Circle Center

Where We're Going

2009-03-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

Where We're Going
Creating A World of Peace

We begin as a perfect union of matter and spirit. We receive the blessings from sky and earth. In the five fingers of our hand we can feel the energy of the universe. We receive the blessings from water, which nourishes and sanctifies life. We receive the blessings from the primal fire, the pulsating heart of creation. We experience the wonder of life multidimensional and transcendent. We extend our hands upwards and we are showered with abundance. We ask and we receive. A universe of plenty flows to us, through us. It is in us. We are filled with endless possibilities. We shall remember where we come from so that we may know that we are one. And in that way understand that we are of an undivided whole: race, color, nationality, creed, gender are beams of light, refracted through one great crystal prism.

As we become conscious of the cosmos within us, we hear the prayers and songs of our Ancestors; we hear the sacred prayers and songs of peace; we hear the prayers and songs of cooperation; and we hear the prayers and songs of love. In short we hear the song of Creation.

However, it seems in our spiritual forgetting, we have become unconscious of our cosmic birthright, and become plighted with disharmony, disunity, torn asunder from the stars in confusion. In this moment we are presented with an opportunity for great clarity, for a great awakening, to re-member Spirit. We do this through integrating spiritual vision and action to restore peace to our world. The moment that one world is about to end, a new world is about to begin. We need to remember where we came from because the path home is also the way to the future.

Through our consciousness and our ceremonies, may we remember our traditional principles of unity, of cooperation, of compassion, and so may we infuse our world with peace, to act for the active presence of peace, to expand our capacity to receive it and to express it in our everyday life. We must do this fearlessly and courageously. As we receive, so shall we give.

We realize that what affects anyone, anywhere affects everyone, everywhere. As we help others to heal, we heal ourselves. Our vision of interconnectedness and interdependence will resonate with new networks of Indigenous People, Nations and organizations. Let us seek unity within ourselves and across international lines. We can make of this world a gift of peace, which will confirm the presence of universal spirit in our lives. We can send into the future that gift which will protect our children from fear, from harm, from destruction. May each of us become aware that we are participating in a cause beyond self and sense the movement of spirit. When you feel spirit at work, when you see spiritual principles form the basis of peoples actions, let us be reminded once again of the merging of stardust and spirit.

How We Get There

Connection and respect for the earth and the abundance of life it supports has been the basis of indigenous cultures throughout time. However, there has never been a time in human history that we as a whole have been more disconnected from what keeps us alive.

Let us recognize the ecological and spiritual devastation of our world and the need to take immediate and proper action for preservation. Like our ancestors have done time and time again, let us look to secure land with the goal to carefully manage its usage to ensure natural systems are maintained or enhanced for future generations. Let us also be committed to create a sustainable model of spiritual land stewardship, including regular ceremonies to ensure healthy relationships with the plants, animals, and the elements that the people depend on.

As we secure our land base, we will be able to recreate our ceremonial centers where the spiritual forces and ceremonies can be housed. Within the lodges (for example the arbor, tipi, kiva, sweat-lodge, temple, etc.) are incredible mathematical equations of relationship with weight, angle, expansion, height, and alignment that use time, space, and a certain form to create a specific energy. These energies and forces not only create a physical structure, but also affect the emotional and spiritual bodies. This happens not only by being inside of it, but also brings an even greater understanding through the experience of building it.

Our ceremonies honor Mother Nature and All Beings through meditation, traditional songs and dances, and prayers with the elements. Ceremonies, Healings, and Trainings offer people a way to create a direct relationship with the elementals (fire, air, water, and earth), natural and spiritual forces, and with each other. The timing of certain aspects of ceremony happens in relationship to the building of structures- they are aligned to the sun, the moon, and the rising and the setting of the equinoxes and the solstices, and include the roundness, the square-ness, and the different angles of creation. If we slow down enough to observe and witness the relationship to the cosmos, we start to understand our relationship within the ceremonial structures. We begin to feel the energetic frequencies that create changes within us and around us. By participating in the creation of these sacred lodges, we can better understand why they are so important for our ceremonial purposes. We recreate a microcosm of frequencies with the intentions and prayers of our ceremonies, where we open up into the dimensional spiritual vortex of the universe. A healing energy is created, an openness of the heart and mind, and a sense of belonging and understanding our placement within the web of life.

