, breathing each word in full presence.
BLESSINGS
These blessings were created by Sophie to help guide you on your journey. Pick the theme that best suits the work you are currently doing, or the intention you wish to set for yourself and the vessel. Feel free to write your own words of course, these are just suggestions.
Blessing for Grief/Remembrance
“May this vessel hold what cannot be spoken into words
May it carry forward what is sacred
May I remember: love knows how to cross even the deepest rivers”Blessing for Protection/Guidance
“May this vessel ferry away what must be released
May the guardian at the prow guide what is sacred
May I remember: every soul finds its way across”Blessing for Healing/Integration
“May the guardian at the prow be my tender witness
May this vessel hold the pieces of me that are ready to come home
May I remember: I am whole and sacred”
