Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Oct. 7, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Oct 7, 2012

Today I close my eyes and remember the many places I have been where autumn leaves created unbridled joy within me. The bright colors, the sound of them as they rustled in the trees and then the softness as they drifted with the breeze down to the ground. 

Remembering as a child raking up piles to jump in and throw them in the air, my father laughing and when I was done he raked the pile over to cover his plants for the on comming wint

er. In that I learned hope, expectation for what would come in the spring, while appreciating what I had today, and being grateful for being alive.

As we walk down this sunny path, trying to turn our toes inward and walk on the outside of our soles, attempting to make no noise, so we don't scare any wildlife that we hope to see, we soon realize with so many dried leaves on the ground it is not working. We begin to shuffle our feet under the leaves and nearly run as leaves fly all around.

Suddenly we stop, a breeze blows and leaves begin to rain down upon us, blowing past us and circling in the air. It is breathtakingly beautiful. Reminding us of change that is coming. 

We continue down the path some are collecting leaves, others snapping pictures, all are taking in the beauty surrounding us. We try to take in every detail, every color, the scents, the sounds and the feelings it brings from within; all the memories of autumns past.

We walk around a bend and over a bridge where there are leaves floating so slowly on the water downstream. On the other side of the bridge we turn to take a path along the stream. It is a well traveled path, and smooth without stones, only a few leaves. It is still warm, many decide to take off their shoes so they can feel the cool earth as they walk with sun shining and warming the tops of their feet. Carrying our shoes we follow the path to a flat landing where we can gather some wood and make a small fire without fear of causing a forest fire. We sit in a circle around our fire. 

Prayers go up with the smoke, for all who are in need. We go around the circle, each taking a turn sending up their prayers. 

While we remember the past, we also let go and forgive those who hurt us, including ourselves, and hope those we have hurt forgive us as well, for without letting go of negative feelings we cannot heal ourselves or anyone else. We send up hope and faith that our prayers will be answered in time. 

This is a season where we are grateful for the harvest of our labor of spring and summer, and we look forward to the renewal of spirit in winter and the telling of stories and history lessons so that we can remember them to share in the future. In this autumn we share our gratefulness and harvests with others, we know now is when we ready ourselves to weather our lives for the winter season. Most of all we are grateful for today, and what we have as well as what we can share with others. 

May our prayers be heard Grandfather, and may we accept Your decisions as part of this life. We send out Love, Faith in the promise of Peace and sing of the joy in our connection to Mother Earth who has given us all we need for life and we ask for Wisdom to use it wisely. 

In memory of my sister I look upon what appear to be obstacles as just challenges to overcome. She taught me that. Nothing is impossible unless you believe it is. Believe instead there is always a way, if you use your creativity and seek out a solution, have faith in yourself, a way will be found. We all have inner strength when we choose to use it. 

As the Crows circle and land, circle and land in the trees above they seem to encourage the smoke upwards. May all who place their prayers into this smoke have them heard. Listen closely to the silence for answers to come.

Aho.

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle July 31, 2012

Sacred earth Prayer Circle July 31, 2012 Facebook

Tonight is the beginning of the Grain Harvest celebrations in the old Celtic traditions in the Northern hemisphere; it is a 24 hour celebration. So tonight we will honor that ancient tradition. It is a time for trade between tribes, and the telling of oral histories as well as songs and poems of praise for the fallen heroes. It is also the time for those that wish to enter into the Tailtian marriages, where new couples make a vow for a trial period of a year and a day in a trial commitment, before making it permanent or splitting apart.

As I look into my candle and the sandalwood smoke rises; curling around and looping as air currents move. We begin walking up a spiral trail to the top of a lush green hill. A fire is already lit and blazing brightly, it can be seen for miles around as people come for the feast and festivities. Everything is made from the first harvests of all the grains, berries and apples, each participant bringing their best. Songs and Poems telling the history of the Sabbat are being told and sung. It is the halfway point between the Summer Solstice and the Autumnal Equinox. The moon is almost full, with the bright fire and full moon shadows are all around, both deep and soft they dance with the flames and the people. The flames leap high and look like the ancestors also dancing with us. The foods are gathered and the merriment calls to all. As each person enters the circle around the fire they leave their gifts of food on the table between the rocks. The dancing subsides and all take a seat. An elder with long white beard and robe raises his staff and arms to the stars, gathering the energies of the night. The fire crackles and the staff shines bright, “May the Magick of this night be felt by all, with good will, honor, and ethics may you trade your goods; may the foods we have made from the first harvest ensure in this year of so much drought that we glean enough grains to last through the winter; may your night be filled with new beginnings for all.” He points to me. I stand and offer:  

Prayer for the Warrior Soul 

   by Patti Wigington

The warrior soul, fighting in spirit, 

follows a code of honor and wisdom.

Strength is found not in the arms,

not in the knife, the gun or the sword,

but in the mind and soul.

I call upon the warriors of the past,

those who would stand up and fight,

those who would do what is needed,

those who would make sacrifices on behalf of others,

those who would die that others may live.

I call upon them this night,

to give me strength of heart, soul and spirit.

With this poem I ask also that no matter what we may encounter this coming year that we remember this poem and the lessons it gives. The nights are becoming longer and days shorter, may we harvest what we can save and make it last until the Sun returns the Earths gifts as the Wheel of the Year turns. These plants that have given their gifts are wilting in death to return next year, may we remember and be blessed to understand the gift of rebirth.  I sit down and wait for the next gift to be given. 

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle - Friday July 13, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle July 13, 2012

This is a circle; there is no beginning and no end. No one is more important than another, just as no part of our planet is more important than another; all are inter-related each depending on the other to make it work as it was intended. All I wish to do is to create an environment for your thoughts and words to flow freely from your heart. Each person who participates is welcome to create their own vision, share a poem, a prayer, a song, or words of gratuity, the story continues with each of you. Each culture brings new things, sometimes it is the first time another has heard that point of view, the more we share, the more likely we are to understand each other and create more understanding around the world. 

