“As fall ends and it is the morning of the winter solstice, Oya prepares us for
the inevitable death that lies before us and within us.”
Deanna Oloyade Lowman ”
read entire article on Oya and the solstice at http://spiderwhosings.dragonheadmusic.com
“The Lodge is constructed from the inside out”. Spider Who Sings. Learn more on the structure of the plains style lodge at http://songsforthelodge.dragonheadmusic.com/lodge-structure/
notice frame, rock pit in center, altar in background and firepit. from: http://journal.earthwitness.jpg
The lodge is constructed from the inside out. The rock pit, which holds the rocks and the circumference of the lodge, is marked in the earth by using two sticks tied together by a string. One stick is placed in the ground to mark the center of what will become the rock pit. The string is stretched out and the second stick is then used to scratch out the cirumference of the lodge in the earth. The Fire Pit, where the rocks are heated, is also marked. Both areas are consecrated with tobacco and prayers. Once this is done both pits are then dug out and the soil which is removed is used to create an earth altar either between the fire pit and the rock pit or in an area slightly north of where the door will be. Once the pits are consecrated and cleared, the spacing of the poles is marked and the poles placed in the ground.
We find that the blogging still going on tying the sweat lodge deaths to the anger around cultural appropriation issues inappropriate and heartless. No participant deserved this to happen.
We know that lodges are safe when facilitated by individuals who know the cultural, spiritual and safety practices of the purification ceremony. Lodges facilitated by non First-Nations people are also beneficial, when conducted with cultural-spiritual integrity and strict adherence to safety protocol. Spirit is not limited by our cultural-racial identities and is not mono-lingual. A friend of mine has an ancestor that speaks Twee. I understand and can interpret only when I listen with my higer emotions.
“Our First Nations People have to earn the right to pour the mini wic¹oni
(water of life) upon the inyan oyate (the stone people) in creating Inikag¹a
- by going on the vision quest for four years and four years Sundance. Then
you are put through a ceremony to be painted – to recognize that you have
now earned that right to take care of someone¹s life through purification.
They should also be able to understand our sacred language, to be able to
understand the messages from the Grandfathers, because they are ancient,
they are our spirit ancestors. They walk and teach the values of our
culture; in being humble, wise, caring and compassionate.”Arvol Looking Horse
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred Pipe Bundle
http://blogs.rapidcityjournal.com/indigenous_pov/?p=51
A News Video Account of when things go horribly wrong: http://www.azcentral.com/video/
#/Blind+faith+and+abuse+of+power/45857042001
