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Winter Solstice Ceremonies
Wed., Dec. 21, 2005, marks the solstice—the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Winter solstice for 2005 will occur at 10:35 am PST on December 21. Winter Solstice Ceremonies to honor the Great Mother Earth are taking place all over the Northern Hemisphere. Even if you do not attend a ceremony, you can create one right in your own backyard!
Date: 12/19/2005 9:26:28 PM ( 19 y ) ... viewed 3117 times WINTER SOLSTICE CEREMONY DECEMBER 21, 2005
The Shortest Day of the Year
By Elchai
A ceremony that honors all aspects of the natural world, honoring us as well, for we are each a mini universe, a microcosm of the cosmos we live in. The winter solstice, the shortest sunlit day of the year, the day when the sun is farthest away from us and his light is most remote, has been celebrated in ceremony the world over for as long as human memory exists. The celebration was most enthusiastic in areas of the earth where the winter is very dark and very long, and the yearning for sun and light was so passionate. Although we now have electricity, and can "see" with a light flick of a switch, we still honor the power and mystery of darkness, both literally and symbolically. We recognize it as a mighty contender to our sense of safety and equilibrium, and we are always anxious until we can see the first flicker of light, the first ray of hope, the first seeds of solution, to any darkness that has invaded our life light. For this reason, celebrating the winter solstice, and the sun's return to our atmosphere, and the longer hours of light, is as appropriate now as ever...maybe more so...regardless of whether or not you follow a more traditional religious observance at this time of the year.
PURPOSES OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE CEREMONY
1. To lure the sun back to our atmosphere and welcome Creator’s return and the longer hours of light from our father. (In many beliefs the sun's gender is male, the moon's female.)
2. To honor the growth, energy, and life force of things and concepts we cannot see, and recognize that they are manifesting even when hidden.
3. To honor our FAITH in the silence, darkness, as the great mystery unfolds in our life force, from which new creation emerges. To honor the places of dark, silent, safe incubation: the earth, the sea, the human heart, the human mind, the womb...where life, solutions, and inspirations find the nourishment and fertile space in which to begin our spiritual journeys.
4. To reclaim HOPE in the face of the prophecies in these troubled times, knowing that the seeds of changes are always present...to honor our own STAYING POWER, collectively and individually...for having the energy to in the wisdom, knowledge and strength to "see" something through until the end, despite the darkness.
5. To say, 'Thank You", giving respect, honor and respect for all the stages of the seasons of Mother Earth and Father Sun within our experiences feeling affection for peace in a great manner.
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THE NORTH QUADRANT MEDICINE WHEEL
Because of Medicine Wheel concepts of life is so meaningful to all of us. Using it with the deepest respect, in many ceremonies. To the Indigenous Nations and many other cultures of peoples, life is circular, rather than linear. We walk around the big circle once each lifetime, yet, with every project we complete, we walk around a smaller hoop, within the circle of circles connected in oneness appearing once again.
The Medicine Wheel, within the Winter Season in the universe and in our lives is in the North quadrant of the circle. Traditionally, its animal, little people, fairies plants, trees, beings in the water, birds etc., are the spirits of those who can help bring peace to this planet. If we humans learn to cooperate with them and each other, like the Sacred White Buffalo, and the Great White Owl. The buffalo and owl’s color is white or clear, and it's stone is symbolized as a quartz crystal, the rich blue sodalite stone for calm courage and old knowledge; Peridot, for the balance and courage of renewal; and Herkimer Diamonds, the exquisitely clear crystals found only in upper New York State, these are examples.
In human terms, it is symbolized by revered old age, which has brought wisdom, understanding, and closure. This ability to passes knowledge onto the next group of people. It is the time when we come to the beginning of a new beginning. This sacred project thought to end, of a season, or of this Earthwork, with true insight, love, kindness, with the ability to share this knowledge. It is an honored segment because it shows completion, hope in endings and yet-unknown beginnings, and courage in the face of universal laws, spiritual laws. It represents the belief that is required to go into that darkness where the Great Spirit’s Light exists in mystery, before this 2006 spring brings new light and rebirth. It combines incredible joy and incredible thoughtfulness. It is a Sacred Direction and a Sacred Season Coming.
QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING WINTER SOLSTICE SEASON
What am I endeavoring to manifest now in my life?
How can I change my thought patterns, to empower my goals?
What old connections could I release now, for my highest good?
Where can I turn for the best sources of Inspiration and Solutions?
What wisdom is seeking to reveal itself to me at this time?
What are the best ways that I can refresh myself, physically and spiritually?
How can I show my appreciation to others more effectively?
How can I show my appreciation to my Self more effectively?
