Landing in the Island of Gods

Jeff Oxford

“Om swastiastu!” He begins his story with a Balinese greeting which roughly means “Peace and Greetings from God” or “May Health be Upon You.” According to him, it was love at first sight when he met his current partner. She isn’t really saying, but they are still together after first meeting in 2012. Teaoma and Diana met in Moscow at a magical musical festival called “Sticky Jam.” But even before their chance meeting, Teaoma’s destiny was taking shape.

West Meets East

Born in Siberia, his family roots go back to Mongolia. “I was always connected with the East,” he notes. His grandfather was a healer. Sitting at his knee, Teaoma learned from him basic healing skills, such as certain exercises and special spots on the body. His grandfather was “my first and main teacher, but I wouldn’t realize that until much later.” Losing his mother during his late 20s Teaoma became despondent. Looking for a way up from bottom, he travelled to visit a very powerful shaman woman in Udmurtia, Central Russia. “I was awakened and began to understand many things,” he says of his encounter, “such as who we all are and what is really me.” Turning to yoga, meditation and reading, he eventually met Diana through the mutual attraction of the music festival. As he puts it, “We looked at each other and understood everything.” Eventually they travelled to Goa, a state in India on the west coast. Goa’s culture is an interesting blend of East (Indian) and West (Portuguese), so it was appropriate they were drawn there: another instance of West meeting East.

Sacred Landing

From there, over the next several years, the couple travelled to the Himalayas and then Thailand. Then hearing contradictory things about Bali, they decided to try it for themselves. It was there they landed. “We found peace, inspiration, strength and resources and realized it is our home.” Together the couple call their business “Fresh Chakra.” Having inherited the wood carving gene from his grandfather, Teaoma began styling pendants in the shape of feathers carved from Palo Santo wood, finishing them into necklaces. He calls the wood “…magical, mystical, rare, sacred, and unique”. Indeed, its fragrance is highly regarded spiritually among the circles of shamans and healers and has been used in sacred rituals and for purifying purposes for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples of South America. It is very popular among spiritual people all over the world.

Feathers Fly

Their hand crafted magic Palo Santo feather pendant necklace smells sweet and strong, keeping one grounded in the here and now. “Wear it with love, and be happy!” say Teaoma and Diana. And many people are doing just that as their necklaces fly off the shelves of Shamans Market as one of our most popular sellers.