Saturday’s Ceremony and COVID 19.

I was remiss with mentioning the precautions in place to follow the health guidelines and ensure a safe environment for our community and their families. 

The Pipe Ceremony: A basket of sanitary wipes, tissues and hand sanitizer will be passed with the Pipe. Disposable gloves are available for those concerned about holding and passing the Pipe. Be certain to pick up a pair before taking your place in the circle for the ceremony. It is your choice how you choose to participate. 

• There is ample space in the barn to support the 6’ recommendation; however, when the Pipe is passed you will get closer than 6’; therefore, you may want to bring a mask. 
• Everyone needs to smudge their personal body and everything they take into the Sacred circle. (This includes what you sit on and the blanket for your lap.)
• Generally, we sit close to the Earth by sitting on a blanket or cushion. If you need more support, your lawn chair may be used. Depending on the number of people, it may take an hour for the ceremony to be complete, so consider what is most conducive for your physical comfort.
• Smoking the Pipe is optional; simply holding the Pipe and speaking your prayers is just as powerful.
• When your prayers with the Pipe are complete, please use a sanitary wipe to clean the entire Pipe. (If you are wearing gloves, simply hand the cleaned Pipe to the next person.) If not, with the wipe still in your hand and around the Pipe, pass it to the person to your left. Once they have received it, use the hand sanitizer, and then pass the basket of sanitary items and matches/lighter.

Potluck: In addition to your own eating utensils, bring a serving spoon to use with the various dishes others bring, and, of course, your lawn chair. There will be a washtub for cleaning your dishes after the meal. Again, use your personal discrimination and bring any sanitary methods you use to stay healthy. While we will have what is listed above, there may be others items for which you are comfortable.  

Fire Ceremony: If case of inclement weather, we will forgo the fire, and return to a circle in the barn.  With the assistance of the drum, we will do a dreaming. In preparation for this portion, consider what your heart would like to bring forth in your life and community. Call to the energy of the Summer Solstice to help you reflect on and realize what you need to do to meet your long-term goals and honor what feeds your heart. The summer solstice is the highest point of energy for the year and is represented by the elements of fire, passion, will and drive that can help catapult you toward your goals.  If there was ever a day to honor all the love, light and pleasure of our existence, it’s the summer solstice.  
Remember to RSVP by noon on Friday. Looking forward to sitting in ceremony on this Summer Solstice evening.