Sacred Hoop 42

Issue 42 Autumn 2003
SHAMANISM AND ANCIENT WISDOM FOR TODAY?S WORLD

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sacred
Renewing the SACRED EARTH
SANDRA INGERMAN Offers a way to reverse pollution
Reclaiming RITUAL
SIBERIAN SHAMANS Return to their Sacred Island after 80 years ALASKAN GRANDMOTHER DRUM Tours the World for Peace and Healing
Roots of COMMUNITY
Listening to the Elders The Role of Grandfathers Linking Past and Future
The Foundation for Shamanic Studies
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o m t h e H e ar fr t. er
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The Foundation for Shamanic Studies was incorporated in 1985 as a non-profit educational organisation dedicated to the preservation, study and teaching of shamanic knowledge. Led by its founderDr. Michael Harner (author ofWay of The the Shaman and Educational Director, Sandra Ingerman (author ) of Soul Retrievalit is now generally ), recognised as the foremost institution in the world engaged revival and teaching of in the practical shamanism and its application to and other health problems of daily life. Its field staff of fifteen works with tribal shamans from the Amazon to Siberia, and its international faculty members teach in twenty-three countries.
The Way of the Shaman

The Way of the Shaman weekend workshop introduces Emotional Healing X Personal Transformation participants to core-shamanism; the universal and nearAcceleration of Consciousness universal methods of the shaman to enter non-ordinary reality for problem solving, well-being and healing. The next Way of 11-12 OCT- Rewrite Your Life Contract - 3 weekends the Shamanweekends are in London either on:
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An in-depth series of training workshops in Shamanism covering healing, shamanic extraction, soul retrieval, blessing ceremonies, divination, spirit contact, dreaming, ancestral work, song, dance, plant and tree spirits, spirits of the land, the cycles of life and death, shamanic walking, vision quests, consciousness training, and traditional methods of personal transformation and empowerment. This three year educational process will include teachings that are otherwise not taught in workshops. Come and find out more at the introductory meeting January 24, 2004, 12:00 -19:00 in Devon.
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SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003
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editorial thoughts
When I talk with people about the exploration of ancient paths of wisdom and teachings, the reaction is sometimes But isnt that going back into the past, taking a backwards step? In this Issue articles have come together which are about the continuity of the community - the real linking of past, present and future. It is the dreaming of the previous generations that have brought us to this place in our human history, it is the dreaming that we each do now that is going to effect the future. Many traditional shamans at this time are saying that we are dreaming the wrong dream. Looking at the reporting from the media there would certainly appear to be some truth in that reflection! So can we dream a new dream that looks at the wise ways of our ancestors, and sets firm foundations for the well-being of our childrens children? It is easy to feel helpless at the scale of the challenge, with the machinations of the global economy, widening conflict and human rights abuses, and the seemingly endless roller-coaster of consumerism. So how can we turn this situation around and build more human, fair, one-on-one communities? In traditional societies the foundations for this community structure are often maintained by the Grandmothers, the Grandfathers, the Elders - those who have had enough life experience to have sorted out some real priorities, gained sacred skills and realised that Creation is much bigger than any financial corporation or rgime; they know that the world outside is the result of our internal world and dreaming. They remind us of our responsibility to the future. This is real politics. In Issue 42 you will find some inspiring accounts of people who care about what happens next and are doing something about it. They are shaping a new dream. With its ancient inspiration, I believe it is very much on the right tracks. May we start to dream the right dream together .... Jan Morgan Wood
MAGAZINE
ISSN 1364 - 2219 EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION Jan Morgan Wood Nicholas Wood PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE Carolyn G. Ryan
PUBLISHING POLICY
SACRED HOOP seeks to network those wanting to learn the spiritual teachings of indigenous peoples as a living path of knowledge. Our contents cover the integration of both old and new ways, and insights that contribute to a balanced and sustainable lifestyle in today's world. We honour all paths and peoples and do not include material from, or give support to, any individual or group which seeks to oppress or discriminate on grounds of race, lineage, age, sex, class or belief. Nor do we knowingly publish any material that we know to be inaccurate.
The views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. For All Our Relations
Printed on paper from a sustainable source by Bookmag Printers, Inverness, Scotland Tel : (01463) 224 444 North American and Canadian Distribution : Disticor Magazine Distribution Ontario, Canada Front Cover Nicholas Wood 2003 DISCLAIMER Whilst making every effort to be accurate, the Editorial Team will not be deemed responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies appearing in Sacred Hoop.
SPECIAL READERS OFFER

We have 6 copies of Medicine for the Earth (Sandra Ingermans latest book - see page 6) to GIVE AWAY to the first six lucky readers names drawn from the hat on November 30th!
To enter the draw simply send a postcard with your name and address clearly written on the back to:

BCM SACRED HOOP London. WC1N 3XX. UK Phone : (01559) 371 215 Fax : (0870) 054 8946 Editor@sacredhoop.org www.sacredhoop.org
2003 Sacred Hoop Magazine and/or individual contributors. No part of this magazine, either written text or visual art may be reproduced in any way whatsoever without the written permission of the editor.
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Special Features
ALCHEMY OF LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
An exclusive interview with Sandra Ingerman on her work with the ancient art of transmutation to bring healing to our planet and to ourselves. Sandra Ingerman talks to Jan Morgan Wood
THIRTEEN GODS AND THIRTEEN SHAMANS . . . 10-13

After eighty years of political suppression, Siberian shamans gathered this summer to call to the gods of Lake Baikal in an ancient Ongon ceremony. Galina Vladi
COATS OF MANY SPIRITS . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Shamans often carry symbols of the tools they need when working with the spirits. In the Siberian tradition these are attached to their ceremonial coats. Nicholas Wood
Siberian shamans gather- page 10
WHO ARE THE ELDERS . . . . . . . . . . . 16-19

An Elder is chosen by the people because of their qualities and track record. Here a Native Alaskan Elder reflects on these gifts and how they are needed within the community, now more than ever. Larry Merculieff
HOLDING THE RAINBOW SERPENT . . . . 20-21

A tribute to the passing of Aboriginal Grandmother Lorraine Mafi-Williams. Jan Adamson
Alaskan community drum - page 22
GR ANDMOTHER DRUM . . . . . . . . . . 22-27

The inspiring story of the making of a seven-foot diameter drum in a tipi in Alaska and its mission of healing and unity as it now tours the world. Suraj Holzwarth
BUILDING AN EARTH WOMB . . . . . . . . 28-29

A traditional, Native American, earth-covered sweat lodge in the Netherlands makes a sacred space to re-enter Mother Earths womb for healing and renewal. Mieke Van Der Meer
FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY . . . . . 30-33

We need to reinstate appropriate rites of passage to enable men to face todays challenges in a mature and balanced way. The Grandfather plays a vital role in this process. Nick Clements
Keeping Australian traditions - page 20
EDITORIAL: Page 4 X LETTERS: Page 34 X REVIEWS: Page 35 X DIARY DATES: Page 38
Next Issue out December 20th
ALCHEMY OF LIGHT
SANDRA INGERMAN talks to Jan Morgan Wood about the ancient skills of transmutation that can literally effect matter, help reverse pollution and bring harmony both to the outer landscape and our inner being
With our imaginations we have to sculpt our world. Shamans around the world have been saying we are dreaming the wrong dream.
Jan Morgan Wood: What first led you to investigate spiritual and shamanic methods of dealing with environmental pollution?
Sandra Ingerman: Rivers have always reminded me of the magic of life. My love for rivers led me to wonder whether or not it is possible to reverse river pollution, which led to an interest on a broader level of the reversal of all environmental pollution. In 1978 I graduated with a BA in Biology specialising in Marine Biology from San Francisco State University. My curiosity about the question of reversing river pollution led me to apply for a Masters Degree in Biology. My thesis proposal would be on the issue of reversing river pollution. A school in Washington was interested in my proposal. As I was in the application procedure I realised I did not want to stay in the field of science. I ended up enrolling in the California Institute of Integral Studies, where I began to pursue a Masters Degree in counselling psychology. During my time there I took a course on shamanic journeying with Michael Harner. I started practicing shamanism in 1980 and my own personal shamanic practice led me to explore with the spirits the issue of reversing environmental pollution. of toxins. We have forgotten that air, water, earth, and fire give us life. We have dumped poisons in everything that gives us life. We have the ability to drink water, eat food, and breathe in air and neutralise, or transmute, the toxic chemicals that they contain. For our survival we must all tap into this ability that lives inside of us. Everything is made from light and is light. As we drink water, breathe air, and eat our food we can transmute what we take in by perceiving everything we ingest as pure light. And we must also be in a state of love and appreciation for all we receive. The power of love and appreciation creates transmutation.
We need to be the dreamers of the world we wish to live in.

intention of what we want to see happen. Neuroscientists have found that it is the moment when we first set an intention that the neurons in our brain begin to fire. Holding an intention and working with our spiritual practices takes concentration. We must also be able to maintain focus on our short-term and longterm goals. All miracles involve union with a divine force. In the Bible, when Jesus says to heal in my name the true Aramaic translation of this is to know God and heal as God does. This means that to have union with the creative force of life is essential for true healing to take place. Sai Baba, a guru in India who is known for his miraculous acts and healing abilities, says The only difference between me and you is I know who I am and you dont (meaning that he knows that he is the divine). The Nazis captured Jack Schwartz who was in the Dutch resistance during the war. He moved to the U.S. after the war and was researched by many institutions on his amazing healing abilities. As he was being tortured, his wounds healed before his captives eyes. When asked how he healed himself, he responded by saying that he knew he
PAGE 7
What sources did you go to in your investigation into the effects of energy on matter, and did you find that physical change can indeed happen through human spiritual practice?
I looked at stories that come from the Bible, the Kabbalah, and from various Taoist, Hindu, yogic, alchemical, Egyptian and shamanic works. The stories I read showed that miracles were an everyday occurrence. I researched different spiritual traditions to give me clues to how miracles were performed by ancient cultures, mystics, and saints. As I read about miracles, a formula of elements that seem to be part of all miracles started to form. The formula that came to me is a hologram. The elements cannot be taken separately, but combined with each other create transmutation. The formula I arrived at is: intention plus union plus love plus focus plus concentration plus harmony plus imagination equals transmutation. For all miracles to happen we must hold a strong
Can you explain what you mean by transmutation and how it works within the everyday environment?
The definition of transmutation I am using is the ability to change the nature of a toxic substance into neutral substance. Basically, l am working with the principle of alchemy. The word alchemy comes from the Aramaic and the literal translation is working with, and through, the dense darkness inside. Mystics for centuries have been able to transmute poison. If one mystic in all of time has been able to transmute poisons and make them neutral, then it means we all have the ability to do the same. The world we live in today is full
was one with God and the universe. Ammachi, an Eastern saint, sucked on the sores of a man suffering from leprosy and cured him. She was the Divine Mother when she healed him. These are just a few examples of countless stories. Love is an essential ingredient in all miracles, as it is only love that heals. Techniques dont heal. Where there is an open heart, there is the energy to bring through miraculous and magical energy. Love is the great transformer. Harmony within will create harmony without. Disharmony creates disease; harmony creates beauty and health. Imagination is another key in performing the miracle of transmutation, in that we must be able to envision an environment that is pure and clean and which supports all of life. With our imaginations we have to sculpt our world. Shamans around the world have been saying we are dreaming the wrong dream. We need to be the dreamers of the world we wish to live in. To add to this formula there are more principles to remember. As we change our perception we change our reality. To change our perception, to create a reality
of a clean environment, we must be able to see the beauty in all things. To see the beauty in all things we must live in a state of appreciation and gratefulness.
How much personal dedication, time and determination does it take to achieve the spiritual skills to effect transmutation changing of a substance on a physical level - and can these skills be learned in a book?
There are two levels to the work I am teaching. The first level, and of utmost importance, is that it is who we become that changes the world, and not what we do . The pollution in our outer environment is a reflection of our inner state. Working with changing our inner state takes an incredible amount of dedication and determination. We need to shift how we think and behave. Many people treat spiritual practice like an exercise program. I can do my spiritual practice for one hour a day. With working with transmutation this does not work. As Gandhi said, we have to be the change we want to see.
Part of spiritual practice is learning how to laugh at ourselves. When I say we have to bring spirituality into every moment of our lives, this includes humour. Being on a spiritual path is like walking on a very slim edge. If you fall off, the best thing to do is brush yourself off and get back on. When we judge ourselves for falling off our path we fall off even steeper. Being able to have compassion for ourselves and laugh a lot is one way to get back on the path again. The second part of the work is gathering together as communities to create change, to perform ceremonies to help transmute the toxic environment we have created. If you only perform ceremonies and do not work on yourself, then you will not see long-term change. In order to see long-term change we must do the work to transmute our inner environment, which means working on our thoughts, attitudes, and the words we use. We need to learn how to work our feelings all the way through, so we are not just going around dumping anger, frustration and despair into our environment. In my book Medicine for the Earth I share many practices that can be incorporated into our daily life to work on the becoming part. I also share some ceremonies that can be performed with others. My hope is that as people read the book they will be inspired to either follow the exercises and ceremonies I give, or to create their own way of working. People are successfully working with the material I have written. Most people choose to work in a group format, where they practice together. Just reading the book will not create change on its own. I love the Haitian proverb that says Studying life is not living life and therefore has no magic.
In your book you quote Caroline Casey: Imagination lays the tracks for the reality train to drive down. This is a farreaching concept! How can we use this unique human gift to heal our own individual path?
I cannot say enough about how the power of our imagination can be used by all of us to create a positive present and future for ourselves and the planet. If you delve into any mystical
PAGE 8 SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003
text you will learn that we create the world we live in, just like the creative forces of the universe created the world and all living beings. It is up to each and every one to vision the world we want to live in and the life we want to have. If we do not believe that there can be a clean environment and peace, then it will never happen. It takes a lot of intention, focus and concentration to not get caught up in, and distracted by, the drama around us, and to keep focusing our vision. The key is to see, feel, hear, smell, and taste the life you want to have and the world you want to live in as if it is happening right now.
do does make a difference. On my monthly web page I inspire readers to keep working, no matter what is going on outside. All spiritual traditions teach that everything manifests on the spiritual levels before they manifest on the physical. We must keep up the spiritual work and we cant get absorbed in thinking about the outcome.
Imagine a one-thousand-square-foot white rug stained with grape juice. If the pH changes one point, nine hundred square feet of the rug have been cleaned. If the pH changes two points, nine hundred and ninety square feet have been cleaned. I dont believe that the work is perfect yet, but I do believe we are being shown we are on the right track. [We have six copies of Sandras book Medicine for the Earth to give away to lucky readers - see our competition on page 4 of this Issue.]
When you present your findings in todays often polarised climate of spiritual opinion and blinkered scientific community, how
The seven building blocks that you put forward that build transmutation ability are very centered on the individuals personal development. Is there a danger that this could become a self-involved ego trip and how could one guard against this?
We must always examine our reasons for getting involved in any spiritual path. My hope is that people attracted to the Medicine for the Earth work are attracted to it because they are not selfabsorbed and want to help the planet and all of life. I do write a few times in my book that I am not teaching people how to create more material wealth, or amass more personal power. That is not the point of this work.
Mystics for centuries have been able to transmute poison. If one mystic in all of time has been able to transmute poisons and make them neutral, then it means we all have the ability to do the same.
are they received - are you seen as a threat or crank? And can you give us examples of where transmutation has had a measurable physical effect? At this point I dont believe that l am being perceived as a threat. To avoid being seen as a crank I am working with physicists and chemists to show the scientific results of our work. After I wrote my book, I started some scientific experiments. I have been working with polluting de-ionised water (pure water with no minerals in it) with ammonium hydroxide, which is a common and dangerous pollutant in our environment. As ammonium hydroxide is a strong base, it is easy to check its presence with the use of pH strips, or a pH meter. With every group that has performed the ceremony work I describe in Medicine for the Earth the pH of the water has changed anywhere from 13 points in about 15-20 minutes. We always have a control and we also always cover the water. In one experiment we had water with ammonium hydroxide on one side of the altar and water with nitric acid on the other side. The pH of the ammonium went down two points and the pH of the nitric acid went up two points closer to neutral. Here is an analogy for pH change.
Sandra Ingerman, MA, is the author of Soul Retrieval, Welcome Home, A Fall to Grace, and Medicine for the Earth. She teaches workshops internationally on shamanic journeying, healing, and reversing environmental pollution using spiritual methods, and has trained and founded an international alliance of over 60 Medicine for the Earth Teachers. She is recognised for bridging ancient cross-cultural healing methods into our modern culture addressing the needs of our times and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Mental Health Counsellor. She will be teaching in the UK in Spring 2004: contact The Sacred Trust on (01736) 331 825 for more information. For information on her work visit her website: www.shamanicvisions.com/ingerman.html Sacred Hoop Magazine would like to thank Simon Buxton for his help with this interview. Images Nicholas Wood 2003.
How can we ensure that transmutation - indeed any spiritual power - is used in a creative and not destructive way? All spiritual power can be used to create or destroy. It has always been thus. The most important part of the work I am presenting is working on the self and finding your inner light and divine nature. I can only hope that when a person learns to transmute their negative thoughts and belief system, and find their own light and divinity and how they are connected to all living beings, they will only want to use spiritual practice to help all of life. In your view, what is the prognosis for our Mother Earth - can we act in time to clear up the damage we have already done, and prevent more happening in the future?
Remember that one of the principles I am teaching is that if you cant imagine the possibilities, then they wont manifest. I am committed to doing the work and getting as many people involved whose hearts move them in this direction. The spiritual work we
PAGE 9
When 8000 or more are gathered at the big blue crescent [Lake Baikal] there will be Peace on Earth.
Mayan Elders Prophecy.
THIRTEEN GODS AND THIRTEEN SHAMANS