This evening we have chosen to take this well-marked path over the bridge with a narrow creek flowing beneath it and up some steps to a winding road. The road is very narrow, and there is plant growth from the tree line which shows the road used to be wider. This once was an old road between two small villages that today has been by-passed with a road for auto traffic, and left for us to enjoy. We see a deer bound across in front of us, some rabbits munching along the path and birds are swooping across the pathway as the darkness gathers. We continue down to where we find a grove of 28 oak trees, planted in a circle many years ago. In the center are a few rocks with a place that has been used many times in the past for fires. The path we enter comes from the East. One person goes in first and smudges the area with smoke from sage, cedar and sweetgrass. Then they smudge our fire starter who does his duty and builds a small fire. Soon the only shadows come from the light of our fire, as the sky is now filled with stars and the sun is visiting those on the other side of the Earth.

We walk inside and sun-wise around the circle each stopping at the entrance to be smudged and cleansed. We stop at each of the four directions to say a silent prayer and leave a small token relating to the direction on that side of the fire, until we have all been all the way around the circle. On the East side of the fire I leave a feather gifted to me on the wind to honor the winds that bring us wisdom; on the South side I leave a sunstone to honor the fire and passion within each of our hearts; on the West side I leave a large clam shell filled with water for each that follows to use or add to, to honor the healing and cleansing waters that flow above and below the earth, to ask for rains to quench those that thirst, and heal those that need healing; on the North side I leave a small stone that I found that reminded me of my father’s rock garden to honor those who have come before us and those who will come after us.  I add some rose petals to the fire in honor of the memory of those who I have loved and have moved on beyond the veil, as well as those who I will share love with in the future, I offer to each member a blessing of healing, of peace and to understand there is beauty where ever we turn if we choose to walk that path of beauty because it comes from within us. During this time of the waning moon, let go of the things that do not bring you peace within. May each be inspired to offer healing gifts. As I turn to pass the talking stick to the next person in the circle we are joined by a raven who is watching us from above. 

Summer Solstice

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle June 19, 2012

Tomorrow is the Summer Solstice here in the Northern hemisphere, Winter solstice for those of you below the equator, depending where you live it may already be the Solstice.

Cultures around the world have for as long as man observed the sun have celebrated the Solstices and what they meant to them. The sun was often worshiped as the giver of life, so today I wish to take you on a journey to celebrate life, ready ourselves for the many kinds of celebrations or rituals each may have. 

The word solstice means “sun stands still” in Latin. Summer Solstice is the day that the sun is highest in the sky and the shadows are the shortest. It is the longest day and shortest night of the year. Some traditions begin the solstice at sunset the previous day, some at sunrise of the day and some at noon on the solstice. Some last but three hours and others up to 72 hours. The Sun is seen around the world and has been used to keep track of time and seasons. Ancient peoples marked the event by light through key holes in rocks and the placing of rocks to help those that followed to know the day.

Tonight is also the New Moon, and so tomorrow will be the first day of the moon cycle as it appears to grow daily as its shadow diminishes. It is considered by many a time of new beginnings. So is the Summer Solstice, and in many cultures it was a day to wed or handfast, or join couples in a union.

Let us take this small path away from the road. Though the trees we can barely see the early morning sky. It is just beginning to brighten, the stars beginning to fade. We can feel the dampness of the morning misty fog that surrounds us as we near the river. Only a few birds are waking, there is mostly silence as we quietly walk down the sandy path between the leafy trees and bushes. A rabbit family scurries into the brush when they see us approach. The leaves are full of dew and so now are our clothes as we brush against them. No one is talking. As humans, we have forgotten how to walk silently through the woods, so even though we are trying not to make noise, some do, and that is ok. Finally, we come to the shore along the river. This morning it is so still we can barely see any movement in the water.  The shore is white sand, and right now the sky has made it look purple. The sun will be rising down river soon. Those who have brought packs and drums set them down and we take off shoes and walk out into the cool and very clear water with a sandy bottom to stand in a circle, but all facing the sunrise. It is getting brighter. We each silently say a prayer. 

One voice softly begins, “Today we honor you Grandfather Sun; we thank you for your light; we are grateful for the growing season and for the long days that we may get much done. We ask for your help to heal the people, to heal the Earth, and give us the knowledge we need to move forward to help each other as well as our selves. Help us remember all that has been forgotten about the natural world we live in. Today we ask for peace, for joy and the wisdom to appreciate the lives we have been given, living in this time of great change and possibilities as the humans awaken and remember we are ONE.” 

As the sun beams slowly move across the water toward us, through the trees, illuminating our silhouettes, joining us together with the entire natural world. Together we whisper, “We are One.” We repeat this again, a bit louder, and again louder still. Our chant becomes a steady hum, a soothing vibration. We are all connected. Each having our own gifts, yet each of those gifts are needed by the whole. Do not fall into the fear of this being the year of doomsday, but rather a year when humans awaken to the fact all energy is connected to the web of life here on Earth and perhaps the Universe and beyond. No matter what your cultural heritage is, the spiritual path you follow, the color of your skin or where you are on this planet, what each of us does, affects the whole. Let our feet beat the sound of our heart beats, the splashes send out ripples to the shore and down the stream to where it flows into the ocean. May our prayers go as far as the waters and sunbeams travel. As the sun rises higher we move to the shore, where we begin a small fire and we each offer some words to send out into the Universe; words of gratitude, love, peace, and beauty. 

An early morning canoe paddles by and we ask if they would like to join us, we have coffee, tea and water for all as well as each has brought some gifts of food to share throughout this day. Our circle grows, and grows as more people feel drawn to the energy of Love. Some stay a while then move on with the river. So goes the day, with Noon and Sunset prayers, we continue all through the night with a drumming circle until sunrise the following morning. May these thoughts continue and the prayers be heard, may you feel the connection and please give a prayer, a song, a poem, a gift to be shared with all who read this as well as generations past, present and in the future. Please add them below.  All are connected here in this circle, there is no time, no space between us, and we are ONE.  May the world be blessed with awakening to the connected consciousness and the power it holds. 

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle June 4, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle June 4, 2012 Facebook link

Tonight we look up and see Grandmother moon in all her glory. She is is often called the Strawberry Moon, Flower Moon, Honey Moon, Hot Moon, Planting Moon, and Rose Moon depending where you are from. Tonight is very warm, and there is a breeze coming from the southwest. the moon is high and clearly shows our path. The sand looks pink in the moonlight. There are crickets chirping, the distant sound of frogs at a nearby pond and leaves brushing in the trees above us. As we walk along the path the trees part and we can see the moon so clearly. The fence to our right is covered in wild roses and their scent is filling the air. This looks like a good spot to have our circle.

