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| Jorge "Redtail Hawk" Arenivar is a long time Lakota Sundancer and ceremonial leader. He shares his medicine throughout the United States and Europe, offering Chanupa (prayer pipe), hand drum making, sweat lodge and vision quest ceremonies. Jorge follows in the footsteps of Fools Crow, welcoming all races to the sacred circle. There is never a set fee for his ceremonial offerings, he asks for a donation from the heart so that he may continue his work and share his vision. |
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a crow sweat lodge
museum of the
american indian |
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| Spirit's Whisper Acres hosts sweat lodge and vision quest, facilitated by Jorge "Redtail Hawk" Arenivar in the lineage of Fools Crow of the Lakota Nation. |
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Since the beginning of this cycle of time, humanity has returned to nature to connect with spirit and to seek answers to problems of the physical realms. Vision Quest is associated with Native Americans traditions, but is practiced all over the world. The Quest is usually a journey alone into the wilderness, seeking personal growth and spiritual guidance from spirit. It is a period of solitude in which we seek an inner revelation—a vision—which grants profound meaning and direction to our life. To quest is to leave the “real” world behind. It’s an opportunity to surrender “maya,” the world of illusion and wake up to the truth of who we are.
the quest
The quester remains in a sacred circle of stone for a period of time, up to three days and nights. He or she brings nothing in from society with the exception of water, a medicine bag, and a spiritual instrument to play and chant. Sleeping equipment and rain gear is also recommended. If weather permits, questers may wish to remove all clothing and/or cover themselves in a blanket. The quest ends when the "vision" is seen or felt. Often, the quester leaves with a message from Spirit. A physical representation of this vision or message such as a feather, fur, or rock is collected and placed in the quester's medicine bag. This is a reminder to ensure the power of the vision will stay to guide and protect.
preparation
Weeks or months before the ceremony, questers set their intention by making tobacco prayer ties. With sage burning, participants wrap small cotton squares of material around pinches of tobacco. What one is ready to let go of is offered, what one is ready to receive is welcomed. The prayer ties are used on the quest to surround one’s sacred space, communicating to all of creation why we have come. The time immediately preceding the quest involves a time of fasting and the guidance of a tribal medicine man. Questers also write a letter of intention, addressed to the Great Spirit and placed on the alter at the opening fire circle.
Those not ready to quest but who have an interest are welcome to participate. Supporters have the opportunity to learn of the red road through sweats, tending fire at base camp, sharing meals and holding sacred space.
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Weeks or months before the ceremony, questers set their intention by making tobacco prayer ties. With s |
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Sweat lodge is a ceremonial sauna and ritual long used by indigenous cultures around the world. The lodge may be a domed hut, or a simple hole dug into the ground and covered with planks or tree trunks. Stones are heated in an exterior fire tended by dog soldiers (ceremony assistants), then placed into a central pit inside the sweat lodge. The stones glow red in the completely darkened lodge.
the ceremony
Sweat lodge represents birth, and being born out of darkness. The red glow, the warmth, the wetness and the small space symbolizes the womb. Each participant enters the lodge on hands and knees, speaks their indian or spirit name, and crawls like a baby into the womb of the lodge. Once inside, participants encircle the heated stone pit and the pourer (medicine man) pours water on the stones, filling the lodge with steam. This happens usually four times, between periods of ten minutes to several hours spent sweating in the lodge. Participants crawl out of the lodge, humble, like a baby.
preparation
To prepare for a sweat, fasting or light and conscious eating for 24 hours before the lodge is recommended. Abstain from all toxic substances such as alcohol, caffeine, recreational drugs, and sugar before sweating to enhance purification. Always check with your physician before participating in a sweat.
Participants may come early and offer to help construct the lodge. Objects without a ceremonial significance are discouraged from being brought inside. The theme is: enter the lodge as you came into this world. Participants wear a light cotton skirt or shorts, or may choose to remove their clothing entirely. Wearing metal jewelry can be dangerous, as metal objects may become hot enough to burn the wearer. Contact lenses and synthetic clothing should not be worn, as the heat can cause the materials to melt and adhere to eyes and skin. Tobacco, sweet grass, red cedar, and other plants may be used to make prayers, give thanks, or other offerings. They can be smoked in a stone pipe, sprinkled on the hot stones, or offered in the fire outside the lodge.
fee
Weeks or months before the ceremony, questers set their intention by making tobacco prayer ties. Wit |
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