Entering The Ceremonial Arbor

People who enter the Arbor smudge with the smoke of sage and cedar, quieting their minds, making prayers and passing the smoke over their body to symbolically purify thoughts and emotions, preparing for meditation and ceremony.

Women on their Moontime, pass the Eastern Gate and continue on the path around the Arbor to 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.

All people who enter the Arbor are encouraged to greet the Guardians of the Four Directions, even if it is your first experience in a Native American Ceremonial space.

The following are suggestions for prayer and contemplation at each gate:

Eastern Gate - Express appreciation for the Guardians of the East and the support we receive from them, and be aware of the energy of the rising sun, renewal, inspiration, and the wisdom of our ancestors in the Sacred Mound.
Southern Gate – Express appreciation for the Guardians of the South and the support we receive from them. Contemplate planting seeds of good cause in your life.
Western Gate – Express appreciation for the Guardians of the West and the support we receive from them. Contemplate the fires of transformation burning in the west and the bear stomping on fear and ignorance.
Northern Gate – Express appreciation for the Guardians of the North and the support we receive from them. Feel the quite and stillness of the north, the introspection of winter and a placid frozen lake reflecting the open sky.

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