Again tonight we will not have a fire, it is already warm and would take away from our view of the moon. We gather in a circle, we offer sage, cedar and sweetgrass smoke from an abalone half shell to smudge each other and to carry our prayers up to the Creator. Many have brought their drums. Drums made from wood and skins, drums made from hollow cans, drums made from old oatmeal boxes, drums made to keep beat with the heartbeat of the Mother Earth. We sit in our circle and those with drums begin to beat a one- two beat.

Thank you mother earth for giving us life, may your healing waters and plants help all who need all kinds of healing, may our thoughts join to create a healing atmosphere for all who are in pain, in need and are searching. May our joined prayers bring peace where there is turmoil, our rhythmic beat and deep breaths send our wishes out to all who wish to take what we offer, may all the spirits of the earth join in our prayers.

An owl screeches, and flaps its wings almost as if he is trying to keep beat with our drums. A coyote howls, then some funny yips and attempts at howling from her young learning to sing to the moon. The tall grass where we are sitting is soft and new, it smells green as we crushed it by sitting on it.

After tonight the moon will begin to wane, it is the time of the moon cycle to shed our fears, our doubts, our unneeded emotions, the junk we have accumulated that clouds our path. Tomorrow is the transit of Venus as she moves between us and the sun. It should be visible to most of us and here in the USA it will be visible with special equipment near sunset. Remember not to try to look at it with the naked eye. Many hold that this will mark a change in the way people think. But there are many stories from around the world for this year. Most suggest a shift in the way mankind will think, how he interacts with the planet that gives us life. This is what many hope will happen, wars will end, man will be kinder to each other and to the planet and all her parts.

Breath in peace, exhale peace, feel the healing and shift begin. We are all connected, past, present and future, like everything else man is made of minerals, no different than the Earth herself. we are each a part of the whole. Let us begin to change the way we perceive each other, not as separate, but as pieces of the whole. Each part of the earth has a purpose, we don't always know what it is, but it will be reveled when we need this information.

Many blessings for all who are here, may each have their own awakening and see their path clearly. Prayers go out to all directions, East, South, West, North, above, below and within. Breathe in this prayer and exhale it as you hear the Mothers heartbeat.  May all who come here find words to share as they feel the heartbeat of the Mother and feel healing begin.  Aho.

After a long night the sun rises and the moon is still above the horizon. Our drumming continued all through the night. Some have come, some have left, but we continue to hold this vigil for healing, peace and love. 

Please add your own prayers and gifts to the circle, each of us has a special need and gifts to share.

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Saturday, May 5, 2012 Facebook link
Tonight we have walked along a path only about a half mile beyond a small outcrop of rocks, out of view of the small road we came here on. The coyotes we passed were hunting for their dinner; it was a family with two pups. They saw us and continued on their way, knowing we were scaring their food away. Silly coyotes, the rabbits were just waiting for us all to pass to scoot off behind some brush to continue their foraging. 

Today was a typical day in May in the desert, and while it has begun to cool, it is still quite warm. On the west side of this rocky hill, we find a cooler clearing, with a view of the Eastern sky. We came out here to see the moon rise over the cacti. We look carefully to be sure no snakes are also here in this cooler spot. We find none. So we form a circle and ask that this night bring special prayers and offerings, asking that all people in the farthest corners of the Earth share this wonder and understand we are all one people; that people of all colors, cultures, and countries can come together for we are all journeying through space together. It is time we work together to help ourselves by helping our planet and all of her inhabitants. 

No matter where you are, on the plains, in mountains, the seashore, a city building, a forest, a lake, a farm, a cabin, a boat or on a plane, it is time to take a few minutes and remember we are one people. Some are young, some are old, some healthy some sickly but with work we can help each other. Each has something of value to share, without exception. Leave politics and religions to the history books, and look toward a future of life with harmony, balance and plenty. If you can, touch the earth with you bare feet, or sit on her to feel the energy rise through you to help heal you of whatever may ail you. Tonight the tides will be higher and lower than other days of the year, so keep that in mind no matter where you are at if near the water. 

Here in the desert we wait, the skies are clear and there is only a light breeze that is caressing our skin. We have swept the circle to make sure there are no scorpions, cactus needles or sharp rocks, so we can take off our shoes and feel the sand and the Earth’s energy. We begin to dance in our circle and sing our songs. We are not building a fire this evening we only have a small bundle of sage smoldering in the center. We want no other light but the moon and the meteor shower that is to follow. Here only the glow of the moon will keep us from seeing all of the meteors. Back in the city there are Cinco de Mayo celebrations going on, here we celebrate only the energies of the Moon, the Earth, the Universe and each other. We come together, as one heart, one spirit of hope for the collective future of all mankind. The moon is about to come up, we hush and listen only to the sounds of the desert, and the occasional howl of the coyotes and calls of the night birds. There are cacti with flowers opening to face the moon as she rises splendidly above the mountain. The light is bright and we can see there are desert flowers scattered around among the rocks. A lizard with white spots sits on one of the rocks just watching us. The desert is as much a living ecosystem as any forest, or ocean, it is a part of the planet, a necessary part just as all ecosystems are. We, like ecosystems, are all part of the whole, and each with their own gift and purpose; no one is better than another. Like our heart is different from our hand, yet both can be open to our fellow beings. May you connect to the common energy that makes us all related, may you discover the healing energy within you as part of this earth, and may you find you have more in common than you have differences with her. 

We are one, yet individuals in different places, we like to hear each other’s gifts, songs, prayers, photos, stories or poems. Please feel free to share what you have.

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Thursday April 26, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Thursday 4-26-12 Facebook Link 
Today I light my candle and look into the flame, I see a narrowing field, at the end is a narrow path, recent rains have left a few puddles, so step carefully. There are ferns along the path and branches of maple, elm, pine and other trees are hanging over the path. It seems it isn’t used as often as it once was. 