Our ceremonial centers will be where the sacred teachings are passed on. Within these ceremonial centers we can anchor the energies and teachings of how to be a peacekeeper and caretaker for all our relations and to live a life that is in balance with all of creation and in that way to once again walk in beauty and be one with creation.

Let us be committed to sharing the knowledge of the different ways in which we can take care of each other, the land, and All Our Relations. To bring forward the essence of the indigenous spirit, we must work through the dilemma of how to impart the sacred wisdom while working with peoples deeply entrenched in a modern world. May we impart the oral tradition of the indigenous peoples into a modern way of understanding, and rekindle the traditional ways to teach. Let us seeks to build a bridge so that people can better prepare for and understand the depth of exchange happening in person-to-person teachings with indigenous wisdom keepers and with the earth.

Let us recognize that with indigenous traditions and peoples, it is imperative that we are mentally, spiritually and physically present with each other so the teachings can be truly understood. In that regard as we establish our sustainable spiritual land base let us offer in-person talks, teachings, ceremonies and activities to bring us all closer together, and closer to the earth.

These are just some of my wandering thoughts I offer for refection about getting some land where we can have gardens, a fire pit, moon lodges, teachings and so much more…………..

Winter Fires Burn Bright

2009-02-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

During the time of cold and snow, in the far north east of Turtle Island, in the dark of night, two women where tested by the Elders to see if after twenty years of study and practice if they had accomplished their studies. Were they ready to carry a Medicine Bundle of the Ywahoo Lineage of the Etowah Band of the Eastern Cherokee? Were they ready to be the walking stick, the guides and the Healers for those who sought them out in their time of need?

In the darkness they set out their Healing Alters in front of the Ywahoo Shrine. Under the watchful eyes of the Elders the ceremony began. But first, they were asked direct questions to test their stability and understanding. As they began to generate the healing energy through their songs, internal practices and ceremony they were challenged by various actions of the Elders. They did not lose their concentration or their commitment to holding a clear tone of beauty and harmony. Again and again they were challenged by energies and actions to test their focus and heart connection. Again and again their songs and ceremony generated the healing light and energy of compassion and love.

Each woman’s alter rippled and glowed with radiant light that grew to fill the dark room with golden light. Those of us who were present could now clearly see each other and the field of healing energy generated by the women being tested. We were one in the light.

As the final song and drum beats floated in the air the ceremony came to conclusion. All present knew that we were blessed to welcome two individuals who had heard the call of those who suffer and had committed themselves to being healing forces in the world. Two more have arisen in the long line of Medicine Healers in the Ywahoo Lineage that stretches back 2700 years and beyond.

2009-01-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

CEREMONIAL FIRES -2009

JAN. 24 – COLD MOON
LUNAR NEW YEAR

FEB. 21 – BONY MOON
FASTING AND RITUAL OBSERVANCES

MARCH 21 (VERNAL EQUINOX)
FRIENDS MAKING NEW CEREMONY

APRIL 25
BLESSING OF THE SEEDS CEREMONY

MAY 23
PLANTING CEREMONY

JUNE 20 (SUMMER SOLSTICE)
ALL DAY CEREMONY

JULY 18
GREEN CORN CEREMONY

AUG. 22
RIPE CORN CEREMONY

SEPT. 19 (AUTUMNAL EQUINOX)
ALL DAY CEREMONY

OCT. 17
HARVEST CEREMONY

NOV. 14 –TRADING MOON
FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL

DEC. 19 (WINTER SOLSTICE)
ALL DAY CEREMONY

Family and friends are invited to participate in
the Ceremonial Cycle of the Ani Yun Wiwa. We carry
on the ceremonies and traditions of the Ywahoo
Lineage, of the Wild Potato Clan, of the Etowah
Band of the Eastern Tsalagi Nation.

