Karri Allrich (Massachusets) is an artist, writer and cook. Her Celtic (Scottish~Irish) heritage informs her love of the Goddess and her path toward individuation. She is a natural empathic Hedge Witch whose gifts include dream interpretation, tarot and shamanic journeying. She lives in Massachusetts, close to the sea she loves, sharing her home and studio with her artist/writer husband, Steve Allrich, and their two talented sons.
Interview by Lady Badria
In your Bio, it says you were raised without your father. What impact on your life do you feel this had?
This is a complex question! Never knowing my father certainly impacted my sense of place in the world. There was always this lingering question of "where I belonged", and who my ancestors were. Recently, I discovered that my heritage (my blood father is a McLean) is Highlander! The MacLean clan is an active one, and still owns land, and a castle on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. That was exciting to learn.
I do think that growing up female, without a protective, guiding male figure, influences how you encounter the world at large. The choice you face is: to constantly long for a father figure, or gather your own inner strength and rescue yourself. I probably experienced a bit of both!
Who was your inspiration growing up?
I took my inspiration from books. I was a bookworm! An introvert. I spent all my spare time reading, drawing and wandering out in the nearby woods, or lying under the trees. In those days there were still acres of undeveloped land everywhere... those woods have disappeared now. It's very sad. As a young girl I loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, The Wind in the Willows and any fairy tales, King Arthur stories and such. I lived in my head... and had quite an active imagination.
At what time in your life did the Goddess bring you to the path you are on now?
I believe that the Goddess first began to reveal herself to me while I was very young, and being brought to Mass in the Catholic church. I used to stare at all the statues and carvings of Mary and Mary Magdalene, and drift off into my own imagination. I've always had a strong sense of connection to all things spiritual. Being raised in a rural setting also gave me opportunity to spend a lot of solitary time outdoors; drifting in the tall grasses, watching clouds overhead and dreaming. I could feel the earth breathing underneath me. The earth has always felt alive to me, and cognizant. I was always listening... Later, as an adult, I began painting these powerful female figures and faces. There was an unconscious force coming through my artwork... The Goddess was emerging!
As far as my path, I view my life as an ongoing search, a spiral path that leads me deeper into the Mystery. As a young girl I always had a sense of being *different*, an outsider, an intuitive who heard, felt and saw things that others did not. The Goddess, as a conscious force, became a part of my path many years ago, after I had given birth to my two sons. Her archetype emerged at that time... so strong and clear.
As I look back on my earlier childhood, and think about the lessons taught in the church, I feel very saddened. The values of the Goddess: "feminine values" of interdependence, intuition, sensuality and a connection to our environment are disregarded and denigrated by the western patriarchal viewpoint of "mind over matter". The church's focus on the body as "sinful" has created a world out of balance. To chase the light without valuing the dark is a fruitless and dangerous pursuit.
Nimue Waiting for Merlin: 36 x 36" oil/linen Karri Ann Allrich ©2001
You studied in art, and have succeeded in this area. What has been your inspiration in this field?
I have always loved art, loved to draw, to paint. I've been lucky enough to support myself with my painting now for twenty years... although I think a lot of it has to do with simple perseverance. If you keep doing what you love to do, and do it long enough, people will begin to notice! Seriously, too many people give up on their dreams, and let their talents drift away. If you love something, stick with it. Persevere. The Universe supports creativity.
My inspiration is Nature herself. The mutable sky, the wind and clouds moving in for a thunderstorm, the changing color of sunlight for each season, the moonrise above a twilight cloud bank... It all inspires me. I only hope that we don't continue to destroy the beauty we have left... our world is rapidly changing, and we're losing so much natural beauty and diversity... it frightens me. It's getting harder and harder to find a patch of land to paint that has not been altered by man.
What do you think about as you paint?
When I paint I don't really 'think" as much as I "feel". I'm an emotional painter. Sometimes it makes for a technically less than perfect painting, but I cannot do it any other way. My heart and soul goes into what I do. It's like a visual prayer to the Goddess and Green Man.
Your husband is also a successful artist and teacher of arts. I have noticed similarities between your brush strokes and his. Is he your influence or is it that you are his?
I love this question! Because throughout our marriage people have assumed that HE influenced me... I get that all the time at art openings... questions about HIS influence, and if we are "competitive"... I suppose that those questions reveal people's collective prejudice about the man being dominant... But if you asked Steve, he'd laugh, and say that we've influenced each other equally. I've influenced his skies and kindled his interest in painting twilight... and he's influenced my way of working. To paint rapidly and without fear was his biggest gift to my painting process.
Being a successful artist, you then moved out of the field entirely with your first book deal. "Recipes from a Vegetarian Goddess". What inspired you to write a cookbook?
Well, here's perhaps where my husband HAS influenced me! I have always been an intuitive cook, a "mostly vegetarian" all my life. I love to cook and get creative in the kitchen. Steve encouraged me to begin writing down my recipes, and thought that I should write a book about my strong feelings regarding the Goddess, the seasons, and creating pleasure in the kitchen.