This summer an Ongon ceremony took place on Olkhon Island in Siberia - the Shamans Island after an interruption of eighty years of communist rule. A new generation of Siberian shamans is now at work for their people and the well-being of the planet. GALINA VLADI was present and this is her account of this powerful and moving event.
As it sometimes happens with big events, comprehension of what happened on August 13th, 2003 on Olkhon Island at Lake Baikal in Siberia, came to me some time later. The significance and importance of the Ongon shamanic ceremony, which took place that afternoon on the island, grew bigger with time and distance. I had to fly back home to America and sit quietly for a few days in my mountain cabin before a complete and clear picture of the Siberian event came back to me. It became obvious that we couldn't overestimate the significance of the event: the first time after 80 years of Soviet oppression that a new generation of Siberian shamans performed the ancient ceremony on Olkhon - the Shaman's Island. The broken link between their ancestors and the thirteen gods of Lake Baikal was restored. According to the shamans' belief, there are superior gods and local gods (hati) who reside in particular areas. In Siberian legend, thirteen gods had chosen Lake Baikal as the place of their residence. This August, thirteen Siberian and Native American shamans came to Lake Baikal to pay respect to the thirteen gods and goddesses of the sacred lake. The shamans came to Olkhon Island to ask the gods for a simple teaching of how to help people and the planet in a time of despair. The island, which appeared as beautiful as it was peaceful, was waiting for us. The mountains and the water greeted us with a clear and crisp breath, but our hearts ached while observing the sacred land trashed with garbage. Our eyes filled with tears when we approached the sacred Shaman's Rock desecrated by the crowds of noisy tourists. Eighty years under the rule of communists left a noticeable mark on the sacred land. The sacredness of the island was ignored and the local shamans destroyed. The land and the people were mistreated and humiliated. At that time, the thirteen gods left their residence and sadly watched people and their deeds from above. We came to the island with respect and hope to restore communication with the gods. The next day after our arrival, the island's air grew thick with Siberian legends. An old professor of history from the Ulan-Ude University filled the sacred space with stories: Nobody knows when the thirteen gods
We were listening to the ancient stories near to the golden cliff. A long time ago it was the god's palace, that's why in those times, only shamans were allowed to enter the sacred space. People named the cliff Shaman's Rock. The ancient shamans paid respect to the god by performing ceremonies in his honour and sacrificing their best sheep for Khan Khato Babeya. He, in return, watched over the land and the people. On August 13th, three shamans - two men and a woman - were chosen to communicate with the gods, and other shamans were to assist with the ceremony. Birch trees, which are usually picked for the shamanic ceremonies because of their purity, were planted on the designated area. The trees formed a sacred grove, which would become the welcome place for the gods. A black male sheep was purchased from a local shepherd and the assisting shamans prepared the sheep for the sacred sacrifice. The new generation of shamans, who were bright and educated young people, precisely followed the procedure of their ancestors - their grandmother and grandfather shamans. Everything was ready for the ceremony. The trees of the sacred grove were adorned with silver and golden ribbons, the sheep was sacrificed and placed on the altar, and instructions were given to the rest of us on how to behave in the presence of gods. And then it began... A deep rhythmic sound of the shamans drums split the island's air. Shamans songs like an echo from their ancient homeland of Mongolia, gained power and rose up to the sky. The shamans were calling for the gods' attention, they were praising the gods and asking their forgiveness for humans ignorance. The wind, which was blowing the day before and in the beginning of the ceremony, had died. The island got quiet, listening. The shamans were drumming and singing tirelessly inside the yurt, inviting their ancestors to come and take part in our celebration. Their songs were awakening the spirits of the land. Minutes and hours passed by. Now, only one shaman, Bair, was singing.
The first drop of rain touched the ground and in the next few minutes it started to pour. An image of the white eagle flew before my eyes. And in the next moment, Bator, the assisting shaman ran out of the yurt with a quiet scream: He is here! The god!
chose Lake Baikal to be the place of their residence. he began. At that time, people were aware and respectful. The water of the lake was clear as tears, healing as medicine, and the people named their lake Baikal, which means a sacred sea. One of the gods, Khan Khato Babeya descended from the sky to Olkhon Island. He appeared to the people in the shape of a white eagle. When the eagle landed on the golden island's cliff, the people immediately recognised him as the son of god.
three shamans - two men and a woman - were chosen to communicate with the gods, and other shamans were to assist with the ceremony.
We came to the island with respect and hope to restore communication with the gods..... An old professor of history from the Ulan-Ude University filled the sacred space with stories: Nobody knows when the thirteen gods chose Lake Baikal to be the place of their residence. he began.....
Suddenly, his voice changed to much lower tones and became unrecognisable. The first drop of rain touched the ground and in the next few minutes it started to pour. An image of the white eagle flew before my eyes. And in the next moment, Bator, the assisting shaman ran out of the yurt with a quiet scream: He is here! The god! Which one? I asked Bator in a whisper. Himself, he answered. Khan Khato Babeya. A few minutes later, Bair showed up from the yurt and with the power and grace of a god, walked around the sacred grove. We dropped on our knees, and as instructed before the ceremony, we covered our faces with the hands, looking at the god through the spread fingers. The shamans were watching for the god's slightest gesture while listening carefully to his speech. A chair was brought, and Bair lowered himself down. In the tradition of Siberian shamanism,
shamans play a role of mediators between gods, nature spirits and people. The shamans offer their bodies to gods and spirits for their temporary residence. From the moment a god resides in the body of a shaman, the shaman himself falls into a state of deep trance. He doesn't belong to himself any longer. The god and only the god speaks through the lips of the shaman, looks through the shaman's eyes and walks with the shaman's feet. This metamorphosis is a highly mystical and absolutely amazing event in the Ongon ceremony. Later in the process of the ceremony, three more gods honoured the shamans with their visits. Khan Dalai Khatun, the goddess of Lake Baikal and also the wife of Khan Khato Babeya sang in a bird's voice through the woman shaman Bairma. The god of the Northern lands of Lake Baikal, Ergel Sagan Noiona, appeared through the shaman Bator. Big, with a striking appearance and with the power of a thunderstorm, he drained the shaman with his presence. So powerful was the god's presence that when he left, Bator - a strong and big man himself - almost collapsed to the ground. Towards the end of the ceremony, as a reminder that something important has to be accomplished at the other sacred place, the god of the Alhanai Mountains visited us briefly. Two years ago, when I was guided by the spirits to the Alhanai Mountains in Southern Siberia, I learned about the legend of the thirty-three shamans. A local healer brought me to the place where the shamans used to perform their ceremonies. I found that the place was
the gate to the parallel world and that the gate was closed. To reopen the gate, thirty-three shaman healers had to come to Alhanai and join their hands in the powerful ceremony by the gate. The legend said that the energy of the ceremony would bring peace to the planet. Thirteen gods of Lake Baikal used to perform their ceremonies by the gate to the parallel world. There was a direct connection between Olkhon Island and Alhanai. The ceremony ended late at night. An important message was received from the gods: A white road will be opened for the ceremony of the thirty three shamans when nine cleansing ceremonies have been performed on both the island and at the Alhanai Mountains. Another important message was for me: the next year, I was to bring the Great Eagle's shamanic staff to Olkhon Island. Two and a half years ago, the Great Eagle's staff initiated me as a shaman and revealed for me my Siberian mission. The staff has to travel a great distance from the Big Island of Hawaii to Olkhon Island. The next year, two Eagles will meet by the Shaman's Rock in Siberia. One of them is the Great Eagle of the Indians and the other one - a Siberian White Eagle, the son of god. After my arrival in the United States, one of my friends asked me a question, if our work would bring world peace. Yes, eventually it will, I responded. Our shamans work is a drop in the bucket of peace which has to be filled with many more drops. Hopefully, our work will eventually wake up people who are ignorant and disrespectful of the will of gods. Good changes always start with the rise of awareness, and we can expect that there will be more and more of us joining hands in the ceremonies of peace and respect. Siberians and Native Americans, and many other nations together will be cleaning the lands, planting trees and protecting waters and forests. Together we will be growing strong to stop the wars and the destruction of our planet. Together...
Since 2001, Galina Vladi has been working on the project Bringers of Ancestral Wisdom. To learn about her project as well as to read her story about the thirty-three shamans (Dreams and Reality. Siberian Summer with Shamans and the Mountain Spirits) please visit her website: www.parallelreality.org. SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003
Good changes always start with the rise of awareness, and we can expect that there will be more and more of us joining hands in the ceremonies of peace and respect.
PHOTOS: Page 12: the shaman's hut and compound with Lake Baikal and Shaman's Rock in the background. Olkhon Island. Page 13: (top) shaman, Bair-Ma, being supported by shaman, Marina, after channeling Spirit; (center) shaman, Bair-Ma, during trance; (bottom) shaman, Bator, channeling Spirit as group supports and listens. Page 14: (top) the shaman men descend to Shaman's Rock for prayers; (bottom) the group overlooking Shaman's Rock and Lake Baikal. Page 15: (top) shaman Valentin, welcoming the group to his community at Olkhon Island; (center) the shamans, Bator, 'The Professor', Bair, Vera and Sergei, with Galina Vladi; (bottom) Galina and other participants of the ceremony. Photos 2003 Debra Varner.
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?Suddenly he rises and begins to dance and spin. Whirling, the metal ornaments and mirrors clash and sing. On and on he dances until all at once the assistant offers him a cup of water...... and takes up the coat, pulls it gently from him, pulls the NICHOLAS WOOD drum from his trembling fingers into her own. She leaps up and begins to dance and the The costumes worn by shamans in Northern Europe and Siberia, from Finland to coat is singing with her, North of China and Kamchatka are seen as essential parts of their shamanic the and the shaman slumps to tradition. Made from combinations of fur and fine silks, and hung with bells, bronze mirrors, strips of cloth, metal fetishes of animals and other the floor by her feet. Now spirits, shells, glass beads and other items they are both the assistant pulls off the deeply symbolic of the shamans universe. The coat coat and she almost throws may be extremely heavy, with up to 45lb (100 it kilos) of iron amulets tied onto it. The coats also to the anthropologist..... act as containers for the power that the shaman Now the coat is pulled will draw upon in magical work. in turn from the By wearing a costume, a shaman not only is anthropologist and reminded of his magical universe, but is helped they call for a ?local?, to enter and become part of it. and a young woman A full costume is generally made up of rises, puts on the coat, three distinct parts, the coat, the mask or drums and dances. At head covering, and the boots. last the drumming falters to a close. The THE MASK AND CAP assistant and the One part of the costume which has been anthropologist adopted, at least in a simplified form, in the whisper more with the West, is the shamans mask. This, at its most slumped shaman. The basic, can be a bandanna wrapped over the eyes to shield them from the light of Ordinary Reality. Other young anthropologist traditional headgear is more complex, involving takes up the coat, heavy leather or cloth caps, with fringes that fall down with ribbons and fur and over the eyes. Sometimes these have small mirrors ornaments, heavy with attached to them to reflect the gaze of hostile power. He drags the coat spirits. over us. The ornaments, Some shamans also wear metal crowns on the fur are waterfalls of which are fixed large iron antlers and multicolored power. I sit and the power silk scarves. The scarves represent the rainbow up is poured over me. which the shaman travels to the Upper World. The I am blessed?. antlers are also said to represent the roots of the
COATS OF
MANY
SPIRITS
Karen Kelly. (Extract from an account of a shaman?s ceremony she took part in at Cambridge University in 1997, which appeared in Sacred Hoop Issue 18).
World Tree that connects the three layers of Creation.
SYMBOLS OF INITIATION The shamans coat is perhaps the most dramatic part of their costume. Generally made from animal hide, very often with the fur still attached, it often displays a skeleton design, for it is very common in shamanic initiations for the spirits to dismember the shaman and then put him or her back together again. This design not only symbolises the shamans own recreated skeleton, but also sometimes represents a half-human, half-animal skeleton, symbolising the half-human, half-animal nature of the shaman. Bird symbolism is a frequent feature of the design, and the silk or leather streamers that generally hang down from the coat are often seen as wings or feathers with which the shamans flies. MIRRORS, PROTECTION AND SEXUALITY
In Tuva the word for a shamans coat (kujak) is also the word for armour; part of its role is to protect the shaman from hostile spirits while he shamanises. The coat is generally hung with large numbers of bells, which are also often hung on their drums, as well as metal and wooden fetishes of animals and ancestors whose protection is being sought. Large Chinese bronze mirrors (toli) may form a part of this protection, and it is not uncommon to see a shamans coat hung with these, some of which are up to 2,000 years old, being traded for considerable distances across Southern Siberia. They are hung on the coat both to deflect the attack of hostile spirits, and also to act as a container, or home, for the shamans own helper spirits. Sometimes the clothes of the shaman are deliberately made in the style of those worn by the opposite sex, and male shamans might wear iron discs on the front of their coats to represent womens breasts. This is part of the worldwide tradition of transexual and transvestite shamans. The reason for the reversal of sexuality is complex. Sometimes it is seen as a response to the sex of the shamans helper spirits, sometimes as a response to the nature of the tribes creator god - if the creator god is androgynous then the shaman needs to display some of the traits of the opposite sex. It may also be a vestige of the idea that the first (and most powerful) shamans were women, and the male shamans are seeking to identify with them. BIRD AND ANIMAL SYMBOLS Small fetishes of animals and birds are worn to represent helper spirits, and parts of the animal itself may also be used. For instance, a Bear Shaman may have a dried bear paw tied to their coat, or a small mask representing the bears face made out of rawhide or metal. A deerskin coat may be worn when the shaman flies (rides on the back of a spirit reindeer) to the Upper World, or he may sit on a cushion of deerskin to represent that he is riding this magical being. Often eagle feathers will be worn to symbolise power (a custom most noted of course in Native American shamanic traditions), and some shamans wear a headdress of feathers that resemble the famous Native American eagle feather bonnets.
STAMPING WITH IRON BOOTS Some shamanic traditions also have specific types of boots that the shamans must wear. These are often similar to regular items from the culture, but may have to be decorated with specific colours, be made out of specific animal skins, or have other magical items sewn into them. Some shamans boots have to have soles made of iron, which the shaman uses to drive away hostile spirits by stamping his feet while wearing them. These ritual clothes, from such highly artistic and spiritually creative cultures, are a fabulous wealth of sacred art that todays Western shamanic practitioners can learn a great deal from.
PHOTOS Page 14: (top) Buryat shamans metal bear mask fetish; (centre) Evenki shamans coat, complete with bells and Chinese mirrors; ( bottom ) front and back views of an antique Chinese bronze mirror, the sort typically used for shamans costumes. Page 15: (top right) a Mansi tribe beaded collar and breastplate, the design on the breastplate represents the shamans ribcage; (centre) a coat belonging to a female shaman of the Tolfalar people, made from reindeer skin and embroidered with deer hair; (bottom left) Evenki shamans crown with iron deer antlers with cloth streamers; (bottom right) shaman with his drum. He is wearing a traditional mask with fringing that hangs down in front of his eyes.
SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42
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LARRY MERCULIEFF
of the Bering Sea Council of Elders shares his understanding of Eldership
WHO ARE THE
ELDERS?
E
lders and their wisdom are mentioned in many forums as native peoples speak. At such forums one often hears such things as: We must listen to the Elders, We need to ask the Elders, When the Elders speak, everyone listens, Respect the Elders. For those outside the native communities who do not see Elders acting in their own cultural context, it would be worthwhile to elaborate on who an Elder is. It is not possible to define an Elder, but it is possible to describe some of the attributes and qualities of an Elder. Defining an Elder, like defining a flower, the mountains, or something of beauty diminishes its quality and understanding of the experience. It is also important to note that this article is not intended to be a comprehensive dissertation on who, or what, an Elder is. It is intended to raise enough food for thought to provoke the reader into realising that working with native Elders requires understanding of cultural ways if the communications are to be effective and useful, and to realise that without this understanding, the information garnered from Elders may be taken out of context and have limited usefulness. Being recognised as
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an Elder is not necessarily a function of age as many assume. This assumption, although partially correct, is natural in that most of the Elders they observe as being called an Elder, are in their late 60s and older. This is probably because it usually takes six decades of living - or longer - to master the qualities demonstrated by Elders.
However, there are Elders who are in their late 40s and into their 50s, although they are the exception and not the norm. Out of respect, all individuals in their mid to late 60s and older are referred to as elders, with a small e. This is not to imply that they are less than those Elders with a big E, only different, and so all are treated with the same level of respect. But even to use a big or little E to discuss Elders is not a device an Elder would use. To an Elder, one does not single oneself out from the group. It is considered undignified. However the big and little e is used here solely for the purpose of discussion, in order to increase understanding by those who
Defining an Elder, like defining a flower, the mountains, or something of beauty diminishes its quality and understanding of the experience.
have no cultural context to know who an Elder is. By the same token, each culture has its own understanding of the Elder that must be respected, and these observations are only intended to be very general in nature. The emphasis any particular culture may place on any particular quality or trait of an Elder varies with each culture. What distinguishes the elder from the Elder are the qualities the person possesses and how the community regards this individual. In other words, an Elder is not designated by selfproclamation or achieving a certain age, but by recognition of the community. These are the individuals that the community looks to for guidance and advice (on major life-related issues affecting the community, family, or individual) because of the acknowledged wisdom and qualities of the person. The community recognises that the strengths and expertise of the Elders are different for each person, and so what is brought before an Elder depends on what each Elder feels they can provide. In other words, particular life issues are brought before particular Elders who have the strength and expertise in the issue at hand. The qualities Elders have in general include, but are not limited to: extensive knowledge of the traditional ways and practices, living in observance of the traditional teachings, non-attachment to ego, non-judgmental, unconditional love for all people, reverence for Mother Earth, having a profound knowing and understanding of spirituality and connectedness to all living things, selfrespect, self-love, humility, humour, self-responsibility, and patience. The degree to which any Elder may exhibit these qualities varies from individual to individual; however, they are all present to some degree. Rarely are Elders involved or engaged in divisive politics of any kind, be they personal, communal, or organisational, although they may choose to become involved if asked, and only if they believe their involvement will result in the good of the whole. Generally speaking, Elders do not choose to become involved or engaged if the issue or situation is created by someones (or some organisations) need for recognition, political power, or greed, or if it may hurt individuals and otherwise be disruptive to community harmony.
Similarly, they generally choose not to get involved in some issue if they believe they will not be earnestly listened to, or if they believe the individual or group is not mature enough to understand what they choose to say. To them, it would be wasted energy and time. The individual or group must be ready to listen. Significantly, Elders prefer to be visited in their homes or as a group rather than be asked to present at some formal meeting. A formal meeting is not a way they experience and understand effective communications and relationship. And personal relationship is important to the quality of communication that takes place. Sitting down for tea, or in a storytelling circle is an excellent opportunity to listen to the stories and wisdom all elders have to offer. Elders are people of few words because they choose their words carefully; however, in group contexts, the Elder may speak
extensively. Each gesture and intonation of words contain information that enhances the communication. Frequently they may make a point or statement about something through the use of stories. It may be a personal anecdote, or a traditional story. It may take time to relay these stories with the integrity the Elders have been taught, and even more time when translations of their words are necessary. For Elders, much is lost of the essence of their words when it is necessary to translate what they say into English. Even so, they will choose to speak if they believe that the gist of what they are saying can be effectively translated. Much of what determines the degree of Elder involvement in a gathering, meeting, or conference may depend on the quality of the interpreter as well as the nature of the gathering. Elders rarely speak of spiritual matters even though it is at the heart of
Sitting down for tea, or in a story telling circle is an excellent opportunity to listen to the stories and wisdom all elders have to offer.
Traditional ways respect the process of each individual to find their own answers, with some guidance from cultural ways and the wisdom of the Elders To answer every question may interfere with the life process of another
invariably are those who, having been indoctrinated in certain organised religious ways, label the traditional spiritual ways as pagan, the ways of the devil, etc. Frequently, prayers to the Spirits and aspects of Creation are interpreted (by those who do not understand usually from industrialised societies or from natives having adopted the ways of industrialised societies) as worship of parts of our physical universe and therefore the individual and their ways are ignorantly condemned. Scientists and environmental organisations seeking information about the environment and wildlife through use of Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom, have difficulty understanding how this way of knowing and spirituality
their own wisdom and ways of knowing. This is not so much due to any taboo, but because they understand that if the individual or group has not experienced the spiritual, one cannot use words to describe it enough to create understanding. The spiritual must be experienced, not taught. Also, Elders know that some people are not ready to hear of the way they live their spirituality and therefore may be quick to judge and criticise. Much of the native spiritual ways have been, and are, grossly misunderstood and misinterpreted by those who do not already have an inner knowing and experience of the spiritual. When traditional forms of spirituality are expressed by word or actions, there
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are connected - one cannot do without the other. And so scientists and environmentalists reveal their difficulties with these ways by eliminating the word Wisdom when referring to this way of knowing, and call it instead, traditional knowledge, or traditional ecological knowledge. The Wisdom part of this term connotes that something else exists besides simply knowledge. Wisdom comes from a different place than mind or brain and it is more than simply information transferred from one person to the next. To native peoples wisdom comes from the heart and the heart is the bridge into the spiritual and the divine in Creation. Those who seek information from native peoples, but do not understand what is
meant by this kind of spirituality, tend to always focus on what they can understand the scientific, the physical, observable universe. Scientific reports utilising information provided by native peoples typically exclude any mention of the spiritual aspects, and thus the information is out of context. Defacto, this focus diminishes the essence of Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom and what the Elders are saying. This fact is not lost on the Elders, and therefore they are careful as to what they reveal to those who do not understand these ways. As an additional challenge, it is the Elders experience that the young, and those indoctrinated to be goal-focused, are impatient and want to get to the point quickly. Elders understand that process is more important than goal if one is to achieve a proper result, and so they focus on the process. They will know if these ways are not honoured in any conference or meeting, and thus may limit their participation or not participate at all. Generally, the ways of people from Western society are to ask a lot of questions, and talk more than listen. It is not the way of the native elders as a whole. Asking a lot of questions interrupts whatever the Elder is expressing, demonstrates lack of critical thinking - in that the person wants to get answers from another - and demonstrates lack of understanding of cultural ways of knowing. Traditional ways respect the process of each individual to find their own answers, with some guidance from cultural ways and the wisdom of the Elders. To answer every question may interfere with the life-process of another. Frequently the types of questions that are asked of Elders, the issue of concern, or the motivation and purpose for the questions presented by Westerners are considered not relevant, or foolish, and the Elders may respond accordingly. Elders, for example, may not think it relevant to discuss specifics about the percentage of decline of some animal species, because numbers by themselves tell nothing about what is causing the problems. Similarly, Elders may think it foolish for scientists to seek out singular causes for wildlife decline since they understand the profound
mistakes made by past generations. Our Elders have survived all types of oppression, war, famine and disease. It is said that Even the loss of one Elder at this time is like an entire library lost. For this reason many cultures developed oral traditions to transfer the life learning of past generations to each new generation. It is how Alaska Native and many other groups were able to survive and thrive for hundreds of generations. And yet Elders are frequently the silenced segment of many communities. Many Elders lament that younger generations no longer have respect for Elders, and they have forgotten how to listen.
Larry Merculieff is at present Independent Consultant - Seven Generations Consulting Coordinator, Bering Sea Council of Elders. He has over 35 years experience serving his people, the Aleuts of the Pribilof Islands and other Alaska Native peoples in a number of leadership capacities. Larry is the founder and co-ordinator of the Bering Sea Council of Elders. The Council, composed of some of the most revered Elders in seven regions of Alaska is focused on the health of the Bering Sea ecosystem and the viability of the coastal and river cultures dependent on it. Contact: lmerculieff@netscape.net Tel: (001 from the UK) (907) 258 9940
Many Elders lament that younger generations no longer have respect for elders, and they have forgotten how to listen.
interconnectedness and mystery of all things in Creation. Elders may think it foolish for someone to believe they can predict what is going to happen in the future with a particular wildlife species in order to do something to control the outcome. However, the Elders will not express such sentiments because they consider it rude and undignified. For these reasons Elders will ask the researcher for their purpose in asking the questions - to assess the level of the individuals understanding of things, and the value and relevance of the research. By the same token, talking more than listening is indicative of the fact that the person is thinking about his or her point or question, while trying to listen, and this is not considered listening by the Elders. It demonstrates that the person is more concerned about getting their question or issue answered, than to listen to whatever may be offered. For these and other reasons, Elders
are extremely reticent in expressing how their ways of knowing are connected to the spiritual, or to collaborate fully with the researchers and politically motivated individuals. It is an unfortunate situation because until there is a safe enough place for Elders to express what they know and how they know in their own cultural ways, they communicate only part of the vast wisdom that can be available, or the communication touches only the surface of the issue. It is an obstacle that must be dealt with organisationally and personally by those of Western society who seek Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom to help in scientific research or environmental restoration. Elders have rich life experiences that can benefit younger generations, and most Elders are earnestly ready to share their life lessons and their wisdom. Indeed, it is said that if we do not know our history, we are doomed to repeat the
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the Rainbow Serpent

