Legends of the Red Thread encircle the globe. Carriers of the Red Thread are modern medicine women ready to call their circles.

Message from Shiloh Sophia

Dear One,  

As our elders have told us,
the time for each of us to be leaders has come.
Those who are able, must rise!
Many of us have been called to call circles,
begin conversations and initiate ceremonies.  

We feel this call in our bones and a quickening of the fire in our hearts. Yet many of us were not raised in circles. Nor have we experienced rites of passage in such a way that we feel empowered to lead ceremony for others. We know it is needed and wanted. We feel that it is time to gather!  

The Red Thread is a symbol used in many lands with many legends. Most are rooted in relationships woven with connection, protection, destiny, resiliency, love and sacred responsibility.

The red thread was first introduced to me by my Native American Elder,
Tonantzin Guerra-Rennick over twenty years ago. She gave it to me to give.
I soon learned there were legends throughout the world conneced
to the red thread. She says "This is our original umbilcal cord..."

We are calling women into an experience designed to catalyze discovery of the mystery and power held within the legendary red thread.

Will you join us in circle?

You have your own piece of the red thread to weave
into the greater fabric of creation!

Infinite Kinds of Circles for you to Lead!

Birth Blessings Healing Circles Coming of Age Ceremonies Wedding Circles Moon Gatherings

Birthday Honoring Parties Corporate Team Building Daylong Story Workshops Celebration of Life Marriage Completions  

Rites of Passage  

Circles with Men & Boys   

One-on-One Coaching  

Trauma Recovery Circles

Facilitate Revolutionary Conversations + Craft Your Message + Create the Future + Bring the Healing + Catalyze Transformation

Leader of Color of Woman Australia, Jassy Watson, and Color of Woman students participating in Red Thread Circle that was also happening with Shiloh Sophia at MUSEA in Sonoma, California and with students online. Using livestream technology, we were weaving the Red Thread across the world!

The legend says that those who are supposed to meet are connected by an invisible red thread and that they are ever moving closer to the time when they will meet...

This is your invitation to become empowered as a Certified Red Thread Guide working with circles and groups of any size. Leading Circles can happen online with user-friendly technology such as Zoom, allowing you to serve a global community. You can also call circle in person, in nearly any setting.

You will have the tools to:  

• Lead Circles + Workshops 
• Offer Ceremony + Rituals 
• Guide Sacred Conversation 
• Work in Alchemical Story 
• Create Space + Hold Energy 
• Design Processes for Transformation 
• Utilize Intentional Creativity® Process with clients & groups

The Curriculum for this program is rooted in the Way of the Red Thread teachings. This over 300 page book is a body of work including worldwide stories, the 4 legends and teachings gathered by Maestra Shiloh Sophia for the purpose of empowering you.

What is the Red Thread? At the most basic, it is simply a red thread used in an intentional connection. A Red Thread is a symbolic and literal tool for transformation. With an eye toward quantum ways of connecting across the globe, it is working with in-person and virtual circles in a sacred manner.

A Red Thread can be an insight into understanding of your sacred responsibility. Leading experiences with a Red Thread includes circles, conversations, Intentional Creativity and ceremonies to create a powerful feeling of connection for you and your guests. To be at cause for creating this kind of experience for someone is something many of us long for.  

Our Certification Training offers a media-rich curriculum, developed and practiced for over 20 years with thousands of participants worldwide. 

The Red Thread Guide Certification Training can be taken from anywhere in the world since the core training is delivered completely online. We think of this as working in the quantum field, and practicing 'connection' through the spaces between us. As long as you have a solid internet connection, you can certify to become a Red Thread Guide!

The Way of the Red Thread written by Shiloh Sophia, is your guide and includes ideas for different circles, developing your voice, deepening your content and message, and designing your circles. Also covered are who, what, where, when and what to charge, should you choose to make circles a part of your professional offerings.  

You will be able to start leading your own circles during this program. There are many tools, templates and resources to empower you to make that happen, supported by the Intentional Creativity Guild - women who are very experienced in using the Red Thread as a tool.  

The Resources, Teachings, Templates & Support  

• Many Teachings you can use to call and create your own circles  
• Blessing Rituals for individuals and groups and yourself 
• Many different types/themes for circles you can design and call 
• Extensive Video Curriculum Modules about leading Red Thread Circles 
• An abstract Intentional Creativity painting process to hold the energy of your journey (optional)
• Design your own Self Initiation Ceremony - a rites of passage just for you 
• Create an 8-page Vision Plan Book around calling your circles through an Intentional Creativity process 
• Participate in 9 online circle calls with Q&A and support from Red Thread Guide Graduates  
• Share and connect through our private Online Community Group via our iMusea app
• Be supported by our Red Thread Guides through office hours for additional support
• Receive the recently updated 'The Way of the Red Thread' book by Shiloh Sophia via PDF over 300 pages of supportive materials focused on our curriculum. You can also purchase a hard copy. 

