Part of what I feel has fueled my work as an artist is that I have always tried to live my life as "openly" as possible.
I seek out and explore a variety of adventures, mysteries, and traditions with the hopes that I will gain new wisdom, knowledge and understanding with each experience...and that collectively those new insights will help me become a much more conscious therapist and artist.
There have been many inspiring and spiritual endeavors I have a history of studying and participating in, over the years. Some of the most noticeable hints of cultural influence that have surprisingly shown up in my art pieces have had Native American symbolism and undertones. When I was younger I often dreamt of Native American people and ceremonies and yet had never had any education of their culture other than what little I was taught in history classes. So as I got older and the dreams continued, I decided that I would make a point to begin to learn more about their history and traditions at some point.
No sooner had I given this some thought, when in more ways then one, I was blessed enough to serendipitously cross paths with several Native American healers and ministers who were willing to teach me a few things, gracious enough to allow me to participate in ceremonies, and even agree to come to a few of my art therapy groups as special guests who could speak volumes about the importance of respecting our mother earth.
Well, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you a few examples of the ceremonies I have been participating in and encourage you to continue to educate yourself on such a beautiful culture and it's people.
The time I have spent in ceremony has been profound and I know that those meaningful experiences will find ways to further express themselves through my work as both therapist and painter.
Please read on to learn more!
Sarah
*Chiefs Crow Dog Sr. & Jr. as well as their entourage traveled to Oswego IL. to lead in these very powerful healing Ceremonies:
Pipe Ceremony and Sweat Lodge
A "Sweat" will takes place when the time is right after dark. It is meant as a purification and rebirth. A large tent like structure is built with a deep hole in the center. Participants are cleansed with smudge and enter the sweat clockwise. When the room is full the leader will perform various prayers and call for the "grandfathers".
The grandfathers are the red hot stones from a nearby fire. The sweat structure closed and no light is visible. Water is poured on the grandfathers to heat the sweat. There is singing and chanting for about 5-15 min. Then upon verbalizing "Mitakuye Oyasin" the door will open and more Grandfathers will be requested as the process will repeat 3 more times.
It is EXTREMELY hot in the sweat. Men are requested to wear only shorts and women are requested to wear a long full length dress with short sleeves. No additional items such as glasses, watches, jewelry of any kind or metal should be worn so as to avoid burns.
By breathing slow shallow breaths and singing with the leaders, this journey is a joyous and enlightening experience. However, those with health concerns, or who are pregnant or are menstruating are not recommended to participate.
Yuwipi Ceremony
A Yuwipi is a Lakota/Sioux healing ceremony performed in COMPLETE darkness. In the ceremony, the healer is tied up with a special blanket and ropes while praying, chanting, and singing for the healing of a specific person or persons. Other participants also pray for the person or persons to be healed. The ceremony is very hard on the healer, who gives away a piece of his life every time it is performed. Yuwipi healers therefore lead short and difficult lives, in exchange for helping their communities. Typically those who participate experience the presences of Spirits and other phenomenal events during the Yuwipi.
