SPIRIT GATHERING
Follow Your Spirit to Wellness

Sacred Fire

 

Sacred Fire by Reverend Ann Marie Clock - A Journey of Seven Power Women Jano As the Grandfather Sun was rising over the grassy plain the members of my village were speaking in hushed tones as they gathered around the communal fire to pay homage to a new day, a new beginning. Everyone was filled with the anticipation of my journey to the Sacred Fire. The journey before me would be dangerous and the gravity of my task weighed heavy upon me. I was aware of the changes taking place on the Earth Mother for Brother Raven had visited me many times the past few days. Big changes are coming he says, for he is a messenger from Spirit and I am of the Raven Clan. The morning mists were lifting from the grasses as I pulled aside the entrance to the Long House. It was time for the leaving ceremony. The rains that washed the Earth Mother through the night had ceased and the smell of wild flowers filled the morning air. Grandmother began the New Day ritual. All faced Grandfather Sun, and as she spoke, a unified sigh arose as she called me before her. I moved forward and faced Grandmother, and while looking into her intense deep black eyes, she placed her hands upon my shoulders and spoke to the Gods; "I summon all Spirits who walk with Jano to bring her clarity, guidance, and protection at the chasm of the fire. Walk beside her as she journeys to The Gathering to return the Sacred Fire to our village." Then as she dipped from the medicine pot and painted the markings of a warrior on my face she continued, "I call upon the Spirits of the directions to point the way with messages from our brothers and sisters the winged ones." As the ceremony concluded, I looked around the circle at the many members of my clan, taking time with each, absorbing each one. I will journey with them in my heart and they will guide me with their love. It is a good day to begin. I turned, and walked slowly back to the Long House, speaking to the sky people, requesting that my ancestors to be with me. It has been such a gift to be born into this clan and to grow in this special place. What will it be like outside this valley? What mysteries and challenges will I find? I moved aside the entrance and entered, looking around the room for what was to journey with me. I knew that I must select with care all that I would carry with me. I choose only the essentials for survival, my life would depend on it. But, this morning as I placed my feet upon the Earth Mother I knew she would guide me in my selection and on my journey. I gathered my knife, a spear, a water pouch and a medicine bag of herbs. I began changing into the clothes that had been stitched by Grandmother for my task. They were beautiful, with the beadwork, shells, and Raven feathers, and the colorful rainbow of stains applied with ceremonial presence. I felt Grandmother as I placed them upon my body.. I put my amulet in the medicine bag and secured it at my waist. How special I felt to be chosen to make this sacred journey. Grandmother and Grandfather had spent many years passing down the knowledge that prepared me for this day. All were quiet in the Long House allowing me absorb their essence in silence. All knew that they would be with me in Spirit. Kanni I once again pulled aside the opening a stepped out into the morning. This is the beginning. I felt the presence of my Spirit Keepers with me as I started on the path that led from my valley up the canyon. Walking through the abundant valley I began to climb up past the towering Standing People that filtered the light from Grandfather Sun. As I walked, the quiet of the dense forest was disturbed only by the four legged moving beside me in the brush. Then I saw him. How big he was and how majestic. This ancient wolf, Kanni, has been with me through many lives, frequently visiting me in my dreams. I was relieved to see him. It filled me with joy. He told me that he would journey with me for a while and would watch over me. What a blessing. The hidden dangers of the forest became less fearful knowing that Kanni would protect me. As our path continued to climb higher into the canyon it became more difficult. We came upon a stream flowing from the spring snow melt that still covered the tops of the mountains and paused briefly to drink from the refreshing life giving waters of the Earth Mother. After a short rest, we began to follow the stream up the mountain. As our journey continued, Grandfather Sun continued his journey to the West, and it began getting cooler. I could see through the leaves the last of the large Standing People and the beginning of the fragrant pines. It was time to find a spot to rest for the night. I did not want to continue in darkness. We continued until we reached a sheltered cove amongst these beautiful green pines, a place to spend the night. At that moment in the distance we heard what sounded like thunder. Kanni paused and looked to the direction of the sound. But all around us the sky was clear. A sense of foreboding came over me. I called