What new idea has seeded itself this winter, and how can I best nurture it to fruition, as the earth nurtures her seeds??
What are the imprisoning fears that I feel ready to release?
What are the serenity landmarks or symbols of my Spirit Home? Of my Earthy Home?
What parts of me will awaken as the rebirth of Spring arrives?
How can I best focus on our/my blessings this season?
How can I turn negatives into positives?
How can I make the best use of this lifetime?
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Winter Solstice in Many Cultures
Winter solstice was overlaid with Christmas, and the observance of Christmas spread throughout the globe. Along the way, we lost some of the deep connection of our celebrations to a fundamental seasonal, hemispheric event. Many people--of many beliefs--are looking to regain that connection now.
We gain inspiration from the universality of the ancient idea--winter solstice celebrations aren't just an invention of the ancients.
Native Americans had winter solstice rites as all cultures. The sun images from rock paintings of the Chumash, who occupied coastal California for thousands of years before the Europeans arrived. Solstices were tremendously important to them, and the winter solstice celebration lasted several days.
A central aspect of the winter solstice rites observed by many Native American tribes includes the making and planting of prayer sticks. Everyone in a family makes prayer sticks for four days before the solstice. On the day named as the solstice, the prayer sticks are planted - at least one by each person - in small holes dug by the head of the household. Each prayer stick is named for an ancestor or deity." Rites are built around the sun, the coming new year and the rebirth of vegetation in the spring. Winter solstice rites include...prayerstick making, retreats, altars; emerge from the prayers increasing our purpose.
There are countless stone structures created by Natives in the past to detect the solstices and equinoxes. One was called Calendar One by its modern-day finder. It is in a natural amphitheatre of about 20 acres in size in Vermont. From a stone enclosure in the center of the bowl, one can see a number of vertical rocks and natural features in the horizon, which formed the edge of the bowl. At the solstices and equinoxes, the sun rises and sets at notches or peaks in the ridge,
which surrounded the calendar."
"Winter Solstice... some Native American tribes saw this unique celestial event in a different light. Among the Iroquois, it was a time of dreaming. Rather than staying up all night to celebrate the dawn, the People of the Longhouse turned in early, to sleep, to dream. As Mother Night reigned supreme, in dreaming they walked between the worlds of light and darkness, gathering great meaning from what The Great Mystery illuminated for them.
FEEDING THE SOLSTICE FIRES
By Donna Henes, Urban Shaman
The Winter Solstice is as dark as it gets. The sun is now at its nadir, the furthest southern limit of its range, its terminus. And there it seems to want to stay for a while. The sun is standing absolutely still. It has stopped retreating, and yet hasn't begun to return. Solstice, in Latin, means just that -- the sun stands still. For three days it remains motionless, riveted. Pausing, it hovers in pregnant hesitation before it gets back on track again; resting before it begins its annual return trip across the equator into the Northern Hemisphere for its homecoming. Back to us waiting here hoping.
With the recognition that the solar light in the sky makes it possible for there to be life on Earth, comes sincere response-ability. As the sun energizes our lives, so too, must we return energy skyward at the solstice when the winter light is failing. As Mother Teresa counsels, "To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it." Now we must ask not what the sun can do for us, but rather, what we can do for the sun? It becomes imperative in fact, to do all that we can to entice, aid, abet and ensure the safe return of the sun to earth. Life depends on it. Thought Forms of Prayers for healing and for peace.
Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights celebrated near the Winter Solstice, commemorates a miracle, which is a metaphor for the dwindling, then returning light of the season. The popular story goes: the stock of oil that was used to fuel the everlasting light on the altar of the temple ran low. A one-day supply was all that was left, but it was somehow able to continue burning for the eight days that it took to procure more. The eight-day Chanukah ritual involves the lightening and blessing of eight candles in a menorah, ceremonial candelabra. One additional flame is kindled each night, mimicking the gradual gathering of light in the dark sky. For Jews, the candles represent the light of truth, the flame of freedom.
Throughout Northern Europe where the weather is more severe, the solstice fires were lit indoors. The Yule log and colored light decorations, which are today emblematic of Christmas, are the same as were once lit in honor of Sulis, Sol, Sunna, the old Goddess of the Sun. In Sweden, Santa Lucia, Saint Lucy, Saint Light, is observed on December 13, the date of the Winter Solstice on the old Julian calendar. Young girls dressed in white nightgowns with crowns of lit candles in their hair parade the streets at dawn, waking people with coffee and fresh baked cakes in the spiral shape of the many-spoked sun wheel.