To our left is a bend of a small stream, but the path turns right and up over a small hill. The sun is in the west, soon it will be setting. We take the path over a small foot bridge that crosses the same winding stream and over the next hill. As we go on we see rabbits hopping out of our way, we see a deer and fawn bound off because we startled them as they were feeding, and a squirrel chatters at us as we pass. A few clouds are on the horizon making the sunset a bright pink with reds, oranges and purples, it is breathtaking. We find our opening in a grove of trees. A circle of wooden benches surround a fire circle. We brought dry logs and fire starters, and build a small campfire. Everyone gathers around and enters the circle. Clouds have all drifted off and the stars are twinkling above our crackling fire. We add some sprigs of cedar, and the aroma wafts through the air smudging our circle, offering protection and remind us to be grateful for healings we and our loved ones have received, and those that will find healing both for body and spirit.

Cultures around the world have offered gifts to the Universe, to gods, to Mother Earth to protect them, their homes, and their ceremonies. Some use smoke of sacred plants, some use cornmeal, some use pollen, some use tobacco, others use other things like salt, while some have used the blood of animals and even humans. An offering is not made without thought or meaning. It is not just something you have a lot of, but something you consider precious. It cannot be considered a true spiritual offering if it is not something you love, cherish, value, or even need, but are willing to give it up and offer it as a gift. 

We all have different ideas of what sacred space is, some think of it as a room, a building, a corner and the way energy flows through that space, or by placing down a rug. While others think of a circle outside in a grove of trees or a circle of stones or even a drawn circle in the dirt. Some use minerals or gemstones to protect them while praying or to enhance their experience. Some of us cleanse ourselves with smoke of what we consider a sacred herb. Some use water that has been blessed or cleansed for this purpose only. Some use many things at the four directions. Some chose to always face the same direction. Some only create their sacred space during certain times of day, or week, or moon phases, or by dividing the year into eight evenly spaced holidays or sabots, or by the season. No matter where or how often we use this sacred space, we are all spiritual beings looking to make our intentions known and to place our thoughts and prayers out to be answered. This fire tonight is our sacred space.

Tonight I am asking for sharing of myths, legends, stories, cultural beliefs that will help us all to understand more paths and cultures beyond what we know. These stories are not only valuable to our culture, but are all valuable to every culture, as they have been passed down from generation to generation, they teach values that are often forgotten. In today’s society we get busy and don’t take time to learn the stories of our cultures or those of others. We have this tool now, the Internet, where we can learn many of the lessons from around the world and how similar many are, or how they relate specifically to a region or climate. Sometimes they are just simple rhymes that teach us how to predict weather, or find our direction, or a basic tenant to base all of our actions on. Others are long and involved stories that give us many lessons as well as life in the times they were told. The best have a bit of humor so it was easy to remember them and pass them down orally from place to place and generation to generation. 

Please find a story/myth/legend/poem that you relate to either culturally or because of how it has affected how you think. I pass the talking stick on so that you may make an offering of these stories, poems, or just a prayer, whatever is in your heart. Thank you for joining in and sharing your beliefs.

My story to share is this:
I first heard this story when visiting the Casa Grande Ruins, it was very hot and so we could not leave the dogs in the car, so we brought them with us to tour the ruins. Under a shaded space a member of a local tribe asked us to sit and hear his story.
In the state of Arizona, the Pima Indian tribe declares that the father of all men and animals was Great Butterfly--Cherwit Make, meaning the Earth-Maker.
One day long ago, Great Butterfly fluttered down from the clouds to the Blue Cliffs, where two rivers met, later called the Verde and Salt rivers. There he made man from his own sweat.
From that day on the people multiplied, but in time they grew selfish and quarrelsome. Earth-Maker became annoyed with their behavior and decided it might be best to drown all of them.
But first, he thought to warn them through the voices of the winds.
"People of the Pima tribe," called North Wind. "Sky Spirit warns you to be honest with one another and to live in peace from now on."
Suha, Shaman of the Pimas, interpreted to the people what North Wind had warned them about.
"What a fool you are, Suha, to listen to the voices of the winds," taunted his tribesmen.
On the next night, the same warning from Earth-Maker was repeated by East Wind, who added, "Chief Sky Spirit warns that all of you will be destroyed by floods if you do not live nobler lives."
Again, the Pimas mocked the winds and ignored their warnings. Next night, West Wind spoke, "Reform, people of the Pimas, or your evil ways will destroy you."
Then South Wind breathed into Suha's ear, "Suha, you and your good wife are the only people worth saving. Go and make a large, hollow ball of spruce gum in which you and your wife can live a long as the coming flood will last."
Because Suha and his wife believed the warnings and were obedient, they set to work immediately on a high hill, gathering spruce gum and shaping it into a large hollow ball. They stocked it with plenty of nuts, acorns, water, and bear and deer meats.
Near the appointed time, Suha and his good wife looked down sadly upon the lovely green valley. They heard the songs of the harvesters. They sighed to think of the beauty about them that would be destroyed when the flood came because of the people's selfishness. Suddenly, a bright lightning flash and loud thunder rocked the Blue Cliffs. It was a signal for the flood to begin.
Suha and his wife went into the gum-ball ark and closed the door tightly. Swirling, dark clouds surrounded them. Torrents of rain poured down everywhere. For many days, the ark rolled and tossed about on the deepening sea.
After many, many moons, the downpour of rain stopped. The ark settled upon the land again, high on a mountaintop. Suha opened the door and stepped forth to see a tuna cactus growing near his feet. He and his wife ate some of the red fruit of the cactus plant. Below them, they saw water everywhere.
That night they retired again to the ark. They must have slept a very long time, because when they awoke the water had disappeared, the valleys were green, and the bird songs rang forth again.
Suha and his wife descended from Superstition Mountain, a name later given to the mountain upon which the ark had landed. They went down into the fertile valley and lived there for a thousand years. The forthcoming people prospered, becoming known as the Pima tribe.
After the story the man began to sing an ancient native song, and my dog at the time, Bingo, began to howl. I tried to hush her, everyone was looking. The man stopped and said "Let her sing, she remembers the ancient ones and wishes to join with them in song". So I let her sing. She never ‘sang’ before that or after that I know of. Although she "talked" all the time after that. She went running to him after the song as if she had known him all her life. I looked around through watery eyes to see many others were moved as well.

I pass the talking stick on to whom ever would like to share next.

