The Earthkeepers

 We continue the Earthkeeper Dance 

Dance in Appreciation of Mother Earth    

September 20, 2008

Indiana Dunes State Park

Join Us in Celebrating the Gift of Life

and the Beauty of the Earth Around Us…

Grandma Rosie shares,

“We dance for the future of the Children”

Rosie Dancing Flower

Apache Elder, Head Pow Wow Dancer,

Teacher of Traditional Ways of Women and

Elder of the Earthkeeper Dance

Please contact us for a dance flyer and details at youncedjt@verizon.net

It is time to just be…be with the sweetness of life.

Hugs, Tracy ~ Each person is responsible to find the truths they came to learn on Earth.  We share what has come to us.  Take what you want…leave the rest…we share because it is time.  May each person come in-sync with Mother Earth so each might find their Ways.

The Elders, Ceremonial Leaders and Teachers hold the wisdom of our Ancestors.

They are to be honored and always treated with respect.

1) You are responsible for paying transportation expenses whenever you invite an Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher to a gathering, teaching circle, for a healing or for any ceremony.

·This includes airfare, transportation to and from the airport or simply gas for their car, making sure to cover all mileage.

2) You are responsible for providing all the Elder’/Ceremonial Leader’/Teacher’s meals.

·Ask ahead of time, if there are any dietary restrictions, i.e.: sugar, fat, red meats. Find out which are their favorite foods.

3) Always approach an Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher with tobacco for teachings, healings, or ceremony.

·Tobacco is not a gift to the elder directly; it is the means by which the Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher makes a connection with the Ancestors to receive instructions. It is a respectful way to recognize Elder’/Ceremonial Leader’/Teacher’s knowledge and spirit connection.

·When you ask for teachings in the traditional way, you never push. You wait until the Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher is ready to teach you. During the wait, the Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher is watching, praying, and listening.

The Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher may not get back to you for months, even years.

They may never respond, but they are still watching, praying, and listening. It is said that it is traditional to ask respectfully four times (This means with tobacco.)

The Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher can then decide if you really are truly interested and will do the work.

4) Do not disrespect Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher by interrupting while they are talking or working with another.

·If it is necessary for you to talk with them, stand in their field of vision a short distance away until they acknowledge you before you approach them.

·If they do not know you, introduce yourself and state what your purpose is. Then listen carefully to anything they may share with you.

5) Respect their traditions and teachings even if they are different from yours.

6) When transporting Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher be sure to show respect.

·Be considerate, help them by opening their door, assist them into the vehicle if they need help, and make sure they are comfortable.

7) When assisting them with their belongings, ask which ones you may touch.

·Their medicines may be in one of the bags and it is inappropriate for you to touch their medicine without their permission.

·Respect their silence on the way to a destination, and once you get to the destination. They may be tired from their journey or preparing themselves for the event. Please allow them to do so without interruption. If they invite conversation, they will let you know.

8. When housing Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher, respect their need for privacy and rest.

·Give them a room to themselves with a good bed and attend to any needs that they may have, especially food, beverages, and water.

·Introduce them to anyone they do not know.

·Inform them of the location of the bathroom, and where they may smoke or pray if they are smokers or pray with a pipe.

·If they wish to visit with you, they will make that known to you. Please do not keep them up all night visiting. Recognize their need for sleep.

9) Do not expect the Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher to do any work other than the ceremony or teachings that have been requested of them. If they wish to help in any way, they will offer.

10) When an Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher enters a space, offer them a seat and ask if there is anything that you can get for them.

11) When receiving teachings or healings from an Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher, it is customary to recognize the value of what you have received by gifting them accordingly.

·In time, as your understanding of the teachings deepens, it is appropriate to gift them again. In the past when we all lived in villages or closer together, all the Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher needs were taken care of. You need to recognize the gift they bring to you and help them so they may continue to share with everyone.

12) If you have the opportunity to visit an Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher in their home all of the same considerations listed above will apply. Additionally, you might consider the following as other ways to support them.

.Working in his/her garden

·Running errands

·Cutting & stacking wood

·Stocking refrigerator and shelves with food

·Care for pets

13) Working with and for an Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher is a lesson in humility and respect for each one of us fortunate enough to have that opportunity.

·If an Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher is awake, I cannot sleep.

·If an Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher is hungry, I cannot eat.

·If an Elder/Ceremonial Leader/Teacher is cold, I cannot be warm.

Thank you Creator for our Elders. Thank you Creator for our Ceremonial Leaders, Thank you Creator for our Teachers. Thank you Bear Warrior for bringing these instructions to us.  Thank you John for demonstrating the ways with an Elder.

Hugs, Tracy ~ Each person is responsible to find the truths they came to learn on Earth. We share what has come to us. Take what you want…leave the rest…we share because it is time. May each person come in-sync with Mother Earth so each might find their Ways.

The Seven Fires Prophesy explains the history of the people in terms of the keeping of seven fires. During each of the fires the people faced different kinds of contraction and expansion. Each time the changing of the fire lead to a world which was different than the one of their ancestors. Each time some of the people would get stronger and their spirits would soar, while others found only sorrow and grief at the passing of the old and familiar. We live in the time of the seventh fire. It is a time when the history of the people will change forever. 

• It is said that a new people would come. They would be wise in many ways, but like children in the ways of the Earth. But, it is said, they would be willing and eager to learn just like the curious children of the Mystery that they represent.
• It is said that the keeping of the fire would be passed to them, because they would cherish and understand it in a way that had been lost to many of the people.
• The ways of the fire will change in their hands. It will be different, but it will be strong in a way that it has not been for many many generations.
• The fire will flare up suddenly and then will be understood. The new people will share it with all who come to them with the same respect and curiosity that they came to the fire.

And it will warm the hearts and souls of many.

-John Armbruster

 Peak Oil News: A Sign of the Times

Tonight is the full moon, and a lunar eclipse. Here in Sedona, we have rain. Very grateful for that.

 Here’s what our friend John Armbruster had to say about the February full moon:

This is the moon of great preparation. The first glimpses of productivity coming out of a time of reflection and introspection. 

In this Moon we see the light of the sun having some power. There is revival and hopefulness. Begin the spring celebration. Give thanks for the days of darkness and diminishment for this time of quiet.