Skål & Welcome to Shieldmaiden’s Sanctum
My name is Kittie Bernott and I am a Forest Völva, an Artist + Maker, and someone who walks the Old Ways in the New World. You can learn more about what it means to be a Völva via the BLOG link above.
I believe with all my heart that deep magic dwells in each of us. When we tap into this magic, we co-create the life of our dreams. But we are individually powerful creators, and we must uncover our own unique path.
From aromatherapy oil blends to crystal rune candles, runic divination sets to wood-burned spell staves, hand poured soaps to altar card stands, I create handcrafted + naturally beautiful offerings that call in the old ways to help you walk your path this new world.You can view these creations in the SHOP menu above.
I also offer divination services which you can view in the DIVINATION menu above.
About My Business
I launched my first artistic business, Studio Kittie, in 2013 while working as a Systems Administrator. Owning an artistic business was the realization of a lifelong dream and I learned so much in that first endeavor. Expanding my creative horizons and serving hundreds of beautiful customers helped me prepare for the next evolution of my creative work in the world. In 2018, after learning more about my ancestral heritage, I was inspired to reimagine my business as Shieldmaiden’s Sanctum so that every facet of my personality could be reflected in my creative process.
The Shieldmaiden’s Sanctum logo reflects the three aspects of my personality that are present in everything I create:
An axe for my Viking self, who seeks victory and brave new horizons
A staff for my Völva self, who weaves the ancient rhythms of nature throughout her work
A shield for my Shieldmaiden self, who stands in loving defense of all she holds dear
As an individual and as a professional creator, I believe in inclusivity without supremacy.
I do not condone or support individuals or groups who use the symbolism of Northern European mythology and/or Northern European history to justify supremacy viewpoints.
About Me
I was born an artist with a deep connection to the natural world; I spent most of my childhood crafting things & imagining I was a deer
I’m a classically trained singer (mezzo soprano) and I aspire to learn to play the harp
I earned my B.A. in Literature & Film Studies while working as a fused glass artist and jewelry designer
After graduating university I worked for seven years in tech as a Web / SysAdmin in the San Francisco Bay Area
I currently live in the redwoods of Northern California, just north of the Russian River
My favorite hobbies are baking bread, brewing mead, reading books, playing games, and spending time with my husband Daniel
We share our home with five animals: cats Miles and Ivan, dogs Aiden (now in spirit form) and Leia, and the snake Norbert
About My Social Media
Here’s the latest from my Instagram feed, which gives a good idea of the type of content I post. If you want to follow along, all my social media button links are at the bottom of this page!
Donate To Shieldmaiden’s Sanctum
If you would like to contribute to my work bringing the Old Ways to this New World, you can make a donation of any amount via the button below.
Donations are never expected and greatly appreciated.
In addition to supporting my quest to forge creative courage, donations enable me to offer scholarships and discounts to individuals who benefit from sliding scale pricing, as well as empower my ongoing community outreach with other inclusionary individuals and businesses who believe that Northern European mythology and history is open to all people from all walks of life.