Tribe Neuro

Full Moon Ceremony

11/24/2020

The Dancing Fire Circle is a FREE annual Full Moon Ceremony that Rites of Passage Institute does in collaboration with I am Freedoms Drum. The purpose is for women to bond and release. The event is attended by women usually from 20s -70s and is led by an elder. We bellydance, meditate, place our crystals by the fire, share poetry & stories, share stories of survival and forgiveness, set intentions, eat, hookah, sing, chant, light sparklers, candles, sage, etc.

The Dancing Fire Circle takes place every Fall, but we have other Moon Ceremonies in the Spring (May 26, 2021) and Summer. If you want to attend you must RSVP and gain clearance HERE. If you want to lead an activity, perform, or have a food truck please contact us at admin@passageinstitute.com or 1-877-570-3108. Spread Lunar Love xoxo!

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Queening w Nnena Freelon

11/22/2020

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Words cannot explain the energy of this experience--of being in the same room with so many amazing dynamic talented artists. Painting Jazz Empress Nnenna Freelon (world-renowned jazz singer, composer, producer, arranger & 6 time Grammy Nominee) was truly an honor. She embodies grace, resilience, & creativity--the jewel of Durham.

Amazing Artists on Set:
Indigenous Make Up (henna x tribal paint): Shemora Sheikh
Make Up Artist: S. Davis Make Up Artistry
Photography: Chris Charles
Hair: Styles by Anes
Wardrobe: Katina of Azani Couture

If you are interested in henna, tribal paint, headwrapping for a special event or photoshoot, book Rites of Passage Institute for a practice session.

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Wrap Stars x Lexis Nexis

11/22/2020

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Wraps Stars was honored to be part of the Black History Month program for the Raleigh Chapter of AAN (African Ancestry Network) of Lexis Nexis. Thank you to Exotique Boutique for providing African fabric/headwraps and art. This was the whole experience with soul food, the Drum Phophet, & a presentation by the DC African American Museum. Bring the Wrap Stars Headwrapping Workshop to your organization/group. Learn more HERE.

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Afroglam x NCMA

11/22/2020

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You haven't seen gold till you've seen African Gold!! Rites of Passage Institute had the honor of creating geles (headwraps) for the North Carolina Museum of Art Good As Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women Exhibit where you can see lots of African gold!! Bling, Bling! And the exhibit is virtual or you can go and experience the exhibit in person (available till Jan 3, 2021). These headwraps were created to complement pieces by world renown Senegalese fashion designers Khadija Aisha Ba of L'artisane and Rama Diaw of Rama Diaw Fashion.

It was nice to see it all come together when I visited the exhibit in person with my family.

Building geles for the Good as Gold Exhibit was special because not only do I have Senegalese roots, but Rites of Passage Institute has been teaching Wrap Stars: Headwrapping Workshop for over 10 years. Our workshops are hands on and we provide historical background, culture, and use of symbolism. As with any Rites of Passage Institute workshop, it's a whole experience. Catch a Wrap Stars Workshop HERE. Also, special shout out to Exotique Boutique of Durham where we purchased the fabric for the geles for the Good as Gold Exhibit.

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Spiritual Candles: Womanprenuers Unite with Light

11/22/2020

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In support of wellness during a time of crisis & trauma, we 2 womanprenuers unite to offer spiritual candles that will soothe your soul and help you balance. Something as simple as a candle can shift energy and offer respite.

"Look at how a single candle can defy and define darkness."
"All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle."

Siedah of Celestial Enchantment is the Creatress of these beautiful Spiritual Candles. Rites of Passage Institute is honored to carry her spiritual candles, which are infused with essential oils, herbs, & crystals (what is there not to love). These candles are works of art and it can be difficult to decide if you should burn it, eat it, or just admire it! So order candles HERE, light up, add "I am Light" by India Arie to your playlist, and prepare to release, relax, and manifest! Let love illuminate your heart and total being. Ase! Ameen!

#loveislight #spiritualcandles #sisterprenuer #womensupportingwomen
#ujima #ujamaa #momprenuer #lightinyourheart #girlgang #illuminateyourpath #onecandlelightsanother #breathe #kuumba #imani #kindletheflame #healinglight

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Moon Swag Bag

11/19/2020

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Moon Awareness is Self-Awareness. Women are in sync with the phases of the moon. We are all affected by the moon because the moon governs liquids/fluids and it affects our bodily fluids, especially our fertility cycle. The Full Moon is a mini celebration/release every month that nurtures us mind, body, & soul. Rites of Passage has Moon Swag Bags for every Full Moon every month to aid you in maximize the experience. This upcoming full moon will be a Full Moon in Gemini (November 30, 2020). If you really want to deepen your experience take a Moontracking Class. In the meantime, spread Lunar Love! xoxo

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Armpit Detox

11/19/2020

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Next time you do a face mask, do an underarm mask too! If your armpits breakout, get swollen, if you are sensitive to deodorants, if you are ready to transition to a natural deodorant (like Aurafresh by Rites of Passage Institute) after years of using chemical conventional deodorant--it is time for an Armpit Detox!!

