|
|
|
 |
Invocation O Great Spirit, who art before all else and who dwells in every object, in every person and in every place, we cry unto Thee. We summon Thee from the far places into our present awareness. Seven Prayers O Great Spirit of the North, who gives wings to the waters of the air
and rolls the thick snowstorm before Thee, Who covers the Earth with
a sparkling crystal carpet above whose deep tranquillity every sound
is beautiful. Temper us with strength to withstand the biting blizzards,
yet make us thankful for the beauty which follows and lies deep over
the warm Earth in its wake. from Earth
Prayers for The Great Spirit by French Indian
Native Americans refer to medicine as the essence of the person, place or
thing. In our terms it is the essence of being a spiritual, physical, mental
and emotional being. The Medicine Wheel has been used for thousands of years
to provide insight into the human condition. It has been used in one form
or another in nearly all original tribes from native American Indians to
many African tribes to Tibetan Bon Po to Australian Aborigines.
In prior times, the creation and development of medicine
were done through various forms of initiations, now
more commonly called Odysseys and Journeys. These
journeys were structured rituals and ceremonies that
brought the girl/woman or boy/man face-to–face
with the childish attitudes and beliefs that no longer
served the evolving adult.
The journeys were catalysts to burn away the psychology
of being a child so that new paradigms or world views could
evolve. For the initiation to be successful, the initiatory
process required that sacred space be created and held
by others. In this sacred space, the initiates would be
able to release the habits and patterns of the past to
create a new way of being. New paradigms were taught to
the evolving men and women so that they would understand
the energies within themselves that could be birthed and
developed into skills and ways of being complete within
the world. These paradigms or world views were considered
the secrets of adulthood—man and woman. Medicine Wheel is a one year initiation program. It is designed to awaken, develop, and nurture the essence and fullness of being a man or woman in today’s world. Our focus is developmental. We seek to invoke the unfoldment of mature energies. Our goal is specific. We seek to assist each man or woman to find his or her place in the world. Our hope is honorable. We seek to fill the void of mature men and women that can stay within the center of whom they are regardless of circumstances. Our dream is selfish. In helping others to find their place in the world, we envision your helping others to do the same. Therein, we can build community and make a difference in the world.
Medicine Wheel will build a community amongst nature. We will experience
the healing of reconnecting to the earth by living in harmony with nature.
We will experience a purification sweat lodge to enable each man or woman
to shed old skins of being in the world. We will experience being fully present
with ourselves and with others so that we can make meaningful contact instead
of talk at each other. We will experience talking circles to explore what
it means to be a mature adult. We will experience the formation of a community
and what it means to be a member of one. We will explore what it means to
become a member of a community. We will explore what it means to be a man
and a woman. The One-year Initiation Program will meet four times over the course of the year. It includes four in-depth experiences of cycles of life and the stages of change. Each weekend will explore one of four archetypal energies. See the calendar page for current schedule.
This is an advanced workshop designed for those people looking for the next
step in their personal and shamanic development. The workshop is designed
for people with extensive shamanic journey work through workshops or drum
circles.
Male Initiates: Beginning in the Spring, male initiates will explore the deep masculine energies of the Warrior/ worker/samurai, including how we can become sidetracked into being a perpetual hero or an unconscious victim. In the Summer, we will explore, the energies of the Sage, including how we can be consumed by the energies of the trickster and/or fool. In the Autumn, we will explore the deep feminine energies of the Peacemaker/Lover/Healer, where we come into our own sense of compassion and receptivity or become consumed by addictions or desensitization. Finally,
we finish in the Winter in the world of the Sovereign/Ancestors,
where we claim our internal power or become tyrants or wimps. For Personal Care: We will be living amongst nature.
Hence, you will need to bring a sleeping bag, ground cloth, and a ground
pad or cot. You will need to bring rain gear as we will meet rain or
shine or snow or sleet. You will need to bring clothing appropriate
to being outside. Insulated boots would be appropriate for the winter.
Flash lights, a knife with a three-inch or larger blade, washable eating
utensils, including plate/bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon. You will
need to bring soap and shaving gear as desired. Be mindful that the
walking path to camp is rough terrain. See the calendar page for current schedule. For more information, email Herb Stevenson at OneHorseStanding@aol.com or call 440.338.1705
|
|
