hints to help get the most from the Equinox ceremony
When you arrive at a gathering place it is a good practice to centre yourself. Breathe and remind yourself of your intention for participating.
When the group begins to walk to the ceremonial site be consciously aware: it is a sacred event.
Silently observe nature as you move along. Notice what you resonate with and connect to it in a sensual way by smelling, touching, seeing, hearing. Is nature noisy or quiet today? Are the birds singing, the waves lapping? If you are drawn toward a tree or rock or bird, listen to the message it is giving you as you touch it or hear it. Have you ever thought rocks could communicate? They are alive and do have energy at various vibrations. So let your imagination go. Ask: if this rock was talking to me what would it be saying to me?.
Be alert for signs and symbols. If you see an animal or bird, remember. You can check the animals significance at a later time. If your clothes catch on a bush observe it and wonder what its message may be. Or did it catch you to draw your attention to another object. Look around. How do you know what the message is? Feel into your body. As you look around, you may have a catch in your throat, your stomach may rumble, your heart may feel bigger as something draws your attention. One thing will likely stand out. Do you have a good or not so good feeling? Now what comes to mind when you look at the object? It might seem totally unrelated. Don’t try to analyse it. The connection will come, probably when you are thinking about something else.
As you walk along look for the biggest tree in the area. This is Grandfather Tree, so recognized in the First Nations, and Mayan traditions and probably other indigenous peoples. Ask Grandfather Tree for permission to be in this sacred site and to conduct a ceremony and for protection. Leave a gift such as tobacco, corn or bean seeds at the roots or in a tree branch notch, being aware of safety of the animals and birds. If you are in an area where there are no trees, I would look for another object that could be protecting nature in that area. Perhaps a large rock or a even stiff wind that is usually present. Use your internal guidance and honour that representative.
Walk softly. Be aware you are walking on Mother Earth. The tree roots are her bones. Mother Earth has supported you for so many years. Not only literally giving you something to stand on, but also providing food and water, material for clothing and building, Have you ever told Mother Earth that you love and respect her?
You may have noticed that I believe everything in the world has energy. This has long been a belief of those who live close to the land. Science is now proving indeed it does.. The Native Americans and First Nations people were very aware of the life within everything. In fact they realize we all come from One Energy Source that Created everything. You may have heard the term “All My Relations” used in their ceremonies. This means more than their family and extended family. This also includes all the 2 legged (humans), the 4 legged (the animals), the winged ones (birds), the standing people (trees), and the stone people. I have heard the insects called the creepy crawlies, but I am not sure if that is accurate or if my leg has been pulled. I believe that in order to be in harmony during the ceremony, and really honour Mother Earth, you may wish to consider the possibility that we are all related.
When you arrive at the location of the ceremony, silently take your place in a circle surrounding the designated altar area. Consciously focus on the specialness of the event as the celebrant sets up the altar with their sacred tools. You will be invited to place your gifts to Mother Nature in a designated place, and the special object you wish cleansed and imbued with the high vibration energy that is generated in the ceremony, in another. There may be an area with seeds, beans, tobacco, chocolate to use during the ceremony. Take enough to throw to each direction, above and below (ie 6 x).
When everything is set up the altar will be purified. At this point in the ceremonies I do, I purify the ceremony participants with copal smoke; clear their energy fields by using a rattle or bell and then rub a drop of sacred essential oil on the forehead. The sacred oil is used for balancing and lifting your energy so you will be able to better connect with the beings of the highest vibration who are present. (Depending on who is conducting the ceremony, This may take place earlier, or may not be used at all.)
Next, the 4 directions are called and the celebrant requests that they share their various attributes and gifts to all gathered there. Everyone turns to the direction being called in. . Notice whether you feel the energy as it shifts; you may feel tingly, your hair on the back of the neck may stand up, you may get a feeling in your gut, the heart area, your throat, and or head. In return for the directions supporting us, we throw the corn, seeds, or other offerings to each direction.
Then Father Sky and all sacred beings are called in from above. Again, we toss the offerings into the air in gratitude.
Last, Mother Earth is called, our below. When this happens we all kneel and touch the ground. You may wish to add your own prayers and gratitude and tell Mother Earth you love and respect her. Whisper it into the ground. In addition to the gifts you gave her just before the ceremony started, you can leave some of the offerings that you have left to be thrown.
The above, purifying, and calling the circle is a standard part all ceremonies I have been in.
Now the specific reason for the ceremony, in this case the Equinox celebration, takes place. It’s been my experience that this is guided by what I call God. You may prefer to call it the Creator Energy, Universal Energy, Source, THE ALL THAT IS. The celebrant may include messages received during the 3 days of preparation prior to the Equinox and also what she receives during the ceremony.
Follow the directions given by the celebrant during this part of the ceremony
A significant faux-pas during a ceremony is speaking or using your gifts if you aren’t asked to. This can really be a detriment to the ceremony. One reason is the celebrant has created a specific energy and vibration, a sacred space and a connection with other dimensions and beings that is balanced very carefully. Breaking this space can cause psychological, physical and energetic imbalance in the participants; energy leaks in participants and between dimensions, and more. It is a major blunder to interrupt a ceremony or ritual even if there is a natural lull in the ceremony and you believe you are being guided and you must do so. (I was taught by more than a few mentors that if you feel it’s urgent to say or do something it is likely your ego not your guides speaking.)
At some point during the ceremony some people feel as if they are floating out of their body. It is really best to stay embodied during the ceremony or any spiritual experience. If one does not, the lower chakras which carry out the actions required to bring this uplifting experience into your day to day life, will not receive the needed energy. If you have this sensation, feel your feet on the ground; imagine tree roots growing out of your legs. Some people really enjoy going out of their body. There is nothing to fear since people will come back in, likely when Mother Earth is called on. Although it is rare, if the energy is overwhelming and you need to leave the circle do not go far. Lean with your head, back, butt and legs pressed against a tree. Ask the tree to please ground you; believe and it happens more quickly.
Once the equinox part of the ceremony is complete, it is time to close. The altar may have cups for the four directions above below and the Alusha (see yesterdays article). The invigorating beverage is offered around. Spill a little for Mother Earth, raise it in toast to the above then have a sip or few yourself, then pass it on..
The Circle is closed as it was opened, thanking the 4 directions - above and below. When we thank Mother Earth you may wish to reiterate your message.
Consciously being present during this part of the ceremony allows your energy fields closure so you don’t leak energy. It allows you to observe what happens to you energetically and since you have been consciously monitoring your feelings and energy during the ceremony, you can recapture these feelings and be in higher vibration energy whenever you choose.
The official ceremony is complete. Leave in the same reverence with which you entered, thanking Grandfather tree for its protection.
Enjoy your Fall Equinox, Tuesday at 2:18 pm pdt. I will post suggestions for celebration with family and friends tomorrow and write about what you may wish to do in the 3 days post equinox.