The Learnings, Discoveries & Creations  

• Learn about leading and calling Red Thread Circles in person, on the phone, over Facebook Live, in Video, and Livestream which is a versatile tool for all occasions  
• Craft a call toward those you wish to gather with in circle and ceremony 
• Discover a personal practice of altar building and everyday ritual  
• Learn to source your Invocation poems and prayers for opening circle 
• Deepen in the practice of creating Sacred Space  
• Choose to live your life as a path of service where both you and those you serve are blessed, healed, inspired and empowered  
• Learn to work with the Directions and Elements in ceremony 
• Learn to release attachments to old systems and weave new ones by conscious choice 
• Learn how to bring Intentional Creativity process into your circles with basic materials like paper, pens and crayons 
• Become practiced at turning your ideas into circle themes 
• Learn the basics of energy in groups and how to work with changing dynamics  
• Develop an awareness of the cycles of the moon and begin to integrate this into your work 

Those who choose to Certify also receive  

• Your Certification from Musea : Intentional Creativity® signed by our Founder, Shiloh Sophia
• Red Thread Guide graphic for websites and/or business cards
• Your listing on our Intentional Creativity Teacher and Red Thread Guide Directory so people can find your services. 
• Invitation to a graduation ceremony called VIVID
• A chance to lead on Red Thread Connection calls for our community. 
• Promote your work to the greater community, in the Red Thread Cafe Classroom to gain exposure and support.

Create the Connections. Cast the Circles. Call your Beloveds into Sacred Space. Discover a new direction with You guiding the way...

Red Thread Circle in Paris, France : Photo by Brunehilde Yvrande

Red Thread Guide Program May 7 - September 7, 2020

This course can be designed to work with your schedule - yet there is a Certification Schedule that is most ideal to follow. Here's an idea of the flow.  

Preparation before program: Prepare basic materials and book your schedule.  

May - Doors Open: Orientation - Introduction to the material. Experience Red Thread Circle virtually, gather with the global sisterhood.

June: Creation - Design Your Circles and your own Sacred Work. Experience and plan ceremony and explore the infinite number of circles you can have.  

July: Implementation - Call your Own Circle and learn the Legends of the Red Thread, and begin to share with your community.  

August/September: Online Community Support - work with our online cohort to complete your coursework and plan your circles.  

Prepare for Certification and online Graduation.  

Be added to the Intentional Creativity Directory of Teachers and Guides!  

November 1.2.3.4 (optional): VIVID Gathering at MUSEA in Sonoma, CA with Shiloh Sophia and guest Guild Teachers. Our annual conference for graduates to gather from our collective certification trainings: Red Thread Guide, Color of Woman and Motherboard, to experience graduation ritual and spend time in community. 

We have over 360 Red Thread Guides and Intentional Creativity Teachers around the world! Where will your dot be?

Called to Circle : Symbols, Legends & Ritual  

Sacred Responsibility : 9 Teachings of the Red Thread  

Discover Many Circle styles + Claim your Circle  

Your Message + Your Tribe + Your Story  

Language : Stories + Poems + Leadership Style  

Holding Energy + Creating Sacred Space + Casting Circles  

Designing Ceremony + Custom Rituals + Prosperity  

Vision for yourself and the World + Self Initiation Party  

Our Founder, Shiloh Sophia says: 

"From birth to death...and all the bumps in the road along the journey...many of us long for initiation experiences to mark the passing of time. Whether that is a celebration or coming together around a trauma, or the acknowledgment of transitioning from one relationship to another, human beings seek out delineation in cycles.  

We want to know where we have been and then put it behind us and move into a new space - yet we are often at a loss for ritual. Red Thread Ceremonies create the context for living a life well loved, and being able to provide initiatory experiences for others and yourself.  

The Red Thread is a sacred technology, which we are able to use in our modern world. A sign of connection + destiny + desire + protection + transformation.  

In our circles we say 'tug on the red thread' if you need to feel us with you, and in an instant, we are there. Do you feel the connection?"

In one way or another, all of our ancestors worked with the four directions, the elements of earth, air, fire & water. These are gifts innate within creation available for All to work with in LOVE.

Seekers, Healers, Dreamers, Priestesses, Therapists, Coaches, Grandmas, Teachers, Dancers, Workshop Leaders, Poets, Social Workers, Nurses, Doctors, Bodyworkers, Writers, Corporate Changemakers, Speakers, Thought-leaders & Practitioners of every kind can use the gifts of the Red Thread Ceremony to bring depth and beauty into their practices.

Are you called to gather others into sacred space? Would you like to be held in a strong container to practice? Do you fancy the idea of being able to add the red thread to your medicine basket of gifts?

Submitting an Application ~ How it Works

As we navigate these challenging times, more of us are needed to rise up and call circle. If you feel the tug, we invite you to submit an application.

We have very generous payment plans to help this be possible for you. We are in this together and are willing to support you in making this happen.

When you click the button, you will also receive details about dates, tuition and registration

Have a question? Contact sarah@musea.org

Everything is Ritual  

Everything is ritual.  

The cup you choose for tea.  

The necklace you choose to wear when you feel lost.  

The choice of readings to start your day.  

The watering of plants and checking of soil.  

The choice to smile anyway at work.  

The unwarranted consistent kindnesses.  

The gazing out of windows.  

Your desk as a small altar.  

The food you chose and the way it looks on your plate.  

The path you take on the way home.  

The wishing you do for strangers on the street.  

The turning on of amber lights in a dark room.  

Speaking to the cats in soft tones.  

The music that creates the evening mood.  

Checking to be sure all is ok with friends and the world.  

The good scented candles at small altars.  

The texture of your nightgown on your skin.  

The face cream that cost too much and smells so good.  

Your hair on the pillow feathered like a halo.  

How you say goodnight to the day.  

The last ray of light.  

Everything is ritual.  