Do you believe your cookbook is of interest to just vegetarians, or were you trying to reach carnivores as well?
My cookbook is omnivore friendly! Although the only real animal foods in the book are an occasional free-range egg, or garnish of Parmesan cheese, (most dairy ingredients are offered with non-dairy alternatives for vegans) the book reflects the way real families like to eat. Lots of pasta, pizza, polentas and stir-fries, Southwestern cooking and lots of Italian influences. Meals that are hearty and quick. "Toss together" kind of cooking. It's not a "tofu bible", in other words... it's foods that people love.
In your cookbook you wrote something that I haven't seen before. You wrote a staple's list. What every vegetarian needs on the shelf. I was impressed by this. What gave you the idea to do this?
Well, thank you! I actually thought it would be a great idea to teach how you can cook more spontaneously and creatively when you have a stocked pantry... It makes a huge difference.
Also, I see you wrote your cookbook in the same direction as the correspondences where pagans are usually very knowledgeable, but Christians as a whole won't understand. What would you say to someone of the Christian faith who would question this?
I actually had a published cookbook reviewer who was not pleased with my Goddess/Pagan bent...and she complained about it in the review. But then she admitted that my recipes were wonderful, and that she loved my "Gauguin-like" painting on the cover. So...? I don't preach in the book, I only offer my way of cooking, in harmony with the seasons. My Scots/Irish background influences the celebrations, and yes, I name them with their original names... Samhain for instance, instead of Halloween. But open hearted Christians won't find much within these pages that is truly offensive. I write about sustenance and celebration, appreciating the bounty of the earth. Honoring the Goddess through her guise as Mother Earth, and tuning in to her seasons and changes. I would offer, "Look within your own heart. If I have written anything that is not about love, then perhaps you might have cause to challenge me. But my book is all about love. And love is the opposite of fear. Pull up a chair and have some pasta!"
I tried the recipe Apricot Rice Pilaf. I must say, the dish was completely consumed. There was none left. But I never would have thought of fruit with rice pilaf. It was a total surprise and delight to the taste buds to say the least. What made you think of mixing two ingredients that you normally wouldn't think went together?
My husband watches me in the kitchen when I begin tossing ingredients together, often in unusual combinations... and he'll laugh. He says he knows it's going to be REALLY good if he's never seen it done before. He likes my creativity. Many flavors work together in surprising ways... I constantly surprise myself with what I'm learning. And world cuisine offers many unusual combinations to experiment with. I use my intuition. And I encourage everyone to do the same. Have fun in the kitchen!
The first recipe I tried was the Roasted Vegetable Lasagna. It was to die for. I have made lasagna many times but never thought of actually roasting the vegetables for it. How did you come up with this one?
It came from my absolute LOVE of roasting vegetables. I roast them all the time... for pizza, lasagna, pasta... even to serve on top of thick slices of crusty bread. Roasting vegetables brings out a sweetness and savory depth of flavor that I love. And... it's such an easy way to cook veggies!
I liked the idea of speaking of the Sabbats and Correspondences in your cookbook. Why did you feel this would make a difference? What was your inspiration for it?
When I began organizing my recipes by the four seasons, I knew that I wanted to discuss why. I felt that my love of the seasonal Wheel of the Year, with its inherent lessons and changes, brought a real sense of connection into my kitchen. It made me feel more tuned in to the Goddess, and her seasonal wisdom... So I decided to write about it.
Moving on, lets talk about your second book, "A Witches Book of Dreams". By the title alone we know this book is for pagans. With all the dream books out on the market, why did you feel the need to write one for the pagan market? How do you feel yours is different?
Well, very simply, I felt that there was absolutely nothing available for the person who wanted a witchy approach that was also post-Freudian. I'm a Jungian witch, and my path has a Jungian structure. Jung's concepts of archetypes, the collective unconscious, the shadow, the Anima/Animus... all that good stuff, was not available in a format that honored the Goddess and her influences on symbol and dreams. Most Jungian based books are strictly intellectual, and the rest are based on Freudian and/or Christian symbols and theory. Mine might very well be the first dream book that embraces both Witchiness and Jung!
I have never seen a dream book written in the manner, "A Witches Book of Dreams" is done. This book has what would seem to me to be one of the most extensive dream dictionaries in it. Other books have a few definitions, more of objects in general, and the ones I have read come nowhere close. Why did you feel it necessary to put such a glossary in your book?
Thank you! I think it's a really valuable resource. I've been journaling and interpreting dreams for more than twenty years... so I wanted to create a dictionary filled with my collection of intuitive interpretations of symbols, while also encouraging readers to follow their own personal intuition; even creating their own dream dictionary with their own dream images. I think having such a resource sparks imagination and gets the creative/intuitive juices flowing. I have a friend in California who uses the Dream Dictionary section to interpret her coffee grounds!
You speak of keeping a dream journal in your book. Why do you feel this is necessary?