JAN ADAMSON pays tribute to the passing of a very special Australian Aboriginal Grandmother, LORRAINE MAFI-WILLIAMS, and witnesses how the fragile chain of ancestral knowledge can be broken
In June I returned to the place of my birth, Perth in Western Australia. I wanted to touch the land again and to feel its dreaming spirit. It was also in tribute to Lorraine Mafi-Williams who came twice to Britain, once in 1990 and again in 2000 at our invitation. In 1990 I had joined others to be part of a teaching week at Penwith in West Cornwall. Her warmth, wisdom and humour touched me deeply, and the times we shared were precious. SEEKING RECONCILIATION In 2000, we were able to invite Lorraine to come again to Britain, this time to Rhosyn Gwyn in West Wales. In the early dawn, she sang in her language a greeting to trees and ancestors, sun, sky and animals. The dawn chorus seemed to sing back to her, welcoming her into the land. Her work here was twofold she came with her ancestors to find reconciliation with the ancestors of this land, the men and women who had travelled to Australia in the early days of settlement, a time of massacre and clearing of the indigenous people. In finding reconciliation, Lorraine hoped to enable the return of the bones of her people from the museums and galleries where they have been held. She also came to secure thirty acres of land in Australia, a place of womens healing where the ancestors remain, a place of ti tree lakes, beautiful bush and rolling ocean. Her dream was to formally establish a place of teaching and healing for people of all races, where the elders could come and bring their wisdom, where children could learn
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HOLDING
some of the ancient ways of being on the land. Her presence here was a gift beyond measure, a time of profound learning. As I stood before her, I could sense her lineage and the knowledge held, stretching far back in an unbroken line. It was as if she became the mirror for others, revealing our ancestral connections, illuminating and restoring lost fragments of knowledge. Her work to secure the sanctuary land took us from Members of Parliament to St. James Palace. Lorraine was accompanied by her fifteenyear-old grandson Albert, a fun-loving, carefree young boy, very much into rap and devoted to his grandmother. He was delight to be with. A SCATTERED FAMILY Sadly, Lorraine passed into Spirit the following year, just before her land claim was to be heard. We continued to hold her dream for the land, hoping that another would step forward to take on the work. In 2003, it felt time to travel back to Australia, to find out more about progress with the land claim, and to check on Albert, who we knew would have been devastated by his grandmothers death. He and his two sisters had lived with Lorraine for most of their lives, and after her passing, all were evicted from the home they had shared with her. We caught up with Albert at Byron Bay, a place of dolphins, beautiful sunsets over amazing mountains, a recent influx of yuppies, and every New Age therapy possible. Instant enlightenment and empowerment was
offered on numerous noticeboards. The few Aboriginal people to be seen were in small groups by the beach, in the park or by the railway station. We met River, an old friend of Lorraines, and through him, finally met up with Albert. He had lost a huge amount of weight, and with it had gone the softness of youth. He was sleeping rough with some of the other young boys in the scrub near the beach. It was winter and cold and wet; they had no cover. Police patrolled their meeting places and the fear of jail was ever present. We bought some clothes for Albert, since his were in holes, and he asked if he could have the receipt because the police would accuse him of shoplifting. In New Age love-and-light Byron, racism was rampant. Yet in their small groups there was clearly great affection and care. As we searched for Albert, they had welcomed us in into their circles, sharing stories and time together. Albert still shone with an extraordinary lightness and it was hard to witness the way of his life. He wants to learn to read and write, to work with his music, and we are looking for ways to help him in this. In the week we were in Byron, Lorraines thirty acres of sanctuary land was turned over to the National Parks authority. Although it was not the best outcome in many ways, at least for now, it was the best possible. When we visited the land, it was as if she was still singing it - abundant bird
When we visited the land, it was as if she was still singing it .... and the bush was vibrant in colour and extraordinary beauty.
song greeted us, sea eagles flew a few feet above us, and the bush was vibrant in colour and extraordinary beauty. A single prayer flag still fluttered in a tall eucalyptus where her camp had been. Some friends took us to Lorraines grave high in the mountains, a place where the Elders of her tribe are also buried. TENDING THE FIRE I think it was here that it really hit me. The Elders were dying out, and much of their knowledge with them. Perhaps in the more remote parts of Australia it is different, but it is hard for the young people to find their way without access to sacred sites and rites of initiation. Although the kinship of family is still strong, and sharing and community are very much the way, the knowledge of law and lore is becoming more fragmented. I wondered who would sing to maintain the ti-tree lakes now, and who would honour the secret places where the ancestors are buried. I wondered who would teach the children of the holding of the Rainbow Serpent and the ways of healing with herbs and shrubs. I was reminded of the teachings of Fire in Western Australia. Maintaining the fire at a campsite is a responsibility, part of care for community and land. A stranger can be invited to sit at anothers campfire, and this is one level of meeting. When the stranger offers to put wood on the fire, it expresses a willingness to share the responsibility for land and community. And if the stranger is invited to put wood on the fire, it is an invitation to be part of the caring for land and community. I thought of the many Elders that I, and others in the West, have been privileged to meet - Elders from North and South America, from Britain and Australia. I thought how similar it is to sitting by their campfire, invited as strangers to listen and to learn. They come to remind us of that which we have forgotten, of caring and responsibility for land, lore, families and our own spirits. But these Elders will not be around forever and now, more than ever, it is time to put their teachings into practice, to dare to tend the fire, and find our way of sharing the caring and responsibility for self and family, land and community, and on the larger scale for earth and humanity.
Jan Adamson and Desiree Emery offer teachings based on the Native American Medicine Wheels. They also include teachings from other traditions, including the Aboriginal and those of this land. They are Care-Takers of Rhosyn Gwyn in West Wales, a place of Sanctuary where indigenous Elders can come to share their teaching and their wisdom. They show ways of returning to our own roots, of honouring our Ancestors and the land itself. Jan can be contacted at: Rhyd-yr-Onw, Rhos, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire, West Wales. SA44 5HF UK. Tel (01559) 371 109 PHOTOS: Opposite: Lorraine Mafi-Williams and grandson, Albert. Above: Lorraine with her sanctuary land. Left: Lorraine and Diane Snow at Ti Tree Lakes sanctuary Land, Byron Bay. Below: Lorraines camp on the sanctuary land, 1999.
GRANDMOTHER
SURAJ HOLZWARTH
DRUM
There is a spiritual healing and alignment related to male-female relationships, power and racial healing prophesied to take place for Earth peoples in the next ten years. The Grandmothers say that at this critical time on earth humanity needs a great wake up to remember how to live as real human beings, and it is up to the people of this generation. They remind us that we are all one family, that Mother Earth is our one country, and that peace and freedom are the birthright of all humanity. Our Elders teach that the current state of our human family has little to do with one person, but reflects our collective consciousness that has forgotten how to love, forgotten that we are all one people, and how to live as a family on this heavenly planet. The choice in these times - and the choice always - is simply to respond to life
Co-director of The Whirling Rainbow Center in Anchorage, Alaska, tells the story of a seven-foot diameter drum that was birthed in a tipi in Alaska and which now carries its message of peace, unity and healing around the world.
I pledge Mother Earth as my one country, I pledge humanity as my one people, I pledge Life as my religion, I pledge Love as my prayer, I pledge Peace and Freedom as my birthright and the birthright of all humanity, My heart beats with all my Relations.
Ring of Fire Tour pledge
with either love or fear. Whatever we place our attention on will grow. This is simply spiritual law. Our Elders say the longest journey we ever make is from the head to the heart. When the people of diverse cultures are beating together around the seven-foot thundering heartbeat of the Grandmother Drum, they remember who they are, and what is really important, caring, sharing and respecting one another. Experiencing the voice of Grandmother Drum is electrifying she is absolutely contagious! THE DRUMS SACRED PURPOSE I have been working with drums since I was a child and traditional drums for about fifteen years. From all the dreams and visions I knew that the Grandmother Drum was to be very sacred, to be the heartbeat of all tribes, and I knew it was to be an
interactive 'world drum' dedicated to promoting the healing of all Earth's children. However, I still consider myself an apprentice to the Grandmother Drum. I have worked with her since her birth two years ago and the more I learn, the less I know about the language of love she speaks through these healing activations. She is not really a drum, she is the very living, beating voice of life, of love, the voice of our ancestors. People are transformed within hours around her. For me, I consider myself working with an Enlightened Master. And since Grandmother Drum's birth we have been inundated with requests to visit people all over the world, to bring the special healing voice of the drum to communities and individuals in celebration of life and to strengthen our connection with each other. Her actual birth came on June 5, 2001, after many months of prayer, ceremony and physical labour by the Alaskan community where I live. Each step of the building of the Grandmother Drum has been guided by prayer, ceremony, and healing meditations for the continents of earth. A DESIGN OF DREAM AND CEREMONY The design of the drum was given in dreams. I was simply to make what I had been shown. The drum base would be a bowl seven feet in diameter made up of six layers of thin wood strips. The two inner layers of yellow cedar, two of Alaska birch in the middle and two of red cedar on the outside. Each layer would represent one continent of Mother Earth, and the base cork of the drum would represent the seventh, the one that binds us together. The woods used in its construction were carefully chosen and during each layer prayers and ceremonies were conducted. We were assisted in the practical construction by Mark Schoenhard, a dedicated and skilled craftsman, and the work was accomplished with the hands of many local people. We began with a blessing ceremony in Chickaloon, Alaska, on May 13, 2000. It was a beautiful day and Elders from many traditions were present, and there were delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Europe, Africa and Asia. Lakota pipe carriers blessed the gathering with a pipe ceremony. Everyone blessed the wood, the animals, the people and the land that would create the Grandmother Drum over the next few months. Elders spoke about the power of the drum and how to remember the way of the true human being in these changing times. I shared how I had received the Grandmother Drum in dreams for over ten years, and Larry Merculieff (Aleut), told of prophecies of the Hopi and Maori that a great healing would come from the North at this time that the Hopi call the 'World of the Fifth Hoop'. The first of many songs we received for the Grandmother Drum were sung, along with many other offerings of song and music. Then in mid-July, nearly 1500 lbs of yellow and red cedar were brought to the tipi in Chickaloon, where the Grandmother Drum was to be born. A sacred fire burned throughout the day and a welcoming ceremony was held for the wood. As the ceremony ended that evening, a huge thunder and lightning storm lit up the entire Matanuska Valley. This is a rare occurrence in Alaska and the local people claimed they had never seen anything like it. In some native traditions, the fire sticks (or lightning bolts) are a rare gift from Father Sky to Mother Earth and it is considered to be their divine mating dance. They also tell us that we are being charged with the energy needed to create whatever intention we have. A week later the tipi was blessed, and gifts, prayers and songs were offered to the guardian spirits of the land and to the ancestors to ask their help in awakening the vision of the Grandmother Drum, and we welcomed the Eight Directions and Guardians. To begin making the drum base, we first had to build a frame, over which we could glue the hundreds of strips of wood in layers. Soon the first layer of 175 strips of yellow cedar was finished and we could see the shape of the Grandmother Drum.
The drum bowl has seven layers of wood, representing the seven continents of Mother Earth, each stage of the building has been guided by prayer, ceremony and healing meditations for the different areas of the world
SYMBOL OF HEALING Two weeks after completing the second layer, guidance was received to paint the symbol of the triple spiral onto the drum between the second and third layers of the bowl. Not only were we to paint the symbol, but also to inlay it with 200 rose and clear quartz crystals. Elders teach that the Rock People are the keepers of memory and assist in the healing and activation of body memory. This triple spiral pattern is actually a matrix of the chakras or energy centres of the human energy field, and when the pattern is activated through specific drumming techniques, the crystals of Grandmother Drum transmit a high frequency healing tone, enabling a deep healing of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies.
completed the 'skeleton' of the drum. This skeleton would help to ground the energy of the sound produced by the drum. As my twelve-year-old daughter Sierra and her friend Sheena De Montfort glued the final pieces of the fifth layer, thousands of sandhill cranes flew through the dusk overhead in formation. That was a sure sign that winter was now with us. We finished the sixth - red cedar layer on Boxing Day and then put in place the birch plug or 'cork' which strengthened the base and provided a platform on which to mount the final, 'activating' crystal, similar to the motherboard of a computer. COMPLETING THE BOWL It was on January 22 that the drum was turned face-up for the first time in nine months. As the womb of the drum opened to the sky, we gathered in the glow of candlelight in silent awe of her beauty and resonance and an amazing presence that filled the entire tipi. On the very next day after Grandmother Drum was placed the right way up, word came that a bull moose hide was being gifted from interior Alaska. Our guess had been right and the timing was absolutely perfect! THE DRUM HEAD For stretching a drum head of this size we certainly needed the help of experts, so we put the call out and a special ceremony was held to ask for the kind of expertise needed. Once again Spirit was asked for what was needed. We didn't have to wait long, for the following day drum-making expert Gerry Brock showed up from Minnesota at one of the Centre's local drum classes, and he offered to be our guide. Gerry joined in a ceremony to honour the animal whose hide was to be used and soon the hide of the 2002lb bull arrived, and we began preparing it. Three metal rings had to be welded that would stretch the hide across the seven foot diameter. Again we were blessed as both rings and the specialist welding of the twenty-foot hoops were donated. WORLD-WIDE SUPPORT Throughout the whole building process a growing network of people from all over the world were taking a keen interest in the project, giving help and support with fundraising and meeting the practical needs as well as sharing meditation and ceremony. We received
Elders teach that the Rock People are the keepers of memory and assist in the healing and activation of body memory . . . the crystals of Grandmother Drum transmit a high frequency healing tone, enabling a deep healing of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies.
VISITING CREATURES One evening, shortly after finishing the first layer, a spider spun a web from the sacred buffalo skull hung in the centre of the tipi, to the centre of the drum base. Later that week, while working on the second layer, three grasshoppers came and jumped into the centre of the base of the drum. On several mornings at the end of August, as we were working on the third layer of wood strips, a large bull moose stood in front of the door of the tipi. On another occasion Moose also appeared at the East side of the tipi as we were holding a silent heart meditation. In the middle of January, as we were getting set to put the final piece of the drum bowl in place, a moose made trails around the tipi in all Four Directions. From this we guessed that the skin for the drumhead could well be a gift from the moose nation! WINTER APPROACHES In Fall the aspen trees round the tipi turned yellow gold and the Chugach Mountains got their first dusting of what in Alaska we call 'termination dust' the first snows that mark the end of summer. Now we were keeping warm in the tipi with the help of a small wood stove. We begun the fourth layer in September, and this
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many wonderful gifts, including a rug for the tipi when the weather got really cold! We kept people regularly updated through 'Heartbeat', the project online newsletter, and were able to display a growing gallery of beautiful photos that clearly showed how the construction was progressing. But all through this amazing flow of energy the Grandmothers taught us not to get ahead of ourselves, but to do that which is in front of us. We have understood from them that when a vision is in alignment with Spirit and comes from the heart, it takes off on its own, and all the details will be handled. All we need to do is show up, listen with all our senses to the messages within and around, and act on them. MARCH OF PEACE At noon on June 5, 2001, Grandmother Drum opened for the 'One Family, One Earth Million Prayer March' ceremony and celebration in Palmer, Alaska. A million rainbow coloured flags had been made, each with a prayer for peace written on them by people all over the world and strung together. At noon on each of the four days of the March one of the Four Directions was honoured, starting at the North, the place of Elders and Ancestors, the Wisdom-keepers of all people of Earth. At each Direction the people of different races were also honoured. The vision of the Grandmother Drum was to travel wherever she was invited for healing and
celebration. So as invitations and requests flowed into the Whirling Rainbow Centre, so a tour was planned to include personal and community healing ceremonies, workshops and interactive gatherings. THE RING OF FIRE TOUR Our first Ring of Fire Australia Tour began in June
a growing network of people from all over the world were taking an interest .. giving help and support with fundraising and meeting practical needs
2002, with a three-month trip journey around the country. If you look on a world map and follow with your eyes the edges of the land around the Pacific Ocean, you will see the area called the 'Ring of Fire' by geographers and traditional people alike. It includes areas of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington State, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Chile, Colombia, and Central America. The 'Ring of Fire' has active vents and volcanoes through which our Earth releases her creative life force energy. The Ring of Fire is a key site in the opening of Mother Earth's womb and the healing prophesied to take place for Earth peoples in the next ten years. During the tour, specific drumming activations take place in sacred sound chambers (caves) and volcanic areas along Mother Earths Ring of Fire to assist in a graceful transition for the Earth and her children during a time known by many spiritual traditions as one of great purification and healing. Our Elders told us that Australia is
the womb of Mother Earth and is the oldest land on Earth. The Elders teach that all life is dreamed through this land into the physical world, and that at this time that the Hopis call the World of the Fifth Hoop, the Age of Peace and Illumination will be birthed from the ancient womb of Australia. The Wiradjuri Aboriginal Elders confirmed what our Elders were saying. We made powerful connections and shared gatherings and ceremonies with the Aboriginal, Maori (New Zealand) and European peoples living all over the country. The Grandmother Drum travelled in style on the back of a truck we named 'Waltzing Matilda' and we visited the outback deserts, rainforests, oceans, mountains and Uluru (Ayers Rock), the very heart of the continent. AUSTRALIAN DREAMING What always stands out is the Australian people and their overwhelming sense of community. After our Australia Tour in 2002, the communities worked hard to bring us back again in 2003. We have travelled over 30,000 kilometres visiting with communities. The people there are working with sincere hearts at a grass roots level on reconciliation in their own communities, to heal and to bring the communities together and stronger. Our Elders teach that each race, Red, Yellow, Black and White were each given the responsibility to be the keepers of one of the four sacred elements. The white and black communities of Australia are realizing the unique gifts that Creator gave them and how, by sharing these gifts with one another, they all become stronger. We all become stronger. The Aboriginal people have understood the power of the Dreamtime for thousands of years and know the power we all have to manifest our dreams. STARTING WITH THE SELF Our work is the same wherever we go. We work with the local communities with reconciliation, cultural enhancement, international cross-cultural relations, empowerment of youth and Elders, and healing of the land. The Grandmothers say that nothing can be created on the outside until it is created on the inside. So we start with individuals, face-to-face and heart to heart. We also work with communities doing the same. The Grandmothers say that once we align ourselves, then we can work with our communities and with the healing of Mother Earth. Those are our three key relationships, self, community (or family) and Mother Earth. CREATING MORE DRUMS Indigenous peoples cross-culturally have always seen the drum as sacred and as the very heartbeat of
The circle of frequent volcanic and earthquake activity that runs through Alaska and around the Pacific rim through which Mother Earth releases her creative life force energy.
community. The Grandmothers told us that eventually there would be a sacred drum with this vision on each continent. We have recently had a request to assist in building another large sacred drum in England. This would allow for healing activations to be linked up around the world creating a world-wide beat, pulsing love through Mother Earth's veins through her very ley lines, or dreaming tracks. FUTURE PLANS The Grandmother Drum's Ring of Fire Tour is guided by our Elders and Grandmothers and when we receive the messages of where we are to go next, we don't worry about the details, we say yes and allow Spirit to assist us. We are now being given clear guidance that the next part of the World Tour will be in England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland in 2004. We have just released a CD so people can experience the crystaline healing activations of Grandmother Drum. We are also working on a multimedia production that will bring ancient wisdom to a contemporary stage, inspiring people to be the change they wish to see in their communities. As Jan Phillips recently shared, No matter what our attempts to inform, it is our ability to inspire that will turn the tides. GETTING INVOLVED Our website has many ways you can get involved in the work. You can join our Heartbeat newsletter and keep posted on our Ring of Fire World Tour. The Baby Drum Project (details on the website) is a vision of having a Million Hearts/Drums for Peace. By purchasing one of the Baby Drums, small versions of Grandmother Drum, you can participate in your own home in our worldwide drumming activation vigils throughout our Ring of Fire Tour. Heartbeat will also keep you posted on other international gatherings, workshops and ceremonies in your area.
Page 23: (top) blessing ceremony at the start of the drum making; (centre images) clamping the first layer in place; (bottom) Mark Schoenard gluing strips. Page24: (top) view of drum together with buffalo skull seen from above, showing triple spiral design; (bottom) Sierra Holzwarth and Sheena De Montfort finishing the fifth layer. Page 25: (top) Nondalton Athabascan children drumming at the drum inaugural ceremony, August 2002 [photo: Bill Hess]; ( bottom ) Multicultural Interactive Performance Concert, Burleigh Heads, Queensland, May 2003 Australian Ring of Fire Tour [photo: Tarika Lea]. Page 26: (bottom) Arrente Aboriginal child. Page 27: ( top ) Arrente Aboriginal community; ( bottom ) Anmatayerre Aboriginal Grandmother Marietta waves to the crowd from Grandmother Drum float at the Anzac Parade, Alice springs, NT Australia with ( from left ) Ali, Suraj and Maori Grandmother Dorothy Wolfinger. The float won Best Community Float in the parade! [p.27 photos: Tarika Lea]
Next year Grandmother Drum is coming to the UK in June with opening ceremonies at the Globe Theatre, London. For this event and those worldwide, along with updates on the recent tour and a magnificent photo journal of the building of Grandmother Drum, visit the Whirling Rainbow Centre website: www.whirlingrainbow.com
PHOTOS: Page 22: (top) Suraj Holzwarth working on the fifth layer of the drum; (centre) tipi at Anchorage, Alaska, where the drum was made; ( bottom ) Suraj playing Grandmother Drum in Australia.
building an
EARTH WOMB
MIEKE VAN DER MEER realised her vision by creating the meeting centre Baba Jaga at Roodeschool in the Netherlands, where together with her daughters she meets people from many different cultures. Here she describes the building of a traditional earth-covered ceremonial sweat lodge
Ron Evans and Jos Brown came together with Mieke van der Meer at the Baba Jaga centre, to build the earth sweat lodge. Ron is a revered traditional Chippewa-Cree storyteller from Canada. He tells his stories with great humour and a sense of empathy with the particular audience he is with. The sweat lodge ceremonies that he runs are likewise gentle and encompass the needs of those taking part. Jos was originally an English designer who gave up everything to train and study with indigenous teachers. The purpose of a sweat lodge ceremony is to cleanse the emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of the body, to help us reconnect with our inner self. In the ceremony, stones that have been heated to the point of glowing in a nearby fire are brought into the centre of the lodge and the lodge is then closed up so that the participants inside can experience the intense heat, and sweat out impurities of body mind and spirit. This makes a deep spiritual connection with Mother Earth and their own essence. To begin with, the old sweat lodge was ritually dismantled, to the sound of Jos and Ron singing sacred songs, and the ground was purified. Then the building of the new lodge began. This was to be a traditional Chippewa-Cree earth lodge, the first one that Ron had built in Europe. The new lodge was begun at its central point, with the digging of the stone pit, the circular hole where later our ancestors (the stones that have been collected to heat in the fire) would be placed. Next a row of holes was made around the stone pit in which willow branches were placed to support the roof. The first willow branch was bent in an East-West direction, marking where the door would later take shape. As more willow was pushed into the holes the frame slowly took shape. From the door, where the earth within was stamped flat, a framework of willow was woven to form the upturned basket structure that would eventually support the earth and grass covering. Row upon row, the branches were threaded in and out of the uprights, co-operating, binding, literally building with the elements. In the same way that the branches slowly wove together, the people within the group also began to feel more and more in touch with each other, and there
was a growing sense of pride in the structure. They encouraged each other, laughing and taking pleasure in the ancient shape that was growing beneath their hands. Everybody was welcome, the children, the dog, and a rocking chair was even fetched from the attic for pregnant Franciose, who was organising the food and drink. There was a deepening sense of anticipation for the coming ritual, and the health and well-being of Franciose would be remembered in the ceremony along with
entered with humility, on hands and knees. To finish off the roof, mud and sections of grass turf were laid over the willow frame, the roots and the growing grass forming a natural green coat that blended with the surrounding garden. As the roof was being covered, others were building a fire to heat the stones in, and the children enjoyed helping to choose stones and mixing the loam and earth! While the fire was built, the ancestor stones were placed in their nest of kindling and wood
The purpose of a sweat lodge ceremony is to cleanse the emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of the body and to help connect with our inner self.
The door was made low to the ground, in the traditional manner, so that this sweat lodge, which would represent the universal womb, could only be entered with humility, on hands and knees.
prayers for the healthy development and birth of her baby. Ron told the group You have to learn to pay attention. We learned what it means to be patient and respectful respect for ourselves, the stone people, the trees, the yielding willow - in short for all that is. Next, more interior poles were placed to strengthen the construction, bracing the roof against the weight of the earth that it would soon be supporting. The door was made low to the ground, in the traditional manner, so this sweat lodge, which would represent the universal womb, could only be laying patiently until it was time to light it..... All was now ready.
The next sweat lodge ceremony led by Ron Evans will take place on the 3rd and 4th of October. Children are welcome. To find out more contact Mieke at www.baba-jaga.nl or by phone +31596516888. Photos NETpanther, Allister Drummond, email: info@netpanther.com For more articles on sweatlodges see Sacred Hoop Issue 27
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In the First World we have lost touch with the ages of humani stages through which we need to be initiated and welcomed by our One of the key stages is that of being a Grandfather or Grandmo This age creates community, but becoming older is increasingly a loss of status and diminishing funds, rather than the empowering . should be
FOUNDATION of COMMUNITY
NICK CLEMENTS has worked in the community as an artist and ceremonialist for many years and has recently been exploring the role of the Grandfather in community rites of passage
The human race is at present facing the challenge of taking responsibility for how we live together and with all our relations in Creation. My belief is that as a race we are just finishing the teenage stage of development - we have kicked against our ancestors, we have taken drugs, we are indulging in aggressive and untidy behaviour. However, we are also starting to face up to the consequences of our actions. The human race needs a huge rite of passage into adulthood, so who will provide it? With the loss of many traditional rituals around the world that marked this passage for individuals, we are ill-prepared to take on this vast step of global responsibility, especially here in the First World. The phenomenal changes in the last fifty years alone - the increase of communications technology, scattered family, and multi-choice lifestyles mean we have lost the ability to create mentors and role models that previously guided us through this human journey of life. And so we are progressing through our different life stages, each with different tasks and experiences, in the best way we can, in a haphazard and fragmented fashion. RESTORING COMMUNITY In our culture we are not initiated or blessed into the different ages; as a result we may find ourself in several stages at the same time. For instance, a man may have achieved a sense of his grandfather role through his work, by employing people and creating work for others, but he may still be a teenager when it comes to his
relationships with women. Or a woman may have successfully let go of her grown-up children, cutting the apron strings, but feel like a child herself when faced with her ageing parents. All this personal uncertainty deeply effects the underlying foundations of our wider community. It is possible, however, for us to come together for a short time, a weekend or for a few days, to create a brief community and achieve such blessing. If we are prepared to commit ourselves to this process, we can retrospectively initiate ourselves into the correct age. This is essential work, as an uninitiated grandfather cant initiate a boy into manhood; he has to have experienced it for himself. CO-CREATION PROCESS I have been working with all ages, on community art projects, for many years and more recently with groups of men seeking rites of passage. From this personal experience and that of the men I have worked with, I know about some of the challenges this work entails. But how can one sense what is needed and what is appropriate in this very muddled social situation? My own approach, and that of my wife Manda, who works with womens initiatory groups, is to use a process we call cocreation. Co-creation allows all those participating to feel valued and honoured, for everyone to gain a sense of ownership and pride from the ceremony. This can only be achieved by having the time and space to hear everyone. Once they have been heard, they can then add their part to the whole, and they are able to see how the whole could not exist without their input, however small it may seem. This, as ever, means that the whole is far greater than its parts, and that each ceremony or ritual is different and unique. It is the opposite of the pyramidical structure of our society, the opposite of the guru approach. Co-creation is not the easy option, it is not wishy-washy or loose, it needs to be held correctly and trust is a huge part of the process. FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS Recently, Manda and I felt moved to create a blessing ceremony as a part of a rites of passage for mothers and sons/fathers and daughters during the Healing Camp at the Rainbow 2000 Camp. The men met separately from the women, and we co-created our rituals independently, preparing as separate
groups and coming together at the end to complete the process. Amazingly, the rituals turned out to be an almost exact mirror of each other, even though Manda and I had not discussed our separate formats. The men were blessed as sons by the mothers first, and then the women were blessed as daughters, and in amongst all this there were young children of both sexes, teenagers, parents and grandparents. Co-creation, retrospective, ritual and blessing, we had the lot! Within the mens group I was acting in the Grandfather role, stepping back, taking in and keeping hold of the bigger picture, gently encouraging from the sideline and holding the trust in the process of the ritual. For any ritual to be effective we have to really trust Spirit - easily said, but a challenge in the doing. To hold trust for such a group from my everyday human self would be an immense task. But I always ask for help from the energy of Grandfather Buzzard, with whom I have a special relationship. I simply have to call to him, to trust his help and stand back and let this wonderful spirit energy do the job. If you imagine a buzzard, wide wings outspread, laying effortlessly on the supporting winds, you have a picture of the trust and safety, which he gifts to the circle.
Co-creation allows all those participating to feel valued and honoured, for everyone to gain a sense of ownership and pride from the ceremony. It is not wishy-washy and loose, it needs to be held correctly and trust is a huge part of the process.
SHARED GRIEF For the men, the first task was to let go of the grief stored up in them from their individual life journeys and their DNA. They had to tell their stories, tell of the pain, cry and let out all the pain which is often really deeply rooted, and sometimes unexpected. I placed a large rock crystal in the
In traditional communities the Grandmothers and Grandfathers had this responsibility for overseeing the community as a whole . . For, having left the primary care role of Mother or Father behind, and gathered experience from it, they are now free to have a wider caring role.
centre of the circle as a focus and container for the grief. It was really simple, as these things are when it comes down to it. The men were encouraged to direct their grief into that stone, whose nature it is to hold, and which formed a real and solid core to the process. While we are carrying all our sorrows we are too burdened to step into our power, our life stage. This grief has been passed down the line by generations who have not been able to grieve in this way. The grieving is the stuff of world wars, of poverty, of lost loves and physical hardship which we may be carrying simply through our family name, or in the historical limitations that have shaped us as individuals. This grief turns naturally to praise once it has been dealt with, and the men were able to praise and honour their relations as part of the ritual.
BLESSING THE DAUGHTERS Now the men were ready to release their daughters into their independent lives. The women went through a series of stages in which they were honoured, and these were: Unconditional love, welcoming and honouring the daughter, blessing their nature without condition or prejudice. Hearing their dreams, allowing them to state their vision and then honouring and blessing it. Holding them, either physically if requested, or just in the space, to enable the daughter to know she has been held. Blessing their journey, giving them a little bundle of wisdom and food for the journey, and reminding them that they take a part of the father with them, wherever they are. This was a very moving and cathartic experience for all involved, and was a huge blessing on those that participated and those that watched and honoured. FOR OUR CHILDREN When the blessing ceremony was finished, all the participants formed a circle and were blessed by a young teenage boy and girl, honoured for the work that had been completed. This was very moving and a real privilege, as all too often teenagers are excluded from such ritual. I realised that the men now needed to honour that teenage boy/man, so we took him off to a dark place and sat with him. We said to him that he had honoured all of us by his blessing and that as men we had really approved of his words and actions. We then showed him the grief bundle which the stone had become - and
explained about how we had grieved the bundle into existence. For us the bundle represented abuse, shame and corruption of power, and how we wanted that to stop. Wed grieved so that he didnt have to carry the bundle again, it was a very emotional moment for us all. Then he helped us wrap the bundle up. We again said that we trusted him, and we gave him the bundle, and asked that he bury it for us. No-one went with him, it was a commission of trust. I really believe that through this kind of ritual we can have the emotional buck stop with us, to clear the way for our children. It is part of the responsibility of the father/mother stage of life. As I said earlier, a major part of the co-creative process is working in trust, and how events and rituals evolve which can transform peoples lives if you have sufficient faith. This last stage was completely unplanned, but very moving and beautiful. If we hadnt seized the opportunity that teenager would not have been honoured. Also, the process is always different, with another group co-creation would have given a different path of ritual, arising from the particular needs of the people involved. ROLE OF THE GRANDFATHER We are dealing here with human situations that cannot be learned from books. In the mainstream society we now have training videos and official work practice formulas to train those who deal with the casualties. In traditional communities the Grandmothers and Grandfathers have this responsibility for overseeing the community as a whole. For, having left the primary care role of mother or father behind, and gathered experience from it, they are free to have a wider caring role. They have learned from their own
life that they dont always know the answers, but at least they now know some of the questions. They also know something of how to offer guidance in a situation and how to let it be. So when a Grandfather or Grandmother guides a rite of passage they are helping to build the future of the community in a special way. They are offering a vital foundation for the community to function from. CIRCLE OF EXPERIENCE A Grandfather is so-called because his community sees and values the work he does, as a result of his actions; it is not a self-assumed title to set him apart from or above the circle of his own people. There are many people now in their forties, fifties and beyond who have personal experience of what this life stage work is about. They may have had experience of being taught by traditional Grandfathers and Grandmothers from outside Western culture. It is essential that these people start to offer support to groups who wish to step into their maturity consciously, but in a way which is not dictatorial. The traditions of the past needed to be strictly passed on in order for them to survive the incredible forces for change which have occurred in the last 500 years or so. Many of those traditions have been lost, but quite remarkably, many have survived. That is only down to the spiritual discipline which accompanied those traditions. However, we are now in a place where we have to create new traditions, new rites of passage, new rituals. We can do so by mutually assisting each other, by co-creating, by sitting in a circle that is held in trust and love. We need these Grandmothers and Grandfathers; we need to value them for the gifts they bring to all ages within
In the heart of the One Heart we shall tell our truth. By the One Hearts fire we shall wisdom share. In the darkest moments we shall say a prayer that we shall dwell together in future childrens smiles.
Grandfather Pipe Carrier
our communities, whether they are holding the space for a Midsummer celebration, the welcoming of a new child, or a puberty rite, we need their stability and care. My work has always focused on men and supporting boys into manhood. I feel it is really important that these emerging or embryo Grandfathers have a chance to come together for their own support and continuing learning. I am seeking peers, mentors and role models, arent we all? If you are doing this kind of work and are open to co-creating in a circle with Spirit, for personal learning and sharing, contact me, briefly outlining what kind of work you are doing with others, and what you feel you might gain from the circle. We will ask Spirit to bless and guide us in co-creating a support group and information exchange for such work.
Send your emails or letters to Nick at: Cilgraig, Capel Dewi, Llandysul, Ceredigion SA44 4PP Tel: (01559) 363 156 e-mail: pioneers.capeldewi@virgin.net Nick Clements assists Annie Hooper with running Grandfather Fires. The next one will be on the 21st December, please contact him as above if you are interested in receiving information about these. Nick also runs training and mentoring schemes for people to develop their spirituality through creativity, as well as schemes for care and social workers in how to work with teenagers and young men. He is employed within the Valleys of South Wales to develop mens groups and awareness of how to encourage boys to participate and share, through film and other artistic mediums.
He has worked all over the world in a variety of artistic mediums, teaching artists how to facilitate community groups, and enabling creative people to expand their businesses.
voices from the circle . . .

