Today is a historic day because James Arthur Ray is the first plastic shame-on to be held accountable for taking human lives in fake ceremonies. Finally, after more than two years, Ray has been sentenced for his negligence that caused the deaths of Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman.
There’s a lot of mixed emotion in Indian country today. There’s happiness that someone was finally held accountable for perverting our ceremonies, but frustration that the prison term for killing three human beings was so short. Ray was sentenced today to only 2 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $57,514.12. He was given only 2 years for the death of each human being, but is being allowed to serve his sentence concurrently. With time off for ‘good behavior', he may be out of prison in less time than it took to try him.
Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Warren Darrow told the court that he wanted his decision to be based on law, not emotion. Yet, earlier he referred to James Ray as "vile" on an audiotape where he’s barking orders at people gullible enough to believe he had some masterly of what indigenous spiritual practices. The judge made it clear that he intended the sentence to be a deterrent to other frauds seeking to use bogus ceremonies and thought control methods to hustle money from cultural outsiders. Previously, Darrow threw out the defense motion to strike the aggravators that the jury found and stated, "I find that the aggravating circumstance of emotional harm is so strong and such that probation is simply unwarranted in this case.”
While the judge was convinced that it was necessary to punish James Ray for his recklessness, Darrow's concern about the deceased willingness to believe everything Ray claimed also factored into the sentence. Prior to handing down the sentence, the judge wondered out loud why doctors, lawyers, and other educated professional people attending the event did not exhibit any common sense. This seems to indicate that concern over the lack of critical thinking skills on the part of James Ray’s victims may have mitigated his sentence. Judge Darrow admonished Ray saying, "Mr. Ray, when a person has your capabilities to gain people’s trust, there is a large, large responsibility that goes with that trust … They placed their trust and it was violated.” The judge concluded, “a prison sentence is mandated in this case." Yavapai County prosecutor Sheila Polk strongly urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence of 9 years, 9 months "The defendant led the life of a pretender, and there are predictable consequences when one leads a life of pretense," she argued.
Most of the friends and family members of those who passed in the plastic sweat lodge agreed that it wasn’t about revenge for them; It was all about being accountable. Kirby Brown’s mother’s testimony was both moving and memorable. She testified previously that has come to realize that Kirby should have been more skeptical and has become active in educating the public about the dangers of blind acceptance of those who claim to know something about spirituality. Today, she told the judge, “My heart's been ripped out! My life blown apart!” She strongly criticized the New Age teachings that were promoted by James Ray and the Angel Valley camp and referred to the “horrible fact of Sedona.” Kirby’s mother made a strong statement against those who tried to rationalize her daughter’s needless death as a choice to "transition" and labeled the thinking behind it as “horrifying” and “disturbed.”
Although he wasn’t very convincing, James Ray addressed those in the courtroom and finally expressed remorse for his charlatanism. But instead of forthrightly accepting responsibility for concocting a scam, Ray blamed the deaths on the “arrogance that comes from my industry.” He justified his egotism and arrogance by blaming his behavior on his profession and suggesting that the self-help industry, not his own character flaws, bred ignorance and made him believe his own press.
Since Ray chose not to fight the claims for restitution, the judge ordered him to pay $57,514.12 of the nearly $130,000 the state requested. Most of this will go towards compensating the friends and relatives of those who passed in the bogus sweat lodge for the costs they incurred in coming to the lengthy trial.
While this landmark prison sentence for a plastic is encouraging, people shouldn’t be too confident that this will stop the thousands and thousands of other frauds out there trying to exploit Native American spiritual practices for money. Sadly, this sentence will probably do nothing more than make the existing frauds more cautious and more likely to adopt a “kinder, gentler” approach to the perversion of our sacred rites. There are still thousands of people out there who fraudulently present themselves as “shamans” and "medicine people" and “ascended masters”. The sad reality is that there are more individuals out there determined to sell their own perversions of Native American spiritual practices, to market their twisted and contorted from their own ignorance and arrogance, than any tribe has time or energy to deal with. Someone has already died this year in a bogus vision quest near Sedona, and I doubt that this sentence will do anything to stop the next person from dying in a “kinder, gentler” plastic ceremony run by a more clever huckster with a softer approach to cultural genocide.
Getting James Arthur Ray out of society for two years or less is a good start, but it's only a band-aid solution to the enormous problem of cultural appropriation of indigenous ways of being. Until the root of the problem is addressed, people will continue to be harmed emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually in the many bogus ceremonies offered by frauds who value material wealth over their fellow human beings. The root cause of plastic ceremony deaths are, ignorance, arrogance, deeply instilled racism, white privilege and colonialism. It would be a good thing if James Arthur Ray’s prison sentence served, as Judge Darrow wished, as a deterrent to the plastic medicine people, but experience has taught most Native people that frauds never stop their deceit. Even after being exposed, frauds merely transform themselves into less objectionable versions of themselves. Scam artists become addicted to the easy money and the glory and will do anything to continue their insatiable pursuit of profit and undeserved status. They re-market themselves, fix any flaws in their false persona that gives them away and continue to take people’s money in exchange for spiritual fool’s gold. But these frauds couldn’t make a penny without followers who are all too willing to believe their pretty lies. Until cultural outsiders are willing to take a hard and courageous look at themselves, to look at their privilege and entitlement and their indoctrination from centuries of colonialism, these frauds will continue to seek them out and offer them empty rituals that have no connection to anything spiritual. Those who refuse to look at this reality will continue to risk their welfare and even their lives when they seek arrogantly and out of willful ignorance. I hope the James Ray verdict will be a wake-up call to all those who misappropriate Native spirituality, but I know that all those frauds and exploiters out there will just use this as an opportunity to paint themselves as the opposite of James Ray. Only those with the courage to really look at what is lacking inside them that compels them to seek out Native spirituality as a solution to their affluenza and discontentment with their materialistic society will be safe from the next wave of James Ray wannabes that is surely to come along, dressed in the sheep's clothing of the "kinder, gentler" plastic shaman.
Native America Calling: Monday, November 14, 2011– What is Sacred?