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that has been celebrated during the solstice season since 1966 when Dr. Maulana Kerenga, a Black Studies professor and cultural nationalist, first conceived it. Although it is inspired by East African harvest and thanksgiving festivals -- Kwanzaa means "first fruits" in Kiswahili -- it is celebrated like a solstice fire festival. A major ritual element is the lighting of seven, red, black and green candles in a kinara, or holder. Each candle stands for the Seven African Principles, fundamental precepts upon which a creative, productive, and successful community life is based: Umoja, unity; Kujichagulia, self-determination; Ujima, collective work; Ujamaa, shared economics; Nia, life purpose; Kuumba, creativity; Imani, faith. Beginning on December 26, they are lit alternately from left to right, one each night, until they are all aglow.
In both imperial China and pre-Columbian Peru, it was the holy duty of the emperors to personally assure the continuation of the cosmos through their annual performance of ritual sacrifices to heaven on the Winter Solstice. After fasting for three days they would each emerge before the Winter sunrise and proceed to the top of the Round Mound in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and to Haucaypata, Cuzco's ceremonial plaza. There, before retinues of their peoples, they lit fires and offered libations and obeisance to the celestial center of the universe. They knelt, they bowed -- the Inca blew reverent kisses -- to the supreme solar source of all light.
The King of Swaziland in South Africa, the incarnation of the Sun, Himself, retires in seclusion for the period preceding the solstice. Then, on the day of the sun's return his warriors dance and chant around a fire in front of his compound, urging him to emerge from the dark. The Mayan Indians of Guatemala perform a flying pole dance, palo voladare, in honor of the old, indigenous pre-Columbian Sun God. Two dancers climb a fifty-foot pole to the energetic beat of a flute and drum. At the top, they each wrap one end of an attached rope around one of their feet and leap off into the wild blue yonder. If they manage to land on their feet, the Sun God will be pleased enough to start sending more light to earth each day.
Soyal is the Winter Solstice observance of the Hopi people of the American Southwest. During this sacred season of solar renewal, the kachinas, the guides, the spirit helpers of the tribe, emerge from their dark kivas. They come up from the underground ceremonial spaces to join the community for the six-month period of ascending light. Fires are lit and the original creation tale is retold, re-enacted and reclaimed. This ritual participation in the process of the universe affirms and assures the continuation of the cyclical order of time. At Soyal, the sun is symbolically, ceremonially, turned back, thus renewing life for all of the world.
The return of the retreating sun that retrieves us from the dark of night, the pitch of winter, is a microcosmic recreation of the origination of the universe, the first birth of the sun. The Winter Solstice is an anniversary celebration of creation. It is both natural and necessary to join together in the warmth of community to welcome the return of light to a world in the dark and to rekindle the spirit of hope in our heart. Lighting a light at the darkest time of the year is a pledge somehow. Of the fragility and pulsating persistence of the life force: each spark, a signal flare of faith.
WINTER SOLSTICE CEREMONY PROTOCOL
by Bennie LeBeau, AKA Blue Thunder, Eastern Shoshone Elder
Big Bear Reharmonization Ceremony
Pan Hot Springs, Big Bear, California
Dec 21st, 2005
Winter Solstice, Wednesday, December 21
Sunrise until Noon
6:15 am to 12:00 pm
Pan Hot Springs, Big Bear Lake, Ca - Near Paradise & North Shore Drive
SPACE IS A SACRED SITE
Be aware that the space you move in is ALWAYS sacred, to begin with. But frequently, we contaminate it with our own negative thoughts or negative baggage we are carrying. We want to make sure that a Ceremony is done in a space that we have remembered with Sacredness, making that space more sacred, because it was sacred to begin with, but to REMIND OURSELVES THAT ALL THE SPACE WE MOVE IN IS SACRED, ALL THE TIME.
In this Winter Solstice Ceremony, I ask the participants to go out into our own yards and our own neighborhoods and look for the herbs and plants that grow locally that are still green. Whatever is still green in the midst of December has Life Energy. That is what we bring into the Ceremony place to cleanse it. Some of these sacred plants are: Chickweed, Lavender, Thyme, some Parsley, some Lambs Ears, some Hollyhock leaves, and some Lemon Balm. Many individuals know about Sage, Mint, Birch, Barberry berries, and Sumac Berries. Select what you can find that speaks to you, or use the traditional Sage leaves, or buy a bundle of Sage Smudge Leaves in a New Age or Health Food store.
