This season of ILLUMINATED is devoted to the sacred artist, what it means to create as an act of devotion, truth, and service. In this episode, I sit with my dear friend, journalist, producer, and storyteller Noor Tagouri in the midst of the most sacred creative act there is: becoming a mother.

This is Part One of Crossing Thresholds, a three-part living documentary following Noor's journey from the final weeks of pregnancy through the first year of motherhood.

Noor is an artist whose life's work is telling the truth. And in this conversation, she does exactly that. This is not the rainbows and fairies story of pregnancy we are so often sold. Noor shares the panic attack she had when she found out, the grief and rage of her first trimester, the depression no one warned her about, and a childhood prayer that has quietly shaped her entire life: "May I always be in a position to give and to serve, but never in a position to receive."

She takes us into the complexities of identity, the intersection of journalism and activism, and how seventeen years of truth-telling shaped the woman now crossing into motherhood. We talk about what it means to let the investigation turn inward, what happens when a woman built for service is asked to surrender, the village we long for but struggle to let in, and the Arabic concept of tawakul, divine trust, that is carrying her through this crossing.

Noor also reads a stunning piece of her own writing on crossing thresholds that will stay with you long after this episode ends.

This is a conversation about growing, in body, in spirit, in truth. Tune in for a living document of what it looks like when a wild woman becomes a wild mother.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Illuminated: A Sacred Space

01:32 Crossing Thresholds: The Journey of Motherhood

04:58 The Role of Inquiry and Curiosity

09:01 Journalism and Activism: A Complex Relationship

13:58 The Journey of Becoming a Mother

19:52 Navigating the Darkness of Pregnancy

28:54 The Power of Reciprocity and Community Support

36:50 Worthy of Receiving Love

39:03 The Reality of Community Support

39:54 Creative Collaboration in Motherhood

44:03 Listening to the Needs of Our Children

47:58 Motherhood in Today's World

52:05 Crossing Thresholds of Growth

59:40 The Journey of Surrender and Trust

www.esetrose.com

www.instagram.com/eset_rose

www.sacredmedia.org

https://kripalu.org/content/sacred-artist-residency

What if the confusion, pressure, and overwhelm you feel are actually the beginning of your next breakthrough? Eset Rose opens Season 2 with a raw, luminous invitation for artists, creators, and anyone standing at the edge of reinvention.  After 20 years in the music and entertainment industry, world tours, chart-topping records, and rooms with some of the most powerful people in the world, Eset shares the hidden cost of operating at that scale and the daily practice that helped her protect the “channel” behind her creativity. This is a conversation about protecting your gifts before the world extracts them.You’ll discover:

• Why Eset sees creative confusion as the first sign of imagination and illumination, not failure

• The “fountain” and “channel” practice she used to stay grounded under intense pressure

• How shadow work, daily devotion, and inner architecture expand your capacity to hold more of what’s coming through

• Why so many artists are vulnerable to being co-opted, abused, or drained when no one teaches them how to protect their energy

• What changed when she chose celibacy, stepped out front of her own voice, and stopped channeling through other people

Eset also shares the Gene Keys insight that confirmed her life path: the 64th Gene Key, where confusion transforms into imagination and illumination. From there, she frames this season as a gathering place for sacred artists, visionaries, and movement builders who are ready to create in integrity, integrate their shadows, and help seed a new paradigm through their work.If you’re in a season of transition, feeling the old patterns fall away, or sensing that you’re being called to more visibility, this episode will meet you there. It’s a powerful reset for anyone ready to put down what is no longer theirs to carry and step fully into the highest expression of their gift.Perfect for creators, seekers, and anyone who feels the pull to turn inner transformation into living art.

www.esetrose.com

www.instagram.com/eset_rose

www.sacredmedia.org

https://kripalu.org/content/sacred-artist-residency

In this enlightening conversation, Eset Rose and Delta Venus explore the intersection of art, mysticism, and astrology. They delve into the energy of Ma'at, the importance of daily spiritual practices, and the role of erotic energy in creativity. Delta shares her process of creating aura portraits and the significance of channeling in her work. The discussion emphasizes the need for community in artistic expression and the power of astrology as a tool for personal growth. Ultimately, they envision a future rooted in love and connection, honoring ancestral wisdom and the creative life force within us all.