The term “sacred” is thrown around quite a bit in Indian Country. Sacred lands, sacred ceremonies, sacred objects – sacred this and sacred that. The English definition describes sacred as something holy, blessed or revered. But what is the Native grassroots understanding of this term? Can something that is shared with the public be considered sacred, like our tribal dances or our traditional songs? Once they are revealed, do they lose their power or their sacredness? Is it necessary for the sacred to be shrouded in secrecy? Guests include traditional practitioners Boye Ladd (Ho Chunk) and Gladys Jefferson (Crow). http://www.nativeamericacalling.com/nac_past.shtml
Disclaimer:
James Arthur Ray didn't pay me anything to write this blog.
FAIR USE STATEMENT
This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in an effort to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. we believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml
If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use’, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
As always, graphics are copy-lefted. All anti-racist, pro-indigenous activists are welcome to snag them.
James Ray's trial date has been set for August 31st.
The autopsy reports show that Kirby Brown and James Shore died of heat stroke and Liz Neuman died of massive organ failure and hyper thermia from prolonged exposure to excessive heat.
The families of the victims wanted Judge Warren Darrow to withhold the autopsy photographs and all but the first and last pages of the autopsy report. Thankfully, he respected their wishes.
Please remember James, Liz and Kirby in your prayers today.
The Camp Verde Bugle reports that the trial should run from August 31 to approximately December 17th. If the trial continues the expected 56 days, jurors will only be paid $672.00 during that time, so only those who can afford to take that much time off will be able to judge whether Ray is guilty of manslaughter.
James Arthur Ray has plead not guilty to three counts of manslaughter. It's clear that he has the means to hire a legal team to engage in an extended legal battle to assure his acquittal. Since James Ray refused to issue any refunds, part of his defense may actually be financed with money from the deceased.
Arizona has been hit hard by the recession and very few lower to middle class people are likely to welcome extended jury duty. Consequently, James Ray is likely to have a disgruntled jury.
On the other hand, Ray may face a jury of individuals who also make their living selling spiritual quackery to unsuspecting tourists who may want to make an example of him to protect the fake-shame-man industry. Or they may be reluctant to make an example of Ray for fear of being prosecuted themselves one day.
What about the tendency of Arizona juries to nullify the law of criminal negligence? Can James Ray’s well -paid legal team convince a jury to reject the law out of concern for the fate of this particular defendant? Will plastic sweat lodge peddlers be willing to convict another plastic sweat lodge peddler?
Will the prosecution be able to assemble 12 people who can’t get out of jury duty and who are able to understand and follow the jury instructions? From the information I’ve gathered about Sedona, the jury may be composed predominantly of New Age enthusiasts who distrust logic and reason and are intellectually incapable of evaluating the evidence. Are there 12 people in Sedona who have 3-4 months to kill and who possess the basic cognitive skills to rationally evaluate the evidence and render a fair verdict?
I can just imagine the voir dire questions:
Do you believe that aliens from the Pleiades are influencing our lives on earth?
How often do you receive channeled messages from the archangel Michael?
How many times have you had your chakras aligned in a pay-to-pray sweat lodge?
What kind of sweat lodge are you currently running?
Do you believe the Universe is your cosmic ATM, willing to hand out all the prosperity you ask of it?
Can you see my aura right now?
I guess we'll all just have to wait and see.
For the latest updates on this case, follow the hashtags:
#jamesray or #deathlodge on twitter
Read More About It:
Fidel, N. (1991). Preeminently a political institution: The right of Arizona juries to nullify the law of criminal negligence. Arizona State Law Journal, 23, 1-60.
Horowitz, Irwin A. (2001). Jury Nullification: Legal and Psychological Perspectives. Brooklyn Law Review
"I think he was grossly negligent and I think he should have to suffer the consequences of that." – Stephen Ray
Stephen Ray gave testimony that James Ray had a bucket of water that he used to splash himself and his assistants, but offered no relief to the participants who paid thousands of dollars for harmonic wealth. Ray also testified that James Ray was adamant about having everyone take a teaspoon full of salt, which only dehydrates a person faster.
"I mean there was a call that he had after which was supposed to be for participants and one of his underlings spoke up and said, 'the people that passed away were in another place and were having so much fun that they just didn't want to come back'. And I thought that was the biggest crock of crap that I've ever heard in my life." – Stephen Ray
Detective Diskin informs Stephen Ray that even if James Ray is acquitted, the Yavapai County prosecutor can still charge Ray with nearly 50 aggravated assaults on behalf of the survivors with neurological problems.
"Stephen Ray, who was among the 18 people hospitalized following the ceremony, said he hasn't recouped his sense of taste or smell and still has ringing in his ears, severe headaches and trouble sleeping.
He said "James Ray showed a callous disregard for the participants because of his own ego and greed."
Verde Independent
The "accidental" ruling by the coroner will not change James Ray's prosecution status
[verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1189&ArticleID=35529&TM=75040.03]
Prescott Daily Courier
The main issue in the James Ray manslaughter case will be his recklessness and disregrad for human life.
[http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=78915&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1086&S=1]
James Arthur Ray was arrested today in Prescott Arizona. The charges are even more serious than expected. Surprisingly he’s being charged with manslaughter in the deaths of 3 human beings last October.
Yavapai County officials presented their case to a grand jury on Wednesday February 3, 2010 and an indictment was handed down very quickly, on the same afternoon. The grand jury returned a "true bill" on 3 counts of manslaughter. This means that, after having heard the witnesses for the government, the grand jury is of opinion that there is sufficient cause to put the defendant on trial. The indictment took almost 4 months and alleges that the deaths of Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman were a result of James Arthur Ray’ recklessness.
This afternoon, at approximately 3:30 pm, deputies delivered a warrant to James Ray’s at his attorney’s office in Prescott Arizona. Ray surrendered to authorities and was taken into custody at the sheriff's Prescott office to begin booking procedures. He was then transferred to the Camp Verde Detention Center for final processing where he will spend the night and will face a judge tomorrow morning.
I couldn’t find precise statistics, but I’ve been told that the majority of the prison population in Yavapai county is brown – either Native or Mexican. Since Native Americans are placed under correctional supervision at twice the rate of whites in this country, I’m guessing that the great shaman is about to be surrounded by a whole bunch of those Native folk he claims to have such a close association with. The word, Custer comes to mind.
