Sweat Lodge

The Sweat Lodge is probably the most recognized of all Native American Ceremonies. While there are as many ways to conduct this ceremony as there are sweat lodge leaders, there are many elements that are consistent with all Sweat Lodges. The lodge itself is built from willow saplings or some other supple wood frame. This frame is in the form of a half-dome and covered with blankets and tarps. When completely covered, it can be very dark inside, even in the daylight. Adjacent to the lodge is a fire pit used to heat up rocks. These rocks are usually volcanic and are called “Stone People,” they represent our oldest living relatives. When the stones are good and hot, they are brought into the lodge where the participants have gathered. Water is poured onto the Stones creating steam. The Sweat Leader holds the sacred space and helps the participants with prayer and songs. In most of the Seven Circles lodges, the ceremony within the lodge is somewhat akin to a “talking circle.” Participants are invited to speak from their hearts about their life and their community concerns. This is a ceremony of purification and prayer. In the heat and the darkness of the lodge, we can come closer to ourselves, closer to Creator, and closer to understanding each other. If you attend one of our “Sweats,” please feel free to ask any questions you may have. There are always hospitable folks around ready to make you feel welcome. Kids are encouraged to attend, and while most of our lodges are “co-ed” there are also “Men-only” and “Women-only” events. Bring a towel and loose clothes you can wear into the lodge. As with all ceremonies, bring food for the sacred feast afterwards, and a plate, a cup & silverware. We wish to honor the Earth by ceasing to use paper goods and plastic utensils. Schedule of Ceremonies

Pipe Ceremonies

The”Chanupa” or Sacred Pipe, considered by many Native peoples to be the single most sacred item used in ceremony. It is used in many good ways and its presence at a ceremony helps keep the ceremony focused. The Pipe Ceremonies hosted by Seven Circles is similar to a “talking circle” where people are supported in speaking from their hearts. The ceremony leader helps hold the sanctity of the space while the participants speak about their lives and community concerns. Once all participants have spoken, the Sacred Pipe is passed around so that everyone can “put their prayers into the pipe.” Once the pipe is “loaded” with these prayers it is smoked to release the prayers and set them in motion. A tobacco-less smoking mixture, kinnick-kinnick, is used in this ceremony. Seven Circles will host Pipe Ceremonies on request. As with all ceremonies, bring food for the sacred feast afterwards, and a plate, a cup & silverware. We wish to honor the Earth by ceasing to use paper goods and plastic utensils Schedule of Ceremonies

Vision Quest

For some of us, the greatest thing in our lives is to go on a vision quest. Away from civilization, forgoing food and water we come to understand the power of prayer and the strength of Creator. The “Hambleche” Vision Quest is a ceremony of solitary fasting and prayer that can last up to four days. Seven Circles sponsors Spring and fall Vision Quests, currently in Mendocino. As individuals go up to do this an opportunity is provided for the community to assemble in an Vision Quest camp to support the solitary vision questers up ‘on the hill.’ The last day of the Vision Quest is marked by the return of the questers to camp, a great feast and a “give-away” when the questers acknowledge the support of their community through gifts.

Sun Dance

The Sundance is a ceremony that takes place in the summer months. The Sundancers commit to a four-year long prayer centered around annual four-day dances. During the dance, the Sundancers fast and do not drink water. They dance around the tree of life – usually a cottonwood tree draped and wrapped with thousands of “prayer ties” representing their sacrefice and commitment to the life of all people. Many Sundancers will pierce their body and connect themselves to the tree during the dance. The Sundance also involves supporting friends and family who surround the dancers as they pray and fast encircling the Tree of Life. The Seven Circles community has supported and participated in the Four Nations Sundance near Medford, Oregon established by the late Martin High Bear and the Sundance at Pilot Rock near Ashland. For information contact Michael Two Feathers at Wichozanni Village