~ Shiloh Sophia 

Red Thread Circle in Copenhagen led by Grace Steenberg

There comes a time in our lives when we realize, we are healed enough. When we are healed enough, we don't have to wait anymore to call those we long to sit in circle with.

Here is a peek into a few rituals that Red Thread Guides will experience in our journey. In the work of Intentional Creativity we approach everything in a sacred manner. This approach leads to conscious relationships with ourselves and others. One of the ways we do that is through simple rituals, using the basic elements of earth, air, fire, water, and red thread combined with creativity and language. 

Arrival: Welcoming into the Red Thread Counsel and Intentional Creativity Circle  

Intention: Claiming your part in the circle and setting the course of your direction.  

Connection: Setting up your altar as sacred space and connecting into the quantum field of our global circle.

Reclamation: Clearing out past systems/programs to invite expansive space for self free of pre-existing default settings.  

Integration: Claiming of the Circles, Ceremonies, and Conversations you are called to lead.  

Celebration: Initiation as a carrier of the Red Thread.

We have an optional painting process woven throughout the program. Throughout our time together, we will be working on one abstract expressionism painting that will represent your circles and your beloveds. This is about you expressing what's coming through internally onto the canvas and gaining greater access to your ideas. No painting skills or experience required. Delivered via video. Led by Shiloh Sophia 

Here are some examples of Intentional Creativity images from courses by Shiloh Sophia to give you an idea of what we will create together!

The Red Thread Guide Certification Training is much more than gaining a new tool you will use with others. During the program, you will be held in a strong sacred container so you can do your work, feeling held and connected to others doing their work.

You will gain the confidence to bring your own soul work forward, calling circles both online and in person.

You will become a carrier of the Red Thread and claim your unique medicine.

This program is a rite of passage preparing you and acknowledging you as one who holds transformational space for those you choose to serve.  

The Way of the Red Thread is an invitation to walk in the world as one who carries her own medicine, and brings it to others in times of suffering, in times of great change, and in times of celebration.  

We use the 'medicine basket' as a metaphor for what you carry. Your red thread is in your basket. As part of our teachings, you articulate what else is within your medicine basket. What you bring to the world as your gift.  

You will add way of the red thread tools to your medicine basket. You can lead red thread circles as a blessing way, a pregnancy ritual, a birthday honoring, a death passing, hospice transition, for marriage... From birth to death and all the juicy bits in between, you will prepare your mind and heart, combined with structure for how to design experiences that are appropriate to those who are gathered.  

Discover this for yourself:

What is unique and special about the messages you carry?  

Who are you called to serve, and in what way?  

What part will you play in the weaving of the future? 

You will discover the power of Intentional Creativity® as a foundation for circle.  

The Way of the Red Thread is rooted in the method of Intentional Creativity®. We approach all of our actions as acts of intentional creation, and as creators, we understand our capacity to influence and create the future with mindfulness. Intentional Creatives bring mindfulness to what we create. The Red Thread is ancient and yet holds the teachings of the future.  

You will define your own sacred path and discover new direction.  

In becoming a Red Thread Circle Guide you will develop your own personal direction for your life path so you know where you are going! Good idea, right!? You will walk on your path as a sovereign being, knowing there are other sisters right beside you. A sisterhood of the red thread made up of women from many different spiritual traditions.  

"One of the things I love about the red thread," says Intentional Creativity Founder, Shiloh Sophia, "is that it works within all traditions. You don't need to have a common faith to bring a sense of the sacred to the circles you lead." 

You will explore your commitment to a spiritual creative practice.  

Many of us have felt estranged from organized spiritual containers, not finding a place where we can be ourselves and develop our gifts and be supported. We may be too wild and too wise, in ways that are not encouraged in traditional containers. We may not feel like we want to hang out a shingle that says healer or shaman, and yet we know within the center of our being that we have something that is uniquely ours to share. The Way of the Red Thread grants access, a simple thread connecting us to our destiny and pulling us forward.  

The world needs women who will wisely and boldly guide the future. Women have always done this in circle. Whether that be around the campfire or around the kitchen table or in the boardroom - naturally we find ourselves gathering in a circle. In a circle we can see each other, we are equal and there is a dynamic energy moving between us.  

You will claim ritual as a way of life.  

Every day ritual is likely something you already do, maybe without knowing it, since it is so natural. As natural as creating beauty. It isn’t something that is saved for those in elevated positions of spiritual status. Ritual is chopping wood and carrying water. Ritual is whenever we move forward with intention. Ritual includes the lighting of candles, the blessing with water, the saying of prayers. Ritual is woven through every aspect of the Way of the Red Thread.  

You will add new tools to your medicine basket.  

You will learn how to lead many kinds of circles in templates we share with you, but more importantly, you will learn how to weave a circle within the context of whatever energy is present in a room. 

The Red Thread Guide training certification lives at the crossroads of generosity and prosperity, guided by grace. What if what is really needed by those you long to serve, is also what you really need?  

We like to think that we are not pulling our red thread from nothing, but rather, it is pulling us forward. Our work is to surrender, and follow it where it leads. To let ourselves be surprised….a sacred assignment isn’t destiny, in that it will happen no matter what we do. A sacred assignment happens when we choose to show up for our own unique piece. This takes work, community. inspiration and STRUCTURE. Circles are structured and that is why they are strong containers.  