Dear Sacred Hoop, Having dreamed, when I was younger, about a past life in Arizona, I finally spent some time out there two years ago, feeling very pulled towards the Hopi and their tradition. On my return I had a very emotional and powerful shamanic journey at a circle in Glastonbury held in the Miracle room. In the journey I was led by a blue hummingbird to White Buffalo Calf Woman, who invited me to stand and smoke the pipe of peace with her. I then spotted an article in Issue 40 of Sacred Hoop about White Buffalo and the birth of white buffalo calves to Miracle Moon at the Rileys farm in Arizona. Shortly after that I was invited out of the blue to revisit Arizona and stay with very special friends, Rob and Pam who I had just met in Glastonbury and who were moving back to live in Arizona. They had lived for three years with the Hopi and had also had visions of white buffalo during the Harmonic convergence in the late 80's and other experiences since. Together we visited the Rileys Buffalo farm, where none of us knew that Miracle Moon was pregnant again. We arrived and again I received a powerful and emotional experience, for as we walked towards Miracle, her waters broke and we stood and watched her give birth, this time to a brown boy calf who has been named Sundance. When Jim and Dena Riley asked me how I had come to the farm from England, I explained I had read an article in Sacred Hoop in the U.K and they pointed to a copy of the magazine on the counter! Since returning to the U.K I have felt the energy and medicine of White Buffalo around me and feel very blessed; the Hopi and White Buffalo have shown me heart purification and peace and it has been wonder-full to connect. Thanks to my dear friends in Arizona and to Sacred Hoop for picturing White Buffalo on the cover of issue 40 to catch my attention! In peace, Pauleen Nohea-Pollen Feathergill Dear Hoop Folk, Have you ever had the experience my wife and I had recently at the start of a long-awaited and much-needed holiday
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break.... We arrived late in the evening at what was apparently a lovely little cottage retreat in the country - we live and work in the middle of a large town. However, instead of relaxing into this idyllic (if somewhat basic) setting, we found ourselves feeling unusually agitated and uneasy as we unpacked. The cottage felt cold, unfriendly and jarring. Thinking we might just be suffering from fatigue and hunger, we cooked supper and went to bed. However, next morning, despite the sunshine, the house felt no better. Luckily we both have some knowledge of how to deal with energy and always carry basic tools for such work, rattle, candles, smudge etc., in the car. So we set to work, rattled all round, lit candles in the main rooms, opened the windows and lit sage. Then we took a walk and picked some greenery from the hedges along the lane and brought it back indoors and placed a sprig in every room with the request that they refresh and renew the energy. After that the house began to relax, and us with it. In the light of this experience I would encourage readers to take a basic kit for space cleansing when staying in a self-catering property. Pack whichever items you are familiar with, and make it a priority to move out the previous occupants angst before unpacking! After our cleansing we had a very enjoyable and peaceful break and when we took our leave of the property we left wishes for blessing for those who were staying next, in each of the rooms. Sincerely, J. Smithson, Bristol, UK. Dear Sacred Hoop, Thank you for your article in Issue 41 on the use of Tibetan phurbas. Two years ago I purchased what I discovered - through your article - to be a phurba in a garage sale. It was hidden amongst a pile of brass vases
and assorted domestic pots and pans. How it had come there I have no idea, but I felt drawn to it as a special item when I saw it, and took it home and gave it a wash. It has been in a cupboard since then, but now, thanks to your article on cleansing sacred objects [last issue: Cleaning Up Your Act] I can give it a thorough clean on all levels. I am training to be a healer at the moment - early days as yet, but I feel I will be using the phurba in the future. Jenny MacPherson Baltimore. Maryland, USA
Dear Editor, I felt that my own understanding of the power of ones intent was deepened by Howard Charings article on Medicine for the Soul in the last issue. The picture he painted of the Amazonian healers trekking up to fifty miles through difficult rainforest country just to get water for their healing spells from a particular sacred source, really put things in perspective for me. Ive made excuses before now, so that I dont have to go half a mile down the road to get a bottle of spring water for a ritual. The curanderos must be very dedicated - and fit - people to do the work they do, and I am full of admiration for anyone who will put that much effort into helping another human being get well. Some of the so-called medical consultants who complain when they dont get their usual place in the hospital parking lot should read this! Blessings Linda Passmore-Brown Glasgow, UK
Please share your letters & views.