The court considered Ray’s means and his likelihood to flee and wisely set his bond at $5 million. Good Morning America is reporting that Ray is unable to pay the bond so he may have to stay in jail until a trial can be scheduled. That'll give him a lot of time to get acquainted with the skinz inside the iron house. I'm sure they'll be very interested in hearing about how his prosperity philosophy landed him in the pokey.
A. A person commits manslaughter by: 1. Recklessly causing the death of another person; or
2. Committing second degree murder as defined in section 13-1104, subsection A upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion resulting from adequate provocation by the victim; or
3. Intentionally aiding another to commit suicide; or
4. Committing second degree murder as defined in section 13-1104, subsection A, paragraph 3, while being coerced to do so by the use or threatened immediate use of unlawful deadly physical force upon such person or a third person which a reasonable person in his situation would have been unable to resist; or
5. Knowingly or recklessly causing the death of an unborn child by any physical injury to the mother.
B. An offense under subsection A, paragraph 5 of this section applies to an unborn child in the womb at any stage of its development. A person shall not be prosecuted under subsection A, paragraph 5 of this section if any of the following applies:
1. The person was performing an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant woman, or a person authorized by law to act on the pregnant woman's behalf, has been obtained or for which the consent was implied or authorized by law.
2. The person was performing medical treatment on the pregnant woman or the pregnant woman's unborn child.
3. The person was the unborn child's mother.
C. Manslaughter is a class 2 felony.
Manslaughter is a lesser crime than murder. It is defined as the unlawful taking of another life under circumstances that make the criminal less culpable than someone who commits murder. A criminal who's found guilty of manslaughter will usually receive a lesser punishment than if he was found guilty of murder. Manslaughter is usually divided into two types:
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Involuntary manslaughter:
To prove involuntary manslaughter, prosecutors will have to convince jurors that James Arthur Ray took risks he shouldn't have -- and that other, reasonable people, wouldn't have.
James Ray faces three felony counts. Each count carries a penalty of 3 - 12.5 years in prison. However, the actual sentence could range anywhere from probation to the full 37.5 years in prison. James Ray could only serve the time it takes to schedule a trial or he could spend the rest of his life in prison. Unless there is a change in venue, it will most likely all depend on a jury composed of several people who conduct the same type of plastic sweat lodges that Ray did. They may choose to deny their own exploitation of Native American spiritual practices and depict Ray the "one bad apple" making and example of him so they can define themselves as the opposite. They may let him off with probation out of fear of setting a precedent that may one day lead to being charged with a similar offense (jury nullification). How a jury will vote is anyone's guess. Looking at the way James Ray's attorney's are arguing, it looks like they're going for jury nullification to me. Here's an example of the type of instructions a jury may be given. Nevertheless, James Ray's troubles will not end even if he does receive probation. After the criminal trial, James Ray will be facing civil charges as well as possible Federal charges from the Lakota Nation.
James Ray posted what he sees as the facts on his website [jamesray.com/sedona]
Yavapai County Sheriff Steve Waugh issued this media release
You can learn more about the arrest in this link:
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at:
(928) 771-3260 or
the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov
UPDATE: February 17, 2010
An up-to-date list of all legal documents in James Arthur Ray negligent homicide case:
[apps.supremecourt.az.gov/docsyav]
UPDATE: February 12, 2010
An interesting development today in Rick Ross's Anti-Cult Forum
Forum member confirms that James Arthur Ray was a $cientologist.
[forum.rickross.com/read.php?12,77450,81975#msg-81975]
James Ray’s right hand man, Josh Fredrickson and his wife, Meagan, spoke with detectives on the condition of immunity from prosecution.
Transcripts of Meagan & Josh Fredrickson’s Immunity Interview are posted on the Salty Droid Blog: Mania Megan’s Memories
[saltydroid.info/mania-megans-memories]
Arizona Republic No gag order ruling by judge in sweat lodge case
Judge Warren Darrow did not rule on the gag order today. Instead, he took the matter under advisement and advised attorneys to comply with rules governing their conduct.
[www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/02/12/20100212sweat-lodge-deaths-12-ON.html]
KTVK 3 Phoenix No Gag Order in James Arthur Ray Case
[www.azfamily.com/news/local/84212622.html]
Judge Warren Darrow did not immediately rule Friday over whether a gag order should be issued.
Prescott E-news:
Judge Warren Darrow, Yavapai County Superior Court, ruled against the State’s motion for a gag order in James Arthur Ray’s manslaughter trial.
[www.prescottenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3089]
FOX News Phoenix
Judge Darrow said he would take the prosecutor’s request for a gag order under advisement and reminded attorneys to comply with ethical rules that govern their conduct. Attorney’s for the media also argued against a gag order stating that it would it "severely limit the public's ability to monitor the proceedings."
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/local/flagstaff/no_gag_order_sweat_lodge_case_021210
It seems that James Arthur Ray can't legally plead guilty yet. His attorneys were just attempting to manipulate the media by getting the words "not guilty" out into the media and (subliminally?) influencing potential jurors to associate the words "James Ray" and "Not Guilty". IMHO, it’s kind of like trying to get people to associate the terms "Glenn Beck" and "self-control", but Ray seems to be getting desperate and the truth just isn’t working for him.
An Editorial in the Prescott E-news has the entire audio of the James Ray initial appearance. This may be the last information you get on the trial if Yavapai Prosecuting attorney, Sheila Polk has her way.
[www.prescottenews.com/editorials/editorial-not-guilty-plea-errr--not-so-fast]
After James Arthur Ray’s attorneys plastered their faces all over the media, on Good Morning America and Larry King Live, in a transparent attempt to influence a potential jury, Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk, has requested a "gag order" hearing. A gag order is a judge's order prohibiting the attorneys and the parties to a pending lawsuit or criminal prosecution from talking to the media or the public about the case. The intent is usually to prevent prejudice due to pre-trial publicity which would influence potential jurors. Based on the "freedom of the press" provision of the First Amendment, the court cannot constitutionally restrict the media from printing or broadcasting information about the case. The prosecutor's tool to stop a case from being tried in the press is a gag order on the participants under the court's control.
While the Gag Order would stop James Ray’s attorney’s from trying the case in the media, it would also stop the public from having access to any information from Yavapai county staff regarding any aspect of this case with the exception of the scheduling of hearings.