I have been a classroom teacher for over 17 years. I can say without hesitation that my Red Thread Guide training was the most powerful, well designed, interactive, resource filled training I have ever done. Not only were all the guides and teachers experts deeply grounded and wise, their compassion and their being available during the course was outstanding. 

~ Lexanne Leonard

The experience of coming into circle, albeit virtually is a powerful experience and helps us to understand at a heart level that our tribe is global even though we act locally. A

~ Clarity Henderson

I felt a deep heart calling to this training even before I had much idea of what it involved. It was such a sweet and yet powerful speaking of how to call and what to call, in an empowered way of reaching out to others and connecting in the sacred container space that was being created. This work gave me the impetus as well as the practical guidelines to call circles of beings, for me that will be mostly women, to create a kind of connection that I believe is healing for not only we as individuals, but the whole of humanity, one being at a time. Shiloh, Mary and Jonathan were teachers of great depth and heart. I loved you all. A

~ Feather Redfox

I enjoyed the immersion and focus... which in reality was a lovely, guided journey. In the privacy of my home, and then through actual shared practice, I gained wonderful insight and courage to share new skills. I am very grateful to have answered the call and found my way into the circle of the Red Thread. It is wonderful to know that new breath is continuing the tradition of weaving women, story and teachings in a celebration that offers depth and grace. You glow as you share! 

~ Monika Reis

This course was a life changing experience for me because I discovered my purpose. 

~ Patti Livingston  

I found myself searching for a spiritually inclusive, wise and creative community willing to accompany me on my journey of becoming. The Red Thread Guide Training has been the answer to my prayers, assuring me that I am a Spiritual Guide destined to AWAKEN JOY, and that each of us is connected to all that is, was, and will be on our red thread. 

 ~ Lisa Cohen

Even if you do not want to certify as a guide, this training gives you an amazing collection of tools to weave into your life, keep in your medicine basket and utilize on your chosen path.  

~ Linda Allen

As a sacred embroiderer, I very consciously lead my thread in connection with Soul and Spirit. It naturally brought me to the Red Thread Circle where I felt immediately part of fellow wise sisters who speak the same language. It is magic how such a simple metaphor and device like the red thread can form a space for witnessing each other, simply being and present to what is now. And with intention and the safe environment of a circle beautiful intentions get planted and manifest. Magic in action and exactly up my streak as a sacred embroiderer. 

~ Erika Maizi  

The Red Thread Guide Training is just what I needed to step into and own my place leading circle. I've been sitting in circles and supporting leadership for many years now and I finally have the confidence and tools I need to share my unique voice. Thank you Shiloh and Team for all the love and support. This has truly been a remarkable experience.  

~Julie Ridenour

The Red Thread Guide program is as much about your beloveds as it is about yourself. Shiloh and Mary hold the container in a loving and sacred way. The Red Thread Guide program gives you the tools to find what is your own medicine, set the container of your circle as well as to ritual, creating your story, your own initiation and will gift you with a sisterhood of women who are going on the same journey, of service and love and wanting to share their gifts into the world.  

 ~Johanna Rivera

I enjoyed all aspects of the program and easily incorporated them into my journey. The price was affordable, especially with the payment options. It was absolutely worth the price. I experience great satisfaction in value received. 

~ Eileen Dyer

To be led through this process by such wonderful women has been uplifting. They truly talk the talk and walk the walk. I have been informed and inspired by the Red Thread Guide process and feel confident I can now look forward to sharing it here in my community. Through the virtual realm, I have enjoyed months of deep, heartwarming contemplation and reflection, led by Mary and Shiloh, and supported by my fellow classmates. Being in Australia, I have felt the distance keenly, but I have appreciated the immediacy of the Facebook group contact as supportive and personal. 

~ Liz Ferguson

Even if I did not really know why, when I enrolled, this program fitted perfectly into my toolbox/medecine basket and I connected to so many different wonderful souls... feeling blessed and showered with gifts! I connected to a bigger part of my tribe, and that makes me stronger, and more resilient. So grateful! 

~ Johanna Ringe

The tool of the Red Thread Circle has changed my life. As I sit in circle with women (men & children) and witness them as they are, as they come, with their perspective, I see common threads over and over. The separation dissolves (I'm “in”, you're “out”), humanity is revealed and our piece is spoken. What endures is celebration for one another!  

I've sat in other circles in my life. Circles where talking sticks are passed, stones are passed, balls are thrown. All of these circles are good. However, the kinesthetic piece of the red thread has my heart. The legends about the thread, the passing from person to person, the winding around the wrist, the full circle connection as I sit with people who may not be my usual “tribe”, the voice that proclaims a powerful declaration and the final tying of another's thread is potent for me.  

I envision a Red Thread Community where, one day, when I head to my local grocery store, I see a stranger and we both have red threads and we can instantly claim our connection with a broad smile! 

~Ally Markotich

Our world is in need of women brave enough to call their own sacred circles into being. 

Color of Woman Gathering at MUSEA in Sonoma, CA

Are you called to gather the women? The children? The couples? The elders? This is an ideal offering for those who have a desire to serve and be in circle with others. In terms of your lifework, you may be at the beginning or mid-course in your development. This certification is suitable for the advanced practitioner and the beginner as it is an apprenticeship to a philosophy correlated to how we weave and are connected to others.  

As with all Intentional Creativity curriculum guided by Shiloh Sophia - and with support from the Cosmic Cowgirls, the Color of Women Guild, and Red Thread Guide graduates - this Certification Training is focused on the development of your own content, leadership style and desire for service in your own unique way. The structure is a foundation upon which you develop your own way of working.  

