Yesterday's Gathering (Oct. 4, 2009)

Although we had a smaller than ususal group yesterday (several people out of town), the sharing was as powerful as ever. Thanks to everyone who attended. I appreciate all of you.

Here is my explanation of ceremony for those who could not attend:

"Ceremony, which in American Indian perspective is a necessary act to obtain or regain balance with the earth, is the highest form of giving back to the earth so that she can replenish her supply for humankind. The purpose of ceremony is to integrate: to unite one with all of humankind as well as the realm of the ancestors, to blend one with all of creation. This allows one to raise consciousness and shed the idea of individuality, of separation. Ceremony brings one into balance with all there is. Each ceremony has its own special purpose. Of course, the purposes vary from group to group, from nation to nation. Nevertheless, all ceremony brings one to the realization there is no separation from anything or any one, provides great illumination, and gives one perception of a cosmic relationship. "MariJo Moore © 2009

Autumn

Autumn is here! Cool this morning and life seems to be shifting into something we have been waiting for. I am working on the definition of medicine from an American Indian point of view and thinking of what it means to be a part of the whole universe, or, should I say "universes."

Our beginnings are beginning to call us to remember where we come from.

Some say the stars, some say underground, some say we, as spirits, sang and danced ourselves into existence.

Regardless, I am realizing that life is a constantly changing definition.

Ceremonies

Our next Sunday Spirit Speaking Gathering will be on October 4 from 2-5 PM.

The topic will be "The Importance of Ceremonies."

This is a very crucial time in all of our lives, so I urge you to attend if at all possible.

We have much to discuss, much to share, much to hear.

If anyone would like to be a part of a virtual gathering via the internet, please let me know and I will see what I can work out.

Ceremonial Fire Pit

New Poem Concerning Our First Ceremonial Fire (Sept. 12, 2009)

Ceremonial Fire


Ancestral medicine
Rock
Animal
Blood
Reflections of those who worked with same
Ancestral medicine
Rock
Animal
Blood

Pipe smoking calling ancestral medicine
Fire burning welcoming ancestral medicine
Old spirits new spirits
Spirits not on this land before
Riding up on horses
Flying in on bats
Calling from a screech owl
Touching though a tiny dog
Rising from fire

All here we were
with them
Praying, drumming, rattling
Gourd seeds, deer hooves, small pebbles while
Flute was exalting
Moon hiding behind mountains, grasping our tears
Sun from other side of moon, laughing with us
Acceptance trailing in our wake of tobacco offerings
Water, air, fire, earth

Energies blending, spirits dancing
Ashes building to accommodate another
Ceremonial fire
Where hearts open hearts heal hearts grow
Inside and with
Ancestral medicine
Rock
Animal
Blood

MariJo Moore © September 13, 2009

Update on Sunday's gathering (Sept 6)

I think yesterday's gathering was one of the best we have had so far. There was a sense of trust, acceptance, and willingness to share that was so obvious, it could be felt deep within.

I thank all of you who attended. Your words and tears and laughter are gifts to not only those of us in attendance, but also to those we love and cherish - those who have passed to Spirit- those whom we miss, and those who could not be here.

How wonderful to talk of love and relationships with such gutsy honesty and freedom from being ignored or ridiculed or dismissed as being sentimental.

The world needs sentimentally now; the world needs brave people who will meet and share their feelings, encouragement, experiences and love.

How blessed I am to be a part of this circle.

Again, thank you.

Poem for Group

Gathering

Unheard laughter hangs in the air,

heavier than the unshed tears

we are all avoiding.

 

Unheard laughter

caught as a bird beating its wings against an open door

hangs in the air, quivering.

 

Unshed tears push their way past the laughter.

With a sudden thump, we feel our eyes becoming wet,

our hearts lighten.

 

Unshed tears filter through our sense of self,

touching us where we promised we would never

let anything in again.

 

Falling

filling the room with

a shared gratefulness.

 

Now

now

we can allow the bird to fly out the open door…

 

 

MariJo Moore © August 14, 2009