Tashi & Kathryn

2008-01-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

On Saturday afternoon as it rained on and off and the wind moved through the trees outside my shrine room windows, I lit the candle on the shrine. I immediately felt that the home fires in Marin were being lit and felt our connection. The reminder that we are not separate was very strong. After offering smudge and some prayers, I began the basic practice. This Fire and practice offered opportunities to examine the mind. As things continued to settle the whole experience became quite deep and sweet. At some point after the star weaving and before moving into the Medicine Wheel Mandala Practice I looked down in front of me and saw the holy card from my brother-in-law Frank's passing. He passed about 21 months ago. The card has not been on the shrine for about a year now. It was apparent to me that my brother-in-law was speaking to me, asking for some assistance on his journey. I offered my prayers for him into the fire and continued to encourage him to move toward the light. I burned the card in the fire on the shrine and offered more prayers.

Sometime after the MWM Practice was complete Tashi joined me in the shrine room.

He asked (as he sometimes does) if we could open my healing basket. A few times he's asked me to show him what it contains. This time he asked me to set it up. I recognized the precious medicine that was being offered and decided to do the Healing Practice (...after working with my ordinary mind for a moment around the fact that my plans to make dinner would have to be altered!) Tashi helped me as I set out the healing shrine and as we were unwrapping the crystal he kept repeating "What's the gift? What's the gift?"...

My family came in and out of the shrine room during the Healing Practice. At one point I heard some commotion in the living room. I learned later that two Tibetan monks were walking down our street (not a major thoroughfair!) When Martha spotted them she had a little waving session with them and the children came running to greet them as well. Upon completion of a beautiful and deep Healing Practice, just as we all finished singing the last note of the Way Nay Nay, the phone rang. Whenever this happens at our house one of us will comment that whomever is calling has perfect timing. It was Martha Cedarstrom and the folks who gathered in Marin' calling to touch base about the day's happenings! A HO!!!

Love and Blessings, Kathryn

Stories continue

2008-01-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

It is time for me to share my story of the Fire from last Sat.
Here is an excerpt from my journaling:

Powerful---of the connectedness between space & time. The breathe of the circle connectedness to all. The breath becoming ONE with all that surrounds the Earth & beyond. The grid of breaths being one with the animals, sea life, rocks and trees. We only view them as being seperate.

"It is not of I but the Divine Creator's Breath"

The colors of the flame deep blue to the red orange flicker through the light. The flicker of light on the candle was small at first then by the end it was a larger flame. The candle melting gave fuel for a larger flame.

The Stars weaving above the head--Purple/violet color--breath circling in me, as me and through me. Not only to the light of the candle but deep into Mother Earth the breath of Oneness.

There were 2 circles inter-twining Male/Famale to become the diamond center of the vesica piscis.

After dancing the Dance of Four Directions these questions and answers came to me:

What is it that I no longer need that will fall away? Accept only that which is Good for my Highest Good.

What are my thought patterns that may need transforming? That I am seperate.

Namaste'
Blessings Be,
Dettie

Crossing the Water

2008-01-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

"My sit at my shrine on Saturday was at a quiet time between showers, when the skies were briefly calm over San Francisco. It felt as if the Earth had had a good cleaning out of all that had died or was ready to transform. I, like others around me, had drawn closer into the home fire. A time to tend the inner flame. I did notice, all the while sitting in the quiet, thoughts of wanting to do something else, a certain restlessness arising and passing away. Nature reminds us to settle, to collect ourselves, once in a while, though when we do, we get other reminders of just how distracted we can be by planning, remembering, craving. " Bill P.

It was a few days before Bill was sitting at his shrine that Martha, Sophia and I went for a walk with him and his daughter. The picture is Bill and his daughter crossing a creek on our walk.

His words and the picture have helped me remember a teaching I received from an Elder that I would like to share. I received the teaching many times in many different ways. Basically it was called "cross-over" and since it is the time for many spirits to be close to the Earth and crossing over, I know it will be good to share parts of that teaching now.