Once WE decide where WE are going to hold our Ceremony, WE can accumulate herbs or essences to cleanse its atmosphere or aura and rededicate it. Many herbs have traditionally been used to do this. The Native Americans and other cultures use White Sage, Cedar, Sweet Grass and Kopal for smudging and cleansing. The scent of Pine and Rosemary has often been used in actual cleaning up areas because of their abilities to cleanse and purify. Lavender can be used and is still popular, everywhere because its scent is so purifying, stabilizing and relaxing on the nervous system, while the plant actually has anticipated ability. DANCING WITH THE WHEEL also mentions Echinacea, the purple coneflower that at one time covered so many pastures, because of its proven ability to medically eliminate infection in the human system; the common, sweet Red Clover, which offers not only nourishment to human beings, but is one of the herbs thought to help remove tumors and stagnation from the blood, and Trillium, the three-petaled flowering herb, for its purity.
REMEMBER: WHEN YOU TAKE AN HERB FROM ITS GROWING PLACE, REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE DISTURBING ANOTHER LIFE FORM. DO IT WITH AWE AND REVERENCE. IT IS TRADITIONAL TO OFFER SOMETHING IN RETURN BY SPRINKLING SOME TOBACCO LEAVES, DRIED CORN, SAGE, OR SWEETGRASS, OR FLOUR. THANKING THE HERB FOR COMING WITH YOU TO ENRICH OUR LIVES. THANKING THE PLANT WITH OUR THOUGHTS. BLESSING THEM AND MOTHER EARTH FOR USING THEIR SACRED HEALING POWERS PROTECTS INSURING THEIR RETURN DURING THE SEASONS COMING.
If you cannot get your hands on any fresh herbs, buy some dried ones, or buy some essential oils, such as Sage or Lavender and add a few drops to some pure water in a spray bottle. Or use smudge or incense sticks, but make sure they were made with the pure essential oils of the plants, and not synthetic scents, which can cause headaches, and have no plant power at all.
Remember, that the plants bring full universal power with them: the earth they grew in, the water that cleansed them, the minerals that fed them, the sun that energized them, and the winds that caressed them all come in with them to grace our homes and our lives.
Then, using fresh herbs, or spraying your scented water into the air, or holding your incense stick, start by cleansing the atmosphere of our sacred site. Tune in to the feelings of energy you get as you do this. Wherever you sense that special attention is needed, give it. If you are using a lit Sage Smudge, the smoke is often wafted around with a feather. It is appropriate to say, "With these members of the Plant Standing People, or with these herbs, I ask this sacred plant to purify this space and remember that it is sacred, in love, peace and harmony. Sending all negative and darkness out, “Together we can release any negative energy from in our Medicine Wheel Ceremony, and rededicate it to the whole and positive energy of Mother and Father, Creator”.
When we are finished cleansing and purifying the space around each person and around each other, purify the greater space around the ceremonial site. We can start at a person's head, and circle the herbs around him or her, from top to bottom, saying, "The Sacred space around you is now cleared of any negative energy. You are standing in a sacred space that is pure and healthy and that supports your Physical and Spiritual Energy, right here, right now." May your feet be blessed with the radiating White Light of Peace from the Great Spirit.
When everything has been purified and blessed, it is good to stand quietly for a few seconds, in a circle and breathe deeply three or four times, envisioning the purity entering and lodging in your inner space and ceremonial site.
ALTAR AND SYMBOLS FOR WINTER SOLSTICE
Crystals or other appropriate minerals or stones, sunflowers, owls, white buffalos, winter herbs, sun figures or pictures, seeds, earth, rocks (because they are the most patient and enduring "people" in the Sacred Circle of Life. They teach us how to just BE, like the Sun.), yellow round fruits like lemons or grapefruits, lemon flavors, figurines or dolls capturing old age, photos of ancestors or grandparents, etc. Be aware that any symbol that is meaningful to you, in keeping with the meaning of the winter solstice, is appropriate. Creating the mixture of the darkness and coldness of winter and the promise of the arriving sun by placing a mirror or aluminum foil, something reflective. Standing crystals and other sacred stones. Surround it with sacred fire, which will be lit during the ceremony. People place their own symbols in it or around it as they enter, because the Altar needs to be representative of everybody.
SYMBOLIC HERBS
Plants are brought into Ceremonies at the time of the Winter Solstice to assure the Spirits that they can find safe refuge with us during this period of darkness and cold. Plants that were, and often still are, brought in at this time, include:
1. Yellow Cedar (Arborvitae) for cleansing and purity.
2. Ash, considered an herb of the sun, for protection.
3. Bay Laurel, to bring the light of the sun into the house and ward off illness.
4. Blessed Thistle, an herb still used to cleanse the blood, for protection, joy, and prosperity.
5. Chamomile, an herb still used for its ability to soothe and cleanse, for love and purification.
6. Frankincense, an antiseptic herb, used symbolically to bring purification and protection.
7. Holly, for protection and to symbolize the co-existence of human and plant spirit and life.
8. Juniper, for love and protection.
9. Mistletoe, for healing, peace, and beautiful dreams.
10. Pine, for peace, healing, and joy.
Our Altar will be a Medicine Wheel Alignment/Cup of Life on the site; the plants can be placed within the circle on Mother Earth. We are creating a Medicine Wheel on the Pan Hot Springs area to do our Ceremony.
