Bitter Sweet

I shall start this blog as a nod to the way my daughter use to tell stories when she was in first grade: Chapter One. Once upon a time ...

... I was a mess. I was about to turn 40 and had no idea what I was doing with my life. I wanted a spiritual life full of magic and wonder, but I was very depressed and lost. I embarked on a journey of the soul that, at the time, looked like wondering in circles. I dabbled in meditation, witchcraft, crystals, ancestor honoring, and a lot of reading. I wanted a name that I could use in my practice to "hide" behind. It would be my witchy name. I spent the better part of a year meditating and listing names that I liked, but didn't really connect with. But then there was Lavender. Lavender calms, soothes, protects, and brings clarity - all the things I want to bring to the world. (As the saying goes "Be the change you wish to see in the world.")

My journey began as a decision. A choice. And little by little, things began to shift seemingly on their own. My eyes began to open and the veil began to lift. There were plenty of moments when I questioned my pill choice ("Why didn't I pick the blue pill?") And then there were beautiful epiphanies when I KNEW my grandmother was with me because of the dime that was left behind. When Brother Bear showed up in a Shaman's reading for me, I knew it was finally time to jump into animal communication. I joined the Animal Mastery Program at Communication with All Life University and began to grow in ways that 1) I did not sign up for and 2) I didn't know were possible.

All the events that happened over the course of the last 5 years is journal fodder for another day. Today, I'm here to talk about a bitter sweet transition. I felt like the name Lavender was given to me by Spirit and carried me through one of the toughest times of my life. It is what reminded me of my purpose and a different more magical life. I discovered who I am and what I'm meant to do.

I want to commune and communicate with animals, helping their caregivers deepen the relationships they share. I want to create art that inspires and reflects the bond between humans and animals, keeping their stories alive in a meaningful way. I want to support spiritually guided people in building and growing their own businesses, even when technology feels overwhelming. I want to offer energetic healing for both people and animals, releasing the emotional blocks that keep us stuck. And I want to be a vessel for Spirit, helping others connect to something greater.

I don't need a pseudonym, nom de guerre, alias, witch name, or a nom de plume. I don't have to hide anymore. I am Val Smith. I do sacred work. The work is my art. That’s why I’m stepping into my next chapter as Val Smith Sacred Arts.

Thank you for being here with me as this vision continues to unfold. I can’t wait to share what’s ahead.