Just looking at the picture you see a man with a child on his back intently looking at the path in front of him. It appears as if he is concentrating on finding the next place to take a step . It appears as if he is in the middle of a creek and while he is concentrating on his pathway, the child is looking out on the world....for the moment the child appears secure in their place.

Aren't we all caring something precious across the waters of live? Aren't we all the parents to that which we are carrying across to the other shore?

I remember an Elder saying that for one to experience the "Cross-over" that it was a good exercise to do in the direction of the West (whether actually being/facing the West or just understanding the attributes of the west were both considered the same thing). He acknowledged that in this place of transformation (the West) we are beginning to move into the North (again he would suggest it was a good time to experience the "Cross-over" when winter was first starting.....as it has just done). And so in this time of transformation and stillness traditional Indian elders taught that the future and the past are connected by a bridge or path that is especially critical during transitions periods. Such periods included: birth; at the age of seven, then at fourteen or from childhood into the teens; the early adult years becoming an elder; and death. (As you might notice these times also touch on the Family of Life Teachings)

We are always walking this pathway. It seems that only at certain times do we STOP and take notice of where we are and where we are going. Just as Bill stopped to look for his next step across the creek and just as his daughter stopped to look out to see the world. Bill also stopped while sitting at his shrine as we all gathered for practice. Perhaps we too can learn to STOP.

I remember an Elder telling me that I could use my awareness to visualize a stream to cross or actually go to a stream so that I might use this awareness technique to look into the unknown and for knowing that the "other side" is not death or an ending, but a new beginning.

What I would do is to start at one side of the bridge. Before I stepped out I would rinse my hands and wash my facing while also throwing some water over my shoulders to wash my self clean; to come to be present in the moment and grateful for my life. Then I would slowly carefully wak across the bridge or stepping stones until I found a safe or quiet or power spot that called to me. I would stop there and focus on sensing , being, and knowing. I would let go of my conceptual thoughts and grasping mind and experience being. At some point I am ready to move on and then and only then do I proceed slowly to the other side. So this process of moving from one side to the other while focusing on awareness is known as "cross-over".

Once I was across I would take a moment and observe my inner thoughts or experiences and perhaps write them down and always when I would see the Elder again I would share my experience of the "Cross-over".

Hopefully this experience will give us permission to feel and to open up to the energy blocks inside of us. It is important to note whether it "feels" more comfortable to look upstream or downstream, as well as note where we are on the bridge as a comfortable spot. The Elder might say "everything matters about how you feel in the water (crossing the bridge). This old one would say that a "preference for upstram is wanting to be inthe rushing energy work, while downstram is moving out of the rushing energy." But the most important point is what messages you receive when on the other side of the bridge and what emotional feelings or voids exist.

Simply put: are you open to allowing the flow of life to come out and be washed away so that you may be able to walk in beauty and be one with creation?

When ever we take the time to notice that we are one with the Circle of Life and that all paths are Sacerd then we will be One in the Light.

Jan.5th New Moon Fire

2008-01-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

We have had the biggest rain storm yet this year. Flooding, mud slides, six inches of rain in 8 hours. And yet our Firekeeper - Robert was able to set a sacred fire and create and hold the space for us to have ceremony and offer prayers. It was a very gentle and warm fire. It was very responsive to everyone's prayers and offerings. We had suggested that those who couldn't be with us at the fire create a sacred space with a simple candle or fire and join us in group practice at a certain time.

Thus at the same time in many place in North America folks were joining us in prayer by lighting a candle so the wisdom fire would be present in their circles and in that way we would be one in the light.

I asked folks to share the stories of their experiences while sitting together at different places. I will share some of those stories ......

