Project: Phoenix Fire

aurora · Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 12:33 pm Post subject: The Pompton Lenape

Hello
I want to honor the Lenape who were were forced to move out of New Jersey, particularly the Pompton Lakes area in the 1700's. I googled extensively and been to the library looking for a ceremony. Can someone help?
thanks

ladyhawke · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 1:15 pm Post subject:

This is a ritual born of your heart. I don't think that there is one specific way to approach this, but perhaps in sharing more of your vision, we can help guide you.

As a good first step, think carefully about why you wish to do a ceremony, and exactly what you are honoring, and inviting into your life by this action. Why do these particular events and people call to you?

aurora · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 8:54 pm Post subject: My experience

Thank you for responding

My background : I am not native American, but I have a BA in Anthtroloplogy and have maintained an interest and respect for the spirituality in cultures around the world. The Dali Lami is one of my heroes. My day job pays my bills , but writing, painting and the environment and all its inhabitants are my passion
My meditations are connecting 'heart to heart " via the light body . Started courses with Sanaya Roman/Orin and Daben 20 years ago I am an Empath intuitive.

I was invited by friend to attend a church service in Pompoton Lakes, New Jersey. While we were singing a hymn about the love and respect for nature, it reminded me of the Native americans .I was overwhelmed with sadness and grief to the point I could not sing. Also , I was "receiving the messgae over again: "How can you( referring to the congregation or unaware people in general) sing this song when you have no respect for us" In brief , the other friend who was invited , is a medium and we helped cross over several Native americans. Since then, I researched the the history of the area and found out about the Lenape and feel compelled to honor those spirits who lived in the Pompton Lakes area and would like do something in aligned with their tradition
thanks again for your help

ladyhawke · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 12:49 pm Post subject:

Do you have any vision of your ceremony at this point? What is your heart telling you?

aurora · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:58 pm Post subject: ceremony

It has been suggested to me that spirits love flowers and I resonante with planting blue/purple pansies. However, as far as prayer/ ceremony , i only know the 4 directions which i like very much. This particular group were considered " the Grandfathers", but were mocked as old women since they were peaceful and good arbitrators

ladyhawke · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

Now we're starting to get somewhere.

By "the four directions" do you mean that you know a specific chant of that name, or that you respond to the beauty of honoring the four directions, and the powers that the guardians of each direction bring us as gifts?

Planting flowers which renew themselves ... might that not in and of itself be a ritual act ... a moving meditation honoring the spirits of the People? Interesting thing about pansies, they are biennials, lasting for their appointed time and passing on, and needing to be renewed by the efforts of the Gardener. See a parallel to what you want to do?

Do you see a way of combining the four directions and the planting?

aurora · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:50 pm Post subject:

Yes, I see all 4 directions necessary for the renewal of life In addition, the Pomptons did grow varoius vegetables and thus a planting is apropos. Thanks for your help.