Loui Pieper's memorial. Photo courtesy of Kira Hagen.
The flowers floating in the Mississippi River in Hidden Falls Park this past Saturday were offered in memory of Loui Pieper, a teacher, mentor, friend, and community elder of Paganistan.
Longtime friend Paul Magee's words to her, printed on memorial bookmarks passed out at the service, summed up the life and influence of a woman who was loved, respected, and considered a founding force in the formation of the Twin Cities Pagan community:
"Beloved wife, mother, teacher, and founder of Evenstar Books...Loui will long be remembered as the best Tarot reader and teacher in the area, and was teaching advanced Tarot classes right up until the end of her life. Over the course of her career, she taught thousands of students in topics such as Tarot, Shamanism, Faerie Lore, and Ritual-work. Her entire life was dedicated to the service of the community of spiritual seekers and Neo-Pagans. She continues to serve as a role model to all of us...."
The memorial ceremony on the 16th of May drew easily 200 attendees to Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul on a sunny, though cool and windy day. All had been encouraged ahead of time to bring a flower to the memorial. Those who attended ranged from elders to toddlers; some were Pagan, some not; all had been touched somehow by Loui's love, work, and counsel over the three decades that Evenstar Books had been open and a significant entry point to the community.
A bagpiper led the procession of attendees to a clearing in the park. All were welcomed by Loui's longtime friend and Tarot-teaching partner, Nell Morningstar, and singer-songwriter Bambi Barclay performed her original song on acoustic guitar that she had written for Loui.
Another decades-long friendship was described by Judy Durham, along with Loui's life and legacy on the community, in a moving talk that described Loui's girlhood on an Iowa farm, the tragic loss of her relatives when she was very young, and the powerfully compelling spirituality and seemingly intuitive vocation to nurture and mentor people and other creatures in need that drove her life. Loui founded Evenstar Bookstore in 1979, which, in its role as a resource and entry point for Pagans and other spirtual wanderers in the Cities, became a family and place of solace for many of Loui's close friends and co-workers. (Loui sold the store to Gillian Osborn and Teisha Magee when her health began to decline just over a year ago; the store has since closed but has reincarnated as the new Sacred Paths Center on Raymond Avenue in St. Paul under Magee's directorship.)
An attendee stepped forward and read a poem penned by Loui in 1979; a quartet of singers performed a traditional contemporary Pagan anthem, "Way to the Well"; a touching eulogy by Loui's stepson, Damian followed. Themes of gardening (Loui was also an avid gardener), growth, nurturing, and fierce love were woven throughout the offerings of words and music during the whole service.
The bagpiper again led the attendees, this time down to the edge of the Mississippi, where three of Loui's adopted daughter-friends, Gillian, Katze, and Maria, recited the Heart Sutra, a mantra of release in Buddhist traditions. With that, attendees stepped forward and offered their flowers to the river, leaving a rainbow of floating well -wishes to drift downstream.
Nell and Teisha brought saplings for attendees to take and plant in Loui's memory; the children of Loui's large "Evenstar family" blessed the saplings by blowing bubbles about them, and they were offered to thse who could take them away to plant. The service ended with a chorus of the old Shaker hymn, "Simple Gifts", and with that, attendee gathered up and reconvened at the Sacred Paths Center for a potluck meal and to spend time with Loui's memorial shrine which resides in the Center's greatroom.
The day was, in the midst of shared tears, a celebration of Loui's life and legacy to the community, and an acknowledgement of the countless lives she touched through her teaching, mentoring, and uncompromising love. All fared her well on her new journey, and wished her what Paul penned on the bookmarks all kept after the service: "Be at peace in the arms of the Goddess, Loui."
Loui is survived by her husband, Clark, and stepson Damian, as well as several "adopted" daughters, goddess-children, and a thriving spiritual community.
Comments
For anyone who knew Loui this was not to be missed... congratulations on a *very* well written summation of this event-- from the guy who is pictured from the back on the photo! I broke away from the crowd to look at the flowers floating down the river from another angle because there were so many, and it was so beautiful. A very nice synthesis of a Pagan and Buddhist sentiment, not unlike the reading of the Heart Sutra-- because as the three ladies were standing still and reciting in unison, the river moved and sparkled behind them like the flow of the world itself. It brought to mind scenes from the movie "Siddhartha"... it was a privilege to be there, and to see some of the same folks who had appeared at the memorial of Phil Flom, one of the founders of the Minnesota Church of the Wicca, last January.
You did a fine job of capturing the celebration. Thank you very much.
As another May 15th birthday person, I felt a special connection with Loui. I had not seen her in years but remember her astute readings. I also taught at Evenstar years ago. I just found out today that she had passed. Happy Trails Loui.
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