get a key, give a key

A simple way to reach out, acknowledge and celebrate the women who are important to us. 
A way to (re)connect to ourselves.
A way to (re)build our community of women. 

the maiden
​(kindred key)

The smallest and simplest of keys. Symbolizing the youthful woman with her arms outstretched, a single barnacle &  smooth lines without the complexities of age.

the mother
​(descendant key)

A large key symbolizing the woman who who has sharper edges and more places where the flow comes and goes - signifying being adrift &  fluid at once.

The matriarch
(Origin key)

The heaviest and most complex of keys symbolizing  time, age, robustness, weathering , and the connection of all elements & symbols with wisdom & openness.
These keys are symbols - and you can choose what key best fits you and what design you are compelled to wear. Your key does not need to be attached to where you are in life - because we all belong no matter where we sit.

Meaning

ancient | elemental |magical

Modeled after ancient keys found in the graves of Viking women, it is believed that they were powerful central forces of their families & communities. Together they were the decision makers and safe harbors for their communities.
The keys encompass the 4 elements - earth, water, fire & air - thought to be essential to life; & the 4 directions - north, south, east & west - that symbolize our global connection. Three keys represent the three phases in a woman's life - the Maiden, Mother & Matriarch.
The keys are amulets - which are believed to bestow magical powers of protection. It is not political nor religious, but simply a symbol of inclusiveness, equality, equity & kindness for all women.
​And lastly - the key itself is a symbol of our innate power to both unlock and lock our own world - to open us to the possibilities as well as to keep us safe. 

values

compassion | connection | community

Compassion for the self first, then for our fellow humans. Practicing self compassion is the challenge of most women, but when we can find self-compassion, then we can extend it to those in our community.
Connection to the self first, then to our fellow humans. Knowing who we are, what we need, and our inherent gifts and wounds is the work of our lives, but only when we know ourselves can we then connect authentically to others. 
​Community is our most important way to recognize, to be seen, to know that we matter. It is what we consider a basic human need - to belong.
When women rise & connect in community - they create a force so powerful that cannot be disregarded, silenced or unseen.

The Responsibility of Key-holders
​Your Key...
Opens, Grants Access, Provides Fellowship & Community.
It seeks to only be known to women, girls & those who identify as such.
It is endowed with our collective power, wisdom, protection & support.
As you accept and wear this key, you open to your true self,
and you commit to supporting women inside & outside your community, 
​seeking inclusion and equity for all.
You open to being called upon to help where you are gifted.
You agree to show up, take a side and take a stand.
You become more wholly yourself, 
​and as such you help every woman open to her own power.
 In partnership with
​Women Hold the Key:  501(c)3: 815217041

Special thanks to our 2022 Event Sponsors!