If you feel this information lights up your heart, if you feel a quickening, then becoming a Red Thread Guide may be the right next step for your path forward. Trusting your heart and your intuition is the best way to know if you are making a choice in alignment with your sacred assignment!  

Those of us who are walking in the way of the red thread feel that we are a part of the larger matrix that weaves us together. We feel that we were connected from a time before time and have followed our path to this moment where it is time to meet and catalyze one another. We feel a sense of destiny and a sense of arrival finding ourselves in circle with others. Here we are.  

This is participation in a women’s circle through which you will become a facilitator of this sacred and special gift: the way of the red thread.  

We have gathered in circle since the beginning of fire. Our hearts gathered under starlight, warming our hands by the firelight. We organized ourselves around the central hearth and as we return to this tradition, we remember the past, and are inspired to create the future that is ours. We hold the keys that are most needed.  

Red Thread Guide Gathering 2018: MUSEA in Sonoma, CA

Red Thread Guide Certification Training  

TEACHINGS - Delivered online in media rich format.  

Teaching - 300+ page manual delivered throughout 4 months, The Way of the Red Thread, first published in 2013 by Shiloh Sophia and revised in 2020. 

Practicum - Learn the 9 Parts of leading a Red Thread Circle. While there is no right way to do it, or wrong way, learning this way will provide a foundation upon which you can build your own curriculum and way of working with the Red Thread.  

Painting to Learn – Practice of Painting Your Path as the program unfolds. Intentional Creativity painting process to work on a painting that holds the frequency and design for your life path, present and future. Working mostly with glazes and intentional marks, dots, dashes, abstract not figurative. No painting experience necessary.  

Painting to Teach - Learn Intentional Creativity process for journal or watercolor paper that you can lead during circle, or after as a workshop.

Red Thread Rituals – Learn rituals with water and oil for births, pregnancies, blessings, death, marriages, social activism – any rites of passage. Learn the simple rituals of working with earth, air, fire and water for your own usage and the creation of your groups, but also with individual clients.  

Working with Red Threads in clinical containers such as therapy, social work and medicine, will also be explored especially by the women who are working with the red thread.  

Calling - Connecting with the Ones You Serve  

Quantum rituals to connect with those on the other side of your Red Thread, your clients, guests, those you long to serve – those who may have been calling you into this work, waiting for you.  

Energy - Clear, Move and Create  

Learn to work with your own field and the collective quantum field so you can strengthen your field, as well as hold space for and with others.  

Many of us are highly sensitive people, easily impacted by energy fields. While it opens our compassion, it may make it difficult for us to be with others. You can overcome many of the limitations of how you work with energy by working with the frequency and strenth of the red thread. This is a powerful tool.  

Most of all you are learning how to clear your own field, get out of your own way and not be bound by your story, so you can be free enough, lucid enough and ready enough to call others. You don’t need to be healed or be a healer, your circle offerings just need to stay in absolute integrity with who you are and what you are calling. We believe that those who need to be in your circle will find you, if you show up and keep showing up.  

There are many of us, thousands of us, aligned with the energy of the red thread of connection and support. You don’t have to do this alone. Learn to tune into the field of the red thread, the woven matrix all around us. You do not have to handle everything yourself.  

YOU will lead - You will design your own Red Thread Circles, and for those who choose to certify, you will lead 3 Red Thread Circles during our journey together.  

Sacred Containers - Build strong yet fluid containers that create sacred space and energy. You bring your spiritual traditions in everything you do whether you realize it or not. In the program we will teach you to work faith-agnostically so that you can work with women or men from all spiritual traditions and create powerful sacred containers.  

Resiliency - Perhaps the most important feature of all…strengthening yourself. The program provides the experience to strengthen yourself as a Circle Guide. To prepare you to meet the challenges. To facilitate breakthroughs and move through breakdowns.  

Throughout the course you will discover a new way to embrace how you experience tragedy. Through walking the Way of the Red Thread you will learn resiliency through spiritual creative practice of circles and personal painting.  

"As a teacher it is not uncommon for women to say to me that they have been following the thread to this moment of our meeting, whether that is in person or online, there is a sense of knowing, from a time before time that we were headed towards this place on the path. Your Beloveds have called you." ~ Shiloh Sophia

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

Image by Glenview Skye

Curriculum is delivered via email, online in a private classroom and via phone/video calls. 

Mediums we use are video, PDF and a blog where all assignments and teachings can easily be found.  

Online leadership is provided by our team - Sarah Mardell is the program Director, supported by Intentional Creativity Teacher and Red Thread Guide, Amber Gould, and other members of our Guild. 

Maestra Shiloh Sophia's teachings are from The Way of the Red Thread and will be delivered via video and written format.  

Live calls are recorded.  

IMPORTANT - The Red Thread Guide training is based on the work and research of Shiloh Sophia over a 25-year period of exploring and leading women’s circles. She will lead primary video modules alongside Dr. Mary McCrystal. Some aspects of the training are guided by others who have worked closely with Shiloh Sophia to bring this into form, including teachings from Intentional Creativity Teachers.

We love connecting on Zoom, where we can gather along the Red Thread from around the world!

For 2020, our private classroom will be inside the iMusea app.