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle ~ April 21-22, 2012 ~ Saturday-Sunday (Earth Day)

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle ~ April 21-22, 2012 ~ Saturday-Sunday (Earth Day)

This evening we have carefully walked out a small path away from all roads, all lights, through desert scrub and huge boulders. Some of the boulders look as if they have been purposefully stacked, some look like stone people watching over us here in the dark. A light breeze comes through them sounding like ancient ones singing ancient songs. Do not be afraid, we are being welcomed. We find a nice clearing here among the Joshua Trees on this moonless night, surrounded by the stones and their ancient energy and wisdom.
The new moon, it was the beginning of a month in ancient cultures, a time to begin new things, pray for new beginnings and this being spring the season of rebirth, it seems the perfect time for Earth Day tomorrow. The new moon is a time when we plant the seeds for our future, the future of our planet, it is an energetic doorway through which we will pull forth, with our thoughts, what we wish to make real. What we wish for the Earth, we wish for all of us in this web of life, our prayers for good things will return to us also. 

The night is dark and stars appear so bright, so close, so large, there are so many we can barely make out the constellations…

We build a small campfire and gather around it each in turn giving an offering, a prayer, a poem, a wish for our Mother Earth. The fire is now just embers and we wait, wait for the show. Tonight is the Lyrids meteor shower; we should be able to see it from midnight until dawn, so we will wait. Everything seems to be lined up for our prayers for all to be healed, the Earth Mother and all who live upon her, to be healed both physically and spiritually. We offer sage, cedar, sweetgrass, and tobacco to the fire, a small burst of flame and then it begins to smolder and send smoke up in to the sky, up to the Creator and to the Universal energies that connect us all. My prayer is for the Earth as she goes through her changes, that she will know who has done what they can to keep her healthy, and protect them from some of what many will look upon as destruction, but some things must be removed before new growth can spring forth. I ask that all have prepared themselves for great change both frightening and wonderful. We all are interconnected and may our thoughts become as one to bring health to our planet. May the leaders of all nations see into the future and understand they what they must do to protect all life, not just their own. May egos be set aside and all be concerned for each other. May each prayer be heard and answered. Within the Quantum Sea, past, present and future all blend and love is sent, shared and received. May the feelings help to heal the Earth and her Warriors. Aho. 

I offer talking stick on to each of you so that you may offer your thoughts, prayers, songs, your drums, whatever you wish to bring into being this starry night. 

Many have stayed awake into the morning hours to see the beautiful meteor shower, a spectacular gift. May we sing and dance our prayers today, putting our passion and energy into this effort to send it to all within the web, Creator, East,South, West, North, above, below and Within to keep the connection strong. May the Web feel our energies and join us, all ancestors and future generations as well. The sun is quickly warming the Earth and some of us are already going into nightfall. Many blessings for all who have attended and who may still attend this sacred circle of love.

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle ~ April 16, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle ~ Monday April 16, 2012
Today I am reaching back into memories as I look at this photo to take me to the connection with all things The Web of Life the ancestors talked of, is now talked of by scientists who think they discovered it, yet it has been there all along for those who seek to find it. Scientists now use terms for different aspects of the Web, they call it String Theory, or the Quantum Sea. All things are connected through the energy that came from the Creator or Source Energy however you wish to portray Him/Her in your mind. I am going back to my childhood days and asking you to come with me.

The spring air is warm and the breeze light, we walk down the dirt road past a few yards filled with flowers and trees in blossom; as we pass the last house the road curves, and we find a trail that leads down through the thick forested hillside toward a creek. As we step over logs, we notice the many wildflowers in bloom along the way There are violets of all colors, red, blue, yellow and white tucked everywhere in these woods. Occasionally we see a few trilliums popping their white heads out of the ferns, there are tiny white May flowers in clumps in a sunny spot between the trees, some yellow cowslips down in the marshy areas by the creeks edge. 

We stay on the path above the creek though, a tree has fallen over the winter across our path and we have to sit on it and swing our legs over to continue on our way; down a small hill and back up the path, watching the water flow in the creek over boulders and logs. The path narrows a bit and the flowers are seem to spill over the pathway, careful not to step on them we notice some wild mushrooms have popped up as well. The path goes down a fairly steep hill we have to be careful not to slip and fall into the water. At the bottom there is a large log over the creek that we must balance to cross, the path continues on the other side, still following the creek. Then the path suddenly climbs up the hillside we use tree roots like steps to get to the top of the hill. The path continues on across a bridge to the other side of another dirt roadway. The slope down to the creek on this side is steeper, there is another log crossing the creek here, but we choose not to go back across and continue down the path to an open area, filled with sunlight, and more flowers, everywhere we turn they are blanketing this clearing. 

Here we choose to have our Sacred Earth Prayer Circle, next to the flowing creek, amongst the flowers, the warm sun on our heads. Butterflies and dragonflies seem to be everywhere. They land on our heads and arms as if to welcome us to this place. We dig a small place in the dirt and make a small fire to be the center of our circle. We take out whatever we have brought with us to give us focus in our prayers. 

We sit on Mother Earth in our circle, first we join hands, and together we first thank the Creator for such a beautiful day, and for allowing us to join together here in this spring meadow; for the breeze that tussles our hair and brings messages from afar; for the sun and all life it brings; for the water that carries away troubles, cleanses our spirits and gives health and relief from thirst; for the Earth that we sit upon and all who have come before us and all who will come after us; for the blue skies and occasional passing cloud; for finding our center within us to be humbled before the Creator. We are grateful for all the new life springing up around us, showing us the promise of rebirth and renewal after the long winters rest. We are grateful to be able to come to this place, to walk and climb, to enjoy what the Creator has allowed us to have. We ask that those who we know need healing, from diseases and conditions that make life hard. We ask for healing each affliction from our connection to each other from deep within the energy of our soul. Our passionate prayers ask for healing of bodies from destruction and mutations of cells; from relief from pains that often cloud our ability to connect to the Web of Life; prayers of healing for those in mental anguish that they may find peace within; and prayers to always be able to come together for these purposes whenever we feel it is needed.

