My name is Marianna Iverson, I am a ceremonialist, writer, soul guide, and healer. I live in a meadow surrounded by Doug Firs, in rural Oregon. After many years of being lost and feeling that there was no real place for me in this world, I now know, I was born for these times. I was born to bring my gifts to life and help others find meaning and purpose through the darkness and challenges of their lives.

My mother has told me many times “Daughter your soul did not choose an easy path in this lifetime.” And there is great truth in those words. My initiations began early, and life has challenged and uprooted me many times over. It has also sculpted me to be the woman I am, and to have the capacity to be with others in their transitions, deepest grief, and greatest joy.

My story has not been an easy one, and yet it has been blessed. From early life in an intentional community, turned Christian cult, to teen pregnancy, addiction, marital abuse, and deep depression, my soul has been initiated by fire, and tears. I have learned to walk in the darkness and find the strength to set my roots down and grow.

In 2019 as my marriage collapsed after a terrible betrayal, compounding years of emotional abuse, my heart was in shambles. I did not know where to turn, and I began to listen to the quiet longing inside my heart to take refuge in the land. I will forever be grateful to this wisdom. Mercy exists, it knows our names, and comes in the most unlikely ways.  I found my way, day after day, walking and listening, praying with the earth, and leaving gifts, small acts of ceremony, building a relationship with the living Earth, my soul, my ancestors, and ritual magic.

Slowly I began to heal. I could go back to work, I could breathe, I could get through the day without closing myself in the bathroom and weeping. I found solace and even the beginnings of joy in my time on the land. The living earth held me when no human could. I found my home in the wide lap of the mother of us all, the earth herself.  

 I have been gifted to have teachers on the path that helped me to see my gifts and to apprentice myself to the deep learning necessary to navigate these times we live in. From my many years learning and teaching yoga, to my 2 years with Stephen Jenkinson at the Orphan Wisdom School, the wonderful guides I apprentice under at School of Lost Borders, life has always brought me to the right teacher at the right time. I will always be a student. Always honing my skills and growing in my capacity to show up for my community in the richest way possible.

I can look at my life now, and honestly say I am grateful for the challenges I have faced. It is through great suffering and initiation that I have been gifted strength of spirit, a deep sense of purpose, and a connection to the holy wild that lives within us and within which we live.

I know now that the path of my life has been right on time, to lead me to where I am, here and now, with teachings and healing to share.
My life has been woven to hold ceremony and share ceremony. I was born for this.
I am so glad you are here.