Kanni to me and we nestled together on fallen pine needles under an overhang circled with large boulders protecting us from the wind. I was reassured with his thick fur warming me, and eyes that spoke of a lasting love, I quickly fell asleep. The winged ones awoke us with their singing as light from Grandfather Sun was beginning to show. I could hear the stream moving down the mountain. Rising we went to the stream and drank deeply. I removed my clothing and left them and my purification herbs by the side of the river and waded into the cold, rushing waters of the Mother. Calling upon my guides and the Mother, my morning purification ritual began. "Mother, purify with your blood, Mother bless me with your presence, Mother heal me with your love. This day walk with me, guide me, carry me upon your back as I walk with reverence for your majesty, your abundant gifts." Then I gathered the purification herbs from the river edge and rubbed my body while chanting, "It is a good day to walk the Sacred Journey to the Sacred Fire." Once my purification ritual was complete, I dressed and began to spear fish for our breakfast. I built a small fire to roast the fish, wrapping them in tender greens and laying them on the coals to cook. Kanni and I licked up every last morsel. With our bellies full, we continued our journey following the stream up the mountain. I was grateful for the high moccasins that Grandfather had crafted for me as we climbed through deep snow for most of the morning. We stopped on a butte that overlooked the valley below. My heart constricted as I gazed down at the beauty of the green. Green, laced with lavender and blue hues. This beautiful valley edged by the sacred mountains was like a precious jewel within my heart. It was at that moment that I understood the deep love that was my home, my youth and "All my Relations." Everything would be changed upon my return. Continuing up the mountain we passed the timberline and the wind spirits surrounded us making their presence known. I called to them to embrace us, to join with the spirits of the sacred mountain. I could hear the sacred mountain beneath me. It said, "Walk with caution, step lightly for great change is coming." We listened, in the distance there was another rumble of thunder. As we topped out on the mountain ridge I saw a narrow valley in the distance to the east. That is the way I said to Kanni. He looked at me with knowing in his eyes and we began the downward journey, carefully picking our way through the loose granite that was covered by the spring snow. By afternoon we had once again standing among the giants of the forest.. Their majestic trucks projecting far over our heads. Kanni stayed close as we moved swiftly through them. My stomach was speaking to me again. I gathered berries, wild onions, water crest. Speared fish for our meal and roasted them wrapped in watercress and the onions. A light rain began to fall as we moved down the mountain. It fell from the Standing People descending upon us in a mist. I let Kanni take the lead and followed him through the moist muted quietness of the afternoon. Soon nightfall was upon us. We discovered a large fallen tree trunk. A perfect place for us to nestle together. During dream time my Spirit Keepers came to me and Grandmother stood before me. She spoke to me. "Cherish her as she changes for she is Changing Woman. The time is near." I awoke with a start. The Mother was moving beneath us, shifting from side to side. The towering Standing People were swaying wildly. A great chasm opened next to us. I followed Kanni running quickly through the thick forest and brush of the valley floor. We continued to run through the day, at times leaping over splits in the Earth. Yes, Changing Woman has awoken. Sister Moon arrived shining down on us lighting our way, soon the Earth became quiet and we stopped exhausted and slept undisturbed. As the morning approached Changing Woman movement's started with Father Sky's rolling thunder. I sat up in the pre dawn darkness with an inner peace filling me. Quiet...........Listen, listen to Changing Woman, this is all part of the prophecy, a cleansing of Changing Woman and all that lives upon her. Have no fear, I am with you. I slowly opened my eyes and to my surprise I was on the top of a mountain range. Setting upon a smooth rock face. I looked to the east and saw a light. I knew it was one of the chosen ones. I set off immediately using the distant fire as a beacon. I did not question how the transport took place. There was a knowing, I was shifting through time. Kanni was no longer with me. A slight twinge rippled through me. Would I be joined by another totem? Laughing Dove The Spirit Keepers were guiding me as I journeyed to join with another chosen one. It was nearing dusk when I came upon the camp site. She had been waiting for me. I hailed the camp and walked in. We stood looking at each other and I took in this tall stranger from the coverings on her feet to the unique decoration of her blond hair. She had a glow about her that began