Each person is now joined as one, we no longer need to touch to be as one circle, we are connected through Spirit, not just with each other, but with all who observe, past, present and future. We have ancestors with us this day, happy to see us here. We ask for them to share their wisdom as well as their stories through us that we may learn and gain much needed knowledge. Each person who wishes to join in and ask for something specific is welcome to do so. Each time this is read each prayer is repeated and made stronger through more souls connecting into the Web of Life and making our voice strong for the Creator to hear and know many wish for these things, not just things for ourselves, but for the needs of each other, for we are all one.

Sacred earth Prayer Circle Apr. 7, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle ~Saturday 4-7-12
Tonight I need no candle; just staring up at the moon gives me my light to gaze into. Soft grey, pink and lavender wisps of clouds are moving slowly across the full moon. The sky seems as if it has a back light and the entire sky glows. Now and then a stars light shines through. The desert sand reflects the light from the moon and clouds to allow us to see where to walk. The air is cooling off quickly since the sun fell below the horizon. The path we walk is a dry wash where during a rain, it fills with water and becomes a fast flowing river. But there is no rain tonight, not even in the distant mountains, allowing us an easy, safe path between the mesquite bushes and palo verde trees that line the wash. Both are in blossom and the moonlight is so bright you can see the yellow flowers. The occasional smoke bush looks like a cloud of dust, the leaves are so light and feathery. On one side of our path is a large hill, some might call it a small mountain, covered with the black lava rocks left here thousands of years ago never moved by man or weather. There are a few cacti, grasses and shrubbery that have taken hold among the black rocks. Up near the top are a few saguaro tall cacti that look like men with raised arms reaching to the sky, some appear to have little hats as they are beginning to blossom. On the other side of the wash is a rolling hill area that seems to build rapidly toward the wall of the granite topped mountain whose top glows in the moon light. In the hills are octillion cacti with its fire orange flower stalks gracefully reaching upwards to emphasize how tall the mountain actually is. All along the wash are shadows that seem to move as we do from the bright moonlight. We rub against some of these and they break off easily as they are so dry from lack of rain. Tumble weeds are blown into the scrubs along the washes edge. The rabbits are scattering as we walk along, so we watch carefully look to see if there might be a predator who might be hunting for food here. Washes make good travel paths for all of the animal world as well as humans. We could run into many kinds of creatures along this moonlit path of soft sand with its scattered, well worn, boulders. We walk along quietly, trying to make very little noise. This is the dry season, so to build a fire we must be very careful. There is no wind tonight down in this valley, but ahead we know there is a small reservoir of left over rainwater from the winter rain, so we walk up as close to it as we can get. We gather some of the boulders, careful not to disturb any plants or sleeping lizards or snakes which may have yet to get out of the colder night air, and make a circle large enough for all to gather in. In the center we make a smaller circle just large enough to make a small campfire from materials we brought with us. 

As everyone takes there place within the circle, and gather their gifts to send up to the Creator and ancestors, the circle and each participant are smudged with sage smoke. A bundle of sage is lit, then once burning the fire is blown out to only leave just the embers to create smoke. The smoke is fanned with a feather to cleanse the area and negative energies from each of us. As this is done, the sage is then set next to the fire to continue its work. I light a braid of sweetgrass asking the ancestors to gather with us and help guide our paths and prayers. This night, I wish to remind all to be grateful for the things we have, not whine about things we do not have. Focus on what we want not just for ourselves but what we want for others, our communities, our continents, our waters, air and our planet. What is good not just for us today but for the next seven generations that follow us. There is no place for greed or ego within the circle. But there is lots of love and joy. Appropriate jokes and oral histories can be told, poems and songs help us to remember them to teach others. Some may make offerings of things they have made, of herbs and flowers, healing plants and gifts for the others as well as offerings to those who have come before and prayers for others. As I pass the talking stick, I am grateful for the many things I have been given, including all my friends who have gathered here. May each find peace, joy, honor, and love within this circle of friends. The circle has no beginning, it has no end, no person is more important than another. 

A desert owl swoops low and lands upon the rocks of our outer circle, we have been blessed. May his wisdom guide our prayers.

May all who enter our circle feel the love, the connections between us all and may your spirit travel with us as we become ONE in thought. Each prayer read is said anew each time. Another voice is added to its power. All energies we place here will grow. Balance and grounding is needed by us all as well as reconnecting with the natural world. The entire planet has Mother Earth and Grandmother Moon in common, just as we all see the sun and the other stars. We have no color, religion, or labels man imposed as far as the Earth, Moon and Sun are concerned. May we all find our interconnectedness.

When you are ready to speak take the talking stick and say what you wish to say, then listen to all the others who wish to speak and share their gifts. May all find healing of some sort within the circle. Please feel free to share your visions while in the circle.

Sacred earth Prayer Circle Mar. 28, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Facebook 3-28-12
I have lit my candle, the flame is dim, and darkness is all around. We have come out to Yavapai Point at the Grand Canyon to watch the sunrise. We have been waiting for what seems like hours, huddling together for warmth. We have no campfire so we each have our flashlight as there are no lights here and we have a lantern we have circled around; each telling of their anticipation waiting for the first light. Some have been here before; others have never seen the Grand Canyon and are waiting for what others are telling them they will see. No matter how many photos you have ever seen of the Canyon, nothing can compare to seeing it firsthand.

The night is clear, and the stars have been bright. We have watched the crescent moon and stars move across the sky. It is still cold this time of year and we all are bundled up. We are not sure how much snow we might see in the canyon thismorning. It is 28o F. so we move around to each take our turn at the outside of the circle. There is no wind, it is perfectly still. The stars are beginning to fade and the sky is turning pale lavender with a pink stripe on the horizon. We each ask for guidance and say a prayer before the sun rises. 

As it gets a bit lighter the canyon walls begin to appear, more and more detail can be seen. Ravens are beginning to take to the air and birds of all kinds are chirping and calling for the sun to come up. We can see a light fog down into the canyon by the river and some snow is scattered over the canyon shelves. A few morning clouds are on the horizon, but nothing to obscure the sunrise. Various hues of pinks and purples give way to blues and yellows as the sun peaks its first rays over the rim. As it gets higher in the sky the layers of color in the rocks become much more prominent and the color changes with each minute the sun get higher in the sky. The view is breathtaking and then suddenly a huge condor swoops past us, and his wing span is so wide he makes it dark again for the moment he passes. We watch as he drifts on down into the canyon hunting for some breakfast. The colors of reds, gold and grey rocks against the white snow and greens of the juniper, cedar and pines are absolutely beautiful. Now that we can see all the way down into the canyon and see the mighty Colorado River flowing and the white caps over the rocks so far down. The air is crisp and so clear it hardly seems what we see is really so far away. The ravens come to sit on the rail seeming to talk to us, possibly telling us a story of how the canyon came to be. 