I am so thrilled to be a part of Red Thread Circle training. It has been a long time in the making yet is landing at the perfect time, when people need it most, with divine timing. Thank you Shiloh Sophia for receiving the information and creating the spaces for this to land. For dedicating your time and energy. For gathering the people, and speaking and giving form to what is needed. I already have clinical therapists that want to sign up. They are ready. Here is some of what I say to people if they have not experienced a Red Thread Circle: "Red Thread circles are a way for people of many different origins and paths to come together in an intentional space, to witness and be witnessed, to be present to the moment, and attend their own piece of the thread. 

Within the Red Thread circle people feel grounded and inspired, they feel connected to self, other, and purpose. People often reflect never having had an experience that has ever compared. Red Thread circles are a clear field of connectivity. They bypass spiritual belief systems and religion which gives people an opportunity to experience connection in a new way. Because of his I have been able to lead circles in many different settings and systems, professional, clinical and personal, crossing boundaries of hierarchy and identity, to leave people with the profound and fundamental experience of connection and sovereignty."  

VIVID 2020 : CREATIVITY & CONSCIOUSNESS Guided by Shiloh Sophia with Guest Keynote Creatives

November 1.2.3.4 : Sonoma, California MUSEA : Center for Intentional Creativity

For those who can come in person, we invite you to join us for VIVID! This is a time to honor your Red Thread Guide journey with Graduation Ceremony, sisterhood, and to meet those you have traveled with the last four months.

VIVID invites you to experience your community in LIVING color. As a graduate, you are an important part of an eclectic tribe of wisdom keepers, thrill seekers and legendary guides from many walks of life, from all over the globe!  

The council has been called for Intentional Creativity Teachers and Coaches and Red Thread Guides to gather and experience a celebration! This will be the graduation for all of our courses so we can celebrate together in ceremony. What fun!  

Shiloh Sophia and the council of vision keepers, innovative leaders and merry-makers will create a special experience of community and connection for this not-to-be missed special event. A time to share in the riches of our work in the world as we experience each other in 3D. In our colorful flesh!  

Tuition for this event can also be included with your Red Thread Guide package. Go here to learn more about the program tuition and take the next step to apply if you are called to join us!

What is the Red Thread? A global symbol of connectivity, destiny, and storytelling recognized in many different spiritual and cultural traditions. A sign of connection. A visible representation of the unbroken thread between us. The red threads that weave the red tent together. The umbilical cord. The beginning of life. Red. A symbol of the circle without end. A quantum connection.  

What if I am already taking Color of Woman? If you are in Color of Woman - the Reference Guide and basic Red Thread Circle training IS HUGELY part of your training. So in essence, imagine this is a red thread door that opens to the deeper world of leading Red Thread Circles and you skills as a facilitator. That said, you don't need to do both unless you feel really called. This program is for those who aren't perhaps painters, but want to be in the thread. AND it will be a great primer, practice and deep dive into the material.  

Do I need to already be a leader? No you don't. You just need to feel called to be in circle and to gather others as a natural self expression.  

Is this spiritual? Women from all spiritual traditions are welcome. Maestra Shiloh Sophia walks with Christ and the Blessed Mother, and the Magdalena. While this is not taught except in specific modules within the program that are optional, the frequency is held in this way as a part of her ministry and soul work.  

Where does Intentional Creativity come from? Intentional Creativity is ancient and belongs to all beings. This work as it is practiced in this context comes from a lineage of Intentional Creativity starting with Lenore Thomas and moving through Sue Hoya Sellars and onto Shiloh Sophia as taught in the Color of Woman training. Shiloh Sophia learned about the Red Thread from many teachers including Native American mothers.  

What is the time commitment? One hour a week, firm. Up to four hours a week, suggested. This program is guided, with a clear outline of curriculum delivered to you, but you still work at your own pace.  

I have heard others talking about Color of Woman - how is this different? Totally different curriculum, same good energy, education and staff. Rooted in Intentional Creativity - yet not a painting class. This is great for non-painters and even people who don't identify as creatives.  

For any other questions you may have, contact sarah@musea.org 

photo from Color of Woman Graduation Gathering 2019 : 1440 Multiversity in Santa Cruz, CA

We all walk a sacred path. Some of us don't know it. The power comes when we consciously choose to walk in a beautiful way. And how wonderful to find others there on the path with us...

Watch this video with graduates speaking from the heart about their training experience.

More Shares About Red Thread Circle from the Intentional Creativity Guild

"After a Red Thread session with my Mom (91) daughter, granddaughter, cousin and niece, my cousin said "This goes down in the books as one of my favorite memories in life. What a special time! Thank you so much for this magical experience. I love you!” ~ Hobby Parent, hobbyparent.com

I NEVER lead a workshop without doing Red Thread. I have shared it everywhere I go...the most powerful part always being before we cut ourselves free to hold only our part. It's all about setting - and holding - the container. ~ Tina Greene, TinaGreeneWisdom.com  

I open every event I lead with The Red Thread Ceremony. It acts as an icebreaker, a heart to heart connector, a conversation maker, a moment of transformation as an individual and as the collective, and is always remembered. My clientele comes back wanting more and bringing friends. Such a simple, powerful and profound gift for any group of people. ~ Kerry Lee, KerryLeeArt.com  

I've participated in circles for decades, and find the Red Thread ceremony offers a wonderful way for people to hone in on what they have to share and holding space for others. I open my classes and workshops with it, and love the magical moment when I hold up the ball and say "you're not responsible for the whole ball!" I would love to be involved in the training in some capacity! ~ Nadya King, www.ladyharper.com  