in her solar plexus and radiated outside of her body in waves. I felt her communicate to me without a word being spoken. My guides whispered in my ear, "This journey is filled with miracles." And didn't I know it as my eyes filled with amazement. Then she spoke, "I have waited long to meet you Jano. My Spirit Keepers brought you to me in my dreams in childhood. I, like you, have spent time with the Grandmother's and Grandfather's listening to the stories, learning the ancient arts and moving through the ceremonies. It is good to have you with me on this journey to the Sacred Fire. I am Laughing Dove." She spoke to my heart and my heart responded, "And I have dreamed of you Laughing Dove. We shall bond in the Sweat Lodge ceremony tonight. In the morning we will journey together." Laughing Dove began gather the tree limbs to build the lodge and I started the fire for the Stone People. Soon it was time to enter the Sacred Sweat Lodge. We used the sacred sage to smudge each other before entering the lodge chanting, "It is a good day to die and be reborn in spirit." In the darkness the Spirit Keepers were easily visible and the Stone People spoke to us of our journey. Our harmony became one and the purification of the ceremony was complete as we emerged from the womb reborn. At day break we welcomed Grandfather Sun. "Spirit of the East we summon all who walk with us to bring clarity, guidance, and protection as we journey to The Gathering to return the Sacred Fire to our villages. Spirits of directions, point the way with messages from our Spirit Keepers. This is anew day, a new beginning filled with excitement for our journey together. Open us to the forest spirits and to the Earth Mother who we hold in reverence, for we are her children." Then we dipped from our medicine pots and painted the markings of the warrior on our face. Breaking camp we started down the path. For many days we heard the distant thunder as the Earth Mother tremored. As dusk approached a vision appeared on the path. It was an very small elder with dark skin, broad nose and gray hair. She carried a spear and wore a breach cloth with a medicine bag strung around her neck. Her body was covered with the white markings of the ghost dance. She spoke to us about her journey and told us she would appear to guide us through dangerous territory...... She knew of other realms where we could ride out the changes in safety. Instantly we felt total harmony and experienced an encompassing aura of blue light. That night with Sister Moon we held ceremony for the Medicine Woman and her journey. Many prayers of gratitude were said as we gathered our Spirit Keepers to us. We invited the four legged and the wing ones to open us to this Medicine. The Raven, the Owl, the Bear and the Elk appeared and stayed with us thorough the night. In the morning light we awoke with a start. To the East we could see the sky aflame with the eruption of the mountain top. This massive explosion shook the Earth under us and as the mountain spew large boulders from the Earth's center we watched the lava flow begin to run down into the valley below. It moved swiftly pushing all earth, trees and debris before it. More loud explosions and the mountain top to our West and South exploded spewing hot lava into the air far above our heads. The sky filled with a searing rain. Sister Bear leaped through the brush as it began to burn. We quickly pursued her. Our clothing began to smolder with the raining fire, burning holes through the cloth and into our skin. Our ears carried intense pain from the continuing vibrations. On and on we ran fearing for our lives. Sister Bear disappeared around a switch back. Madura In the next moment we found ourselves surrounded by silence in a high cavern. Looking around in amazement and then at each other we realized that our clothing and our person was unharmed. We had been delivered as the Medicine Woman had told us in the vision. With our hearts still beating wildly, we dropped to the floor trying to catch our breath. The cavern filled with the smell of flowers and Madura the Medicine Woman appeared. "I am here to protect you and take you to safety. Follow me." She turned and moved into the cavern. All was silence, not a sound except the quiet padding of our feet. For hours we continued to follow her deeper and deeper into the cavern. The same blue glow that we had experienced surrounded us. We felt that we were going to the very center of the Earth Mother as we went down, down, down, winding along the ancient path. Occasionally we heard water running and soon we arrived at a lake shore. In the muted light the Turquoise clear water lapped the shoreline. We dropped to drink deeply, quenching our thirst. We moved into the water and began the purification ceremony calling our Spirit Keepers and using the herbs from our medicine pouches. Madura had vanished. The turquoise water enhanced the blue aura that surrounded us and as I looked at Laughing Dove I said "Your aura has changed to a rainbow which is all around you." Laughing Dove laughed and