Please contact Sheila Polk to protest any limitation on the public's right to be informed about the James Ray trial:
[www.co.yavapai.az.us/ContactUs.aspx?id=15518]
County Attorney's Office - Camp Verde
2830 N. Commonwealth Drive, Suite 106
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Prescot E-News Certain Hearings Cancelled in James A. Ray's Case
[www.prescottenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3062]
The expedited Reduction of Bail hearing set for Friday, February 12, 2010 at 8 am has been cancelled along with the Early Disposition Court hearing scheduled for Thursday February 11, 2010 at 8:00 am.
Phoenix New Times Sweat Lodge Prosecutor Seeks Gag Order in James Ray Manslaughter Case
[blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2010/02/sweat_lodge_prosecutor_seeks_g.php]
Prosecuting Attorney Sheila Polk's motive is probably to stop James Ray's PR team from making a pubicity tour and polluting potential juries, but the ax of media censorship swings both ways. The gag order would prevent the public from learning about the trial also.
Larry King Live
See for yourself how James Ray's PR team is spinning this crime.
New Wager$ and Neo-Pay-gun$ are fond of claiming that Native Americans used the sweat lodge to "detoxify" the body in a literal, physical sense. Nothing could be further from the truth. Do not be fooled by those claiming to "detoxify" the body with plastic sweat lodges. Even some of our own people are beginning to believe the New Wage psedo-science. This harms us for generations as it confuses our young people and makes it nearly impossible to hand down our authentic traditions with the integrity of their truly beautiful and meaningful symbolism intact. New Wager$ only seem to be interested in living a long life for its own sake, without any commitment to community. To the indigenous mind, this is a selfish, sacrilegious, un-spiritual way of being. There is always a price to pay for this lack of humility.
Quack Watch: "Detoxification" Schemes and Scams by Stephen Barrett, M.D.
[www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/detox_overview.html]
Two key employees of James Arthur Ray, Megan and Josh Fredrickson, upon being granted immunity from prosecution are now coming forth with information that Ray erroneously told them that people passing out and vomiting was to be expected in a sweat lodge. Even though Megan Fredrickson was sitting right next to Ray, she still claims she cannot recall much of what he said and did. She told investigators, "James is my boss, so I listened to what he says and I listened to what he told participants."
UPDATE February 4, 2010
Prescot E-news
James Arthur Ray's Hearing To Be Today at 11 am a detailed account
[www.prescottenews.com/latest/james-arthur-rays-hearing-to-be-today-at-11-am]
It has been widely reported that James Ray plead not guilty in court on February 4, 2010. Judge Warren Darrow set a hearing on whether to lower the bond amount for Thursday, February 11th.
Native Protest at James Ray's Court Appearance
The Camp Verde BugleNative Protesters Hear Ray's PleasBy Jon Hutchinson
[campverdebugleonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=991&ArticleID=25608]
"We have been given that ceremony by our elders. We are taught to fast. A sweat lodge is never that large and we don't charge for it. We don't sell spirituality. That is greed ... This is a giving-of-life ceremony, not a taking of life." -- J.R. Packhorse, (Ponca, Black Hills Sioux)
Note: An amendment to the American Indian Arts and Crafts, HR 725, bill is being considered that would authorize any federal law enforcement officer to investigate crimes relating to an alleged counterfeiting of Indian arts and crafts. This is significant because it would authorize the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to refer any violations involving the sale of goods misrepresented as Indian-produced goods to any federal law enforcement officer or agency, as opposed to just the FBI. In addition, any federal law enforcement officer would be authorized to conduct an investigation without a referral from the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. [www.gop.gov/bill/111/2/hr725]
USA Today video
[www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-02-03-sweat-lodge-arizona_N.htm]
Good Morning America
James Ray may be in jail until the trial because he doesn't have the money to post bond.
[http://abcnews.go.com/gma]
San Diego Survivor Beverly Bunn talks about the arrest
[www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local-beat/Sweat-Lodge-Survivor-Talks-About-Arrest-83521157.html] "He only wants one thing, money."
Please feel free to distribute this information wherever you feel is appropriate. All graphics are CopyLEFTED because I believe in free information for free people. Any indigenous activist/ally is welcome to use them to expose the dangerous philosophies being promoted by New Wager$ and Neo-pay-gun$.
Blog Disclaimer: This is not a paid blog. I do not endorse James Arthur Ray and he has never compensated me in any way. I am not compensated in any way by anyone mentioned on this blog. Nothing on my blogs or websites is for sale and I advocate the purchasing of nothing.
FAIR USE NOTICE:
This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. It is being made available in an effort to advance the understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, and so on. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
The material in this site is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for a health care provider's consultation. Please consult your own appropriate health care provider about the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your own symptoms or medical conditions. The information on this site does not constitute legal or technical advice.
Breaking News: Navajo Senator Seeks to Ban Pay-to-Pray Sweats
Senator Albert Hale, a Democrat from Window Rock, AZ and the former president of the Navajo Nation, has proposed SB 1164 to regulating all pay-to-pray practices that are claimed to be “Native American” and conducted by non-Natives off tribal land. This would include the use of all sweat lodges by non-Natives. The measure requires the Arizona Department of Health Service regulate individuals or businesses that charge people to participate in what are claimed to be "traditional and authentic Native American practices." Violators would be subject to yet-to-be-determined civil penalties. SB 1164 would not restrict what Native Americans can do on reservation lands or off them and would uphold the Native American Religious Freedom Act.
Senator Hale was quoted as saying "Native American rituals are sacred and can be dangerous without training." He went on the further claim, "People should be protected from paying for inauthentic Native American ceremonies."
KPHO News Phoenix quoted Hale today saying, "This process has been a perversion of our traditional ways. The dominant society has taken all that we have: Our land, our water, our language, and now they're trying to take our way of life." Current Navajo Nation president, Joe Shirley added, "We need to be respected. Our ways cannot be abused."
To Contact Senator Albert Hale to voice your opinion on this matter:
Senator Albert Hale
1700 W. Washington
Room 313
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Telephone:
(602) 926-4323
Or Fax:
(602) 417-3160
Handwritten, signed letters carry the most weight.
