[D] ear Prayer Vigil for the Earth Family and Friends,
Greetings and thank you for your continued support and interest. For a variety of reasons, the 19th annual Prayer Vigil for the Earth, October 1& 2, 2011, will return to the roots of its simplicity. We will let you know the specific location near the Washington Monument in a follow up email.
[W] e began in October 1993 with one tipi, one fire, one table, a small sound system, and one drum. About 30 people, mostly The Keepers of First Nations’ sacred traditions, participated and a few organizers. At one point that year we had about 25 people stop by to listen to the drum.
A 1993 highlight was the unexpected presence of Northern Cheyenne James Black Wolf, Keeper of the Hat, who rarely traveled and had not been to Washington DC in his lifetime. He was in town for the return of his peoples’ bones from the Smithsonian Museum. His private historic meeting withLakotoa Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the Keeper of the Pipe, occurred under a moon in our single tipi with a slight drizzle basking our presence, but not obscuring the moon.
[I] n short, we don’t have to create a big event for spirit to move within us and grace the land. This year we hope to have at least one tipi, the fire, a drum (if possible) and perhaps a battery powered microphone. There will be no food, transportation, accommodations, tables, chairs or bathrooms provided. There are public bathrooms on the Mall, and bring your blankets, folding chairs, and things to eat if you don’t want to purchase food at the nearby concession stands. Morning sunrise ceremonies will be held Friday for set up, Saturday, Sunday, and perhaps Monday morning. No formal program will occur.
[E] veryone is welcome to the 2011 Prayer Vigil for the Earth. It will be an informal gathering of those called by the heart to attend. For more information about the Vigil, please visit: http://www.oneprayer.org
Our prayers are with 97 year-old Anishinabe Grandfather William Commanda, the Keeper of the Wampum Belt and a guiding presence at the Vigil for many years.
Editor’s Note:At 4:45 the morning of August 3, our beloved Grandfather Commanda passed peacefully into the Spirit World in his Maniwaki home. He was 97 years old. Referred to as the Gandhi of the First Nation’s world, Algonquin elder and spiritual leader Grandfather William Commanda worked tirelessly on behalf of all people and the entire Earth community. His words on forgiveness opened all hearts. For many years, Grandfather shared the teachings of the Wampum Belt, the Seven Fire prophecies, and the hoped for lighting of the 8th Fire (a time of peace) with the Prayer Vigil for the Earth community.Please join us in prayers celebrating this beautiful human being whose presence graced our Earth and will live on in our hearts.For more information: http://aptn.ca/pages/news/2011/08/03/algonquin-elder-commanda-left-his-mark-on-the-world/
Please add Dine (Navaho) elder, Grace Smith Yellowhammer, the spiritual mother of the Vigil, and her family to your prayers. It will be wonderful if we can bring some of the original Keepers of the Sacred Traditions to Washington DC in 2012.
[W] e will seek funding for the 2012 Prayer Vigil for the Earth so that we can gather a larger community. Our goal is celebrate the completion of 20 years, or 5 cycles of sacred four years, as First Nation’s people have taught us.
It is an honor to know you and your life of prayer and ceremony for the entire Earth Community. To paraphrase William McDonough,
May all of the children of all of the species for all time be loved.
Blessings, The Prayer Vigil for the Earth
~~~~
Voice of Choices’ Editor Note:
I attended a ceremonial weekend I will never forget – in 2001. Spiritual traditions from around the globe represented in the huge gathering my daughter and I attended. Sleeping under the stars – with the Pleaides shining brightly above the Washington Monument at the Fall Equinox was amazing. Having brought a variety of large crystals and spheres – the energy of the sacred fire, chanting, dancing and much more – infused all with a vibrational essence of unity, peace and true international and multi-traditional blessings.If you live close – or desire to travel. I promise, regardless of the size this gathering turns out to be – it is one of heart-felt connection unmatched in my personal experience.
Blessings to all – as we honor the simple basics at our very core.
Kathy ‘WW’ Lowden