said, "I feel peace and a joy of living within me. My spirit soars. Changing Woman is finding her balance and I am one with her." I also felt this oneness with Changing Women. The waters energy cleansed me of all discord and brought to me an inner joy, an inner knowing that all was right with our world. Once complete, we stretched out on the sandy beach and fell into peaceful sleep. We awoke filled with reverence of all that had come to pass. I called the winged ones to join us by the quiet lapping water. Owl and Raven came. Raven sat upon my shoulder and Owl sat on Laughing Dove's. We began our prayers of thanksgiving for our transformation. With our totem the Owl and Raven, we followed the shore line of the beach. What a magical place. Occasionally we would drink the water which satisfied our thirst and our hunger. As we looked up their were stars twinkling in the soft light. They never left us, our ancestors the Star People. They continued to watch over us from above. Several days passed and with each day our inner peace grew. We became one in thought with our winged guides and with each other, not having to speak, having complete understanding. The owl brought sight into the shadow and darkness. The cavern's path began to rise and we followed it leaving the lake and following the turquoise steam that joyfully flowed by us. As we approached the cavern opening we saw a woman at the entrance. She was waiting for us. We could smell the fire and something that made our mouths water roasting over the coals. Senega We approached and embraced, making a triangle. "Together we have made it through harrowing experiences to meet you tonight. Madura the Medicine Woman came and revealed the turquoise lake to us and then she was gone." Senega's eyes filled with love as she said, "Yes,Madura came to me a few days ago and brought me here. She told me that I would be meeting my hungry Spirit Sisters. Set and I will serve you." We set around the fire, ate and talked long into the night about each of our journeys and the changes that had taken place. The Star People watched over us and Sister Moon joined to reveal to us our power changes. We experienced the ability to expand beyond the fire and see the Mother from the eyes of the Eagle. Flying high we could see changes everywhere but, most of our families had been saved. The Mother was healing and we were to be a part of this healing. Senega said, "Jano and Laughing Dove you are part of my family. Tomorrow I will take you to my village, everyone is waiting for you. We followed the path through the morning, winding down the mountain. We could not see the valley below us for it was covered in the mists. Stopping to eat we sat beside the stream and finished the roast from last nights fire. We gave thanks to the Great Spirit for our abundance. As a trusting child we opened ourselves to all of the changes that had occurred within us. We had become shape shifters, and seers. Again we gave thanks to our Grandmothers, Grandfathers, and our Totems who had passed down to us the many blessings and gifts of spirit. It was a good day to walk upon the Mother. To walk upon her with reverence and humility. We had watched her awaken many mornings. We had watched the winged ones sing the sun up to bring in the new day. This was a new day for the Earth Mother and for us. As we approached the village through the mists Senega's family came out to greet us. The children came close and touched our clothing peering up at us with wonder. A large fire was built and a feast was prepared. Kabu, Senega's young brother sat upon my lap and gently touched the shells and Raven feathers that decorated my shirt. That evening Madura entered the circle from the darkness. "I am the village power keeper and I am here to bless you. I am here to bring the heart of village to you. She placed the three of us in a circle and lit the smudge stick. A circle of smoke surrounded us. Oh, the familiarity of it. It reminded me of home and Grandmother. As she circled us with blessings and prayers for our journey Coyote came and sat at the fire. The Raven and the Dove came and settled on our shoulders. Senega, Laughing Dove and I joined our spirits and as one traveled up to Grandfather and the Star People in celebration. We left the next morning in a poring rain. Grandfather thundered and sent streaks of lightening to light our way. As we walked through the rain the song of Changing Woman came to me. "Grandmother walk with us, Grandmother talk with us, Grandmother share with us, Grandmother heal with us, as we walk the Power Way. For we are changing, always changing. For we are changing, always changing, as we walk this Sacred Way, as we walk this Sacred Day." We continued to sing our way through the forest and up the canyons, around the mountains and across the desert. In the distance, on the mesa we saw the smoke of our sister, pulling us to her. Above her we were greeted by a gift, a double rainbow. Healing from the Heavens. How honored we felt. Keenaa Keenaa welcomed us to her camp. We gathered together in