LIGHT AND SOUND
The Winter Solstice is a Ceremony honoring both darkness and light in terms of natural, peaceful, development. In terms of yet another example of the fluctuation of all life forms, swinging from one aspect to the other and then back again, over and over again, just as we inhale and exhale over and over again, and sleep and wake and sleep again, and live and die and live again.
Traditionally a sacred fire is lit during the Ceremony included lighting this fire to send blessings to the sun and back to earth. Many Indigenous communities light the fires at Winter Solstice to express hope, joy and a sense of Community effort. In many places, keeping the fires burning through our ceremony is considered a sacred thing to do.
For our Winter Solstice Ceremonies, we will use 13 crystals. We need a dozen white candles and one bright yellow or golden-colored one. Each person lights one of the white candles, making his or her own relevant statement, sacred thought, prayer. Then one person lights the yellow one, in tribute to the returning sun, to hope, to life, to the Wisdom and Silence of Winter and the Return of Light and Growing Things Manifesting.
People of all colors of humanity are invited and those who can supply live music that is wonderful, like the use of heartbeat drumming on a drum, flutes, crystal bowls, harps, guitars all sacred instruments of the creator. Favorite seasonal music is appropriate. However, The Winter Solstice celebrates a part of our Natural World, rather than a particular doctrine or dogma.
MAKING CEREMONY
The two most difficult times of a Ceremony are settling down to actually begin, because most people feel a little silly about creating Ceremony in the familiar surroundings and then to give up its power, and actually end. I suggest people leave unneeded garments, purses, packages, etc. in their vehicles or in the area close by the Ceremonial Site. Make sure you have everything you will need: Warm jackets, warm drinks, food and lots of cheer and knowing we will be getting the blessings we ask for. IT IS UP TO US ALL TO SET THE MOOD AND BEGIN THE CEREMONY. If you were at the Big Bear Medicine Wheel Ceremony on November 15th, 2004, you will remember that a chair is important or you may sit on the ground around it or inside the wheel, depending on how large it is and how many people there are: PLEASE BRING warm clothing and something hot to drink. It is appropriate to sit in a circle of some kind, although you will need to adapt to the space that will be available.
SPIRITUAL LEADERS - ALL PEOPLES
We honor and celebrate the Winter Solstice. We are open and receptive to the Positive Energy that resides within ALL OF US, all cultures around us, that keeps us whole and balanced. Surround us with love, honor, respect and Spoken Truth from the Warriors of Old within each and every one of us. Only good can come from our ceremony here, for ourselves, for our community, for the world, for the universe. Keep in mind that anyone can add something before and during the Reharmonizing of Big Bear Medicine Wheel Ceremony, beginning at sunrise on Dec 21st, 2005, at Pan Hot Springs, Big Bear, California.
THE MEDITATION FOR THIS BIG BEAR WINTER SOLSTICE
WHILE IN THIS CEREMONY REMEMBER TO REMEMBER
Before we start this ceremony we will find our most comfortable position. Close your eyes and take a deep breath and clear our hearts, minds and spirits of all that does not serve us a purpose to be in harmony. Release all built up energy in thoughts that cause stresses, anger, hate and let the judgments go. Breathe and sense the Sacred Space that surrounds us. Draw the Great Spirits pure white love of electrical magnetic light within us and around us. Feel it spread out to touch your brother or sister’s Sacred Space. Feel it spread out and fill the medicine wheel with Love, honor and respect that brings Peace. Feeling perfectly safe and protected. Seeing and hearing the pine trees, birds, wind around us as protectors of Mother Earth. Knowing the Big Bear Lake and Baldwin Lake are in front of us and behind us. And Pan Hot Springs is in the Middle of both lakes. When arriving at the sacred ground on Pan Hot Springs, notice the noise crackling as we walk feeling great, alive, brisk, and well.
You may hear sounds in nature you have never heard before. Listen for them. What do you hear? You can see wonderful things you have never seen before, both with your outer vision and your inner vision. Watch them. What do you see? Open to the magic of Mother Nature and Father Sky. Follow your hearts, visions, Spoken from the Heart of the Rose, peace will return.
