Folks at an Earthkeeper Dance preparing to enter circle Folks preparing to enter circle at an Earthkeeper Dance

At ceremony on Saturday, we were asked, “Why is ceremony so powerful” or as we would rather say, energetic.

Regarding Ceremony

First we must say, no matter how much we discuss and examine the ways of ceremony, it is important to understand that the energy of every ceremony is still in the magical discovery and joyful revelation of the Great Mystery of Life itself.

Having said that, we share that we have come to learn that the energy produced by ceremony, or what folks may call power, comes because of those participating, which includes their songs and the sacred implements used. It is through the participants that the ceremony comes to life and takes on a life force.

We have learned and been taught that it is a mistake to think that ritualistic actions are the energy behind ceremony. On the contrary, the energetic changes due to ritualistic activity are only the underpinnings of Ceremony. What transforms the energy is the consciousness of the participants. Understanding this, helps one understand why John Many Voices said, “Ceremony must serve the people”.

We have come to say, ceremony must serve the participants, because the word “people” has become synonymous with humans, and humans are not the only ones consciously participating in ceremony. Participants include the earth, wind, fire, water, sacred directions, or what we call - All Our Relations, who come…each bringing their prayers. And the synergistic energy resulting from ceremony comes from the blending of all present. Thus the ceremony brings the participants into what John Armbruster called, “a shaft of light” which vitalizes and expands the energetic field of the planet. So participating in ceremony is no small act.

So often we humans do the reverse regarding ceremony, having the participants serve the ceremony or more specifically the ritual. When this happens, the energy dissipates and energy blockages often form. So it’s good to remember that ceremony needs to serve the participants.

All Way’s are Holy

We have learned that all ways are sacred…one type of ceremony is not more holy than another type of ceremony, or one way of praying is not more holy than another way of praying, or one sacred object is not more holy than another sacred object. Assigning importance is a human action and ego based. To Creator, all ways and things are holy, whether considered great or small.

Regarding Universal look at Ceremony

We conclude with a universal look at ceremony. Ceremony transcends the individual cultural experience and is a part of a greater planetary and universal mind. To see ceremony only from the viewpoint of a single culture is to look with only our eyes, not our heart. For us as Earthkeepers, it is from the heart that ceremony comes. It is done for the planet. It is done for the participants. It is done as an expression of the power of our personal Creator. We know ceremony as dynamic and ever changing as is the energy of the planet and each individual. The wisdom of any tradition must serve the participants and All our Relations.

Thank you Creator for being so patient with us and loving all equally.

Tanakia, Dave and 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. May each person come in-sync with Mother Earth so each might find their Ways.