I always do a Red Thread ceremony when I teach! Many women say that is the most powerful aspect of the workshop--sharing intimate information in sacred space and holding the container for that trust to be shared opens up the channels of creativity, connection and community!! ~ Janet Lavendoski Holmes www.facebook.com/janetmholmesartist  

What a beautiful offering Shiloh Sophia, yes, always use the red thread in opening, intended as welcoming all scattered parts of self to land safely and connect to the wholeness of being, extended outwardly into community. Always refer IC to my tribe as it has changed my life significantly and l experienced first hand how a practice within a creative community holds so much more potential. ~ Marihet Hammann, www.facebook.com/livinglifeinfullcolour  

I also begin my workshops with a red thread circle and have led very powerful red thread circles with my family and friends. ~ Gina Fong Seidler, www.facebook.com/paintmandalas  

This morning my husband told me he sees me light up whenever I lead a Red Thread Circle and that i seem to be at my very best when doing so. The entry into my operations here at Gefion Art & Guest&House go through my Red Thread Cafés, which is a great way of introducing people to the way of the red thread and the work with IC even the most skeptical of people seem to fancy the thread, and no matter how many circles they have been in, they are amazed when I tell them - we are connected "now you can see it". ~ Jessica Enevlold, www.facebook.com/drjessyourcreativept  

Have a question? Contact sarah@musea.org

WAY of the RED THREAD - take a peek at the

Table of Contents

Dedicated to You................................................................................................................................... 14

Foreword by Carmen Baraka : Spirit Warrior........................................................................ 15

Weaving a New Story – Poem..................................................................................................... 17

Red Thread of Belonging Story..................................................................................................... 18

Letter from the Red Thread Café................................................................................................. 26

MUSEA : Intentional Creativity Movement............................................................................. 31

Connecting with Us Now............................................................................................................... 32

Orientation : Origins & Ancestry.................................................................................................. 33

Ingredients for Red Thread Café................................................................................................ 39

A Message to the Children of the World................................................................................. 41

Red Hands from 39,000 Years Ago........................................................................................... 43

Sacred Remembrance - Poem..................................................................................................... 45

Chapter One: A Vision for Empowerment................................................................... 49

A Council of Women – Poem........................................................................................................ 50

Saying Yes to the Call......................................................................................................................... 52

Storytelling as Healing.................................................................................................................... 54

Opening with the Story of the Red Thread.............................................................................. 56

Red Thread Circle and Your Choice............................................................................................. 62

Red Thread Circle Overview........................................................................................................... 63

First Round.......................................................................................................................................... 63

The Four Legends as a Teaching - Overview........................................................................ 65

Second Round..................................................................................................................................... 66

Appropriate and Appropriation................................................................................................. 67

Dancing for Rain : Compassion in Action............................................................................... 71

Red Thread as Ritual in my Life................................................................................................. 73

Talisman of Intention : The Taboo & the Sacred................................................................ 75

Quantum Connections and Imagination................................................................................ 80

The Way of Red Thread : Ideas We Hold Dear......................................................................... 84

A Thread of Empowerment............................................................................................................... 86

Exploring Inquiries about Your Story...................................................................................... 88

Our Hope For You in Experiencing the Red Thread.......................................................... 89

Our Lady of the Red Thread - Poem......................................................................................... 92

Chapter Two: A Legendary Reputation....................................................................... 93

Bound by Love - Poem.................................................................................................................... 94

My First Red Thread Circle.............................................................................................................. 95

A Symbol for Global Stories, Community Legends and Creating Culture.................. 99

Teaching Stories in the Context of Circle............................................................................... 99

Red Thread in Literature............................................................................................................ 101

Mexico and the Red Thread by Emily Grieves.................................................................... 104

Native American............................................................................................................................ 107

East Asia............................................................................................................................................ 107

Western Asia.................................................................................................................................... 108

Scotland & Ireland......................................................................................................................... 109

Red Thread Zen............................................................................................................................... 110

Hindu Traditions............................................................................................................................ 110

Christianity and Judaism............................................................................................................ 111

Kabbalah and Mystical Judaism.............................................................................................. 114

Modern and Popular Culture.................................................................................................... 114

Red Feminine Women’s Mysteries.......................................................................................... 116

Love Knot - Celtic Hand-fasting............................................................................................... 119

The Paradox of Taboo and Blessing...................................................................................... 120

The Red Madonna and the Red Tent.......................................................................................... 121

The Spirit of Belonging in Community................................................................................. 123

Guided Meditation by Dr. Havi Mandell............................................................................... 126

She Danced - Poem........................................................................................................................ 130

Chapter Three: Claiming Your Piece............................................................................ 133

A People Who Believe – Poem.................................................................................................. 134

Your Piece Is Unique to YOU.......................................................................................................... 135

A Stand for Your Piece and World Peace............................................................................. 136

Connection Leads to Calling...................................................................................................... 140

Spinning the Thread of Imagination..................................................................................... 142

Many Stories Weave Into A Legend............................................................................................ 144

Ways to Look at the Four Legends............................................................................................. 147

Four Legends : Affirmations...................................................................................................... 148

Four Legends: Teachings............................................................................................................ 149

The Four Legends: Circle............................................................................................................ 151

LEGEND ONE : CONNECTION................................................................................................... 152

