Historically, Rites of Passage ceremonies and rituals
have taken place in many cultures all over the world.
These rituals solidified a new identity helping
individuals to function and fit into the community as
responsible adults. The understanding of the cycles of
change was passed down from the wise elders of the
tribes, who reinforced these necessary role changes in
our lives with ceremony and ritual. These rituals all had
much symbolism affecting the initiates on both conscious
and subconscious levels. There was a death of one role
and a rebirth to begin another. Due to the symbolism and
dramas of these ceremonies, and the way they were
undertaken, they left an everlasting and indelible
imprint on the psyche. They evoked a sense of awe and
created a lasting and powerful image on the whole
community. These milestones were never forgotten and most
importantly, they were understood, accepted and supported
by the community at large. These ceremonies greatly
enhanced the initiate's ability to move forward into
their new role with pride and respect during these
important transitions. This Ceremony also greatly
effected the community or tribe by reminding them of
there responsibility in responding to the initiate in a
new way, in their new role as an important member of the
community.
Rites of Passage, which are the soul's evolution by
incremental changes in consciousness, always involve the
following 3 stages:
1.
Separation:
Separation from the existing limited awareness of all
that is familiar and secure. Acknowledging the fear and
resistance, we have no choice, but to separate and face
the fear of the unknown. At this stage the community has
to see that the initiate is ready for the transition.
This is where our western society has been lacking,
therefore the final stages become problematic. Where this
support is missing it can help if we are totally open to
Great Spirit and the mystery that is unfolding.
2. Transition Rites or the Adventure:
This is a hazing period, when we are in full flight of
the adventure. This is where we face the fears head on,
as the grip of old consciousness fades, and in time
merges with new revelations. This is a time when our
faith is tested, a time when the community support was
needed for wisdom and clarity. This is the 'Dark Night of
the Soul'. This is a time to surrender to The Great
Spirit and His mystery.
3. Rites of Incorporation - the Return:
The return of the same person, but forever changed. The
deed has been achieved, the boon, or gift gained, and has
led the initiate to self recognition and deep
understanding of surrender. Celebration and community
support enhances the individual's experience to trust in
the cycles of life.
Traditionally Rites of Passage ceremonies marked the
turning points in life, such as those for the transition
from child to adult, marriage rites, death rites etc.
Nowadays we have added a few more transitions because in
present day western society with its absence of rites of
passage we still resist change. We need assistance in
dealing with divorce, separation, empty nest syndrome,
menopause, and retirement, and any major turning point or
soul call. These latter rites have become problematic
because the earlier rites have not paved the way for our
psyches to accept the letting go processes, as they did
in the traditional primitive cultures.
Rites of passage ceremonies offer assistance in helping
us to move ahead, letting go of the pre- existing roles.
Then we move smoothly, with wisdom and trust, into the
natural cycles of life that everyone must experience.
These ceremonies help us to embrace life and move into a
new role with acceptance and gratitude, knowing that we
are supported.
During these times of intense acceleration many people
are being called to take their place, change their paths,
and for many, this is frightening
While we do not know the great mystery of life, each of
us cannot deny the soul call. The call begins as a
whisper and gradually gets louder and louder, chasing all
of the illusions out of our lives. It is Great Spirit
calling us.
We are all in the process of co-creating our world and we
all have a role to play. Through change we are initiated
into higher states of consciousness, which are more in
accord with our true nature .These changes may feel
uncomfortable, but we here at Medicine Wheel Lodge offer
inspiring life changing workshops of life.
Our vision is to support inspire, validate and empower
humanity on the journey of life. We seek to ease the
natural transitions, which feel like a catastrophe and
loss of identity at times, and we aim to help establish a
deep respect and understanding of the natural rhythms and
cycles of life.
Using ancient wisdom and ceremonies such as Inipi
Ceremonies (Sweat Lodges) for purification and cleansing;
the teaching of the medicine wheel; and our connection to
Great Spirit and the divine mystery, we assist in
solidifying a new identity for participants. We intend to
equip our brothers and sisters with the courage, the
persistence or endurance, the patience, the alertness and
the understanding needed to step into their new awesome
role with gratitude and responsibility. We hope to leave
you with a sense of pride, joy and exhilaration as you
take your part in the unfolding of the universal changes.
It is time to stand up and be counted in the spirit
world, and to do what we all came here to do.
If you require assistance and would like more information
on our workshops of life please feel free to contact us.
The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.
The goal of the hero trip down to the jewel point, is to
find those levels in the psyche that open, open, open,
and finally open to the mystery of your Self, being
Buddha consciousness or the Christ.
That's the journey.
By: Joseph Campbell from: 'Reflections on the Art of
Living - A Joseph Campbell Companion' Selected and Edited
by Diane K. Osbon.
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