In the darkness, wonderful visions and ideas and solutions come to us, in our sleep or awake in dreams, visions, answers to problems many are facing. Remedies for distress, cures for diseases are arriving everyday. If you are looking for an answer to a problem, now is the time to be open to the messages within us. Tell it that it is welcome, and that it can rebirth a safe place to be blessed within us. Be aware of the energy of life beneath our feet within the darkness of Mother Earth and Father Sky as Mother and Father radiates their love upon us totally. Feel your connection with the seeds sleeping there, within gathering strength and storing nourishment for their coming blessing on earth, especially in Big Bear. Feel the connection with the seeds of our life getting ready to blossom in good health and vibrancy. In the safety of the dark and the cold, new healthy life is getting ready to appear within the light of the Great Spirit, the Sun. Rebirthing springs, small streams, filling the lakes, snow filling up the glaciers. Bring harmony to the Big Bear Mountains and surrounding areas, no more no less, just right in the amount of moisture needed.
Breathe deeply and exhale. Focus on your midriff now where the power comes from. Notice the golden spot that is forming there. Feel it warming you, providing inner heat. See or sense its golden sphere spreading inside you. Feel its golden rays reaching up to, like an inner sun, to touch your heart and down to warm your navel area. And down some more into your legs, and down your arms, and up into your neck and head. Inhale and enjoy this inner warmth. Feel the heat warm your feet. Feel your hands and feet tingle with warmth, as you stand there. Sense the halo of warm, nurturing heat that is now surrounding your head. Feel the sphere of comforting, healing heat move down outside you, encircling your entire body. The Warriors Bring Rainbows, men, women and children working side by side, in harmony in love and peaceful relationships.
Know that you have the safety and healing powers of both black and white, night and day. Know that you are balanced and whole. Feel that you are safely rooted into the ground, but that your spirit is free. Know that both the darkness and the light are safe for you. Focus on any area that needs healing. Allow the darkness and light to penetrate that area with healing power, called electro magnetic energy, the force of the Great Spirit.
Take a deep breath and feel both alert and relaxed, a feeling of excitement.
Take a deep breath, giving thanks and gratitude to the powers that be for this feeling of safety and well-being.
Take a deep breath and ask for continued protection for you and your safety and well-being, and for anyone about whom you are concerned, including Mother Earth.
Take a Deep Breath and Envision World Peace
When our spirits are one we are ready, gently, slowly moving forward and we will begin our Ceremony. (Giving people a chance to re-accustom themselves to the here-and-now reality. I would like everyone to make sure that everybody is well-grounded and at ease, before we continue. Meditation creates a sense of unease because many individuals have unfinished business in their lives, please make sure everybody is centered and okay.)
TRIBUTE TO THE WINTER AND NORTHERN DIRECTION
A WOMAN & A MAN FACING NORTH FIRST
WITH OFFERINGS TO THE NORTH, EAST, SOUTH & WEST
EXAMPLE BELOW
Great Spirits Wonder of Winter in the North Direction can hear us. As we come asking for wisdom, knowledge and the strength BLESSING our MOTHER EARTH and our lives in our undertakings. Honor us with your presence as we stand in your sacred portion of your winter Season and of our Earthwork. Permit the crystal clarity of winter snow to bring purity to our lives and thoughts, and healing to our bodies and to our world. Spirit of the White Buffalo and the White Owl to help us to remember the lessons we need and the knowledge we have experienced, changed into wisdom, the knowledge that brings about abundance, within the Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. Physically, Mentally and Spiritually, allowing us to understand the SELF-RESPECT OF BEING.
Help us to learn the Spoken Truth and beauty of UNDERSTANDING, KNOWING. Spirit of the Great White Owl, teach us to fly with quiet grace and seeing eyes through the dark times of our lives. Spirit of the Great White Bear gives us the patience; bring courage and strength to share the knowledge with the nations. Spirit of the Blue Bear bring us wisdom and knowledge to those who can use and benefit all that is related to one another and each other. Peace, love, honor, trust and respect, harmony. Great Spirit Give us the faith and the courage to continue our journeys to the beginning of peace once again, in pride, so that our energy may once again arrive in the Dawn of the East.
SHOW US HOW TO FIND JOY IN DARKNESS AND IN NEW BEGINNINGS, WALKING WITH THE GREAT LIGHT OF THE GREAT SPIRIT, SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF MOTHER EARTH AND FATHER SUN.
USING CANDLE LIGHTING FOR PRAYERS IN THE FIRE
Each participant may come up to the alter to light a white candle, saying whatever wish or statement or tribute they have prepared or chose to say, as they do so. A person will be delegated to make sure everything is stable, as the candles will be offered to the fire. When all the candles have been lit, a person chosen will pay tribute to the returning sun. Lighting our earth space and into our personal spaces, as he/she lights the silver and golden candle.