a circle. One of us for each direction. Senega in the East, Laughing Dove in the South, Keenaa in the West and I in the North. Calling the four directions into our circle we continued the Changing Woman song. "Grandmother walk with us, Grandmother talk with us, Grandmother share with us, Grandmother heal with us, as we walk the Power Way. For we are changing, always changing. For we are changing, always changing, as we walk this Sacred Way, as we walk this Sacred Day." We became one as a solid foundation linked to the Earth Mother. Open to her healing, open to her Spirit, forever connected. We talked through the night. Each telling her story. Laughing Dove, tall, blond, light and filled with the warrior spirit told of the many hunts and how the Dove and Sister Grizzly Bear walks with her. Senega, short, dark, with large black eyes told of journeys filled with magic to the Spirit World through Sacred Ceremonies within the kiva. She spoke of the Cougar and Eagle that walks with her. Keenaa, slender willow, with a tenderness that radiated out from her almond eyes to us shared her journey across days of open sea, speaking to the sea turtles and the fish. The Dolphin and the Hawk is her totem. And I, Jano, who listens to the Whales, keeper of the medicine from the Raven Clan shared my magic by moving my Spirit around the circle and anointing their essence with the warmth of my heart. All of us were shape shifters and had been given the gifts of Spirit. We moved into the water and cleansed and blessed each other with the Powerful waters of the Mother which filled our cups to overflowing. Silently, as the dawn filled Father Sky we journeyed. Four powerful women on a Sacred journey to the Sacred Fire. Chosen ones, blessed by Spirit, lead by our guides and the Great Spirit. We moved as ghosts of the forest, weaving our way. Earth Mother spoke to us of her healing changes. We were not afraid. She shook, she trembled, she belched fire and smoke, she heaved and the mountains moved. "Grandmother walk with us, Grandmother talk with us, Grandmother share with us, Grandmother heal with us, as we walk the Power Way. For we are changing, always changing. For we are changing, always changing, as we walk this Sacred Way, as we walk this Sacred Day." The Dove, Eagle, Hawk and Raven came to us. Leading us through the changes. We became our totems until we arrived at the big waters. There we were met with the Whale and the Dolphin. Entering the big water we became submerged and could move effortlessly. We held on to the Whale and Dolphin as they took us deeper into the realm of the great flow. We moved past flows of lava and steam. Change circled us. As time passed and we could see a magnificent city before us. The city glowed with a iridescent blue-green. We entered a vast room with rows of shelves filled with tablets. Each of us went our own way intuitively locating our personal archive. We could hear voices in quiet tones. The tones moved through us and we understood. The keeper of our records filled us with knowledge and understanding of our many paths and lessons. Madura came to us and presented each of us with a sacred stone. As we received this gift we were filled with the color of the stone. Our inner being glowed with the light of it. Then the chakras became activated and we watched each other become a rainbow of light. Each chakra lighting red, orange , yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet of the crown. We were now at balance with the inner level of being, our balance was complete. Three In the blink of the eye we were once again on the mesa. As we looked around the circle we realized that Laughing Dove was absent. Madura appeared and said "Laughing Dove has left. She has her own journey to follow. We looked at each other with questions in our eyes. Madura said "Understanding comes in its own time. Let go of why." Uneasy we made camp and gave thanks to the Great Spirit for this magical journey and to the Star People for their assistance. We sent prayers of guidance to Laughing Dove. We knew she would visit us in Spirit. Each of us fell into a deep sleep and journeyed in the dream time, returning to the iridescent blue-green city in sea to study in the archives. At the morning ceremony on the mesa we realized that we had become a triangle of energy and far in the distance we could see a great structure that gleamed in the sunlight and pointed to Father Sky. More magic coming to us? The night was warm and the heavens were magnificent. We sat around the fire talking without sound. Each of us telepathic since our watery depth journey. Senega was reflecting on the great healing that she had experienced. She told us of her difficulty in breathing and how the Medicine People of her clan had taken her to the birth of her soul on earth. During ceremony she realized the lesson brought with her. Within the kiva they cleansed her and filled her with color and tones. Her air pathways had cleared and she was healed. She told us of others within her clan that had the healing color and tones to remove