|
|
 |
|
|
|
A Ceremony THE ALTAR IS BUILT FACING THE WEST, WHERE ANSWERS TO OUR QUESTIONS ABIDE. There is a lost loved one waiting to find out what ails him and the family is by his side.Friends bring tobacco wrapped in red cloth and give the gifts as they step inside.The altar is facing the west where the answers abide.The healers will come from this place where the Veil of truth opens at night.They step forth from this sacred place to help us and see why we cry.The cedar men walk softly as their smoke cleans away the dark souls that surround us, in this house as we pray. Tonight there may be a healing if that is what is meant to be.We focus our hearts and minds intently so that our souls can clearly see.The Healers approach the altar to see why they are called.And the intercessor waits for answers as more healers watch us all.The man who is ill and dying is calling out with pain and the Healers go to his bedside and return to the altar again.They speak so softly we can’t hear them, but in the distance we can hear,the approach of their relations with veils of light and tears.With lightning flashing over this house, my brother can walk again.All is quiet for the rest of the night and it is in this house we remain.It is the morning star we wait for so that we can give thanks for life once again.My brother will now join us as we sing our morning song, Giving thanks to the healers as his heart grows strong.
2007 Bradly Dreamwalker MacDonald
|
|
|
As I sit waiting to enter the sacred sweat lodge an elder sings a song. Remembering to give our prayers to this sacred fire. (Please help me to let things go.)Remembering the relations who could not be here.Remembering the journey and how lost we were, yesterday and today.Remembering that all things are sacred. Remembering these things and seeing the flame dance before me,I look into this fire, into my heart, and soon I must go.I watch as it spins and grabs my mind, my heart, and my soul.There before me it is dancing, not man nor woman or both. Something is awakening me to times long ago. I enter the lodge so humble my limbs feel weak and frail. Stone people soon follow glowing and hot from the fire. As cedar falls upon their brow I grasp forward to clutch their smoke. The sacred waters bless our doorway and the door flap closes us in darkness. All I can see is the stone people before me. The water touches the first stone, the steam opens my eyes - “I’ve been here in this place before”. Remembering finally the time.Remembering it was in the Beginning of creation. (How could have I been so blind?) Remembering that all is sacred, my relations, we have no more time. To just remember. 2007 Bradly Dreamwalker MacDonald |
|
|