It's so necessary in our busy lives... because we forget! Those fragile wisps of dreams get lost in the clamor of traffic and errands and working... Our intuition is a quiet voice. If we neglect to write down its messages, we can easily develop a habit of ignoring our dreams, our intuition... I also can assure readers that if you do journal your dreams... you'll be absolutely amazed at how prophetic and revelatory they are! You'll look back at a dream six months prior and be astounded at the truth your subconscious knew, before your conscious mind was even aware...
You have collected and studied symbols for more then 20 years. What started your interests in them, and why do you feel they are so important. What will we learn by studying them?
While I was in art school I found a book by Carl Jung, titled, "Man and His Symbols". I was intrigued because I was a painter, and I wanted to know why I was drawn to certain recurring subject matter. Then I discovered his passion for dream work, and it opened the world to me... I knew instinctively that when Carl Jung talked about living an "authentic" life, he meant that in order to be true, to be wise, to grow, we had to delve into our subconscious, face our demons, and excavate our true self to become whole. I did not want to live an unconscious life. It terrified me. Ignorance is not bliss... it's just unconsciousness. I witness a lot of unconscious behavior among people who seek spiritual paths, even Pagan and Wiccan. There's more to magick than learning the right ritual. In order to find true power and become a warrior in spirit, one has to go through the fire of alchemy. Dream work helps us to be honest with ourselves, and face down our fears. It's important shamanic work.
In your book you speak of "Religion and Myth"," Finding your Roots" and "Archetypes." How do you feel this helps us with our dreams?
It's all very necessary... to look at myth, symbol, archetypes and our collective culture helps us to create a context within which we can understand our true selves, examine our motivations and work on our personal power. The influence of our childhood, our culture today, TV, movies, fashion... it all informs our dream life and how we view the world. We need to be aware of it in order to become conscious, and grow in authenticity.
You speak of a Dream Circle and even speak of suggesting we ourselves either join one or start one. Why do you feel this will help in our search of enlightenment? Also what we as a whole will get out of it.
Working with a circle (or even one other) in dream work is not only fun, it's very supportive. Having other "objective" opinions and observations can sometimes save us from deluding ourselves... especially if there's something that a dream brings up...that we don't really want to face! More than that, though, I feel that my experiences in Dream Circles have been nourishing and even healing. We've incorporated rituals and done some very positive workings together. It's a wonderful way to share, and learn.
What do you hope the insight and inspiration will be for someone who will read your books?
I hope that my books bring pleasure and create inspiration, encouraging readers to bring more sensuality, more enjoyment into their cooking... and... more value to their dreaming. I hope that readers will honor their intuition, and learn to trust their own heart, follow their path with authenticity... and have a little fun along the way!
You are a wonderful woman who is on many different roads at one time. With success in art, a cookbook and a dream book, what is next for you?
Thank you for your kind words. I actually just finished a really fun project! It's a new cookbook entitled, "Cooking By Moonlight ~ A Goddess' Guide to Edibles & Culinary Magick". Also published by Llewellyn, it should be available around the beginning of 2002. You may also look for two new articles of mine in the new Llewellyn 2002 Witches' Calendar, available in August. After that, I'm getting ready for a one-woman show of new paintings called "Capturing the Spirit of Place", at the Addison Art Gallery on Cape Cod, Massachusetts; the show opens September 15. Your readers may visit me on the web to view images of my art, and find seasonal recipes, as well as tidbits of info, and author stuff... cool links, etc. The address is: http://www.c4.net/allrichstudios
We have seen where you have been. Can you tell us where you would like to go next?
I have some inklings of a big project... but I'm not at liberty to talk about it all yet... I'll let you know, though! Other than that... I'll be painting, writing, gardening, cooking and following the path that winds through the uncommon thicket!
We, as individuals, are on journeys through this lifetime. For us, the answers are as individual as we are. For what are you seeking? Also, how much of what you seek have you found? How has this changed you into a better person?
You have said something very true. Our paths, our lessons, are all as individual as we are... What I am seeking is to live an authentic life. So far, so good. I've faced some painful truths along the way, and I've had joys as well... it's a complex stew of all that life holds... I'd like to offer a favorite quote from Jung that inspires my own journey, and lights my path...
"That which remains unconscious, comes to us as fate." ~ Carl G. Jung
Would you come back and interview with us again?
Yes, I would be happy to do another interview with the publishing of Cooking By Moonlight.
Thank you Karri, for your time, your enlightenment and most of all, your inspiration to us all. We look forward to your next visit with us. You are a wonderful delight. A woman with many gifts from the Goddess, May light always be upon you... May Love always surround you... May Goddess always bless you in your endevours.
Thank you, Lady Badria, for an enlightening discussion. Your questions were both thought provoking and encouraging. I wish you well on your own journey: May the sun be always at your back, and the moon shine softly at your feet, illuminating your path and blessing your choices.
Karri was very delightful in our many conversations. She has a light upon her, that is very hard to match. This is truly a remarkable woman. I encourage you to purchase her books and become enlightened with not only knowledge but of inspiration and spiritual growth.
Please look for our reviews of her books.