LEGEND TWO : CALLING............................................................................................................ 154

LEGEND THREE : RESPONSIBILITY...................................................................................... 156

LEGEND FOUR : TOGETHERNESS.......................................................................................... 158

Celebrating the Journey................................................................................................................. 160

LEGEND as taught in Cosmic Cowgirls................................................................................. 163

Meditation on Connection.......................................................................................................... 166

Cosmic Rose - Poem...................................................................................................................... 168

Chapter Four: Overcoming the Fear of Leading.............................................. 171

Not Enough - Poem....................................................................................................................... 172

Taking Your Own Space.................................................................................................................... 174

External or Internal Criticism.................................................................................................. 176

Fearless Belonging............................................................................................................................ 178

Belonging to Yourself..................................................................................................................... 181

Inquiries into Fearless Belonging........................................................................................... 184

Choosing How You Relate to Yourself................................................................................... 187

Deep Listening and Distinctions.............................................................................................. 189

Listening With More Than Mind................................................................................................. 190

The Story of the Little Red Thread Girl................................................................................ 193

Your Beloveds...................................................................................................................................... 198

Reflecting on our Journey........................................................................................................... 201

Remember You - Poem................................................................................................................ 204

Chapter Five: Circle Ideas and Guidelines.............................................................. 209

Big Love – Poem............................................................................................................................. 210

The Creative Path with Us!........................................................................................................... 212

Blessings of Being in Circle........................................................................................................... 215

Circle Guidelines................................................................................................................................ 218

Calling the Circle – Ready Enough?....................................................................................... 220

Creating Sacred Space................................................................................................................. 221

Structure : Beginning, Middle and Completing.................................................................... 223

Nine Steps in a Red Thread Circle............................................................................................... 232

13 Reasons to Call A Circle........................................................................................................... 235

Your Call to Circle and Inspiration......................................................................................... 236

What Kind of Circle and Why?................................................................................................. 237

Designing Your Themes.................................................................................................................... 239

A Circle Inspired by Personal Revelation:............................................................................ 239

A Circle Inspired by Caring for Individuals:....................................................................... 239

A Circle Based on Blessing the World:.................................................................................. 240

A Business/Networking Inspired Circle:.............................................................................. 240

A Circle Inspired by a Spiritual Happening:....................................................................... 240

Dreaming Your Theme....................................................................................................................... 241

Planning Your Circle.................................................................................................................... 243

To Charge or Not to Charge...................................................................................................... 245

Circle Formats..................................................................................................................................... 246

Red Thread Circles Throughout Life........................................................................................ 248

Magic Paintbrush: Sacred Appointment Circles (Auntie of the Brush).................. 253

Inquiry Patterns – Ideas for Rounds......................................................................................... 254

Favorite Guild Inquiries for Circles........................................................................................ 255

Designing Structures....................................................................................................................... 256

Infinite Kinds of Circles............................................................................................................... 257

Red Thread Circles Honoring Individuals........................................................................... 258

Circles for Groups........................................................................................................................... 260

Circles for Business........................................................................................................................ 262

Circles to Open Events to Support Activism and in the Virtual World.................... 263

Circles for Activism........................................................................................................................ 263

Creating Virtual Circles............................................................................................................... 264

Red Thread and Virtual Coaching and Circles.................................................................. 264

Intentional Creativity® Circles................................................................................................. 265

Preparation for Your Circle......................................................................................................... 266

Communication and Venue Preparation............................................................................. 267

Transformation in Your Circle.................................................................................................... 269

Red Thread Prayer or Meditation Rope............................................................................... 271

Making Your Prayer Rope.......................................................................................................... 272

Crimson Stardust - Poem............................................................................................................ 274

Chapter Six: Coming Full Circle........................................................................................ 277

We Have Been Waiting for You - Poem................................................................................ 278

Wild Hairs in Completion........................................................................................................... 281

Revelation - The Hem of Her Garment..................................................................................... 282

After 1000 Broken Vows – Poem............................................................................................. 288

Chapter Seven:  Intentional Creativity®................................................................ 291

The Creative Being Creed - Poem............................................................................................ 292

Intentional Creativity Guild Members Speak:...................................................................... 295

The Power of the Red Thread with Creativity................................................................... 299

Young Girls with Red Threads.................................................................................................. 300

Red Thread and a Whole Bar of Chocolate......................................................................... 302

Family Gathering Threads......................................................................................................... 304

Interview with Dr. Mary McCrystal : The Red Thread and Weddings..................... 306

Shiloh Sophia’s Stories of the Red Thread............................................................................. 310

Union and the Red Thread......................................................................................................... 310

Orange Shirt and the Red Thread........................................................................................... 311

Chicken, Roses and the Red Thread....................................................................................... 312

Hand-painted Spaceship - Sue Hoya Sellars....................................................................... 313

Over 100 Women at the United Nations.............................................................................. 315

Native Women and the UN........................................................................................................ 316

Wisdom 2.0 and the Witness Tree.......................................................................................... 316

400 Women and the Red Thread............................................................................................ 317

Tree of Transformation - The Evolution of my Body of Work           318

Invocation - Poem.......................................................................................................................... 324

Gratitude............................................................................................................................................... 325

About Shiloh Sophia.......................................................................................................................... 329

Illustrations and Sue Hoya Sellars Bio.................................................................................. 333

About Carmen Baraka...................................................................................................................... 338

References............................................................................................................................................ 340