Email: ahale@azleg.gov
Also, Arizonans can also contact Representative Raul Grijalva, who has been very supportive of indigenous issues in the past:
[http://grijalva.house.gov]
James Arthur Ray's name has been in the media a lot lately, but let's not forget the names of the twelve human beings who lost their lives to greed, ignorance and ambition. They were all loved by other human beings. They all had hopes and dreams of becoming better people and those desired were used against them in a most despicable ways. Let's all do what we can to see that no one should ever have to die in a pay-to-pray ceremony ever again.
In Memoriam
Liz Neuman, 49, from Prio Lake, MN died from James Arthur Ray's sweat lodge on October 18, 2009
Kirby Brown, 38, from Westtown, N.Y died in James Arthur Ray’s sweat lodge on October 9, 2009
James Shore, 40, from Milwaukee, WI died in James Arthur Ray’s sweat lodge on October 9, 2009
Lawrence Catholique, 52, from a Chipewyan First Nation's community near Yellowknife died February 9, 2009 alone in a sweat lodge in which he used wood embers - a non-traditional method suggested to him by a New Age non-Native.
Reverend Karen Blomberg, 54, died July 21, 2008 in a Vision Quest conducted by Wilderness Rites of Ashland, Oregon. Non-Native Anne Stine of was responsible for the group that was selling "elder" certificates - something no legitimate Native medicine person would ever do.
Rowen Cooke, 37, Melbourne Australia died in a sweat lodge 2004 conducted by David Jarvis who was associated with Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society.
Kylie Watts, 30, Byron Bay in New South Wales died in a sweat lodge in 2003
Kirsten "Kris" Babcock, 34, Redding, California died in a sweat lodge in 2002 conducted by members of the Sun Bear tribe.
David Thomas Hawker, 36, of Union City, California died in a sweat lodge in 2002 conducted by members of the Sun Bear tribe.
Gordon Reynolds, 43, of Twickenham, West London died in a sweat lodge on November 21, 1996
Kelly Rice, 35, of Austin, Texas, housekeeper and masseuse, died of accidental heatstroke inside a sweat lodge 1993
Ronald Delgado of Santa Barbara California was killed in Archie Fire Lame Deer's 'Vision Quest' on July 12, 1980.
I have always been taught, that when we do nothing in the face of such an injustice, we create a moral imbalance. I want to urge all NDN-born-NDNS to start posting comments, joining online communities and speaking out, write your local officials and create your own blogs. Non-Native people need to hear the true feelings that we have about cultural misappropriation and exploitation of our sacred ways. It's more important than ever that minority NDN-born-NDN voices, that have historically been silenced, be heard now. The internet is a powerful medium. Let's find a way to use it in a good way.
Twelve precious human beings have lost their lives in pay-to-pray sweat lodges conducted by or influenced by ambitions non-Natives who were all later shown to have absolutely no knowledge or understanding of indigenous spiritual protocol and philosophies. There have been many other close calls that were not reported in the manin stream media. In my opinion this legislation is overdue. It's telling to me that it took a Native American member of the legislature to come up with a bill that penalizes non-Natives from profiting from the exploitation of indigenous spiritual beliefs and practices, while taking steps to ensure that indigenous people are still allowed their rights to freedom of religion. I have always been an advocate of culture-jamming and taking the "cool" out of the exploitation of our spiritual ways, but perhaps the solution really lies in taking the profit motive out of this exploitation as well.
Native American TimesLawmaker: Restrict profit from tribal ceremonies [http://www.nativetimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2922:lawmaker-restrict-profit-from-tribal-ceremonies&catid=43&Itemid=19]
To remain silent in the face of injustice, is to create a moral imbalance.
Special thanks to Laura from Maria from DDR and RRC for helping me sort out the moral and ethical issues here. Chii Miigwech!
Rowen Cooke 37, Melbourne Australiadied in a sweat lodge November 4, 2004
Kylie Watts, 30 Byron Bay in New South Walesdied in a sweat lodge in 2003
Kirsten"Kris" Babcock 34 Redding, California died in a sweat lodge on June 21, 2002 David Thomas Hawker, 36, of Union City, California died in a sweat lodge on June 21, 2002 Gordon Reynolds, 43 of Twickenham, West London died in a sweat lodge on November 21, 1996 Kelly Rice, 35 of Austin, Texas, housekeeper and masseuse, died of accidental heatstroke inside a sweat lodge in June 1993 Ronald Delgado of Santa Barbara California was killed in Archie Fire Lame Deer's 'Vision Quest' on July 12, 1980
Please remember these victims in your prayers and don't let these deaths be forgotten. They were all human beings and none of them deserved to die like this.
I think that their deaths should be seen as a warning. For thousands and thousands of years, no one died in a sweat lodge. When people decided to sell them, seven people, that we know of, died on 28 years. The act of subjecting spirituality to Capitalism is what makes them poisonous to the spirit. This is what happens when indigenous people lose sovereignty over our own spiritual practices. This is inevitably what happens when one engages in the absurd act of subjecting spirituality to free market forces. Because in Capitalism, the customer is always right. To make the maximum profit, service must be adapted to the greatest number of customers – the lowest common denominators.
The lesson that the frauds refuse to learn is protocol. The counterculture shuns rationality, accountability, sacrifice, discipline and protocol and embraces narcissism and self indulgence. These were never indigenous values. When people reject our protocol out of ignorance and arrogance and try to take the empty form of our spiritual practices, they will harm themselves. They will remain empty. They will lose their integrity, they will lose their money and some of them will lose their lives. The frauds will always try to trick their targets into believing they are following protocol. And most people are too lazy and ignorant to know who to check out their claims.
Many of these people died in sweats held on very hot days around the summer solstice. With the popularity of the twinkie sweat lodge ever increasing there’s an increased probability that someone will die this weekend. Some New Age businesses think it’s enough to force participants to sign waivers. This only protects the business and does not hold the New Age Capitalist accountable for any acts of negligent homicide. To this date, none of the frauds running these deadly sweats have been prosecuted for their crimes. Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society is still running sweats in Australia. When you think about it, it really reveals the true character of people perpetuating this fraud when you see that their primary response to this horrible event was to protect themselves legally in the event of future deaths. This refusal to be held accountable for one’s actions is definitely NOT indigenous.