You need:
1. Apple cider vinegar
2. Bentonite Clay
3. Water
4. Optional: Coconut oil

Do not use a metal spoon or bowl. I read that you should do the armpit mask everyday for 2 weeks, but I only did it everyday for 1 week. Leave the mask on your armpits for 10 minutes the 1st time, then increase the time everyday until you reach 25 minute.

During the armpit detox you cannot use any deodorant! Shits about to get real. That's why you need to do this in the winter during quarantine!

Do not go back to a synthetic toxic deodorant after an armpit detox. Use a natural deodorant like Aurafresh from passageinstitute.com

Have you ever tried this? Would you try it?

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Polaroid Pal: Young Entrepreneur Rising

11/17/2020

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Our son started a new business this summer!! His business is called Polaroid Pal. He's been an avid collector of vintage cameras for years, but Polaroid Pal started when he came across an old school Polaroid Camera in pristine condition at the thrift store. It cost $30 and I was skeptical if we could operate it, get film, or if it would work at all! But he looked at me with those deep brown eyes, so we got it. It has been such a blessing! During a time that many children were dealing with isolation, consuming unprecedented amounts of screen time, and disruption of education, our son, ahumdilAllah, was building a business. We are so proud of him.

So what is Polaroid Pal? Basically, he takes people's picture with his Polaroid camera in Downtown Durham Friday & Saturday afternoons.

It's so much more than that though. With Downtown Durham recently becoming a hub for social activism art, outdoor dining, and more as it struggles to reopen, Polaroid Pal has been able to provide a safe outlet for our son, for others, and capture this unique period of time. Every Friday and Saturday our son jumps up, is meticulous about his hair and clothes being professional and how he packs and cares for his equipment. We love that he his spending time outdoors in the sun, fresh air, and keeping his body active. With the help of his Aunt Angela he has created an Excel Spreadsheet to manage his earnings, expenses, and profits. He is thinking of ways to invest his money. He is challenging himself by building up his confidence, learning how to talk to people, and thinking of ways to expand and market his business. He has leveled up.

We are very grateful to businesses like Exotique Boutique and many other downtown businesses that have been supporting and cheering our son on. Thank you!!

Entrepreneurship is an enriching experience for children. I'm excited about what businesses our other 2 starseeds will come up with. Meanwhile, please drop our son a word of encouragement below and like his FB page Polaroid Pal HERE.

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Lapas: Men's Loungewear

11/17/2020

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Lapas are the ultimate loungewear. However, they are more than just loungewear. You can go from chillin to business meeting with a lapa. They can be casual comfort wear or be upscale wear of the finest cloth. Lapas also known as Izar (in Arabic) span across many cultures from Africa to Asia. Honestly, I think the kelt is a form of a lapa.

My early introductions to the lapa were the brothers in my Muslim community and through my travels to Senegal and Pakistan. I first started sewing lapas for my husband and sons because the ones from other countries are often not big or long enough and have less fabric variety and quality. Before we knew it, we were swamped with orders AlhumdilAllah!

The lapa is an easy way for Muslim/African men to ensure modesty while praying (as it is not appropriate for Muslim men to pray in anything above his knee or with his navel exposed). The lapa is also a Sunnah (tradition), which means the Prophet Muhammad (saw) wore it. My husband has his winter lapas (flannel) and his summer lapas (cotton, wax cotton, Ankara fabric). A lapa often takes the place of or is used like a man would use a robe in Western culture. It is the African man's robe.

Nothing makes a young man look more cultured and charming than sporting a lapa. Wearing a lapa demonstrates good habits, confidence in their culture/manhood, and body awareness.

Lapas can be useful for young boys who are potty-training and aren't ready to deal with the mechanics of pulling pants up and down or buttoning/zipping closures. We can design the lapa with elastic for this purpose.

Check out our lapa selection HERE. Lapas make great gifts, especially for Kwanza, Ramadan, Eid, birthdays, Father's Day, or just because. We have mens' lapas, boys' lapas. Lapa sets with a matching shirt. Our lapas have a draw string and pocket on the side. Send us your measurements and be ready for a quality custom designed lapa experience.

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