Just wanted to let you know about my experience of the group practice.I had a very deep experience while doing basic practice. I was using the tape, and when I got to the heart center, something complete shifted ~ tears very tenderly came to my eyes, it felt as if my whole body was filled with energy or light. This continued through the rest of the basic practice. Throat center and centers in head also brought much energy. I turned the tape off for star weaving and practiced it from memory. I felt such a deep stillness, clear light mind at that time.From there I went into a Medicine Wheel Mandala practice that was most amazing. I'll just described what i experienced. We are all together at the Magic Lake, i see the faces of you and the others that I know from Sunray, also feel the presence of the Pale One, Peace Maker and Venerable, along with others. We sit in our luminous bodies with 21 stars above our heads, nine stars descend into each of our individual bodies. (for the benefit of all our relations, with good intention for right relations and abundance on Earth)The Mandala of the directions ~ becomes the earth, then a luminous sphere Deep in the core of the earth we are in a circle, from the fifth star above each of our heads a beam of light is generated.Beams of light are also generated from each participants' third eye, throat and heart Each participant directs their four beams into the center of the circle where they become rainbow light radiating out omni directionally from the point where all of our beams meet. This rainbow light radiates outward from the heart of the earth to its surface and outward into all space. Also present is an inflow of rainbow light to each one through the naval center, completing a cycle of allowing each to be both a source and to receive at the same time. (The rest of the stars above the fifth through which a beam of light is going to each individual remain singularly in alignment. I think that would leave 7 stars above the five that have become individualized and the nine that have descended into our bodies equaling 21. So, while all this rainbow light is being radiated there come the cries, and I have tears and realize that I am one of the crying ones, yet by a Great Mystery, I am also one answering the cries ~ sending our a song of peace and good relations ~ . I sing the Heart Chant! Now this time of group radiation lasted about ten minutes. I was not sure how long to go , but just relieved on the feeling of the energy flow and just stopped when it felt right. So there was an actual cessation of the outward flow and a withdrawal of the beams back into my body and the fifth star, yet all the light released was left there in space for all in need. I sang A way na na ya chant. I have never done this visualizing the group before and it certainly was very powerful.

2008-01-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

F IRES -2008
AYEHLI ADEYOHA
CIRCLE CENTER

JAN. 5 – COLD MOON
TIME FOR STORIES

FEB. 9 – BONY MOON
LUNAR NEW YEAR

MARCH 22 (VERNAL EQUINOX 20)
FRIENDS MAKING NEW CEREMONY

APRIL 5
BLESSING OF THE SEEDS CEREMONY

MAY 3
PLANTING CEREMONY

JUNE 21 (SUMMER SOLTICE)
ALL DAY CEREMONY

JULY 5
GREEN CORN CEREMONY

AUG. 2 & 30
RIPE CORN CEREMONY

SEPT. 20 (AUTUMNAL EQUINOX)
ALL DAY CEREMONY

OCT. 25
HARVEST CEREMONY

NOV. 29 –TRADING MOON
FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL

DEC. 20 (WINTER SOLTICE)
ALL DAY CEREMONY

Family and friends are invited to participate in the
Ceremonial Cycle of the Ani Yun Wiwa. We carry on
the ceremonies and traditions of the Ywahoo Lineage,
of the Wild Potato Clan, of the Etowah Band of the Eastern Tsalagi Nation.

2007-07-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

In Tsalagi tradition mental health, physical health, and social order are an expression of the proper balance of things. If the individual disturbs or breaks the pattern of balance with self or others, it creates a discordant vibration in the energy meridians of the body and may cause illness and distress.

We are in a very delicate balance within ourselves and with other people and our environment. We are all vibrating together, we are one resonant field, one field of mind. There is no way to separate yourself from your nation and planet. This is your home.

Each of us is responsible for bringing correction and balance in our own sphere. Let us create Peace in our individual relationships. Put aside the thoughts and behaviors of aggression and defense. See that you do make a difference. You are needed by the Earth and all your relations.

In this time it is not sufficient for us to realize the great truth individually. We need to live it as a group; we need to share peace together, of course we first find Peace in our own hearts, then as that Peace grows we share it with our loved ones; our friends; our place of work; our city; our world.

This is a very special time. The energy that comes forth now, is the energy of the Peacekeeper. This energy will manifest in each of us as we cast aside our doubts and illusions. How do we do that? By doing the Dance of the Directions, by doing the Basic practice, by offering the Medicine Wheel Mandala and by resting in Non-Grasping. In this way we shall surely walk in Beauty and be one with Creation.