Send them to the address on page 4: or email us
letters@sacredhoop.org
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . reviews
ANCESTORS
Nigel Shaw Seventh Wave Music SWMCD 15 CD: (Full Price) Length: 73.50 mins. Reviewer: Nicholas Wood
and full band backing. Recorded in New Orleans and Robins Hoods Bay (Yorkshire) a true transatlantic album, and if you have any appreciation for blues, folk or acoustic guitar youll love it.
Available from High Street Recordshops wwwredhouserecords.com
If someone gave you a whole load of very rare, old vinyl records of shamans, recorded on location in Siberia, what would you do with them? Well when it happened to Nigel Shaw he got his creative juices flowing and produced, in my opinion, his best work to date. Using the original songs of the shamans (mostly from the Chuckchi people) as a starting point, he and a few guest musicians (including rock guitarist Adrian Utley from Portishead) have very creatively and skillfully added other instruments samples and vocals to them, to create a very interesting and original album. Dont expect a sell-out chill-out to the ancient sounds of quaint Native people production, instead this album has a high degree of integrity and is a firm favourite on my CD player at the moment. I wonder what the shamans on the original records ,recorded back in the early part of the 20th century, would make of it? Probably they would come out with that stock phrase that shamans seem to have when events finally happen or people turn up out of the blue Ah - Ive been waiting a long time - what took you so long? A financial donation is made to Survival International for every album sold to help Survival in their work with Native peoples in Siberia and the Arctic. We have twenty copies of this CD to give away, please see the bottom of page 36 for more details.
Available from Seventh Wave Music www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk
INDIANS INDIANS
Robert Mirabal Silver Wave Records SD935 006 CD: (Full Price) Length: 52.05 mins. Reviewer: Nicholas Wood
Sometimes I think if I get another CD of mushy native American flute music sent to me, Ill shove it where the sun dont shine. Thank goodness Mirabal is a breath of fresh air. I have liked his music from the first time I heard it several years ago. This, his latest album, is much more rock-based and Mirabal speaks the songs - its really more an album of poetry with sung bits and it works beautifully. From sensitive, beautiful, poetic songs about life on the res and the old times, to great full-on rock poetry such as the track Morrison, about a meeting between Jim Morrison (from the Doors) and a Grandfather at a peyote meeting. A very varied album and each track is entrancing and thought-provoking. The CD also includes a bonus video track (Apple Mac and PC compatible) of the title track which is a very beautiful kaleidoscopic film. Mirabal is a very creative soul and is certainly high on my list of favourite Native American musicians. I look forward to hearing his next album and I totally forgive him the picture of the native flute on the CD insert.
Available from High Street Record Shops www.silverwave.com
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HUMIDITY

