02/2/2019
We are at the mid point between winter and spring in the northern hemisphere. Mid summer in the southern hemisphere.
It has been over eight years since we had a circle, tonight we begin again.
As we gather together,women, men and children, we are bundled up to keep warm.
There is a path in front of us, we begin to walk, each looking for things to add to our fire.
To the left stands a deer behind the bushes watching us as we quietly walk, occasionally picking up wood or specific leaves.
A rabbit hops in front of us, he seems to be leading the way.
Soon we come to an old circle where there once had been a fire. Large stones ring the circle. Many paths from all directions converge here.
We hurry to start a small fire using dry kindling and logs we brought with us.
Tonight I choose to sit in the north east. Everyone finds a seat that calls to them.
I unpack my abalone smudge bowl and sage bundle and light it. We can feel the warmth from our fire. The scent of the smoke from the cedarwood fills the air.
I pass the smoke from my smudge bowl over myself, then pass it to the east for each of you to smudge yourrself.
To the east we call to the air, grateful to the wind for being so still. An owl announces it's presence, another farther away returns the call.
The smudge continues around the circle, stopping again in the south. Here we give thanks for the warmth of our fire, for our passion to help the earth and all her creatures.
The smuge bowl continues stopping in the west. We give thanks to the snows and rains that bring water to support all life. We ask for protection for water to be clean and unpolluted. We ask for humans to realize water is life.
As the smudge bowl continues we add a bit of sweetgrass to it to call to our ancestors to join us in our prayers. We thank the earth for giving us a home, providing us food and things to build shelter and clothe us.
Feel the rock you are sitting on. It is ancient and has seen many things come to pass. Feel its connection to the earth and know that you too are connected to the earth and all things seen and unseen.
Our fire is bright, casting shadows, the shadows dancing all around. The owl flys over and lands on one of our rocks, joining our circle.
We hear rustling in the darkness and know other animals are watching too.
Each of us has brought a prayer and an offering to share. The talking stick is passed around, each shares their prayer and adds something to the fire as they speak.
These bring new scents as the fire crackles and some sparks float upwards.
A light snow begins to fall, seeming to thank us for our prayers.
We are hopefull that the coldest temperatures are past, and as the days get longer the temperatures will warm a bit each day.
We are thankful for the opportunity to gather this night to pray for the earth, her creatures and each other.
A child comes forth to place a rose on the fire to send out feelings of love around the world, bring each person what they need, they ask for peace around the world.
Place your prayers and offerings as well. You can join in on facebook on my page. https://m.facebook.com/jean.suttle?fref=nf
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