39th Annual Native American
Elders and Youth Gathering

July 28th – 30th, 2023

Teachings in the Sacred Arbor

After smudging, walk through the Eastern Gate and take a few steps into the Arbor. All people who enter the Arbor, even if it is your first experience in a Native American Ceremonial space, are asked to acknowledge each Direction before taking your seat. Acknowledging each Direction can look many ways. One may make a small bow or stand with open palms or make a short prayer. Beginning in the East, you walk clockwise around the Arbor stopping and acknowledging Southern, Western, and Northern Gates before finding a a place to sit under the shelter of the cedar boughs. It is good to bring your own chair, dress for both sun and rain, and have some insect repellent.

Sacred Moon Arbor

Women on their Moontime, menstruating, have a place of honor in the Moon Arbor. Their sensitivity to the energies of the earth and sky are enhanced and their sight is more keen; keen enough to see between worlds and converse with the many energy beings that are usually invisible to sight. For this reason, women on their Moontime sit together in the Moon Arbor where they act as Watchful Mamas over the ceremony, sharing their perceptions with the Grandmothers.

In the Moon Arbor, after the Sacred Fire in the Ceremonial Arbor is lit, a Grandmother of the Ywahoo lineage calls upon the Firekeeper of the lineage to build and light the sacred fire. She tends the fire day and night, regardless of weather and the activities around her. She watches over the Watchful Mamas, answers their questions, making sure they are receiving care from the community and listening as they share their perceptions about what is happening in and around the Ceremonial Arbor.

Sacred Fire

The Ceremonial Fire represents the one light which all beings have arisen. Fire Keepers from the Sunray Meditation Society ensure that it is fed properly and stays burning. They sit to the north of the Fire day and night in any weather regardless of the activities of the around them. As they watch over the Fire, they meditate and pray, often receiving visions of what is needed by the people or the land. Please support them in their vigil with your smiles, love, prayer, and respect. Do your best to avoid interrupting their vigil in any way.

Offerings to the Sacred Fires

You may be invited to stand at the entrance to the Fire and make Offerings of cornmeal and sacred herbs. To do this you can take a small handful of cornmeal from the offering bowl, a large handful is not necessary. Silently prepare to make your Offering, asking the cornmeal and herbs to carry your prayers to the Sacred Fire. When you step up to the entrance speak your prayer.