Water Ceremony June 2023
The facilitator says: Please gather in a circle. We are now beginning. . . . . .
Opening: Once the circle is formed,
facilitator: We ask each as we go around the circle to please say your name. Either your given name, a nick name or what you call yourself today. . . . . .
When this is done, we open with a song [accompanied by hand drum]:
We are one with water, Water flowing free, Life bearing water, Blessing you and me.
Freely flowing water, Flowing to the sea, Life giving water, Blessing you and me.
We are one with water, Always flowing free, Life bearing water, Blessing all we see.
We are one with water, Water flowing free, Life giving water, Blessing you and me.
We will now say the words that come before all else thanking all Creation. Expressing, thinking and feeling Gratitude raises our vibrations, our energy levels, individually and as a group.
Suggested: Use Jake Swamp’s Thanksgiving address or a version derived from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, BRAIDING SWEETGRASS or for those who remember, Seneca elder Johnny John’s version. Johnny John spoke in ancient Seneca and usually took 30-45 minutes. There is also the version published by the Haudenosaunee, the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address Greetings to the Natural World compiled by Mohawk.
(See the version on this site.)
[Recommend the version selected uses the Present Tense and the Active Voice.]
Facilitator: "We are gathered here to honor the waters and Earth Mother. We are one. We are one with all that is. Each of us is here with Earth at this unique point in our Universal history to assist Earth and each other as we transition from our current energy levels to a higher, different level. This may remind us of our transitioning when we leave the body and return to Spirit. However, we are doing this while remaining in the body. Both Earth and we humans, as well as all life on the planet are raising our energy levels daily. This is why some may feel strangely at times, tired, having trouble sleeping, focusing, feeling not normal, etc. It’s ok. We are here to help each other adjust and to help Earth re-construct herself.
We gather today to consciously unite with Earth, and all the creatures who dwell with her. We are grateful to all who are joining together to assist in this effort, especially water which sustains all life."
[An appropriate time for a flute solo.]
Facilitator: We now offer tobacco to the Esopus and Earth Mother.
Tobacco is distributed to each person. We hold the tobacco in our hands while we think of what we wish to see in our life. We place these thoughts and desires into the tobacco. We also think of what we may wish to let go to make room for new things and place that in the tobacco.
The tobacco may be collected and carried to the Esopus. All move to a safe place near the water.
The tobacco is released into flowing water while we sing We are One with Water . . . .
People return to the circle.
This is an opportunity for anyone so wishing to say how they feel.
Closing:
Facilitator says:
I’d like each of you to think of someone you love very much, a spouse, a partner, a friend, a relative, a child, a grandchild, a pet. See their face in your mind’s eye. Feel the love. Now pass that love to the person to your right and around the circle. . . .
Wanisi do.
To see Sacred Ceremony, click on ceremony.htm
To see Suggested Ceremonial Formating, click on cere-format.htm
To return to Native American Circles, click on circles.htm
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