Martin Simpson Red HOuse Records RHRCD 169 CD: (Full Price) Length: 60.03 mins. Reviewer: Nicholas Wood
WEATHERED EDGE
Carolyn Hillyer Seventh Wave Music HTWCCD06 CD: (Full Price) Length: 69.58 mins. Reviewer: Nicholas Wood
Woow - Can this man play guitar! Well known for his albums of folk songs, this English singer and finger-picker extraordinaire turns his attention to the songs from Americas South, some traditional (often with English roots), and some self-penned. Opening with the traditional American folk song John Hardy, with a slapping bass and rock drum kit, Simpson cooes the lyrics (hes a fine singer too) about a murderer condemned to die, to the sound of his acoustic guitar and fills the sound space so firmly that the song grabs your attention and carries you along, whether you like it or not. Other gems follow, some simple blues songs performed on slide guitar, some with banjo and some with electric guitar
This latest album from Carolyn opens to piano chords and a song that wouldn't be out of place on an album from a mainstream singer-songwriter. She sings with her normal, beautiful voice, but adds to it a sense perhaps of greater confidence, a greater sense of certainty about her musical direction. The album still has Carolyns simple, rather open space approach to production (no Phil Spector wall of sound here), and there are several songs which resemble her former work; simple, with drum and over-dubbed voices. The album ends with A Touch of Menopausal Anarchy,
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reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
which has a Brect-like-ersatz-1920s-German feel to it. It wouldn't be out of place in the soundtrack to the film Cabaret, and its quite wonderful, giving a glimpse of Carolyns wicked sense of humour. If you like Carolyn's music I am sure you will enjoy this album, and if you are new to it, it is an excellent place to start.
Available from Seventh Wave Music www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk
GHOSTLANDS
The Craft CD: (Full Price)
Available from www.sallyhope.com
Length: 50.08 mins. Reviewer: Sofy Rosie
MEDICINE
Sally Hope Squanasie Records SQSH010 CD: (Full Price) Length: 62.53 mins. Reviewer: Nicholas Wood
A medicine and psychotherapy inspired album of songs from therapist and singer Sally Hope. The album reminds me a little of Kate Bushs more recent work, a similar production and arrangement of the material. Technically it is an extremely well thought out, rich and varied album, and I am sure it took a lot of hard work and time in the studio to produce it - a leap far beyond any other independent CD I have ever received for review. Musically it is skillfully played and performed, and Sallys strong voice (and evident song-writing ability) holds it together well. The material is a little intense at times, but never gets pretentious (a well handled balancing act), and is varied enough to hold my interest and attention well. Extremely accomplished, and I cant help thinking if this is her first album, she is very talented indeed; and if its not her first album, I would love to hear some of her earlier work to see her line of development.
The Craft are a five-piece band from the UK who play heavy goth rock from a very pagan and environmental place. I feel that they are a band that could potentially go far. Their sound is full of brilliantly different guitar riffs, but I thought throughout that the singer Laura Marshall sold herself short. Undoubtably she has a great vocal strength, but seems to lack the confidence to carry it alongside the heavier guitars and drums. I wonder if the studio mix of the album is in part at fault here. I do however, as I said above, feel the band have a lot of potential, especially since goth rock seems to be one of the next big things in the music industry. All in all, an imaginative album with good foundations on which to build.
Available fromwww.thecraft.org : www.mp3.com/the_craft
1 - Forget it. 2 - Probably best avoided. 3 - Worth getting.
4 - Miss it - miss out. 5 - A classic.
Ancestral Give-Away
Sacred Hoop has 20 copies of Ancestors
the new CD by Nigel Shaw to pass on to 20 lucky readers. To enter the draw to receive one of these, just read the review and answer this simple question........ Which tribes songs were the starting point to many of the tracks on Nigels new album? Send your answer on a postcard to: Ancestors Sacred Hoop Magazine Heddfan, Drefach Felindre, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire, SA44 5UH. UK.
TO REACH US BY NOVEMBER 14th 2003.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . reviews
SHAMANISM
Margaret Stutley Routledge Books PB 9.99. 134 Pages. ISBN Number 0 415 27318 8
An extremely useful and Available from High Street Bookshops readable introduction to or from Amazon GAY, LESBIAN BISEXUAL shamanism from an anthropological perspective. & TRANSGENDER MYTHS There are many things labled Jim Elledge Editor shamanism that are very far Peter Lang Publishing removed from the actual meaning of the word, PB. $US 29.95 194 pages. and here Stutley puts this to rights, by offeringNumber 0 8204 5286 6 ISBN a truly fascinating and clearly written, introduction to what the word actually means. Humans with ?two spirits? are generally respecte Filled with short sections, the book explores Native American societies and are often seen in all the key facets of shamanic traditions, mostly powerful healers and medicine people. This book from Siberia (although she refers to many other explores this understanding with the aid of cultures including ancient Christian parallels to traditional stories, which explore this theme fr shamanic experience). She covers such subjects different Native American peoples, after first as shamanic initiation, skeletisation, giving a brief background from a cultural point transvestism, the use of ritual objects, spirit possession, trance and shamanic flight, healing, view. animal sacrifice and much more. The second much larger section of the book Throughout she simply conveys good contains the stories, tales of intelligent interesting factual information, and as Turtle, creation stories, tales the book?s sections are small, it makes it an ideal of Coyote, stories of men who book to dip into. If you were looking for a book turn into women, men who that will teach you the plain facts of real become pregnant, lesbians shamanism, you couldnt go who become pregnant, and wrong with this book. many more. Some are funny, Excellent. some are not, but all have a Available from High Street Bookshops or from Amazon transgender theme. If you like Native American stories, this NINE WORLDS book is bound to appeal to OF SEID MAGIC you whatever your gender or Jenny Blain sexual preferences.
Routledge Books PB 9.99. 185 Pages. ISBN Number 0 415 25651 8
Available from High Street Bookshops or from Amazon
Not altogether light reading, the book is, nonetheless, a good way to learn more about these ancient European shamanic traditions which until recently have rarely been the subject of study.
RECLAIMING THE GODS
Nicholas R Mann Green Magic Books Seidis the prophetic shamanic tradition of pre- 9.99 155 pages. PB. Christian Northern Europe. It is taught in the UKNumber 0 9536631 8 3 ISBN
and Europe by Annette Hst from the Center for The book (and workshop) market has been filled Shamanic Studies, who of course is credited in in recent years by multitudes of books for women this interesting book. The book explores the surviving references on ?goddess? teachings and the like, but there h to seid found in the mediaeval Norse sagas and been somewhat of a lack in equivalent books for men on the ?god?. compares it to other forms of shamanic experience worldwide. But beyond this academic In this book, Mann attempts to redress this a exploration of the historical and cultural context of seid, the author has experienced seid ceremonies herself and also quotes from others is funded entirely by your subscriptions, gifts & advertising. (several well-known to regular Sacred Hoop readers), who are at the cutting edge of bringing So if you think its worth your support, seid to our culture again. Further sections in please consider a subscription or gift (see page 3) the or why not place an advert with us. book explore the role of men in this predominantly female tradition.
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thread that will lead you through a labyrinth of symptoms, misconceptions and fears, to reclaim the spiritual initiation it holds for you. With Annie Spencer. Contact: (01225) 312 728 OCT 27 - NOV 9 (DERBYSHIRE) BODY DE-ARMORING A series of thirteen progressive body work sessions to fully free your life-force energy in the physical. Residential. Contact: Carol (01246) 415658 OCT 29 (CORNWALL) THE CEREMONIAL WAY Start of a 9-month course in Celtic Cornwall. EarthPlease Note: based spiritual traditions, ancestral work, dreaming, Whilst it is hoped that the advertisers of events shown here practice ceremony at ancient sites, healing ourselves and our according to the ethics of respect and right relationship with all aspects relationship with the earth. With Annie Spencer. of creation, inclusion on these pages does not imply endorsement Contact: (01225) 312 728 by the magazine or its editors. OCT 30 - NOV 2 (HEREFORDSHIRE) SHAMANISM, DEATH AND LIFE SEP 27 (NORFOLK) seventhwave.music@virgin.net The shamans traditional work with Death and dying. SHAMANIC GROUPWORK DAY OCT 11 (BRISTOL) Using Death as an advisor. With Jonathan Horwitz. Working with fear with Maya Ormond. Contact: SHAMANIC JOURNEYING WORKSHOP Contact: (0208) 459 3028 (01603) 871089 Learning how to journey to meet your power animals OCT 31 - NOV 2 (LONDON) SEP 27 (NORTH YORKS) and spirit helpers. With Anna Bromley. Contact: THE SHAMAN'S DOORWAY DRUMMING GROUP Anna or Bill (0117 942 9089) Introduction to shamanism. A weekend of classical Open to anyone who can journey. Contact: Jane E. OCT 11 - 12 (DERBYSHIRE) shamanic teachings, including spirit contact, power Shutt (01751) 417 795 SHAMANIC TRAINING animals, spirit teachers, healing methods and dreams SEP 27 - 28 (ABERDEENSHIRE) The first of 8 weekends in a year long programme as a shamanic tool. With Chris Luttichau. Contact: ASTROSHAMANIC BASIC RETREAT in Shamanic knowledge and practice Lu(01736) 796 660 A residential workshop focused on achieving clarity Understanding the Wheel of Life Contact: Pete or OCT 31 - NOV 3 (DORSET) of vision. With Franco Santoro. Contact: Shona Elaine (01433) 651769 SACRED DRUMMING Thomson (07909) 964140. OCT 11 - 12 (DEVON) Creating a ceremonial ritual space, inviting the spirits OCT 4 - 5 (NORTH YORKS) SACRED EARTH - SACRED SPIRIT and experiencing the power of the drum with Doug LIVING WITH SPIRIT The healing powers of the sweat lodge. Weekend Blacksmith the founder of the Ngoma Kundi Non-residential two-weekend course on spiritual camp with Bethlehem Taylor. Contact: (01884) shamanic drumming group. Contact: (0208) 876 self-development. (2nd weekend Oct 11 - 12). 881467 9296 Contact: Jane E. Shutt (01751) 417 795 OCT 11 - 12 (OXFORD) NOV 1 - 2 (NORTH YORKS) OCT 4 - 5 (CONWY) VOICE WISDOM: JOURNEY TO THE SELF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE PART 2 GATHERING THE FRAGMENTS Travelling round the Voice Wheel, meditation, Deepening our relationship with Spirit. People wishing An experiential introduction to the powerful healing journaling, breath and bodywork, chanting, singing, to do this course should have completed Part One. art of soul retrieval, with Pip Waller, herbalist and and ritual using Medicine Wheel teachings to Contact: Jane E. Shutt (01751) 417 795 shamanic healer. Contact: (01844) 281430 deepen our experience of voice. With Alexander NOV 1 - 2 (OXFORD) OCT 5 (LONDON) Massey. Contact: Voice Wisdom (01865) 716571 FEELING THROUGH YOUR VOICE SHAMANIC DANCE OCT 11 - 12 (DERBYSHIRE) Learn how to reconnect with lost or forbidden parts Dance with live drumming into ecstatic states. SHAMANIC TRAINING of yourself through voice process, to transform old Dance and voice work, interaction and inner The first of 8 weekends in a year-long programme in wounds and find new emotional wholeness and silence, laughter and freedom. With Leo shamanic knowledge and practice. Contact: Pete or balance. With Alexander Massey. Contact: Voice Rutherford and NGoma Kundi Drummers. Elaine (01433) 651 769 Wisdom (01865) 716571 Contact: (01435) 810233 OCT 11 - 12 (DEVON) NOV 1 - 2 (WEST YORKSHIRE) 5 OCT (LONDON) SACRED EARTH - SACRED SPIRIT DAWN STAR CIRCLE SAMHAIN CELEBRATION INTRODUCTION TO SHAMANISM Healing powers of the sweatlodge. With Bethlehem Shamanic teachings, ritual and ceremony. Join us for Day workshop for women with Trisha Mulholland. Taylor. Contact: (01884) 881 467 a magical residential weekend in the Penines. With Contact: 020 7609 4956 OCT 16 (BATH) Sue Moon Dragon. Contact: Sue Eagle Rose trisham@lifeforce7.freeserve.co.uk TALK BY MARTIN PRECHTEL (01422 846107) 6 OCT - NOV 17 (N7 LONDON) Martin is the author of the amazing trilogy of books NOV 8 (NORTH YORKS) WOMEN'S SHAMANIC JOURNEYING on Mayan shamanism, the latest being 'The Toe AN INTRODUCTION TO SHAMANISM Medicine Circle over 7 Tuesdays 7-9pm with Trisha Bone and the Tooth'. Contact: Annie (01225) An introductory course over 2 days (part 2:Nov Mulholland. Contact: 020 7609 4956 312728 15th) including basic shamanic journeying. trisham@lifeforce7.freeserve.co.uk OCT 22 (SURREY) Contact: Jane E. Shutt (01751) 417 795 OCT 10 (DERBYSHIRE) DRUMMING GROUP NOV 8 (DERBYSHIRE) WOMENS FULL MOON SWEATLODGE Chanting, healing, meditation and a warm welcome for WOMENS FULL MOON SWEATLODGE Monthly evening Sweatlodge ceremony run by all, bring hand held drums and rattles, a few spare to Monthly evening Sweatlodge ceremony run by Deer Tribe members and open to all women. share. Contact: Anne Collingwood (020) 8686 2815 Deer Tribe members and open to all women. Contact: Elaine (01433) 651769 OCT 24 (LONDON SE26) Contact: Elaine (01433) 651769 OCT 10 - 12 (CARMARTHENSHIRE) DRUMMING GROUP NOV 8 - 9 (DEVON) REMEMBERING LOST BOYS Chanting, healing, meditation and a warm welcome for SACRED EARTH - SACRED SPIRIT AND FINDING THE FORGOTTEN MEN all, bring hand held drums and rattles, a few spare to Bear Medicine sweat lodge. Full ceremony - full The unseen spirit of men beyond the cell phone or share. Contact: Anne Collingwood (020) 8686 2815 empowerment. Weekend camp with Bethlehem the shovel. With Martn Prechtel. Contact: Nick OCT 24 - 26 (LONDON) Taylor. Contact: (01884) 881467 Clements (01559) 363 156 SHAMANISM AND SEXUAL ENERGY NOV 8 - 9 (OXFORD) OCT 11 (WORCESTERSHIRE) Introduction to sacred sexual energies. Working VOICE WISDOM: JOURNEY TO THE SELF ACROSS THE FROZEN LAKE directly with the spiritual energy of our sexuality to Travelling round the Voice Wheel, meditation, journaling, Evening concert with Dartmoor musicians Nigel bring healing and balance into our lives. With Fiona breath and bodywork, chanting, singing, and ritual using Shaw and Carolyn Hillyer at The Grove, Great Smith. Contact: (020) 8986 8046 Medicine Wheel teachings to deepen our experience of Malvern. Starts 7.30pm Tickets: (01822) 880301 or OCT 25 (NORTH YORKS) voice. With Alexander Massey. Contact: Voice Wisdom DRUMMING GROUP (01865) 716571 Open to anyone who can journey. Contact: Jane E. NOV 13 - 16 (CORNWALL) Next P.O.P Deadline Shutt (01751) 417 795 SHAMANIC HEALING OCT 25 (GLASTONBURY) Three days training in advanced classical shamanic ACROSS THE FROZEN LAKE healing, including teachings on spirit contact and Evening concert with Dartmoor musicians Nigel guidance, drums, songs, rattles, dance, feathers, smudge FOR ISSUE 43 Shaw and Carolyn Hillyer Assembly Rooms. Starts herbs, hands-on methods and nature work. With Chris 8.00pm Tickets: (01822) 880301 or Luttichau. Contact Lu at (01736) 796 660 DIARY ENTRIES seventhwave.music@virgin.net NOV 15 - 16 (BATH) (covering JANUARY to APRIL 04) OCT 25 (NORTH YORKS) GATEWAYS TO SPIRIT DRUMMING GROUP Hands-on exploration of altars and our connection with PLEASE EMAIL YOUR ENTRIES TO US Open to anyone who can journey. Contact: Jane E. them. Altars as gateways, holders, magnifiers, and INCLUDING THE INFORMATION AS SHOWN Shutt (01751) 417 795 transmitters. Construct individual altars and group altars, ON THE NEXT PAGE AND SEND TO OCT 25 - 26 (LONDON) all in the spirit of experimentation and play, enliven MENOPAUSE: THE GREAT INITIATION them with herbs, song and rattle. Explore the notion of Pop@sacredhoop.org The menopause is one of the greatest and least sacred objects and how to find and care for them. With understood of womens blood rites. Search for the Annie Spencer. Contact: (01225) 312728
people on the path

