More About Marie
Marie Garry
Born to a loving family with deep Scandinavian roots, I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I remember at an early age dancing to Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" and idolizing Beethoven and his music. I studied piano for nine years and began playing the flute in junior high. We were a musical family and I developed my love for melody and harmony through singing with my sisters and parents, most often as we drove cross country on summer vacations. Music provided the nourishment my soul needed and I absorbed it all: folk, Motown, rock and roll, blues, classical, Indian ragas, and electronic. Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Nina Simone were some of my greatest sources of inspiration as a teenager.
With the goal of becoming a symphony flutist, I attended college only to find myself feeling constrained by the study of classical music. Taking a break from college I was drawn to explore spirituality and holistic healing approaches. I studied yoga, meditation, and massage all the while searching for a vehicle through which to express myself creatively. Following a chance meeting with Katherine Klein Conrad in 1981, I dreamt that she and I were performing together and the name "Aurora" came to me at the end of the dream. From the inspiration of that dream and Katherine's recent experiences of having seen a spectacular Aurora Borealis in the sky, "Aurora" was born. Along with Katherine and myself, Terry Rosendahl, a dulcimer player and dear friend formed the original kernel of the group. Later that fall we invited Stuart Garry to join us, bringing his talents as keyboardist, harpist, guitarist, singer and composer to enhance our music. Stuart and I found that our musical partnership continued to blossom into a deep and long-lasting life partnership. From 19981 to 1989 I focused on "Aurora" and "A Delicate Balance," the harp and flute duo I created with Stuart. During this time Aurora recorded two albums, did a Texas tour and played for seminars, events, conferences, churches, weddings, even an occasional bar gig. They never could get over having a harp on stage at the "Sundance Saloon" in Vail, Colorado.
While I experienced great joy in my musical roles, I also longed to work with people more directly in the areas of empowerment and self-transformation. Having been inspired by the teachings of Jean Houston, Rianne Eisler, Merlin Stone and so many others, I developed a passionate interest in feminine spirituality and archetypal psychology. This led to co-creating with Katherine a series of workshops which incorporated teachings on the sacred feminine and synthesized music, myth, group process and the creative arts. These workshops were successfully received throughout Colorado and the Midwest. To further develop my expertise in working with individuals and groups I went back to school in 1900. I finished my Bachelors and earned a Masters degree in counseling psychology in 1995. In the mid 90's I spent time honing my practice as a psychotherapist in a variety of settings in Colorado. Becoming intrigued by the field of life coaching in 2000, I studied with "The Institute for Life Coach Training" and have now incorporated coaching into my work. Since moving to Iowa in 2001, I have developed a private psychotherapy practice, and give workshops and presentations on feminine spirituality, life purpose and wellness. Katherine and I are writing and recording new music. We continue to perform as well as to facilitate work/playshops which reflect the deepening of both of our personal lives and our commitment to creating a world that is based on partnership and healing.