I bring a bit of sage I had brought and held my arm out over the cliff, “May we each appreciate the majesty of Mother Earth. The beauty here reminds us of the many places on this earth of beauty, I ask that we also see beauty in the smallest of things in our everyday lives. May each of us take responsibility to do what we can to protect her for future generations.” I crumble the sage and allow the morning light breeze to take it from my gloved hand. The sun’s rays are already beginning warm the air. A grey feather falls in front of me and I catch it. 

Many blessings of healing for body, mind and spirit. May we all feel the inner peace of turning our worries over to the healing energies that come from all directions, and from within. Allow them to work. The sun has healing power in that it helps to make the nutrients we and all life needs for survival. May all go about their day knowing they are not alone. All of us are keeping each other as well as those you love in our healing light energy of the Creators web spun through us all. I am grateful to be here this morning and for all of you who have joined me.

As I turn to pass the talking stick to the next who wishes to speak, I notice all the mouths are still hanging open in awe around me. I smile and offer the talking stick, poking you to get your attention to take it….when a raven lands on the stick! I look at him and tell him "thank you for joining us". He hops down then flies off over the canyon, higher and higher until he is but a dot in the sky. May he carry our prayers up to the Creator.

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Mar. 26, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Facebook Mar. 26, 2012
This evening I light my candle, one of the scents of the sea. The saltiness of the air, the sound of the waves, the gulls calling overhead, the sun warmed sand between my toes.

We walk along the long beach in our bare feet, avoiding the seaweed, collecting driftwood, and seeing our footprints wash away in the surf. Many of us are filling our bags or pockets with shells and pieces of coral. A flock of low flying pelicans pass us as they search for their dinner in the calm ocean waters. As we walk along we see some dolphins playing just off the coast.

The gentle sea breeze plays with our hair and the sea oats along the shoreline. We walk across a shallow spot, where mangroves are snuggled into the cove. The water is so shallow the sand looks pink under it. Tiny little fish nibble at our toes, and while it is nice we continue on down the beach. We come to a beautiful spot where the palm trees seem to form a perfect circle, a perfect spot to have our gathering. Until we walk on this spot, the sand was smooth, only the prints of tiny bird feet and crabs who have crossed this sand since the last storm. We place the wood we gathered along the way into a small pyramid and start our fire. The breeze is almost gone now, the gentle waves have calmed even more to just a slow steady lapping on the beach. A few gulls and other birds have gathered to watch what we are doing, but stay back from the fire. The air is still warm and the sand is holding the heat from the day. We can see only blackness as we look out to the horizon now, the sun has gone down, the only difference between the sea and sky are the stars, and with their reflections we can’t see where one ends and the other begins.

When someone tosses a piece of driftwood back out into the sea, we all turn to watch it slowly float out to continue on its journey to another place, another time, we watch until it disappears. “Look up!” it’s a shooting star, and then another. We are blessed to be gathered together to watch this show.

We each have brought gifts to share, herbs to cleanse this Sacred Space of sage, cedar and sweetgrass. Each person in our circle, one by one, adds something to the fire. A poem, a story, a prayer.

Suddenly the birds that have remained fly up in a rush. Through the brush comes a golden retriever, he just comes over and joins the circle, as if he had been with us all along. We all reach out to him but he sits there and appears to smile. He accepts petting but never moves, watching the logs and rising smoke. A slight scent of wet dog has mingled with the salty air. He has come to let those who feel lonely that none of us are ever alone. We are all connected by the web of life. All paths are always welcome here. and within the circle of friends who post here may you find great strength and companionship. 

Tonight as I think of ones who are in need of healing and prayers, I also look out at all of you, and see you too have needs. I have brought some lovely leaves of variegated arbor vitae to symbolize the undying friendships we are forming from many cultures, to place in our fire and ask that they bring us to new friends and new awareness of each other. I also have some Iris blossoms to ask that we respect and honor each other and Mother Earth. With these offerings I ask each of you in your own time to take the talking stick and share your stories, prayers and blessings with us all.

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Sunday Mar.25, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Sunday 3-25-12 Facebook
Tonight as I light my candle and the scent of sandalwood fills the air, I am drawn deep into the flame. I can also smell the cedar and juniper trees that cover this land.

We walk from a dirt road down what once was a path, now over grown with brush. Was the path made by humans, cattle, elk and deer? It’s hard to tell, but it is a path so we follow it through the sometimes thick brush and other times scrub cedar and juniper bushes and then tall splendid pines. We can see the sun setting against a distant snowcapped mountain. The ground is soft in places from recently melted snow. The grasses are still brown from last years growth, with some new growth just beginning to grow. 

The path seems to be taking us back around in the direction we came, are we walking in a circle, or labyrinth? We continue on, gathering pieces of dead wood of fallen trees as we go for out fire. Be careful here, don’t slide, the mud is slippery past this rock. I hung onto the rock as I went around, and noticed on the far side was a petroglyph of a birdlike character, and point it out for all to see. We begin to go up a small hill and the grasses thin out, this hill is well worn, and not much grows here. Then we see them. Rocks, carefully stacked to make a circle, perhaps it once was a kiva, or room of some sort, the rocks have in places fallen down and others look as though they were moved aside and stacked in piles. Most of the circle was intact enough to see in once had been a taller wall. The center is deeper than the surrounding earth, and in the center there is a second circle, it has some old charred wood in it. Still we debate if we should use this for our circle tonight. It could have been a sacred place, we are not sure. But since there has been a fire in it fairly recently we decide it is the best place to place our small fire as we don’t want to start a fire in the forest. 

