My Story

Hello! I’m Root Holden (they/he), a queer, pagan, trans person residing in Dakota and Anishinaabe territory, colonially known as Duluth, MN.

I’ve been studying religion, divination, theology, and ritual since I went to my first crystal shop around 1995 in my hometown of Wheeling, WV.

I love to create and facilitate ritual, including seasonal celebrations as well as rites of passage such as hand fasting, naming ceremonies, grief work, and death rituals to support the dying.

My Studies

Master of Divinity in Spiritual Direction

My studies at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities have helped me examine the historical, cultural, and theological foundations of our current religious and spiritual world to come to interreligious spiritual companionship in an informed, open, and curious mindset. My expected graduation date is Spring 2027.

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing® supports our spiritual work by helping us ground and orient our bodyminds so we can engage with the Divine through all our senses. Somatic Experiencing is a stand-alone practice that is used alongside spiritual direction practices as well as by therapists, bodyworkers, and other healing modalities.

Spiritual Traditions

I have trained and practiced in multiple traditions, including:

• Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids - Bardic Grade

• Reclaiming Tradition - Priestess, Student Teacher, and former North Bay (CA) Ritual Planning Cell.

• Sisterhood of Avalon - Silver Ray

• Queer Heathenry

• Buddhism

Just Be-ing

And generally, as a human, you’ll find me:

• Ballroom dancing at North Shore Ballroom Studio

• Hanging out with my children, dogs, and grandkitties

• Co-creating events at Pleasure and Belonging in West Duluth