the dis-ease they had gathered while on the earth plane. Keenaa told us of the many healing herbs that her teacher had shared. She had brought many with her and she had gathered many as she traveled across the waters. She told us the big water was filled with healing elements and how to achieve the desired effect from swimming there. She examined our auras and confirmed the balance that existed within us. We all stood looking at Sister Moon and turned around to watch our shadow and the collective aura surrounding us shine in the darkness. What a night to be alive upon the Mother. We began our journey chanting Father Sun up and walking to the distant gleaming pentacle outlined in the crystal clear blue sky. A moon later we arrived at the colorful mosaic gates of the city. Outside, many were tending the plants and irrigating the fields. We were greeted by the children who chattered in their native tongue. An emissary clothed in a bright orange robe greeted us and motioned us to follow him. He took us within the city to the entrance of the magnificent pyramid. We were filled with anticipation as we climbed up the steps and into the structure. It was cool and alive with scented oil lamps along the passage ways. We could hear music coming from the walls. We were conscious of the music vibrating to our spirit and moving from our feet to our heads as we walked. What a magical place. We came to a great hall with one man seated on a crimson cushion. His aura was immense, radiating around him in pink tones, constantly moving. His penetrating eyes reveled his soul. He called out to us, "Welcome to our city. You have come far to be with me. Set, I have much to share." As we sat down on crimson cushions, a tone began to resonate through us. We could feel it moving through us in a spiral, it was multidimensional, filling the room from the floor up. As this was occurring I noticed Senega across from me. Her body was sending me a tone, it was a golden tone. Intersecting was a turquoise tone moving from Keenaa to Madura. As they met in the middle a fountain of rainbow crystals flowed from above. Within the center of this fountain emerged a beautiful brown slender woman with elaborate black taboos cover her body. She moved in a circle connecting with us through a golden cord reaching out from her solar plexus. She stopped... facing the shaman the golden cord turned to iridescent white. Our circle began to rise, floating up as the ceiling opened and as it closed we were deposited on our pillows in the capstone chamber with a majestic crystal descending from the top of the pentacle. Within the circle the crystal came to a rest. I peered across from me and saw that Senega was fading in and out.... becoming transparent. As I looked down at myself I could see through me. Whoa! This was fun! Five Looking around the circle I saw Senega, Keenaa, and Laughing Dove. The Dove's face was aglow. I felt her heart joyfully speaking to mine. Laughing Dove was so glad to be with us once again. Our beautiful brown woman joined us on a cushion. Her essence told us of the ancient civilizations. Allowing us to see before time.... when the earth was in its infancy. We connected with the Earth Mother through her. We could see Mother Earth forming and moving through heat and cooling as she formed land masses and the creatures of the sea came to live upon her. We continued to watch as human beings evolved coming from her. We better understood our relationship to the Earth Mother. How indeed she was our Mother. Our physical form is made of her and joining with our spirit through her we have become. Instantly we knew our new sisters name of Nuba. The Goddess of the black nations, She was the essence of the magic and mysteries. The crystal's tone moved through us. Our vibration continued to excellerate As one we journeyed through the cosmos gathering the history of our galaxy. Expanding outside ourselves and yet not. We were speaking to one another with thoughts and tones during this journey. Our ancient formation impacted us beyond words. The wisdom, the knowing, the sanctity of life. The universal uniqueness of each of us was cherished by the galaxy. We experienced the unexplainable...cosmos love. Hearing the sounds of the winged ones singing, in total darkness I realized that we were once again on the Mother, deep in the forest. There wasn't any light coming through the canopy of trees. Standing in a circle still connected by the golden cord reaching out from our solar plexus, the cord began to change colors, moving through the rainbow and then it was gone. We sat down where we were, the look of wonder on our faces and instantly moved into a deep sleep. Awakening we went to the stream to bless ourselves with the Mother's waters. Wading in one at a time, after drinking to quench our thirst we linked arms and began to float on the water, relaxing our bodies. We began the chant of the morning ritual. "Grandmother walk with us, Grandmother talk with us, Grandmother share with us, Grandmother heal with us, as we walk this sacred day." We slowly