Once the small fire gets burning the sun has left only an orange and purple glow on the horizon. The stars and planets begin to make themselves visible, the darker it gets the brighter they become. A large bird swoops above and disappears into the trees, everyone guesses what it was because it moved so swiftly we did not see for sure. The sounds of night begin to sing, crickets and night birds; rustles in the grass, of unseen inhabitants. We each take a spot on a section of wall or on the ground within the circle, as it feels protective.
This area once was inhabited by ancient peoples, perhaps this was one of their buildings, or maybe just an old pen for sheep or cattle, it doesn’t matter. It feels as sacred space to us. Tonight I brought cornmeal to use to create our sacred space and I scatter it around but somehow it seems unnecessary. Sage grows everywhere surrounding our hilltop. I can’t see who it is through the fire, but someone begins to softly play their flute and another sing an old blessing song in a language most do not know, but somehow our voices follow along, it comes from deep within the ancient memory of place and time. 

When the song was finished I take from my pack a braid of sweetgrass, and as I set it to smoke next to the fire, I ask “May all the ancestors bless this circle and help us to know what it is we need to know”. I feel the chill of the night air and gather my blanket around me. “Creator, bless this circle and accept these gifts and prayers in the spirit in which they are given, from our hearts.”

I can hear the heartbeat of Mother Earth, I can feel it beneath my feet. There are other visitors of the fourlegged ones who are watching us but keeping their distance. An owl makes his voice known.

We are all connected. Science calls it string theory and it goes throughout our Universe and possibly beyond. May we cherish that interconnectivity/energy as it is our connection to Creation. Let us be grateful each day for what we have been given and protect the Creators creations, as we would our own, because we are connected to that Source Energy, always. 

I pass the talking stick to you, it is your turn. You May add your voice here, or on Facebook. Add a prayer, a gift (like an herb, flower, song, poem, or story). Each prayer/entry that is read and shared goes on to add voices to the Earth Energies, increasing the power of each prayer.

Sacred earth Prayer Circle Mar. 23, 2012

Sacred earth Prayer Circle  Mar. 23, 2012

This evening as I light my candle, I look deeply into the flame, and realize I can hear rushing water. 

We have been walking for quite some time toward the sound. The roar of a raging river is getting very close. As we follow the pathway, suddenly there it is, springtime’s melted snow rushing over rapids, waterfalls and swiftly moving on its way. We stand there in awe of its beauty and power, the energy is exhilarating, as well as peaceful after staring at it a few minutes. We walk along the bank until we find a widened area in the path where others before us have rested. 

We gather some broken branches and start a small fire. Once it has died down, we sit around it and everyone brings their offerings out of their packs. I bring out my bundle of herbs, and set them aside. I also brought some Oreo’s, and pass them around. Please do not untwist or eat these until everyone has one. Others come walking down the path and join us, we offer each a cookie also. Now I untwist my cookie, please everyone untwist your Oreo. These cookies are symbolic; they have two sides and a creamy middle. When we untwist them the filling sticks mostly to one side. Like everything in life there are two sides, light and dark, up and down, front and back, sometimes we prefer one side, sometimes the other. The middle is the balance or the center. Both sides are equal, yet many of us tend to choose one side over the other always, others switch back and forth, as if to be fair to both sides. Others prefer to take the center first and then that equals out both sides; and others tend to put the whole cookie in their mouth at once. How does the way you eat your sandwich cookie reflect on how you make your choices? 

The herbs I brought this evening are thyme, for courage; sweet pea blossoms to help us feel the pulse of Mother Earth, and sage for healing and cleansing. I crush them and sprinkle them into the fire. May each of us have courage, feel the beat of the Mother, and find healing in the words spoken this evening. May we know that we are strong enough to handle whatever comes our way as long as we are connected to the web of life and the natural world, and that within us is the power to heal ourselves from our greatest fears, and to be grateful for what we have now as well as the lessons learned from things we have lived through. 

The steady roar of the river and the pounding on the rocks is felt in the ground, we can feel the energy of the Earth and it gives us strength and courage.  The water carries on our messages of healing, as does the smoke rising to the Creator. The river continues to let us feel its power and the stars are brightly twinkling as if the ancestors are pleased.

We are together ONE voice spreading out into the Universe, each time this is read, prayers are repeated, gifts are shared to all who visit this page. All spiritual paths are welcome, please be respectful to all.

I pass the talking stick on to whoever would like to give a blessing, or say a prayer. I thank each of you in advance for participating. Each blessing and prayer read gives it that much more energy to reach where it is intended to reach. May your path be easier to follow, your prayers answered and you feel the love and peace shared by all.
Aho.

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Mar. 22, 2012

Sacred Earth Prayer Circle Facebook 3-22-12

Tonight as I light my candle, I think we shall take a journey along a lake shore. You may add prayers or poems, along with plants, minerals, or whatever you can conceive to the prayer circle below.


the evening is cool, and the water is lapping against the shore. We can hear a water fall in the distance as it goes over a small dam. The path takes us along the shoreline, stepping over rocks and branches that have washed on the shore. The new growth smells so fresh and the water smells slightly like fish, because it is loaded with them. We stop and watch as a small snake hurries to get away from us intruders.


The path takes a turn up the rocky side of a hill, through some large trees to the top of a cleared hillside. In the center is a campfire, with some large logs for us to sit on and we walk around to the opening on the east side of the circle and walk single file into the circle, each finding a place to sit with our feet on the ground.


Tonight I have brought some tobacco to sprinkle around our sacred space. I then pull a bundle of sweetgrass and I unbraid it and add it to our small campfire, asking the ancestors to join us.


The path takes a turn up the rocky side of a hill, through some large trees to the top of a cleared hillside. In the center is a campfire, with some large logs for us to sit on and we walk around to the opening on the east side of the circle and walk single file into the circle, each finding a place to sit with our feet on the ground.


Tonight I have brought some tobacco to sprinkle around our sacred space. I then pull a bundle of sweetgrass and I unbraid it and add it to our small campfire, asking the ancestors to join us.


I ask for love for each of my friends here with rose petals, and ask for prayers to be sent up for all my family, and friends to find the healings they seek, be they physical, mental, or relationships.


Our dear grandson, my niece, my husband especially are in my thoughts tonight, may they all soon return to health. Also A couple of old friends who are suffering with various afflictions, may they all have relief from their pain so they may enjoy the time they have left on this earth.


Passing the talking stick to on to the rest of you to say your prayer and offering.