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THE IMPORTANCE OF CEREMONY
by Susan Bates
Tribal peoples observe ceremony for many different reasons. There are the Sacred Ceremonies which Creator gave the People to Honor Him, maintain balance in the world, and insure an abundance of crops and game.
Some Ceremonies mark important occasions in a person's life. These include those done to welcome young women into adulthood after they've observed their first moon. Similar ceremony's are done for young men to mark their entrance into manhood. There are vision quests which guide us through life, as well as weddings, baby blessings, and funeral ceremonies. Protection ceremonies are done to prevent an enemy from harming an individual or village.
Each ceremony marks the center point of life, honoring the exact place each of us needs to be at that time. One of the most important types of ceremony is the Healing Ceremony. They are done for individuals who are suffering physical or emotional illnesses and often involve healing the whole family or tribe as well, since all things are connected. They may involve herbs, fasting, ritual acts and prayers which have been handed down faithfully from generation to generation.
In the old days, when our young men (or women) came back from war, it was understood that these warriors needed cleansing from the trauma and "bad spirits" that they had encountered doing what had to be done. Some tribes kept the warriors isolated from the village for several days until the ceremony was performed and they were healed, thus insuring the whole village wasn't infected.
Today we have so many warriors who suffer from post traumatic stress disorders. Unable to find peace in their spirits, they suffer in agony along with their families and communities. I heard on the news the other night that they wanted to get these men mental help quicker than before to deal with many of the problems a soldier has to face when returning home from war. Wouldn't it be better if they could prevent the problem in the first place?
There is a Healing Ceremony among many tribes which takes care of this. Some tribes call it the Ghost Sickness Ceremony. The Ceremony itself varies according to the tribe, but usually after fasting and other preparation, the "Medicine Man" and others enter the sweat lodge with the warrior and healing songs and prayers are offered. Once cleansed of the "ghost sickness" the warrior takes up life as he once knew it.
We are in a time of rebalancing this World. The Ceremonies given us by Creator are a major part of this balancing. Each of us has to decide who we are and what path we're on. We can no longer walk with one foot on two trails..... This is why the Earth is sick. This is why we are sick. Decide who you are. Time is short.
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You can contact me at susanbates@webtv.net or write me at HC 73 Box 159-1, Drury, MO 65638
Susan Bates
Hill & Holler Special Column
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
Gu's di - o's da da dv' hni
(Cherokee: We are all related)
WORDS FROM 'TWEEN
Why do ceremony at all? you may be asking. What is the point of the elaboration or ritual anyway? The point being that attention to decorous objects and actions be they vestments, garb, liturgical or lofty, myrrh or chant, bring us to a still point within. We are in a very physical space on Mother Earth which connotes our attention thusly. At the moment of intention coupled with attention sparks a new beginning; all internal systems are "warm booted" or cleansed, purified and reset which then brings us to a reflection, once again, of our inner divinity. |