moved to the shore and used the surrounding herbs to rub on our bodies. The fragrance drifted up and circled us with mint and sage. Laughing Dove had started a fire, we brewed tea and roasted fresh fish with wild onions wrapped in sage leaves. The leaves and trees spoke to us of the changes within the Mother. The stream spoke of the renewal approaching. Everywhere the aura of the plants moved. Forever changed we broke camp and continued on our journey. Moving along the path in single file and acutely aware of the sounds, feelings and emotions of the oneness. It was a beautiful morning with dew floating atop the leaves and flowers. The smell of the dampness and the fragrance fed us. We were one with the Mother and all upon her. Our step was light and silent. We traveled long that day, and the next. Starting before the dawn and moving well into the night. There was an urgency to arrive at our next destination and meet another sister. We moved along the narrow path used by the four legged, winding up a switch back which gave an occasional view of the valley below. The heights were dizzying and the path became treacherous as we reached the permafrost layer. Following the craggy ledge across the top we felt the golden cord connect us, giving us a sense of security. Topping out we viewed a panoramic plane filled with large herds of various animals moving together toward the sunset. Many sunsets later we began our descent. Madura appeared and guided us to a cave concealed behind vegetation. We entered the cave and set up camp, gathering wood for a fire and snow to melt for drinking and tea. The activity was in silence. This place had the essence of holiness. The fire ring was ancient and large stones had been placed around it. The walls were covered with pictures and symbols. Some known, some not. Tonight would be a ritual of thanksgiving and initiation into the family of the "Ones who had gone before." We gathered deposits and created pools of color, painting each other in preparation. When our painting ritual was complete we set and moved into a meditative trance. Descending into our circle came Kasha clothed in a white robe. She brought with her the fragrance of roses and sandalwood. Our sixth sister had joined us. Twirling, the hem of her robe touched us like the brush of a feather. With that touch we merged once again and became souls of sharing. All unique and joined in sisterhood. The feminine energy of creation encompassed us. The magic of the Sister Moon surrounded us. The spirit of our totems clearly shown through us. One more change impacting the Earth Mother and all that is. As we change so changes our world. Madura joined the circle moving to each of us, touching our third eye with lavender paint. We opened and became the capstone of all seeing, all knowing, all encompassing healing energy. Moving with the Mother on her journey of change. The Spirit Keepers joined us, the Ancient Ones joined us, the Shamans of the worlds joined us transmuting the Sacred One within us. Once again we were on the Earth Mother. Our physical totems were with us, guiding us across the plains. The distant sky had filled with smoke signals of The Gathering. We were almost there. Our magical journey to The Gathering competed, but where was the seventh sister? That evening as we sat around the fire sharing stories of our homes and loved ones a bright star appeared in the heavens. Once the fire had died down we laid down in a circle with our heads as the hub continuing to observe the bright glowing star and whispering in the night. As the conversation waned the bright star moved past the horizon. We gathered deposits and created pools of color, painting each other in preparation. When our painting ritual was complete we set and moved into a meditative trance. Descending into our circle came Kasha clothed in a white robe. She brought with her the fragrance of roses and sandalwood. Our sixth sister had joined us. Twirling, the hem of her robe touched us like the brush of a feather. With that touch we merged once again and became souls of sharing. Each spirit unique and joined in sisterhood. The feminine energy of creation encompassed us. The magic of the Sister Moon surrounded us. The spirit of our totems clearly shown through us. One more change impacting the Earth Mother and all that is. As we change so changes our world. Madura joined the circle moving to each of us, touching our third eye with lavender paint. Our third eye opened to become the capstone of all seeing, all knowing, all encompassing healing energy, moving with the Mother on her journey of change. The Spirit Keepers joined us, the Ancient Ones joined us, and the Shamans of the worlds joined us transmuting the Sacred One within us. Deep in the dreamtime a vision came to me of seven women embracing in a mystic dance. Each woman was from the seven directions. I understood that I the Elder came from the North. Senega the Child from the East, Laughing Dove the Adolescent from the South, Keenaa the from the West, Nuba from the Earth, Kasha from the Sky, and