2007-06-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

Forms Arising from the Vastness of Space

Let us Create a World of Peace

With our Thoughts, Words, and Deeds

2007-06-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

Grandfather Big Toe and Grandfather Dane

Feb. 2007 Stick Dance at Fire Pit

Energy of Appreciation

2007-06-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

I have been reflecting on many of the experiences that I had at The Sacred Fire last weekend. I was particularly reviewing the Medicine Wheel Mandala and Non-grasping practices and finding them so deep and profound.

I realize that if we take the courageous step to work on knowing who we actually are then we will naturally have a sense of belonging. And that that sense of belonging will allow us to know with out a doubt what our responsibilities are (such as living a life with love, calmness, forbearance, and compassion) and that from that living experience we will gain a sense of Peace.

Not only will we experience Peace but we will carry that with us. Nothing that happens is without effect. If a person tries to lead a spiritual life a Peace filled life, the influence of their character spreads………it has an affect on others; the effect may be no greater than the ripple caused by a stone thrown in a pond but one ripple causes another, and that one a third; it’s just possible that a few people will see how our way of life offers happiness and peace, and that they in their turn will teach what they have learnt to others.

Thus we can come to see that the influence each of us has in the world depends not so much on the work we do as on the kindness, patience, and compassion we show in the details of everyday life.
So it is not enough if we make progress in our meditation or practice. We have also to make sure that we share the fruits (such as living a life with love, calmness, forbearance, and compassion) of our efforts with everyone around us, helping them to move from sickness into health, from despair into hope, from hatred to love from a wasted life into a life that is precious to themselves and those around them. And the best way to do this is through our personal example.

Who ever we are, we can improve our contribution to the world simply by giving complete attention to the job at hand. We don’t have to compare our lives or work with others’. All that is expected of us is that we give our very best to whatever responsibilities come our way. As our capacity to contribute increases, greater responsibilities will come to us. That is the way spiritual growth has always taken place. When you dedicate yourself to the task at hand with complete concentration and without any trace of egotistic involvement, you are learning to live completely in the present. You are making yourself whole, undivided and in that way you will walk in beauty and be one with creation and experience that we are all one in the light.

Live each day consciously. Be aware of the opportunities. Recognize the opportunities that cross your path. Everyday we’re given the opportunity to be tolerant or kind to another’s belief system, to forgive someone who has hurt or angered us, to reconcile our own judgment about what should or should not be in our world. If we can reconcile these things as they cross our paths and consciously deal with them in the moment, then we know we’re changing the very chemistry of our bodies by changing the way we feel, and are thus preparing ourselves for whatever transitions we will face in life.

Our nature is to have the essence and energy of appreciation for all of the expressions of life. In short our nature is not to withhold love but to love.

June 30 Full Moon Drumming

2007-06-25T20:37:00.001-07:00

We will be gathering for our full moon drumming on Sat. June 30 at 7 pm at Katherine, Martha, Olivia's and Tashi's house.

Then in July we will have our fire on July 14 and drumming on July 30.

We were up at 5:30 am Sat morning setting the fire and getting prepared for the day of celebration and prayer. As I was setting the fire there was a crow who continued to call out and fly very close and perch near by as each piece of wood was set. This had never happened before. I couldn't help but think of Hear's Crow the wife of a friend and Elder who had passed over the week before and who was also holding a ceremony on the East Coast to honor and remember her husband, a Chief of the Narragansett people. Yes indeed I did have the occassion to be the one who hears Crow.
The fire was bright and strong from the first spark that landed from the flint. We did many rounds of the dance and experienced the profound depth of practice in the early morning.
We continued through out the day with teachings on the Medicine Wheel Mandala practice and experiencing it and the Non-grasping meditation. Many of us also shared our own experiences of how we do the practice and how we experience it.
In the early evening as we were deepening into the prayers and practices many individuals experienced moments where their emotions were touched by thoughts and experience and the tears flowed.
A great joy and calm settled in after we did the ungala dance and went to feasted together and enjoyed each others company.
Once again a few people notice that we had a mountain lion come and sit on the hill above our fire pit and watch us for many hours until it slipped away un-noticed by anyone.

