Sacred Ceremony
The prime ingredient of ceremony is intent. The intention, for example, of solstice and equinox ceremonies is to consciously connect with the Creator, Mother Earth, each other, all parts of self, as well as to honor and respect all aspects of Creation. The specific intent of an early morning ceremony is often to give thanks and respectfully greet the new day. A water ceremony with its conscious connection to flowing water reminds all, of our eternal oneness with life, with the Creator, with all that is.
A ceremony begins with cleansing usually by smudging with sage, cedar, sweet grass, etc., and/or with water, [or by visualizing the cleansing] of self, others participating, and the location. The smoke from burning certain dried plants clears the auras and removes negativity from the area. We take showers and bath for the same reason.
This is followed by expressing gratitude to/for all with which we share life; asking assistance from other benevolent beings; letting go of what no longer is useful, usually through a tobacco offering; and verbalizing our best wishes for the future.
Music is another ingredient. Music, in general, raises energy levels. If it does not, it is to be omitted.
Drumming and using rattles align our hearts with Mother Earth.
Singing raises our vibrations. Songs chosen for a ceremony should be in harmony with the purpose of the ceremony and of the song's originator if known. Certain water songs, for example, were created to be sung by women only. If those attending the ceremony are a mixed group, using them is not recommended as any controversy generated is detrimental and energy decreasing. There is generally no harm if the participants are unaware of the originator's intent. However, even if only one is, the possible discontent can poison the whole community.
This is an opportunity for creating our own song. It is usually best to write lyrics in our native tongue.
Dancing grounds us as well as raising vibrations and spirits.
Familiar rituals may be helpful in focusing our minds but are not necessary and can sometimes be an impediment. Rituals are done by rote and can be performed mindlessly [NOT recommended]. They are ceremonies which were developed at a specific point in time for a specific purpose. They follow the intention and carry the energy of the originator. Spells are real. They can be very powerful and should be used with great caution. Spells are a favorite tool of those wishing to control others.
The "Words Before All Else" here is an example of a beneficial ritual.
Spontaneous ceremony, on the other hand, follows the intentions of the participants at the time.
The best rituals are usually the ones we create for ourself, such as in daily meditation and private prayer practices, or ones used in engaging little children.
We unite our minds and hearts, and with each other when we celebrate with ceremony, whether physically present to each other or by our intention, helping to build and maintain a new world for ourselves, our children, and grandchildren to the 7th generation of the 7th generation.
To see Suggested Ceremonial Formatting, click on format ceremonies
To see Water Ceremonies, click on water ceremonies
To return to Native American Circles, click on circles
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