Find Delta Venus Here: https://deltavenus.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deltavenus/


Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Illuminated: A Sacred Space
01:16 Introducing Delta Venus: Bridging Mysticism and Design
02:07 The Energy of Ma'at: Balance and Truth
05:10 Art, Astrology, and Soul Remembrance
07:58 Channeling Energy: The Process of Aura Portraits
10:49 Surrendering to the Flow: Trusting the Creative Process
12:15 Daily Practices: Connecting with the Divine
16:17 The Interplay of Creativity and Spirituality
19:23 Harnessing Erotic Energy in Art
21:19 Tending the Garden: Nurturing Creative Life Force
24:56 Illumination Sessions: Bringing Light to Hidden Parts
26:20 Navigating Emotional Depths with Gentleness
27:36 Bridging Spirituality and Branding
29:18 Authenticity in Artistic Expression
31:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery
34:21 The Role of Relationships in Remembering
36:58 Astrology as a Tool for Creativity
46:41 Envisioning a Future of Love
50:02 Living in Alignment with Truth

www.esetrose.com

www.instagram.com/eset_rose

www.sacredmedia.org

https://kripalu.org/content/sacred-artist-residency

In this enlightening conversation, Eset Rose and Juliana Luna explore the sacred realms of creativity, erotic power, and ancestral wisdom. They share their personal journeys of sisterhood, the significance of lunar cycles, and the importance of reclaiming time as sacred. The discussion delves into the impact of ancestral wisdom on art and teaching, the meaning of erotic liberation, and the role of community in fostering sovereignty. Through their shared experiences, they emphasize the need for deep connection with one's roots and the transformative power of embracing one's erotic energy.

Find Luna Here:

https://www.instagram.com/julianaluna/

https://www.julianaluna.live/

Takeaways:
Sisterhood is a powerful bond that supports personal growth.
Navigating Eros and sovereignty is a lifelong journey.
Ancestral wisdom plays a crucial role in our lives.
Reclaiming time as sacred can shift our awareness.
Isolation is a tactic that undermines community.
Sovereignty involves agency and integrity in relationships.
The ancestors guide and support us in our journeys.
Erotic liberation is essential for personal freedom.
Movement and dance are vital expressions of our spirit.



Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Illuminated: A Sacred Space
01:40 Sisterhood and Shared Journeys
02:55 Reflections on Meeting in Israel
06:18 The Role of Erotic Awakening in Sisterhood
09:41 Vision and Creation: The Birth of a Luna
17:03 Reclaiming Time: A Sacred and Cyclical Approach
20:21 Ancestral Wisdom and Its Impact
23:24 Herbal Healing and Ancestral Wisdom
25:43 The Role of Ancestors in Personal Growth
28:32 Sovereignty and Community Connection
32:32 The Interplay of Freedom and Community
36:28 Erotic Liberation as a Revolutionary Act
41:17 Guiding Others to Connect with Their Ancestors
46:59 The Journey of Divine Alignment
48:58 Movement as Prayer and Ancestral Expression
51:58 Vision of Relational Sovereignty

Keywords

sacred creativity, erotic power, ancestral wisdom, lunar cycles, sovereignty, sisterhood, transformation, divine alignment, erotic liberation, community

www.esetrose.com

www.instagram.com/eset_rose

www.sacredmedia.org

https://kripalu.org/content/sacred-artist-residency

In this enlightening conversation, host Eset Rose welcomes Allison Strickland, a multidisciplinary artist and creative expression guide. They explore themes of sacred artistry, deep listening, and the transformative power of creativity. Alison shares her journey of embracing rawness and authenticity in her work, the significance of community, and the healing aspects of art. The discussion delves into the relationship between grief and creativity, the importance of surrendering to the present moment, and the role of personal practices in maintaining connection to one's artistry. Through their dialogue, they illuminate the path of being a sacred artist and the profound impact of listening to one's inner voice.


Takeaways

Alison Strickland's artistry invites radical expression.
Listening is the root of connection to the divine.
Being yourself is the simplest form of purpose.
The present moment reveals the next right step.
Embracing rawness allows for authentic expression.
Custom meditation paintings serve as portals of presence.
Art and healing are intertwined in the creative process.
Community fosters belonging and deepens self-expression.
Grief can lead to profound transformation and self-discovery.


Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Illuminated: A Sacred Space for Creativity
02:47 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Authenticity
08:08 The Opening: Listening and Connection to the Divine
13:45 Embracing Rawness: The Beauty of Being Messy
15:30 Custom Meditation Paintings: A Portal of Presence
20:13 The Process of Co-Creation in Art
23:53 Attuning to the Unseen: The Ritual of Creation
29:07 The Intersection of Art, Healing, and Deep Listening
32:46 Awakening the Artist Within
38:09 The Journey of Self-Expression
38:19 Defining Sacred Artistry
40:11 Practices that Ground the Artist
43:08 Navigating Unfiltered Truth
47:50 Grief as a Catalyst for Creativity
51:02 Surrendering to the Unknown

Allison Strickland

https://www.allisonstrickland.co/

https://allisonstrickland.substack.com/

IG: @allisonstrickland_

Keywords

sacred art, deep listening, radical expression, meditation, grief, authenticity, community, healing, intuitive painting, creativity

www.esetrose.com

www.instagram.com/eset_rose

www.sacredmedia.org

https://kripalu.org/content/sacred-artist-residency

Episode Description

This short episode is a living prayer—an invocation of Yemanjá, the Great Mother of the Seas.

Revered across Afro-Atlantic traditions, Yemanjá is the Orisha of the ocean, the womb of creation, and the protector of women, children, and all who journey by water. She carries the medicine of fluidity, intuition, and vast motherly grace. Her colors are turquoise and silver, her offerings are flowers and song, and her embrace is as infinite as the tides.

I first met her at 28, and since then she has been a guiding current in my life. Yemanjá choreographs the vastness—helping me weave complex ideas with fluidity, elegance, and beauty. She reminds me that I am the source.

What you’ll hear is a raw, unfiltered chant of devotion—recorded one night in ceremony under the stars of Asheville, with crickets as the chorus and the night sky as witness. It is an offering, a blessing for this podcast, and a prayer for all who enter this sound sanctuary.

May her waters wash over you. May her song remind you of your own depth, your own rhythm, your own eternal source.

www.esetrose.com

www.instagram.com/eset_rose

www.sacredmedia.org

https://kripalu.org/content/sacred-artist-residency

In this illuminating conversation, host Eset Rose and guest Shamikah Christina Martinez explore the intersections of sacred creativity, cultural memory, and the journey of decolonizing one's artistic practice. They delve into the significance of devotion, the importance of honoring ancestral voices, and the transformative power of journaling and ritual in the creative process. Shamikah shares her experiences in the entertainment industry, the evolution of her project La Sangre Llama, and her commitment to fostering a future filled with light and radical imagination. The discussion culminates in a powerful reading of Shamikah's poem, 'Ode to the Future,' emphasizing the beauty and potential of what lies ahead for artists and storytellers.

Takeaways

Devotion is a dynamic concept that evolves over time.
Cultural memory plays a crucial role in embodied liberation.
Decolonizing creativity involves unlearning rigid productivity metrics.
Creative flow is aligned with the rhythms of nature.
Journaling can be a sacred ritual that enhances creativity.
Being a sacred artist means creating from a spirit-led place.
Navigating the entertainment industry requires holding onto sacred intentions.
La Sangre Llama represents a decade-long journey of creative evolution.
Co-creation with spirit involves honoring ancestral voices and stories.
The future of storytelling can be shaped by radical imagination.



Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Illuminated: A Sacred Space for Creatives
02:16 Devotion and Ancestral Energy: A Personal Journey
04:54 Cultural Memory and Embodied Liberation in Art
07:25 Decolonizing Creativity: Unlearning and Reclaiming
10:42 The Rhythms of Nature: Lunar vs. Solar Creativity
18:33 Being a Sacred Artist: Spirit-Led Creation
21:05 Navigating the Biz: Sacred Intentions in the Industry
23:06 La Sangre Llama: The Journey of a Decade
28:40 The Journey of Creation
34:00 Cultural and Spiritual Authorship
38:40 The Evolution of a Project
41:17 The Power of Poetry
47:11 Teaching and Mentorship
51:04 Imagining a Brighter Future

www.esetrose.com

www.instagram.com/eset_rose

www.sacredmedia.org

https://kripalu.org/content/sacred-artist-residency

In this opening episode of ILLUMINATED, host Eset Rose invites listeners into the sanctuary of the podcast—a ceremonial space for artists, mystics, and visionaries devoted to beauty, truth, eros, and the mystery. She shares the heart and vision behind ILLUMINATED, a temple of sound where art becomes prayer, creativity flows as life force, and presence is the path to becoming light.

This is the beginning of a journey—sometimes through conversation, sometimes through solo transmissions—that will nourish inspiration, spark remembrance, and honor the art of living awake.

www.esetrose.com

www.instagram.com/eset_rose

www.sacredmedia.org

https://kripalu.org/content/sacred-artist-residency