Shamanic Events Listings
Oct 2003 - Feb 2004
NOV 1st 2003
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NOV 21 - 23 (DORSET) THE SHAMANS ENERGY BODY. Experience the luminous body and the Universe as energy. Learn how to avoid having your energy drained or sucked away. With Leo Rutherford. Contact (01202) 841522 NOV 22 - 23 (DERBYSHIRE) SHAMANIC TRAINING The second of eight weekends in a year-long programme in Shamanic knowledge and practice The Teachings Of the Shields Contact: Pete or Elaine (01433) 651769 NOV 28 - 30 (LONDON) THE SHAMAN'S JOURNEY Practical introduction to the shaman's healing work and spirituality through the shamanic journey, drumming, dancing, and chanting. With Jonathan Horwitz. Contact: (0208) 459 3028 NOV 29 (NORTH YORKS) DRUMMING GROUP Open to anyone who can journey. Contact: Jane E. Shutt (01751) 417 795 NOV 29 - 30 (GLASTONBURY) WHEELS OF TRANSFORMATION Teachings of the Medicine Wheel - a profound way of knowledge, not a set of beliefs. See it the way it really is! With Leo Rutherford. Contact: (01458) 832549 DEC 6 - 7 (OXFORD) THE SINGING-SPEAKING BODY Through practical activities, learn about the physical structures and processes involved in releasing the whole voice, and how these relate to our inner selves. With Alexander Massey. Contact: Voice Wisdom (01865) 716571 DEC 7 (LONDON) DEEPENING THE JOURNEY Embracing the dark feminine. Workshop for Women with Trisha Mulholland. Contact: 020 7609 4956 trisham@lifeforce7.freeserve.co.uk DEC 8 (DERBYSHIRE) WOMENS FULL MOON SWEATLODGE Monthly evening Sweatlodge ceremony run by Deer Tribe members and open to all women. Contact: Elaine (01433) 651769 DEC 13 - 14 (WEST YORKSHIRE) DAWN STAR CIRCLE RESIDENTIAL WEEKEND Shamanic dreaming teachings and ceremony with Sue EagleRose. Contact: Sue (01422) 846107 DEC 13 - 19 (FINDHORN) ASTROSHAMANIC TRANCE & SACRED DANCES Traditional sacred and trance dances employed as healing tools for shamanic exploration and reawakening of multidimensional self. With Franco Santoro and Katharina Kroeber. Contact: Findhorn Foundation Booking (01309) 691653 DEC 20 (NORTH YORKS) DRUMMING GROUP Open to anyone who can journey. Contact: Jane E. Shutt (01751) 417 795 DEC 29 - JAN 3 (DEVON) TRANCE - DANCE AND POSTURES Eagles Wing Annual New Year Event at Grimstone Manor. New Year celebrations, sweatlodge ceremony, life moving workshop. With Leo Rutherford, Howard G Charing, Dawn Russell, Andy Raven. Contact: (01822) 615261 JAN 5 (LONDON) ACROSS THE FROZEN LAKE Evening concert with Dartmoor musicians Nigel Shaw and Carolyn Hillyer at St James Church, Piccadilly. Starts 7.00pm Contact: (01822) 880301 or seventhwave.music@virgin.net JAN 8 (NORFOLK) THIRTEEN MOONS OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Teachings of Jamie Sams Thirteen Original Clan Mothers, how they can be used to understand our life path, including making a mini shield of each clan mother. First of a 13-part course. With Julie Gillott. Contact: (01485) 541704 JAN 24 (DEVON) 3 YEAR SHAMANIC TRAINING PROGRAMME Introduction to an in-depth programme that includes training in advanced healing, dreaming, nature work, ancestral contact, spirit contact, the cycles of life and death, consciousness expansion and healing of your past. With Chris Luttichau. Contact: Lu (01736) 796 660 JAN 24 - 30 (NORTHERN PERU) ANDEAN MEDICINE - SPIRIT OF SAN PEDRO Northern Peru, at a seaside resort. Experience the magic of the shamans of that area and enter the fabric of the Universe. With Howard G Charing and Juan Navarro. Contact: Eagles Wing (01273) 882027 - (01435) 810233 JAN 31 - FEB 14 (AMAZON RAINFOREST) PLANT SPIRIT MEDICINE RETREAT At an Amazon jungle lodge near Iquitos - an experience with local shamans dieting plants to learn their healing properties direct from the plant spirits. With Howard G Charing, Javier Arevalo and Artidoro Oro Cardenas. Contact: Eagles Wing (01273) 882 027 - (01435) 810233 JAN 30 - JULY (NEAR LONDON & WALES) EARTH MEDICINE Eagles Wing ongoing course - WEST of the wheel. A journey through puberty (which most never did at the time) towards maturity. A course to shift the stuff of life. With Leo Rutherford, Dawn Russell, Andy Raven. Contact (01435) 810233 JAN 31 - FEB 1 (OXFORD) FREE YOUR MIND, FREE YOUR VOICE Uncover the personal belief systems and habitual thought patterns that hinder vocal freedom. Learn how to open your mind and release your authentic vocal self. With Alexander Massey. Contact: Voice Wisdom (01865) 716571 FEB 28 - 29 (OXFORD) SPIRIT AND THE HEALING VOICE Learn how to create vocal healing rituals for yourself and others, and how to work safely with the energies involved. With Alexander Massey. Contact: Voice Wisdom (01865) 716571
LOCAL GROUPS & CONTACTS

If you run a group and wish to be included here free of charge, please email or phone us.
Pop@sacredhoop.org (01559) 371 215

Whilst it is hoped that the contact people listed here practice according to the ethics of respect and right relationship with all aspects of creation, inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by the magazine or its editors.
ABERDEENSHIRE Willow Lhr (013397) 42 295 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE SunBird (07984) 078 928 CAMBRIDGESHIRE Karen Kelly (01223) 562 838 CORNWALL Lu Wray, (01736) 796 660 Michle Brown (01736) 788 751 DERBYSHIRE Gillian Radcliffe (01335) 390 252 Peter Edwards (01433) 651 769 Carol Youngson (01246) 415 658 DEVON Bethlehem Taylor (01884) 881 467 EDINBURGH Claudia Gonalves (077) 8080 6600 ESSEX Jon Stevens 01799 542791 FORRES - FINDHORN Franco Santoro (01309) 672 288 GLASGOW Heather Campbell (0141) 5522 257 HEREFORDSHIRE Peter Terry (01885) 400 352 Laura Marshall (01885) 483 368 HERTFORDSHIRE Hawk (07890) 432094 KENT Rosanna Ienco (01634) 581 855 LEICESTERSHIRE Francesca Wall-Bray (0116) 2410 003 LONDON Karen Kelly (01223) 562 838 Shenoah Taylor (020) 8740 7432 Malcolm Moore (020) 8566 4592 Trisha Mulholland (020) 7609 4956 MANCHESTER Jo Blair (0161) 2211 634 MID GLAMORGAN Judy Browne (01656) 674 002 NORFOLK Adam Bear (01603) 499 314 Julie Gillott. (01485) 541 704 NORTHUMBERLAND Andy and Jaki 01830 520 623 PEMBROKESHIRE Nicholas Wood (01559) 371 215 SURREY Anne Collingwood (020) 8686 2815 SUSSEX Paddy Mooney (01424) 433 035 Ross Heaven RossHeaven@aol.com WILTSHIRE Merlynne Whitebear (01672) 511 357 WARWICKSHIRE Frances Ommanney (01926) 881 772
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We want to say a BIG
THANK YOU
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TO HAVE YOUR EVENT APPEAR IN P.O.P LISTINGS

We offer this FREE service to help promote shamanic and related events throughout the UK and further afield. To be listed, simply send your entries to us. Set out as shown below and including the following information:
DATE: (County or Country) TITLE: (of event) BRIEF DESCRIPTION: (of event) SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003 WITH: (event leaders name) CONTACT: (Phone or Email)
Please only send them for the next three or four months - NOT the whole year ahead. Emails are much easier for us to process during the very busy last few days of each issues production when the POP pages are made ready - so always email if you can.
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SAVINGS
Offer closes November 30th 2003 for residents of the UK and Europe, and Febuary 28th 2004 for residents of the USA
Issue 5
Sweat Lodge Ceremony Pacha Mama l Beads The Talking Stick Twylah Nitsch Herb Gathering
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UNITED KINGDOM 1-4 @ 3.50 2.00 each 5-8 @ 2.50 1.75 each 9-15 @ 2.00 1.35 each 16+ @ 1.50 1.00 each EUROPE 1-4 @ 4.00 3.00 each 5-8 @ 3.00 2.25 each 9-15 @ 2.50 1.85 each 16+ @ 2.00 1.50 each USA & WORLD 1-4 @ 4.50 3.25 each 5-8 @ 3.50 2.75 each 9-15 @ 3.00 2.25 each 16+ @ 2.50 1.75 each To order your back issues simply tick the boxes beside the Issue numbers you require (see left), complete the form below and return it, together with payment, to the address at the bottom of the page
Making Relatives Ceremony The Kogi l Eldership Medicine Fans and Feathers Peyote Bead a Feather Wilderness Skills
Issue 6
Issue 7
Issue 12
Celebration & Ceremony Tree of Life l Hopi Artist The Spirit of the Corn The Give-away Finding your Path
Tibetan Shamans Tools of Tantric Ceremony The Bon-po l Tiger rugs Make a Shamanic Mask Thangka Painting
Huichol Shamanism Peyote and Ayahuasca Making Peyote Drop-Fans Shamanic Initiation Inka Self Defence
Issue 13
Issue 14
Issue 16
Arwyn Dreamwalker Soul loss l Jamie Sams The Navajo and Weaving Martial Art Healing Energy Shamanic Trance Postures
Toltecs Seerers Seventh Wave Music Making Medicine Shields Wallace Black Elk Make a Drumstick
Gabrielle Roths Dance Work Brooke Medicine Eagle Working with Ritual Theatre Native Mens Societies Make a Mans Society Rattle
Issue 18
Issue 19
Issue 20
Ed McGaa Eagle Man Tree Spirits l Medicine Bags Tibetan Awareness Beings The Celtic Sweat Lodge Viking Shamanism
Martin Prechtel - Mayan Shaman Maori Magic and Shamanism Caring for the Soul Maori Bone carving The Soul after death
Spirit Horse Camps This Sacred Land Wolf Medicine l Drum Skills The Traditional Gypsy Ways Out of Body Experiences
Issue 21
Issue 22
Issue 23
Mystery of the Crystal Skulls Traditional Mayan Shamanism Relationships and Sexuality Childrens Protection Bundles Medicine Communities
Power Objects lSoul Loss Mongolian Shamanism The Womens Lodge Extractions & Spirit Healing Shamanic Ethics
Lakota Star Teachings North-West Coast Art. Mongolian Shamanism African Dancers lHorses Make an Animal Fetish
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Plant Spirits lSmudging Ayahuasca lSurvival Skills Sea Henge lHerb Bag Mongolian Spirit Houses Siberian Shamanism
Tuvan Shamanism & Healing The Mound Builders Culture White Buffalo Medicine Ancient Textile Art Woven Bag lThe Eclipse
Honouring the Ancestors Womens Puberty Initiation Healing our Creativity Making Corn Offerings Druids lApache Healer
Card Number:
Issue 27
Issue 28
Issue 29
Working With Tree Power Creating Ceremony Sweat Lodge Ethics Georgian Paganism Games lPorcupine Quillwork
The Power of the Bear Gathering Wild Food Protection Rituals Curanderos lRed & White Crafting Knife Sheathes
The traditions of Vodou Shamanic Dance The Sacred Circle Tricksters lTwenty Count Medicine Wheel Teachings
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Issue 30
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Ancient Ways in the World of Modern Business Making Prayer Arrows Death Rites and Ritual Feathers and the Law
Sacred Pipe Teachings Helping at a Sundance Tattoos; A sacred Art form Native American Pipe Bags Womens Moontime ways
Seeking the Greenman Working with Plant Spirits The Celtic Yearly Cycle Gaining Personal Energy Sami Shamanic Drums
Issue 33
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Issue 35
n NAME.
Foot and Mouth Special Working with the spirit of the disease and cleaning the land. Sun Bear on Personal Power Aboriginal Earth Caring
Creating a Stone Circle Medicine Wheel Teachings Rabbit the Trickster Animal Life-changing Animal Meetings Sacred Parenting lFry-bread
Tibetan Sand Mandala The Teachings of our Tyrants Shamanic Sexuality Animal Divination Systems Keepers of the Peace Fire
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ADDRESS.
Issue 36
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Issue 38
Using Medicine Rattles Shamanism for Beginners South American Love Magic Navajo Healing Sand Paintings Power of the Sun
Doctors and Shamans Spirit of the Raven lUsing Intent Medicine Walk lBeadwork Skills Assemblage Point Shifting Sami Traditions and the Land
Mexican Flutes Song of the Heart Spirit of Kokopelli lGeomancy Quatz Crystals & Healing Musical Shamans of Islam Shamanism on Hospital Wards
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Toltec Elder l Marrage Baskets Healing the Womb Vision lBronze Age House The Sami Winter Market The Art of Carolyn Hillyer
White Buffalo l Healers of Haiti Fasting for Vision l Cornwall Frog Medicine l Drumming Special 10th Anniversary Interview with the Editors
Tree Wisdom of Celtia l Ogham Phurba - Shamanic Demon Dagger Amazon Flower Spirits Darkness l Himalayan Pilrgimage Dreams and Dreaming
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COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION OF SACRED HOOP BACK ISSUES
Medicine craftwork
SHAMANKA
WAY OF THE SHAMANKA
by
Nicholas Wood
School of Womens Shamanism
Founded in 1992 to reweave the ancient womans mysteries held by the Celtic - North and South American shamans, healers and medicine women that Eliana trained with. Eliana Harvey, Carole Trickett and friends.
First steps on the path on 22nd - 23rd November 2003
Feed
Spirit
your
Drums Rawhide & Gourd Rattles Feather Fans Beaded Medicine Bags
See them all on
ADVANCED SHAMANIC CRYSTALS

6th - 7th December 2003
THE TRAINING IN HEALING AND THE SHAMANIC ARTS

4 Weekends of 4 days begins 26th February 2003
THE MAGICAL WOMB

29th January - 1st February 2004
THE CELTIC DREAM

7th - 8th February 2004
For full details contact Shamanka, Middle Piccadilly, Holwell, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5LW. Tel: 01963 23468.
www.nicholaswood.net
Native American Church Dreamers Drop Fan with traditional, peyote stitch beadwork using 19th century style old time glass beads.
or www.shamanka.com
VISIT OUR NEW WEB-SITE www.sacredeagleimports.co.uk

Where you can purchase online
Navajo and Zuni Jewelry Mohawk and Ojibwa Crafts Navajo and Sioux Artifacts Wholesale Enquiries Welcome Now Accepting Credit Cards
Tel 01287 677 862

Sioux Style Tipis For Sale

Affordable, all sizes, authentic, friendly and informative service Fully equipped 18ft tipis for hire for as little as 75 - per tipi (sleeps 4-6) Beautiful all around, Walks, Wild life Scottish Highlands. Information or chat
~ AS
STOCKISTS OF THE
~ IT IS
Percussion instruments made with respect & reverence for the cultures around the world that are their inspiration. Using advanced technology, REMO make quality drums that are authentic in sound & spirit, whilst colourful, durable & playable in all weathers.
REMO WORLD PERCUSSION COLLECTION
Also, Standing Tree Medicine Lodge runs regular weekend Sweat Lodge Workshops. Good Medicine Beautiful Teachings
Willow , Tornuaran, Crathie, Nr Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TJ Scotland,
Tel: 01339 742 295
Personal Medicine & Shamanic Work with Nicholas Wood
CDs & Tapes

A fantastic range of World, Ethnic, Relaxation and Meditational music and sounds.
World Musical Instruments

Didgeridoo, Djembe drums, Rainsticks, Pan-pipes & all kinds of drums, bells, shakers, wind and string instruments, both ethnic & modern, from all over the world.
a unique opportunity to explore & develop your personal medicine X Ceremonial Object Making X Medicine Wheel Teachings X Shamanic Teachings X Personal Ceremonies & Rituals X Shamanic & Medicine Counselling
20 years experience in Medicine Wheel Teachings, Shamanism & Sacred Craftwork
Workshops and Education

For lessons, concerts, educational demos, friendly advice and general info on all of the above - give us a ring!
Newcastle Emlyn, West Wales. (01559) 371 215 Nick@sacredhoop.org

Local Bed & Breakfast available if required
45 High St, Teddington, Middx TW11 8EP (0208) 977 4282
~ AS
~ IT IS
HARTWELL
SHAMANIC & CEREMONIAL WAYS
WITH ANNIE SPENCER
Working With Women: Starts 29 October, Nine-month course in Celtic Cornwall. Earth-based spiritual traditions; ancestral work; dreaming; ceremony at ancient sites; healing ourselves and our relationship with the Earth.
THE CEREMONIAL WAY

weekends include
MENOPAUSE: THE GREAT INITIATION

25 - 26 October, London 15 - 16 November, Bath For Autumn Programme, contact: Hartwell, 14 Eastville, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6QN. 01225 312 728. www.hartwell.eu.com
GATEWAYS TO SPIRIT
With Leo Rutherford Howard Charing & Friends

20th New Year at Grimstone Manor, Devon TRANCE-DANCE & POSTURES
with Leo, Howard, Dawn, Andy, Lorraine. Dec 29th Jan 3rd Booking: 01822 615 261
Workshops with CHRIS LUTTICHAU

