Suggested Ceremonial Formating
A sacred object can be profaned by intent.
This is why all people participating in a sacred venture such as a circle or ceremony are invited and encouraged to cleanse self before joining and to not include any contaminated objects in such an event. The cleansing is primarily by intent using one of the known physical purification practices. The energy field that contains the body is cleared of any negativity, as well as the physical area.
A ceremony properly begins with the forming of a circle by the energetic connecting of all present. This is most easily and commonly done by the saying of the personal identifier [name] by each participant. It is frequently omitted when all participants know each other and have been "catching up" prior to the ceremony.
Expressing gratitude as discussed above is the next consideration. This raises the energy levels and can be done by one person, a few people, or by the entire group responding in unison to statements of gratitude or by each person saying what they are thankful for.
The next matter to be discussed is the specific intent of this ceremony. It might be a naming ceremony, a joining, a condolence or the like. It may be a healing ceremony, for individuals, the group, the community, Earth, the Universe, etc. Healing ceremonies generally include one or more actions which foster healing such as forgiving self and others for what is being carried by the individuals concerned.
Forgiveness is an action taken for the benefit of the one(s) doing the forgiving .
The ceremony may be specifically to promote community and may therefore include several intentions such as releasing what is no longer useful, forgiving any missteps done by any member of the community, sending healing energy to all present, etc. Those to be healed should be connected to the ceremony at least by intent as we are the only one who can heal us.
After the specific intentions have been taken care of, whatever action is appropriate is carried out by the participants. In a water ceremony for instance, offering tobacco to a flowing body of water to honor the water and Earth Mother is appropriate.
Music can be interspersed throughout the ceremony as appropriate. Music raises the energy level both in general and in particular. Music and chanting can be very effective in healing and creating community.
Ceremonial offerings can be made either physically or virtually, using the imagination. It has been found in studies that what people imagine, such as when watching a video is seen by the body mind as real. Individuals have the same reactions to video experiences as to ones happening where one is physically present. This is not a recommendation for virtual ceremonies but an explanation as to why they may be as effective as "real" events, especially when fuller participation may not be possible.
Physical actions are recommended as they affect the energy of the actors. However, people have different capabilities in using their imaginations, so "one size does not fit all". Many are quite skilled in using imagination. It is particularly useful in clearing any blocks, any negativity and in raising one's energy in general.
A ceremony can be performed by anyone, anywhere, using whatever time available. This witness remembers seeing a few young people standing in a circle on a street corner passing around a cigarette. Passersby had no clue this was a ceremony. The participants barely thought of what they were doing as we have been hiding right out in the open for centuries and they did not wish to alert anyone. We are still here.
To see Sacred Ceremony, click on ceremony.htm -
To see Water Ceremonies, click on water-cere.tm
To return to Native American Circles, circles.htm
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