The Autumn Equinox
Dear fire family and family of the heart,
This coming equinox we will light the altar from wherever you find yourselves.
This is a tradition of my Sun Dance family, passed down from my grandmothers and grandfathers, and from their grandparents before them and so it continues through the generations that will carry this prayer forward.
My heart would feel very happy knowing that those who can will take part in this prayer, which has been planted from the humility and simplicity needed to walk together in community.
Here are some simple guidelines to share:
In the early morning of Saturday, March 21, we will honor the path of the Tree of Life. (Date now past)
At each equinox, with the appearance of the morning star, we take our sacred instruments particularly the pipe and offer a prayer with the first light of the day.
We bring a little water and some food to share, offering them in gratitude at our altars.
Everyone is welcome to accompany these forms. Some already know them, but it is good to remember.
The dancers have their community that is what this is about.
If you have a temazcal, friends, family, a fire, cedar you can gather there.
It may be done at dawn or during the day.
Generally, the sacred foods are offered by the women who are caring for the place, as a way to give thanks to the fire (water, meat, corn, berries).
If you do not have a temazcal nearby, you may prepare your songs, carry and share them with your chanupa.
If you do not have a chanupa, you may simply offer your prayer with a candle, holding the intention of gratitude to the four directions and their spirits.
We do this to honor the memory and the guidance of those who care for the lineage that gave us permission to carry this sacred ceremony our Oglala Lakota family.
Loretta, Tom, Milo, Joe, at this time of year they are always present with us in one way or another.
This is what Ernest and Larue (Loretta’s father and uncle) wished for. They have already gone to the stars.
Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ
With love,
javi