Madura the Master from Within. She had been with me all the time, assisting, guiding the journey. Our teacher, our mentor, our mother, our sister, our grandmother, closer than breath, she had watched over us, bringing us together. There was great comfort in the familiarity of it all. We could hear the shell horns blowing, drums beating, rattles calling the Spirits and see the smoke rising from the sacred campfires. As we approached emissaries were sent to greet us and to bring us into The Gathering. There was dancing and laughter springing up everywhere. A feast was being prepared in our honor. The smell of sacred herbs was everywhere. We joined the circle of dancing and continued through the night filled with the presence of the holy ones. Waking in the silence of predawn I felt a chill of excitement. I had come from my village, my clan, to be present this day. Many energies merging in sacredness of the One. Quietly I went to the stream to cleanse myself, to prepare myself for this initiation of passage. I softly began my morning song, calling those that walk with me. With the water of the Mother I blessed and cleansed using the sacred herbs. I called my grandmother, my grandfather, the elders, my teachers to join me today. I felt their tender touch and their spirit elevating me into the spiritual realms. The water was running swift and cold. It was refreshing and renewed my physical body after its long journey. I sat and braided my hair weaving flowers and vines through it. Filling it with fragrance and beauty. I rubbed the sacred amber on my skin, blessing my rebirth. I pulled on the soft honey buckskin of my ceremonial dress covered with turquoise, pink shells and colorful beads. Slipped on my turquoise earrings and added bells for my ankles. Once complete, I set out to welcome the dawn, alone on the ridge drumming, watching the magic of Grandfather Sun bring life to the Mother. What a beautiful world I live in, the tears rolled down my cheek in gratitude. A tone reached me, summoning me to The Gathering. As I followed the path my sisters joined me. Each had been preparing for this moment. We joined the circle of singing. The drum beat carried us forward. From the center of the circle the sacred fire emerged from the earth as it had for eons of time. The crater opened with each beat. Torches were pasted around the circle and as one we touched the Sacred Fire igniting them and placing them in the ground before us. The cup of power was passed, each took a sip. I could smell the strong fragrance of spices. Silently spirit guides clothed in translucent fabric floated past. Moving to their positions with each of us. Gently they merged within. I could feel a pleasant warm sensation filling me as my guide joined me. Our chakras illuminated and rainbows were everywhere. An overwhelming sense of divine love was present and all thought was gone. Only love was present. The wondrous essence allow me to just be, without attachment, without concern, without judgment. One with the Universe. One with all that is and is not. I was transported to a great cave within a sacred mountain. A place of initiation. There I was laid upon a smooth stone surface. I sensed the movement of this stone beneath me. A minute vibration moving through me. It reached the cellular level, merging my knowledge from the experiences of my spirit path spiraling back, back, back through time. I felt the power come to me, filling me as my being merged with the Oneness. This is who I am. This is my history, my essence, me being. Gently I began to spiral back through the void, into the present time. As I opened my eyes, once again I was in the circle of the sacred fire. We were one. Taking my torch I knew that it was time to go home. To journey back to my clan, my village with the sacred fire. Bringing the energy of The Gathering to my people. And in that knowing I was home. As I touched my clans fire pit with the torch of the Sacred Fire, the Violet Flame emerged. Total silence engulfed the village as they viewed the Violet Flame roll out like a gigantic wave. It flowed to the edge of the village, and creating a circle of soft violet light, moving, pulsating. The Elders, my Grandmother, my teachers, the Medicine People of the clan were carrying the Violet Flame within. You could see it, you could smell it, you could taste it. A tonal vibration carried the Violet Flame. It follow me as I walked. And as I walked I touched the heads of the children, and they in turn touched their parents. We gathered around the fire with the drummers and the chants. Feeling the Oneness. The Sacred Fire bringing the renewal of the Oneness. All understood that this is a personal journey. Not to be held with a closed hand but to be shared hands open to all that come to us, all that we each encounter on our journeys.

 

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Anne E-mail:spiritgathering@comcast.net Thank you for linking me to your site and telling your friends about mine. I appreciate it.

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