As more pictures come in we will post them.

Tatanka, Ven. Dhyani, Anita and Tiffany

Photo's with Ven. Dhyani

2007-06-22T10:10:00.001-07:00

Ven. with Bill, Edie, Maya and baby Lucy.

Ven. Dhyani and Karen Voets at Mary's house

June 23 Soltice Fire

2007-06-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

The coming Solstice Ceremony is a large community gathering that has relationship with the individual, family, clan, national and universal unity. This is a time to celebrate the fullness of Life and witness the growth of the seeds that we have planted, to celebrate going through the cycle of the seasons together. Let us strengthen our community bonds as we come together around the sacred fire and offer prayers for those we know, for all beings, and for ourselves. How wonderful it is to simply enjoy being together recognizing all that we have in common and remembering how wonderful it is that we have found one another. Let us offer our thanks for the beauty of the season and may we note the common factors that unite all people and remember that we are all one in the light. Ceremonial Day begins before sunrise at about 6:30 A.M. If you plan to be at the lighting of the sunrise fire please note this time. We will begin with the stick dance, then the heart chant (4X), lighting the fire on the last round. We will proceed to do the Dance of the Directions for as many rounds as dancers and weather permit. Then there will be introductory prayers, if the weather is good and folks are willing we will do basic practice and then personal prayers, and all but the fire keepers go back for food. We will spend the day together, deepening our relationship with the land through prayer and spiritual practice. These prayers and practice are about our lives and all the traditions that support us in these times. Let us note the common factors that unite all people and remember that we are all one in the light. In the afternoon teachings and practices will be shared. In the afternoon, about 4 P.M., another ceremony will take place where food (corn, beans, etc.) and cloth (the four colors) will be offered to the fire for all those beings that are hungry and cold. Before this ceremony we will do the Medicine Wheel Mandala practice and Non-grasping and open our hearts with prayers of appreciation for all the gifts we have received. Following that more prayers may be offered with the fire. We will close with the un-ga-la dance and then we will share a feast. Traditionally this day has been the time for the community to work together on repairs needed to the community: ceremonial houses, family houses and generally providing for the needy. We may repair, clean, cut wood etc to prepare the Dance Grounds for the coming ceremonies or it is also a good time to sit together and make objects to gift the elders at the Elders gathering in Vermont It is also the time that one would plant a late garden. If this is done then around the garden area the stick dance is done, or grass dances to energize the earth. The sacred fire is lit. Folks come to the fire and dance the stick dance and then some carrying plants, some carrying seeds they walk to garden area singing Vowel chant. Once they arrive again stick dance or grass dance is done around the garden then with the Vowel chant folks go to the garden and prepare the soil and plant. They take a break and eat a light breakfast……during this time someone is still beating the drum at the garden. This continues all day……some one drumming and singing to the garden. Folks may return to the garden to plant some more or return to the fire and meditate upon the seeds they have planted in their life and the seeds that have blossomed………and those yet to be planted or bloom. Thus it also is a good time for young people to share their visions, dreams and note the seeds that they carry for the future

Ven. Dhyani Visits Northern Calif.
June 18thThis past week end we had a great time visiting with Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo as she past through northern Cal. for a quick visit. On Sat. in the evening folks gathered at Mary Kitchens house in Fairfax for a informal get together and discussion. If any body wants to share there experience of that evening please send it along and we will add it to the post at this site.It has been a busy week. Last friday night Edie and Bill were greeted by the birth of their second daughter, Lucy. She is well and very bright. Ven. Dhyani was very pleased to meet and greet her, noting that they recoginized each other.Also on Sunday evening Jane Marion was rushed to Emergency room of our local hospital with a very serious condition and is still in the I.C.U. Many communities are sending along prayers which we all join.This coming week end we will have our all day fire and prayer circle.Just a short note to get this blog started.