8th Fire gathering/Traditional Sweat Lodge

Massachusetts - Nipmuc/Algonquin land

Words alone cannot express the gratitude I feel after spending a Saturday at the 8th fire gathering.

This was the 2nd time I have had the privilege to participate with local individuals who are "Walking the red road". I will be posting another blog about what it is in detail.

WHAT IS THE RED ROAD?

The concept of the "Red Road" symbolizes embracing a spiritual lifestyle.

To "Walk the Red Road" entails a profound responsibility and a sincere dedication to consciously lead one's life by upholding and internalizing the principles of Native/Indigenous traditions evolving into universal human values.

Walking the red road does not require you to be indigenous, but it is crucial that those who are walking the path, fully dedicate themselves to learning and following the necessary steps. Every tribe has its unique beliefs and creation story, making each red road distinct in its own way. This distinction is a fundamental aspect of the journey.

WHAT IS LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

A land acknowledgement is in many ways a deep prayer, a

devotional act to the spirits of the land (ancestors and beings), which empowers

indigenous peoples within your area. It must be heartfelt, it must

be authentic, and you must put a part of yourself into it. This brings

both awareness and support for indigenous peoples in your area

with your ceremonies. (credit: Spirit of Wolf Americas)

Land Acknowledgment comprises many essential elements that require thorough examination of the self. Participating in this practice may elicit various feelings as you encounter discrepancies in your knowledge or encounter resistance to your own beliefs or feelings of YOUR way is THE way. The primary focus of Land Acknowledgment lies not in your intent, but in the effect it has on others within our community. Land Acknowledgement promotes DEEP healing and mutual respect.

I will be writing a separate blog that is more in-depth about land acknowledgment. This is a crucial thing to learn about if civilization is to survive the madness that is circling it.

The 8th fire prophecy gathering is a beautiful group of individuals. This time I was met with heartfelt welcome and open arms. I was given words I needed to hear from elders. And in accepting those words, you come to learn a lot about yourself. In learning about the negative and positives of yourself, from respectable and wise people, you create a growth in yourself and a deeper understanding to the world around you. These understandings can be a huge key to your peace of mind and heart, also there is a lot of healing in this as well. Or you could call it "medicine".

As individuals gathered around the fire, the feather circulated, allowing the one holding it to impart words of wisdom. This gathering conveyed valuable knowledge not available in books or online Google searches. As the feather was passed, I could hear the sound of children's laughter and playfulness in the background. At that instant, it seemed like this was the ideal way for life to be.

Being invited into a sweat lodge by an elder was an amazing experience, and I felt deeply honored to participate in this sacred ritual. Sweat lodges serve as a strong link to Mother Earth and our ancestors, where valuable wisdom and lessons can be found. When I exited the lodge, tears streamed down my face, symbolizing a profound healing for my soul. I am incredibly thankful for this transformative experience.

I look forward to attending in the Spring of 2025.

Thank you to Grandfather Laughing Eagle and his wife. Thank you to Sansar Kam for bringing me to this wonderful world.