Don’t Pay to Pray has been keeping statistics on the number and cost of non-NDN sweat lodges since 2001. We found that the average cost of sweats reported to us from people across the United States and Canada has increased from $46.67 in 2001 to $95.00 in 2007 and it skyrocketed to $965.26 in 2008. The number reported to us has risen nearly 900%. It appears that the sweat-lodge cottage industry is not a mainstream high-end service. The popularity of the inauthentic sweat only increases the probability that someone will die this weekend.
The frauds who conduct these sweats are getting bolder in creating specious rhetoric to finagle payment for their services. Unfortunately, a lie repeated often enough becomes the truth in the sustainable community and more and more people are simply taking the frauds at their word. Most are claiming that payment is merely an “exchange of energy” and that it is no longer appropriate just to give the twinkie shame-man blankets, food or gas etc. We’re hearing over and over again that it’s appropriate to give large sums of “energy” (meaning money). As activists, we can’t let our voices be drowned out by those who would commercialize our spirituality.
What does it mean for the future of indigenous spiritual practices when more non-NDN people have participated in sweat lodges than have NDN people?
It was recently pointed out to me that it’s probably now true that more non-NDN people have participated in sweat lodges than have NDN people. Through their numbers and their resources, non NDNs have barged into our communities and have nearly supplanted us from our own cultures. This weekend millions of people all over the world will attend twisted versions of sweat lodge ceremonies believing they are doing something good that is sanctioned by indigenous spiritual leaders. They simply are not.
While the price of the average twinkie sweat lodge is rapidly growing beyond the means of the poorest people, these businesses have priced out everybody but the richest, whitest people from the trendiest sweats. A New Age sweat lodge is now one of the whitest events one can attend. I don’t really think this was completely unintentional. Whether they intend it or not, those who claim to respect our religion are supplanting authentic native people from our own religious practices.
I think that what is necessary to stop this perversion of indigenous spiritual practices is for all the well meaning non-NDNS to start educating themselves and to start looking at themselves in a brutally honest fashion. Indigenous people have no real power to fight the superior resources of those who profit from the exploitation of native spiritual practices, so I think what we need to do is to culture jam -- that is to de-cool the sweat lodge as a countercultural practice. When people who truly support indigenous people start confronting those who brag about attending a sweat lodge and let them know that this contributes to the destruction of native spiritualities and is definitely NOT COOL, then indigenous people will start to reclaim control over OUR birthright. If the well-meaning sustainable/green community can understand why it is essential to simply leave some environments alone, then they can certainly understand why it is essential that they leave our spiritual environment alone. If they truly respect for our spirituality it and wish it to continue, they’ll leave it to us. Native people, not New Age Capitalists, must have full sovereignty over OUR spiritual practices.
The simple truth is this: subjecting Sweat lodges to the Capitalist marketplace is NOT a SUSTAINABLE practice. The counterculture is at a crossroads. Will they choose to leave our spirituality alone so that it can be preserved or will they say and do nothing while it is exploited to extinction? Can the left take an honest look at themselves and make the necessary changes? Or will their hypocrisy continue?
What follows is a list of individuals who are not entitled to conduct sweat ceremonies who are charging people for the service. Some call it “tuition”; some call it a “love donation” some use distorted rationalizations about exchanging “energies”. When you clear away the rhetoric, you have a pay-to-pray scam. Don’t Pay to Pray has been keeping statistics since 2001. We found that this, year the number of pay-to-pray sweat lodges held around the summer solstice has skyrocketed. So has the cost. The actual sweat lodge has become high end entertainment for the privileged classes who are deliberately kept ignorant as to its true meaning and purpose. Please take the time to contact your spiritual and political leaders and tell them of this disrespect. Please feel free to forward this information to whatever tribal organizations you think are appropriate.
UNITED STATES
ARKANSAS
WHO: Jim PathFinder Ewing (who is allegedly Cherokee) and wrote the book, Reiki Shamanism WHAT: 6th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration and World Soul Retrieval Day WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: Russellville, Arkansas COST: DESCRIPTION: “Sweat lodge and Bear Dance In the Dance, the dancers wear bear skins and “become” the Bear. They “take on” all the ills of the people assembled, and the ills are transmuted into healing power. It is not the dancers who heal the people, but the healing power of the Bear. The wing men keep the dancers bathed in sage smoke, so that the dancers themselves don’t “take on” the illnesses.
“In the shamanic way, we are taught to dance our power animals; we do this to honor them. Anyone can honor their power animals, and I highly advise it, to keep your connection strong. Our power animals guide and protect us; they are always with us. It is good to honor them, by keeping pictures of them around, thinking of them, thanking them, or dancing them. To dance your power animal, allow yourself the time and space to “be” with your power animal – whether it be a bird, fish, whatever – and while listening to a drumming tape, or having someone drum, allow yourself to be guided into a dance. Even if only for a few moments, it can be powerful and refreshing”
“You are encouraged to fast and ask to enter the sweat lodge before ceremonies begin. In the Sweat Lodge, women wear dresses and men wear cut-offs. Hydrate and fast before arrival. Potluck meal to follow - Bring a dish or other food/beverages, if you wish to participate. The sweat lodge here follows Yokuts, Cherokee and other traditions as may be the case with the ways of the water pourer.” http://www.blueskywaters.com/beardancehome.html Contact info: Address: Healing The Earth/OurselvesP.O. Box 387 Lena, MS 39094 Telephone: 601-654-3301 Email: blueskywaters@att.net Website: http://www.blueskywaters.com/ Fax:
ARIZONA
Northern Arizona
Sedona
WHO: Dr. Susan Shumsky WHAT: Journey of Awakening"Summer Solstice Retreat WHEN: June 20 to 23, 2008: WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION: Contact info: Address: Divine RevelationP.O. Box 7185New York, NY 10116Telephone: 212-946-5132Email: divinerevl@aol.com Website: Fax: June 20 to 23, 2008:Journey of AwakeningSummer Solstice Retreat Dr. Susan Shumsky Divine RevelationP.O. Box 7185New York, NY 10116212-946-5132divinerevl@aol.com
Sedona
WHO: Clay Miller Sedona Aleh-zonSacred Healing Journeys WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: Sedona DESCRIPTION: ”Keep in mind that all my offered experiences are private. They are tailored to your interests and needs. We surrender to the agenda that awaits. COST: 3 1/2 - 5 hours $155.00 per person with two People$115 with three or more people $265.00 for single person” “Base price is $695 for one person and $595 per person for two or more. You can make a deposit of $195 with credit card through PayPal. Or you can send a check to: Clay Miller, 405 W. Yuma St. Cottonwood, Arizona. Deposit for more than one person is $350.” Contact info: Address: Alehzon Sacred Journeys 405 W. YumaCottonwood, AZ 8632686326 Telephone: 928 634-3497 Email: soul@arizonahealingtours.com Website: http://www.arizonahealingtours.com/home.html Fax:
Sedona
WHO: Susan Shumsky WHAT: Journey of Awakening Summer Solstice Retreat WHEN: June 20 to 23, 2008: WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION: Contact info: Address: P.O. Box 7185New York, NY 10116 Telephone: (212)946-5132Email: divinerevl@aol.com Website: http://www.divinerevelation.org/Retreats.html Fax:
WHO: Maya Rose WHAT: Associated with the Wild Rose Sweat Lodge WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Northern Arizona – Sedona area DESCRIPTION:” The Shamanic Wild Rose Dreamers Lodge is a center for the study and practice of esoteric healing and psychology, energy work, spiritual astrology and prophecy, metaphysics, and flowering tree and other shamanic ceremonial rituals. Magickal (white magick) exploration of universal and planetary energies, integrating unconditional love and sacred intent, is the focus of the lodge. Led by Dance Chief Lyn “Starflyer” Hopkins, the lodge holds classes on shamanism, conducts vision quest and sweat lodge ceremonies, drum team gatherings, and Eagle Dream Dances. We also design and conduct shamanic healing rituals and ceremonies as needed for particular occasions. “ COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Lyn at starflyer@thewildrose.net Website: http://www.thewildrose.net/ Fax:
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Phoenix WHO: Deer Tribe Medicine Society WHAT:Sweat Lodges and Pipe cermonies WHEN: Sweat June 6-8, 2008 Pipe ceremony June 21, 2008 WHERE: all over the world COST: $2500 to complete all their ‘gateways’ Website: http://www.dtmms.org Email: RedLodgeAZ@dtmms.org Address: Scottsdale, Arizona Telephone: (480) 443-3851 COST: $2500 to complete all their ‘gateways’ Also in Germany, Italy, Australia, England, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland http://www.dtmms.org/locations.htm
Tucson
WHO: Ku Istan WHAT: Womyn’s Sweat Lodge WHEN: Summer Solstice WHERE: Tucson, Arizona DESCRIPTION: “Prayer in a Native American format. 1st Saturday on/after full moon, 3:00 - 7:30pm. Bring towels, dry clothes for after, a gift for the pipe, food to share for the Potluck after (no pork), a Frog Skin donation ($) to help with expenses, and wood (nails must be removed). Call in advance for info.” COST: (averages $100) Contact info: Address: Tucson, AZ Phone: 520-690-0546Telephone: 520-690-0546Email: kuistan@hotmail.com Fax: Website: http://www.wingspan.org/content/res_category_detail.php?desca=Community&descb=Religious+and+Spiritual+Organizations&totaldescc=Other Tucson
WHO: Reverend Ann Marie Clock, a “manufacturing, process, validation, and electronic documentation consultant” turned white shaman. (her resume: http://www.spiritgathering.com/MyOtherLife.htm) WHEN: June 17, 2008 DESCRIPTION: Reservations are required for Sweat Lodge and sleep over in the Guest Room, $60 Breakfast included “The Buffalo Lodge clears the mind, detoxifies the body and heals the Spirit. This is a nontraditional lodge. It is a place to die and be reborn. ALL MY RELATIONS“ WHERE: The sweat lodge is held in New Mexico in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. CONTACT INFO: Spirit Gathering Tucson Center 7878 W Tree Frog Trail Tucson, Arizona 85735 COST: Website: http://www.spiritgathering.com/default.html Information: Information 520-820-8019 Email: mailto:spiritgathering@comcast.net/
CALIFORNIA
Mount Shasta WHO: Sue Sutton Leland Earth Circle Foundation/Association WHAT: Women’s Sweat Lodges conducted by Thomas WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION: Contact info: Address: Joyce Jones, President Earth Circle Association 501 N. Main St., Yreka, CA 96097 or Earth Circle 2227 P.O. Box 706 Fort Jones, CA 96032 Telephone: 530-842-6157 or Charlie Thom's number is 530-468-2277 or 530-468-2277 Email: jonezee57@yahoo.com Website: Fax:
Mount Shasta/Weed WHO: Spirit of the Wind / Walking Eagle (claims to be a Karuk spiritual leader) WHAT: WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION:” Spirit of the Wind staff welcomes you to the sacred Sweat Lodge Purification Ceremony on the sacred grounds of Stewart Mineral Springs.” Contact info: Address: 4617 Stewart Springs RoadWeed, California 96094 Telephone: Email: Website: http://www.stewartmineralsprings.com/sweat_lodge.htm Fax:
