Otter Dance

Sweat Lodge
What is a Sweat Lodge?
A sweat lodge is an ancient ceremony used for purification and healing. The Lodge itself represents the womb of Mother Earth. We enter into the Lodge and offer out prayers and set out intentions with Spirit. As we leave the Lodge, we are being reborn into the new life we choose to create for ourselves. Most people experience a shift either from the release of prayers or simply by the re-unification to Mother Earth. Although the intention of each lodge can be different, the sacred space created by the darkness and the heat always allows for Spirit to whisper into the ears of those present.

What happens at a Sweat Lodge?

A sacred fire is built around stones outside the lodge and is monitored by a fire tender. Participants crawl into the lodge and the hot stones are placed into a pit in the center. The stones are blessed by the leader with cedar and sweet grass. Water is then sprinkled on the rocks, instantly turning into steam. This begins round 1 in which songs are sung and prayers are made to the Creator. At the end of the round, more stones are added for round two. There are a total of four rounds, honoring each of the four cardinal directions. After the Sweat, all are welcome to share in a feast.

What is a Medicine Wheel?
The Medicine Wheel is an honoring of Mother Earth. It explores the cardinal directions, their energies, power and animal spirit guides and the relationships of all living beings as we walk the Circle of Life. We reconnect to the Earth and to each other. A Medicine Wheel is the physical representation of the Circle of Life and all our relations. It is typically constructed of stones, but never limited to only stones. Each Medicine Wheel Healer creates their Wheel as led by Spirit. Some ancient Medicine Wheels coordinated with astrological occurrences. All Wheels connect the 4 cardinal directions & their meaning in the Circle of Life. As we walk the Wheel, we are re-establishing our relationship with Mother Earth and all beings.

What can I expect at a Medicine Wheel?
The Wheel is constructed prior to the start of the ceremony. All participants gather around the wheel and sit in a circle. Intentions are set and prayers are offered. Each person has the opportunity to walk the Wheel and celebrate the Earth, Life, Spirit and all our relations. Nature offerings are given to the directions. Each ceremony may be unique as Spirit leads.

Rites of passage are the ceremonies and rituals that not only celebrate the individual and honor their growth, but also provide the essential context and energetic “boost” from one phase of life to the next. These transitional stages occur whether we acknowledge them or not. It is vital that we embrace and celebrate these times in our lives so that our maturation reflects life lived fully with health, hope, happiness, harmony, and humor.

The Three phases of a woman’s life are Maiden, Matron and Crone.   The girl becomes a Maiden at the time of her first menstrual cycle and is celebrated as a young woman from this point on.  The Matron is celebrated when a woman decides to take a Partner in life and moves into the next phase of her adulthood.  The Crone is celebrated as a woman of wisdom at the age of 55 and acknowledged for the life experiences she has to share with others.

Wedding and Commitment ceremonies are a beautiful rite as we move to a new place in our lives.  These ceremonies are designed to suit the spiritual paths of each individual as well as the path of the couple.  As an Ordained Minister, Robbie has performed many of these ceremonies, and it is always an honor to be a part of such an incredible coming together of two individuals.

To honor a loved one who has transitioned to another plane is a difficult but incredibly empowering process.  In order to be open to living without the physical presence of a dear one, this ceremony is a rite of passage for ourselves as well as a way to physically say good-bye. These ceremonies are always amazingly moving and powerful.  It is such an honor to be a part of this process.

Even though these are not “traditional” ceremonies, Robbie believes they are sacred and treat them as such.  Releasing the physical body of an animal companion is never easy.  These ceremonies help us to make the transition to living without their physical presence in our lives but keep us connected to them on an energetic level.