THE SHAMAN'S DOORWAY OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 2 LONDON
Introduction to Shamanism that gives access to any of the advanced shamanic workshops
NORTHERN DRUM
Mystery Mountain
New Age & Ethnic
African Native American Buddhist Shamanic Music Books Gifts Clothing
Bridge House, Station Road, Gomshall Tel : 01483 202963 visit our online shop
PERU JOURNEYS North with Juan Navarro Jan 24-30 Amazon with Javier Arevalo & Artidoro Cardenas Jan 31- Feb 14. Booking 01273 882 027 FULL PROGRAMME
SHAMANIC HEALING NOVEMBER 13 - 16 NEWQUAY, CORNWALL, residential

Training in classical shamanic healing methods For registration and more information contact Lu Wray, 01736 796 660 WWW.NORTHERNDRUM.COM PAGE 42
BM Box 7475, London WC1N 3XX 01435 810 233
www.mystery-mountain.co.uk
www.shamanism.co.uk
WORKSHOP SPACE FOR HIRE
Journey to the heart of shamanism

WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK BY NICHOLAS WOOD Hard Back X Large Format X Full Colour Throughout
Working with Spirit Powers Medicine Wheel Teachings Creating Ceremonies Sacred Craftwork Techniques Undertaking Shamanic Journeys to the Three Worlds Using & Making Drums and Rattles Teacher Plants The Sacred Pipe Using & Making Medicine Bundles
X X X X X X X X
Price 17.50 including P&P (20.95 Europe, 22.95 USA & Rest of World) Direct to your door - signed by the author Send cheque or postal order (made out to Nicholas Wood) or phone, or email with your credit or debit card details
CONTACT SACRED HOOP (DETAILS AT THE BOTTOM OF PAGE 4)
Set in the heart of deep Kent countryside, Apple Trees is a Residential Centre available for groups of up to 25 people to rent or to run workshops. Please send for a brochure and more information. Contact: Garry Blanch Goddards Green, Benenden, Kent TN17 4AR
SHAMANISM
& Medicine Teachings with
DEER TRIBE
METIS MEDICINE SOCIETY SHAMANIC TRAINING
SHAMANIC TRAINING YEAR LONG PROGRAMME STARTS OCTOBER 2003 - JUNE 2004
UNDERSTANDING THE WHEEL OF LIFE THE TEACHINGS OF THE SHIELDS STALKING THE MAP OF SELF ALLIES, PROTECTION AND POWER EXPERIENCING THE ENERGY BODY OVERNIGHT VISION QUEST COMPLETING THE CIRCLE
ALSO..
Heather Campbell
Twenty years experience helping people discover Native American shamanism and Gabrielle Roths Five Rhythms
Telephone: 01580 240 622. email: garryblanch@aol.com

IRISH CENTRE FOR SHAMANIC STUDIES
(0141) 552 2257 or (07967) 931 079

(Afternoons and Evenings)
SHAMANIC
PRACTITIONER TRAINING
APPRENTICESHIP, SPIRITUAL SEXUALITY, HEALING, WOMENS WAYS, SWEATLODGES, AND MORE

LODGE OF THE SINGING STONES WWW.SINGINGSTONES.ORG TEL. 01433 651769
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

DREAMCATCHER TRADING POST
or Martin Duffy The Irish Centre For Shamanic Studies Dunderry Park, Dunderry, Navan Co. Meath. Tel 046 - 907 4455
Martin Duffy, IACT, IAHIP, is an accredited Humanistic/Transpersonal/Jungian Psychothrapist. He has worked with indigenous shamans in the Amazon, Africa and the Andes. He has also trained in Core Shamanism with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and the Scandinavian Center for Shananic Studies. He has also trained with Dr. Stanislav Grof in Transpersonal Psychology an Holotropic Breathwork.
WE LIVE IN WHAT WE MAKE
Zacs Tipis
Europes leading specialist offers the finest selection of authentic crafts and jewellery from the North American Indian Nations.
WERNLASS CWMDU LLANDEILO DYFED 20 YEARS OF TIPI MAKING
Our extensive collection features a new range of Shamanic Drums.

Our new website
www.dreamcatchertrading.com Retail: Send 2 for new full colour

catalogue (refundable with first purchase) Wholesale: Contact for further information. Visits available on request.
For Sale & Hire 01558 685 682
D RUMMING FOR THE S HAMANIC J OURNEY

Three sessions with single & double drumming lasting from18 mins to over 30 mins long.
(Incl P+P - cheques to Nicholas
OFFICE ADDRESS: 128 MURRAY ROAD SHEFFIELD S11 7GH

TEL : (0114) 268 7654
To view collection please call to arrange an appointment
The CD contains no speech just excellent drumming for your journey
11.00
E-Mail us at: Sales@dreamcatchertrading.com

- Heddfan, Drefach Felindre, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire, West Wales. SA44 5UH Tel: (01559) 371 215
PAGE 43
Sacred Hoop Sweat and T Shirts

Sacred Hoop has got together with Cafeshops.com to produce a range of high quality clothes all with shamanic quotes or art from your favourite shamanic magazine
Twelve unique and beautiful designs, all printed in full colour on high quality cloth with designs both on the front and back of each shirt.
All available directly on line with a secure credit card facility from
www.cafeshops.com/sacredhoop
INTEGRATED ETHERIC HEALING

A powerful and ancient chakra-based healing modality.
Works on all levels of the being at once. Effective for acute & chronic issues, particularly those that have not responded to other modalities. Work is performed remotely. Counseling allows integration of the work and is done in person or by phone.
X X X X X X
Integrated Etheric Healings on Physical or Emotional Issues - for Adults or Children Companion - Animal Etherics Parental Guidance Etherics Growth Etherics Soul Healing (Karmic Clearing) Etherics Also Hospice & Transition Etherics
For more information, contact
Peggy Malnati at WalkSoftly in the U.S. p.malnati@sbcglobal.net (001 from the UK) (248) 521 5643
SHAMANIC EMPOWERMENT Correspondence Course

10 powerful monthly lessons with meditations and journeying cassette Details; Peter Aziz 20 Furlong Close, Buckfast, Devon, TQ11 0ER
Tel: (01364) 643127
N ORTH YORKSHIRE SHAMANIC C ENTRE

Introductory Workshop
November 8th & 15th.
SHAMANIC WORKSHOPS
WITH
JONATHAN HORWITZ
Advanced Workshop
(Living with Spirit) October 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th.
Further Details: Jane E.Shutt (01751) 417795 crowan@madasafish.com
THE SHAMANS JOURNEY

Nov 28 - 30, London, Basic Workshop, Non-residential
www.azizshamanism.com
PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT
SHAMANISM, DEATH & LIFE
THE TRADING POST

NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN
ARTS/CRAFTS CENTRE 44 A, Middle Yard, Camden Lock London NW1 8AF Tel : 0207 284 2089
11 years on, and you can still get your genuine Native American Jewelry, music, incense and crafts at great low prices now with lots of things wholesale to the public. We buy everything ourselves in the USA from people we know personally.
COME VISIT US
THE FACULTY OF SHAMANICS

Beryl Meadows
is continuing to hold Weekend Workshops at Cuffley JMI School as she and Kenneth have done for the past twelve years, teaching Shamanics The Natural Way To Come in Tune With The Earth For further information please contact
Oct 30 - Nov 2, Herefordshire Advanced Course, Residential. Seventeen years teaching in Britain. Our courses are centred on experiencing shamanism as a healing spiritual path embracing the Circle and all of Nature.
For programme and registration contact:
KATHY FRIED Center For Shamanic Studies 29 Chambers Lane, London NW10 2RJ
Wed to Fri Noon to 5pm,Sat & Sun 11am - 6pm

We're opposite Jongleurs Comedy Club at CAMDEN LOCK
TEL: 0208 459 3028
www.shamanism.dk
COUNTER CULTURE
We are a book distribution company specialising in titles on Shamanism, Magic, Earth Mysteries and Spirituality. For our new FREE 100+ page catalogue contact: Counter Culture, The Long Barn, Sutton Mallet, TA7 9AR. Tel/fax: 01278 722888 or order on our secure website for 20% discount www.counterculture-books.co.uk
FACULTY
OF
SHAMANICS
P.O.Box 300 Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 4LE
www.shamanics.org
info@shamanics.org or John.meadows@shamanics.org
Vision Fast Ceremony

Rites of Passage
North Wales. May 6-16 & Sept' 3-13 2004
~ Cross a threshold into a new part of your life ~ ~ Find hidden treasures that are the secrets of your soul ~ ~ Mark where you are and confirm who you are ~
With Pippa Bondy
Pippa Bondy: 01279 813886 info@ancienthealingways.co.uk www.ancienthealingways.co.uk
This Ceremony guides and supports you across the shore into life transition . For more details and brochure please contact :-
FOUNDATION FOR INSPIRATIONAL AND ORACULAR STUDIES

SHAMANIC AND CELTIC COURSES FiOS MASTERCLASSES
with Caitlin & John Matthews

2003 WORLD PROGRAMME FOR PERSONAL & PRACTITIONER TRAINING
Foundation Course, Midwifing the Soul, Celtic Divination, Healing, Spirit Embodiment. Masterclasses in Alchemy & Ecstatic Tarantella
For full details send medium SAE to Caitlin Matthews
We stock a full range of pagan items from cauldrons to cloaks & robes. Authentic Native American jewellery & tools. Tibetan singing bowls & Buddhist items. Large gothic range. Crystals, books, posters ect. Ethnic clothes. Workshops, Therapies, Tarot readings & mediumship.
BCM Hallowquest, London WC1N 3XX or see : www.hallowquest.org.uk SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003
14 West Street, Dunstable, Beds. LU6 1SX Tel: 01582 477 674
PAGE 45
SHAMANIC HEALING
INCLUDES : Psycho-Regression (understanding past and present lives), Psychic Repair of Broken Hearts, Sexual Regression, Releasing Negative Emotions, Exorcism & Spirit Release Money Empowerment Therapy Dr Francesca Rossetti D.D. International Lecturer Para-Psychologist Spirit-Release Therapist Author Flat 5, 41 Lansdowne Road Holland Park, London, W11 2LQ Telephone/Facsimile 020 7792 2957
Please send for our free brochure or view our web site at www.roseven.co.uk
Shamanism and Sexual

This magical course is an initiation and awakening into the realms of the sacred sexual energies
London 24 - 26 Oct Contact Fiona Smith 020 8986 8046
The Roseven Centre

Comfortable Self-Catering accommodation for workshops and retreats. Max. 20 people Large functions room Teachers/Facilitators hold your course in total privacy at our secluded location
The Roseven Centre, Woodmanswell, North Brentor, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0NE Telephone/Fax: 01822 820416 e-mail: info@roseven.co.uk
Sexuality.... its a beautiful gentle balance of harmony, a dance in the circle of life
SACRED HOOP ADVERTISING RATES 2003

SIZES
(width x height)
1 Issue
60.00 70.00 105.00 105.00 125.00 125.00 185.00 205.00 295.00 325.00 575.00 625.00 795.00
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Minimum number of inserts 500. Maximum number of inserts 2000
LINEAGE ADVERTS - 0.50 per word ~ min 12.00

Phone numbers (including area code) and postal codes count as one word each. PAGE 46 SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003
Opportunity to work with the last indigenous Romani Chovihano / Jal holyman in Western Europe
the visionary artwork of
Connect with the natural wild free spirit of Romani Gypsy Jal
Jal is the ancient spiritual (tantric)/shamanic & magical discipine of the old Romani Gypsy tribes oracticed in erly Europe & Asia. Join these international meetings/programmes in shamanism, ritual theatre, song, dance and ancient magic
Jan Morgan Wood
HIGH QUALITY A3 ART PRINTS

individually signed by the artist
20.00 (UK) 30.00 (World)

includes P&P Sterling cheques to J. Wood credit card payments via website Send name, address and cheque to: MAY TREE GALLERY YSGUBOR HEN ABERCYCH PEMBS. SA37 OEZ. UK
with
Patrick Jasper Lee

We Borrow the Earth
~ an intimate portrait of the Gypsy shamanic tradition & culture
Master Chovihano & indigenous Jal holy man in East Sussex Next Introductory w/ends: 4th - 5th October 2003
By Patrick Jasper Lee

Published by Thorsons, Harper-Collins 12 incl. P&P A major publication now availaable direct from the address below. Please make all cheques for this book payable to :- Patrick Jasper Lee.
SACRED AIR
The most revealing and authentic work ever writen on Romani Gypsy life! This very heart-warming and moving story of a Romani Gypsy holy mans life and work, and the hidden and secret worldof Romani tribal life willcaapture your imagination and give you a complete new understanding of the word Gypsy
Please send A5 sae to the address below requesting more information on courses/books/tapes/meetings
THE ROMANI JAL LIFE FOUNDATION (SH)

P.O. Box 103, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4HP. UK. Tel: 01323 848 923
(between 10am-5pm weekdays only UK times)
ELEMENTS
find many more beautiful prints and originals on:
Email: info@romanilife.com www.romanilife.com
www.maytreegallery.co.uk
contact 01239 682071
PAGE 47
THIS EXCITING ALBUM CELEBRATES AND HONOURS THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF THE
Based around tribal songs, sacred chants and rhythms from rare archive recordings, some of which were made over 70 years ago, ?ANCESTORS? is created around a musical history and spiritual tradition stretching back generations. Dartmoor composer Nigel Shaw has taken these ?sound memories? and fused them with uplifting dance rhythms, wooden flutes, whistles, bagpipes, drums and additional vocals to create a new celebration of the cold northern lands and the people who have always lived there, and enhancing our understanding of our own deep and raw connection to the ancient land. Other musicians featured on this album are Carolyn Hillyer; Brian Abbott
A DONATION OF 1 FROM EVERY CD WILL BE GIVEN TO SURVIVAL INTERNATIONAL, TO SUPPORT ITS VITAL WORK DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF TRIBAL PEOPLES IN THE SIBERIAN ARCTIC AND AROUND THE WORLD.
Available from: Seventh Wave Music T 01822 880301 www.seventhwavemusic.c
Survival is a worldwide organisation supporting tribal peoples. It sta their right to decide their own future and helps them protect their lives, lands and human rights. To find out more about Survival?s work and how you can help, please visit its website or call for a free information pack.
'Paul Harris/Survival

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Issue 42 Autumn 2003

SHAMANISM AND ANCIENT WISDOM FOR TODAY?S WORLD

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies

The Way of the Shaman

Sat-Sun 4/5 Oct 2003 or Sat-Sun 17/18

and a large range of CRAFT SUPPLIES

Incense Peace Pipes Shields Rattles Mandellas Books Fetishes

A THREE YEAR ADVANCED TRAINING PROGRAMME

NORTHERN DRUM SHAMANIC CENTRE

Latitude, Unit M, Station Buildings, Llanidloes, SY18 6EB, Powys.

REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION (tick rate required below)

Join the Circle of Subscribers

SACRED HOOP MAGAZINE

LIFE SUBSCRIPTION 200.00

(Approx $300 US)

Sacred Hoop makes the perfect gift ....

GIFT SUBSCRIPTION FROM:

TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE . . . . . .

PLEASE SEND MY SUBSCRIPTION TO:

PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO:

GIANT BACK ISSUE SALE ON PAGE 40 AND MAKE HUGE SAVINGS

SPECIAL READERS OFFER

SACRED HOOP MAGAZINE

THIRTEEN GODS AND THIRTEEN SHAMANS . . . 10-13

COATS OF MANY SPIRITS . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Siberian shamans gather- page 10

WHO ARE THE ELDERS . . . . . . . . . . . 16-19

HOLDING THE RAINBOW SERPENT . . . . 20-21

Alaskan community drum - page 22

GR ANDMOTHER DRUM . . . . . . . . . . 22-27

BUILDING AN EARTH WOMB . . . . . . . . 28-29

FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY . . . . . 30-33

Keeping Australian traditions - page 20

EDITORIAL: Page 4 X LETTERS: Page 34 X REVIEWS: Page 35 X DIARY DATES: Page 38

Next Issue out December 20th

We need to be the dreamers of the world we wish to live in.

THIRTEEN GODS AND THIRTEEN SHAMANS

World Tree that connects the three layers of Creation.

SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42

WHO ARE THE

the Rainbow Serpent

SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003

voices from the circle . . .

Please share your letters & views.

RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HUMIDITY

SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003

Length: 50.08 mins. Reviewer: Sofy Rosie

Available fromwww.thecraft.org : www.mp3.com/the_craft

1 - Forget it. 2 - Probably best avoided. 3 - Worth getting.

4 - Miss it - miss out. 5 - A classic.

RECLAIMING THE GODS

SACRED HOOP MAGAZINE

SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003

people on the path

NOV 1st 2003

SACRED HOOP ISSUE 42 2003

LOCAL GROUPS & CONTACTS

Pop@sacredhoop.org (01559) 371 215

We want to say a BIG

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT APPEAR IN P.O.P LISTINGS

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE

BACK ISSUE SALE

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