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CHEROKEE MEDICINE WRITINGS
THE NEW FIRE CEREMONY - GIVING BIRTH TO HOPE
by Susan Bates
The calendar says that Spring will be early this year. I don't need a calendar to tell me this. Daffodils have been blooming on my hillside for the past two weeks. Geese darken the sky daily as they fly back to their northern homes. The little wren who sings to me from my front porch has already staked her claim to the new birdhouse I just painted. Buds are swelling on the trees. A dandelion smiled at me from the path. The buzzards have returned.
Every culture and religion has its own way of welcoming the return of the Sun and the warmer temperatures and longer days this brings. The Cherokee are no exception.
During the time of the Vernal Equinox, the Cherokees observe the New Fire Ceremony which is numbered among the Seven Sacred Ceremonies. The Sacred Fire, which burns continually, is ritually "put to sleep" for one week. Once this happens, no fires are allowed to burn anywhere - not even cooking fires. It is a time of cold food, long dark nights and
sacrifice.
Our Ancestors were deeply superstitious people and feared evil spirits and witches. This seven day period of darkness was called The Whirlwind Days since our ancestors believed that the dark powers were in control. How joyful they were when the Fires were relit and the darkness pushed back. They celebrated with dances, prayers and feasts.
Today the news is full of bombs and wars and senseless killings ... These truly are "Whirlwind Days." But soon the People will gather. The songs will be sung, the dances danced. The hearth will be swept clean and the logs laid out just right. As the People hold their breath, the Priest will relight the Fire. Hope will burst forth in all hearts for the New Beginning cannot be stopped. The Whirlwind Days are numbered.
In this season of Hope, I pray that you find Peace.
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With spring the father-sky remakes the world: The male shower has flowed into the bride, Earth's body; then shifted through sky and sea and land To touch the quickening child in her deep side. - Allen Tate (1899-1979)
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From the Bookshelf: Talks From The Heart, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert Francis are now available through Amazon.com as well as well as other outlets. Those of you who know Robert Francis will enjoy reading his insightful and often humorous stories. Those of you who don't yet know him are in for a rare treat.
You can write me at HC 73 Box 159-1, Drury, MO 65638 or email me at susanbates@webtv.net
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Bates. Visit Susan's website, Native American Journal, dedicated to helping people rediscover their heritage. She has helped thousands of people reconnect with their beloved ancestors and features insider tribal news. The Native American Journal is a truth-seeking, truth-telling website honoring everyone's path and preparing all for the Great Earth Changes. The Native American Journal supports Leonard Peltier, the Dineh, and Mother Earth.
E-Mail: susanbates@webtv.net
Website: http://members.tripod.com/-susanbates/nativeamericanjrnl-index.html
(We are all related)
WORDS FROM 'TWEEN
The New Fire Ceremony was held on March 19, 2005. I was married in a Cherokee Blanket Wedding Ceremony in front of this beloved fire; and helped lumberjack the surrounding woodlands to feed this same fire. I have prayed at this Fire and held puja. This Fire has remained my personal friend ever since leaving for Sedona. Tho I miss being near it, I realize I can (and do) visit the Fire in my astral body. This Fire is where I received my Cherokee name. I feel very much drawn to this Fire as well as feeling very much a part of this Fire. Being able to attend the New Fire Ceremony I also had a wonderful experience communing with my spiritual family and friends in southern Missouri/northern Arkansas.
This Fire's energy has definitely shifted. I remember her as a maiden energy before this ceremony. Now I see and know she has come into her woman/crone/elder energy and I am pleased to be her friend and female comrade. This Fire remains in my heart and is a constant companion and friend to me. I am honored to know her and give thanks, Wado, to Wakan Tonka/Great Creator for this divine blessing. I love this Fire. I hope to give back some of the love she has gifted me. She is a blessing to the entire community. Blessings to the Painters, Susan and the whole Chickamauga Cherokee organization. Blessings of joy and love, happiness and spiritual wealth to you. And, bless you, Dear Fire Friend. With love, Deidre
Deidre at New Fire Ceremony Chickamauga Cherokee, March 19, 2005 |
