“Awakening Osiris” delineates rituals that aid in the soul’s journey through the afterlife, a theme that might sound archaic but holds contemporary value. Modern psychology reveals that rituals can be calming, reassuring, and can grant a deeper understanding of mortality (Hobson, et al., 2017). As a death doula, the psychological weight and symbolism of these rituals offer comfort and grounding at the threshold of life and death.

For over 85 years, researchers at Harvard University have been asking a question that is close to each of our hearts: What is the essence of human happiness? Known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, this extraordinary research endeavor offers some deeply affirming answers.

The Gaia Theory offers a revolutionary paradigm that conceptualizes Earth as a living, interdependent system. This cosmology is intrinsically harmonious with the tenets of Earth-based spirituality, which emphasize the sacred interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. In this synthesis, Earth is not merely an inanimate entity; rather, it is a vibrant organism deserving of profound reverence—a central axiom of both Gaia Theory and diverse Earth-centered spiritual traditions.

In the context of death and dying, Terror Management Theory helps us recognize that our fear of death is not only natural but also a powerful force shaping our lives. By understanding this fear, we can begin to address it and develop a more harmonious relationship with death.

A death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula or death midwife, is a trained and compassionate individual who offers non-medical support and guidance to individuals and families as they navigate the dying process. Death doulas work to ensure that the dying person's needs, wishes, and values are honored and respected during this final stage of life.

My lineages hailing from my Western European and Jewish descent have a relationship with mysticism and paganism. Mystical practices, such as hermeticism and alchemy, drew on ancient pagan (earth honoring) traditions, which focused on the transformative power of nature and the importance of symbolic and mystical knowledge.

At first glance, my roles as a contemporary art curator and a death doula or end-of-life doula may seem worlds apart. However, both require a deep understanding of human experience and the ability to navigate complex emotional terrain with empathy and sensitivity.

The San Francisco art scene is rapidly changing and former New York gallerist and art consultant Katie Cooper wanted to be a part of the Bay Area’s growing art community. Naturally, the former co-director at Pioneer Works, packed up and headed back to her native California and landed at The Laundry, an experimental art gallery and event space nestled in San Francisco’s Mission District.

Death is a natural part of the animistic worldview, where the cycle of life and death is seen as an interwoven process that is not to be feared or avoided. This ancient way of thinking holds that all living beings, including humans, have spirits that continue to exist after death.