ACTIVITY
Sitting or standing in the Medicine Wheel is a good time for people to "breathe in the energy" of whatever they want to internalize, as the days lengthen and the seeds begin growing and to "exhale the energy" of whatever they want to remove from their lives. Explain to people that, in breathing the breath of life, we will each choose and express an exchange of energies. For example, we might exchange sickness for health, sadness for joy, poverty for prosperity, depression for hope, war for peace, this job for a new job, etc. Snow, springs, rain, blessing the areas of Big Bear for the water to run all year long for eternity.
As we go around the circle, each person will say, "At this time, I choose to exhale sadness and inhale joy and harmony," then she will say, "exhale sadness" and the entire group will exhale the sadness with her, for her and, if they choose, for themselves. "And inhale joy and harmony," and together the group will help him or her inhale joy. This group energy strengthens each individual's effort.
GROUP TALK
This is the time when each person might want to share a tale from his or her own myth/life about a time when darkness descended in his/her life, and what was done to relieve it or how somebody else brought light to the darkness. It is a good idea to use a time limit, so each person gets an appropriate time to speak, and not to allow any interruptions until the person has finished his/her tale. In the tradition of many speaking circles we will present the speaker with a Speaking Stick or Talking Feather. This gives him or her the right to speak, uninterrupted, as long as the stick/feather is held.
When all discussion is finished, ask the group if they are ready to end the ceremony and begin the celebration. If they are, this closing is usually effective. Preferably standing close enough to reach out for each other's hands, the first person looks at the person to her right and gives a blessing to his/her neighbor. Sharing peace, tranquility and peace. Given a blessing in a message of love and hope.
OUR SACRED JOURNEYS REBIRTHED
WITHIN THE GREAT SPIRIT’S LIGHT
Ask if everybody is ready for the entrance of the Great Spirit’s light, and with great hoots and hollering, say goodbye to the darkness and returning to the sacred rainbows of light. Many attending keep in mind to use sun symbols on your clothing if one feels to do so.
Food
Bring in the food something with "seeds" to represent beginnings, rebirth...such as fruit, cookies or cakes with sesame or poppy seeds, or fruits with seeds etc. I ask those who can to bring an herbal tea punch in which are floating great rounds of orange and lemon slices, and one grand lemon floating, whole, in its center. Sing some songs. Dance to the rhythm of our feet to Mother Earths Heart Beat. Time to Celebrate, Rejoice and have fun, while doing it. Send each person home with new seeds to planted within their hearts for peace, love, truth and freedom of our spirits locked down inside to resurface walking in beauty.
Medicine Wheels Circles
Activating circles within circles, medicine wheels connect physically, mentally and spiritually geometrically with the living landscape resulting in healing reactions that can be quite unexpected. One of our intentions in our local Big Bear Reharmonizing Medicine Wheel Ceremony is to heal the pain and suffering dealt to the local Tribal Nations, Chinese, Mexican, European and Asian Cultures. Who, at the hands of our collective ancestors, massacred with muskets, rifles, swords, mining, development, greed anger, hatred, jealousy and sickness infected the Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. We are now changing the curses and lifting the darkness from the past, present and moving into the future for peace. Learning to clear and cleanse these areas of the spirits of the past for peace for the future. Knowing it was no ones fault. Moving forward in Love, Honor and Respect. Bring harmony with all of our brothers and sisters no matter what the color of their skin or nationality.
TO MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS ATTENDING HERE AND ELSEWHERE
MANY WORDS OF GRATITUDE AND THANKS GO OUT TO THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF THE BIG BEAR LAKE. INCLUDING THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES’ SUPPORT OF SPIRITUAL LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS. FOR THEY’RE CONTINUED SUPPORT HAS MANIFESTED AND HEALED MOTHER EARTH. HEALING OUR DIFFERENCES HEALS OUR HEARTS. BRINGING PEACE WITHIN THE BIG BEAR MEDICINE WHEELS CIRCLE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. HEALING THE MANY SACRED SITES THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN OUT OF HARMONY WILL BE MOST EVIDENT IN THE FUTURE. A HIGH VIBRATION IN PEACE IS ON THE MOVE AND COMING. I THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU ON BEHALF OF THE GREAT SPIRIT’S MESSENGERS, WARRIORS OF OLD AND THE LOVE THE CREATOR GAVE TO US ALL. MOVING FORWARD WITH THE WISDOM, THE KNOWLEDGE OF UNIVERSAL LAWS, SPIRITUAL LAWS BRINGING BACK THE WATER. THE SPRINGS. THE RAIN. THE SNOW. HARMONY!!! RAINBOWS!!!!!
THIS WINTER SOLISTICE BIG BEAR REHARMONIZING CEREMONY CEREMONY, DECEMBE 21st, 2005 WILL HELP MANIFEST THE MOISTURE SO NEEDED. INCLUDING THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENTS OF THE NOVEMBER 15TH, 2004 BIG BEAR MEDICINE WHEEL CEREMONY OF MANY SACRED MOUNTAINS. WHEN THIS SACRED WATER RETURNS TO THE BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN RANGES, ONE OF THE RAINBOW WARRIOR PROPHECIES WILL HAVE BEGUN. THIS REHARMONIZATON MEDICINE WHEEL CEREMONY BRINGS EDUCATON IN HEALING THE ENVIRONMENT. PRESERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION ON HOW MOTHER EARTH WORKS. OUR FAMILIES, OUR CULTURES OF ALL NATIONS ON MOTHER EARTH RELEARN AND BEGIN TO REMEMBER. MANY WILL BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE POWER OF PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIPS WORKING TOGETHER WITH MOTHER EARTH AND HER ENVIRONMENTS. THE EARTH, WIND, FIRE AND WATER, WE ARE ONE AND NOT SEPARATE.
THE MOUNTAINS THAT HAVE BEEN REHARMONIZED, WORKING TOGETHER IN SACRED VIBRATIONS OF THIRTEEN SOUNDS AND COLORS, IN PEACE, WILL ALLOW THE MOISTURE TO RETURN. THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE INDIGENOUS NATIONS OF THE AMERICAS WILL BE REMEMBERED ONCE AGAIN; VIBRATIONS OF COLORS AND SOUND WORK TOGETHER AS ONE. THE SNOW WILL FILL THE MOUNTAINS AND THE RUN-OFF OF WATER IN THE SEASONS COMING WILL ALLOW THE SPRINGS, WATERFALLS AND MANY SMALL STREAMS TO RUN ALL YEAR LONG. NEW SPRINGS WILL APPEAR AS THEY ALREADY ARE HAPPENING AS I WRITE THIS. THESE NEW SPRINGS AND WATER FALLS WILL APPEAR. MANY SPRINGS WILL EMERGE IN THE MIDDLE OF ROADS, ALONG THE HIGHWAYS. TAKE NOTICE AND REJOYCE.
WE HAVE DONE A LOT OF WORK ALREADY IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS AND THE WATER TABLE IS RISING. CHECK YOUR WATER WELLS, SPRINGS AND AQUAFIERS. THIS IS DUE TO REHARMONIZING TEN SACRED MOUNTAINS: TIP TOP MTN, ONYX SUMMIT, SUGARLOAF MTN, GRAND VIEW POINT, CRAFTS PEAK, JOHN BULL FLAT, KELLER PEAK, HAWES PEAK, SOUTH PEAK AND SILVER PEAK. THE PEAKS WILL BE VIBERATING IN HARMONY BY THE TIME OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE CEREMONY. MAY THE GREAT SPIRIT CONTINUE TO BLESS US IN OUR INTENTIONS TO BRING HARMONY TO THE MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS. INCLUDING OUR FAMILIES’ AND ALL CULTURES RELATIONSHIPS WORKING TOGETHER LIKE NEVER BEFORE IN HISTORY, FOR A LONG TIME COMING. INDIGENOUS PROPHECY!!!!
AS I HAVE MENTIONED IN THE PAST BEFORE THESE CEREMONIES, MY PREDICITIONS WILL BE THE OUTCOME AND SO BE IT. WE WILL BRING INTO EXISTENCE THE REBIRTH OF WATER TO RUN UP HILL. WAS/IS MY MESSAGE AND IT WILL BE REALIZED, UNDERSTOOD AND BE REMEMBERED FOR THE FUTURE.
WATER IS LIFE, AS MY BROTHERS OF THE HOPI NATION HAVE SPOKE
“WATER SUSTAINS ALL LIFE. HER SONGS BEGIN IN THE TINIEST OF RAINDROPS, TRANSFORM TO FLOWING RIVERS, TRAVEL TO THE MAJESTIC OCEANS AND THUNDERING CLOUDS AND BACK TO EARTH TO BEGIN AGAIN. WHEN WATER IS THREATENED, ALL LIVING THINGS ARE THREATENED.” Indigenous Declaration of Water, July 8th, 2001.
May the Great Spirit Continue to Bring us the Many Blessing of Peace & Harmony…
Many Thank You’s for all of the support that you have all given to Mother Earth and Our ancestors of the Black, White, Yellow, Red and Brown Nations of Mother Earth…The Universe…
A BROTHER FOR PEACE AND HARMONY
BLUETHUNDER, EASTERN SHOSHONE
WIND RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION
FORT WASHAKIE, WYOMING
BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA DECEMBER 17, 2005
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