Boulder Creek / Santa Cruz WHO: Char Lynn WHAT: WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Boulder Creek, CA (Santa Cruz Mountains) DESCRIPTION: ”June 21st we are celebrating our connection to the Earth Mother. We will hike in the redwoods, share a potluck dinner, create and talk around an evening fire and weave together a Dream Circle inside the Sweat Lodge Grandmother. I ask for a $40-100 donation to honor the land, the materials, and time invested in this ceremony.” “June 21st we are celebrating our connection to the Earth Mother. We will hike in the redwoods, share a potluck dinner, create and talk around an evening fire and weave together a Dream Circle inside the Sweat Lodge Grandmother. TIME: 3-10pm COST:$75 or $140 for the whole weekend's ceremony June 22nd we step into the Santa Cruz Mountain's Indigenous Medicine Wheel for teachings of our 'Spiraling Growth,' share a meal together (provided), create art from our hearts and dance the Medicine Wheel Pole of Alignment. “ “ROOM TOWELS: ROOM TOWELS ARE FOR ROOM USE ONLY! Please do not take Room towels to the Bathhouse, Indian Sweat or Creek. Towels for these activities will be provided at the Bathhouse. Guests violating these rules will be charged the cost of a new towel.” “Stewart Mineral Springs reserves the right to vary our prices, vary charges and to amend any of our Rules and Regulations at any time as we see necessary.” COST: $20.00 MINIMUM donation TIME: 9:30am-4:30pm COST:$75 or $140 for the whole weekend. Overnight accommodations available: Zen Garden Room (1 queen bed, can be shared) $75/room Mountain Roon (2 twin beds, shared) $80/room Sun Room (2 full beds, shared) $80/room Peacock Room (single air mattresses, indoor camping) $30/person Outdoor Camping available- $10/person Breakfast will be included for all overnight guests. Rooms available first come basis.” Website: http://spirituality.meetup.com/243/calendar/7991970/ Contact info: Address: Telephone: 831-338-2996 Email: charlynn@weavingunity.com or MtnChar7@aol.com Fax:
CALIFORNIA
Fortuna
WHO: Rosalind Skyhawk Ojala of the Loving Hands Institute CLAIMS: Rosalind claims to be an Interdenominational Minister, a Metis Pipe Carrier, a Ceremonial Sweatlodge Leader, the Chief Of the Pan American Indian Association Thunderbird Clan of Redwood River Lodge, and a Life Member of the Pipestone Indian Shrine Association. WHAT: Sweat lodge WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 11am - 4pm WHERE: DESCRIPTION:”The ceremony is based on the Based on the Sacred Tree Teachings. COST: Tuition $1500 Contact info: Address: Loving Hands Institute 639 11th StreetFortuna, CA 95540 Telephone: (707) 725-9627 Email: mailto:%20skyhawk@northcoast.com Website: http://www.lovinghandsinstitute.com/htm/dr_ojala.htm Fax: (707) 725-2471
Palomar Mountain WHO: Kevin Norton is leading the sweat. He claims to have been following a Native spiritual path since 1993 with the Cheyenne River Lakota community in South Dakota. He claims to be a pipe carrier in the Lakota tradition and to have participated in 5 Sundance’s and many years of purification ceremonies. “His life partner Lisa Ezzard, who is a Moon Dancer and amazing woman, has participated in the Dansa de la Luna in Mexico for the past eight years with women from around the world. This ceremony takes place near the Sun and Moon pyramids on lands sacred to the Nawatil people. Together Lisa and Kevin lead the Purification Ceremony (Inipi). Their balance between the warrior and the sacred feminine is a powerful and moving experience.” WHAT: Spirit Weekend Traditional Style Native American Purification Ceremony WHEN: September 22-23, 2007 or October 13-14, 2007 WHERE: Pacha Mama's Grove on Palomar Mountain, CA 18187 Nate Harrison Grade RoadPalomar Mountain, CA 92060 (not a mailing address?) COST: $85 DESCRIPTION: “Traditional Style Native American Purification Ceremony. Come celebrate the Birthing of a New Lodge at Pacha Mama's Grove on Palomar Mountain, CA.”Contact info: Address: Telephone: (619)865-3905 Email: susie@pachamamasgrove.org Website: http://www.pachamamasgrove.org Fax:
PASADENA WHO: Wild Rose sweat lodge Starflyer (AKA Lyn Hopkins, M.S.W., Ph.D.) is chief of the Wild Rose Dreamers Lodge WHAT: The Wild Rose Dreamers Lodge founded in in 1993 by Lyn Hopkins, continuing today as Lodge Chief and Drum Team Chief. She offers weekly shamanic classes, sweat lodges, ceremonial weekends and shamanic healing. WHEN: Summer Solstice sweat Saturday June 21, 2008 6:00 pm and also the weekend June 27, 2008 – June 29, 2008 WHERE: Pasadena, California Lightning Point Campground at Angeles Crest COST: $65 per class $200.00 for the weekend (includes camp fees, teachings, materials, ceremonies and individual feedback) DESCRIPTION: Lynn Hopkins claim to conduct ceremonies comes from her study with Thunder Strikes, Humbatz Men, Don Miguel Ruiz, Wallace Black Elk, the late Sun Bear. She is the author of THE MEDICINE WHEEL AND YOU Luminous Egg Cocoon. “Beginning with the Harmonic Convergence, followed by the 11/11, the 12/12, the August 11th Eclipse, the May 5th, 2000 Planetary Alignment, and the Harmonic Concordance. Lodge Chief Lyn "Starflyer" Hopkins, Ph.D., and her Assistant Director, Shama, CHT, CDC, TDE have joined the lightworker community to sponsor ceremonial conclaves to work with the magickal energies of this time of history. Their intent is to connect with light workers throughout the world in order to awaken our divine nature and take our power as sacred humans by helping to sculpt the New Dream for the Age of Aquarius. The May 5th, 2000 event was held at the Wright Land in Malibu, California, sponsored by Lyn and Shama and The Wild Rose Dreamers Shamanic Lodge. We commemorated the Birthing of the New Dream, the planetary alignment of the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn - all within 27 degrees of Taurus. See the Planetary Alignment page to find out more.” Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Lyn at starflyer@thewildrose.net Website: http://www.thewildrose.net/ Fax:
San Diego
WHO: Gadohi Usquanigodi of San Diego / Ven. Running Wolf is leader of the Thunder PeopleWHAT:Sweat Lodge Ceremonies WHEN: the second Saturday of each month @ 4pm WHERE: DESCRIPTION:” We are a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Native American Spiritual Center, offering monthly sweat lodge & prayer circles. Mission Statement: Our mission statement is to provide a safe place to pray and form community with others, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation or beliefs. Additional Information; Sweat Lodge Ceremony is the last Saturday of each month @ 10 am. Prayer circle is the second Saturday of each month @ 4pm. We offer workshops and additional ceremonies” COST: You must be a member, minimum donation is $25.00 Gadohi Usquanigodi Native American Spiritual Center P.O. Box 578 Inola, OK74036-0578 Contact info: Address: 1450 Starship St San Diego, CA Telephone: (619) 766-3316 Email: Eaglewomen1177@aol.com or mailto:gadohi@laplaza.org Website: http://www.gadohi.org/contact.htm Fax: San Francisco
WHO: Bay Area Pagans WHAT: Litha Sweat Lodge WHEN: WHERE: DESCRIPTION:” Bay Area Pagan Sweat Lodge Energy Medicine DowsingLabyrinthCore Bits DowsingMen's Sweat LodgeWomen's Sweat LodgeHarrison Hot Springs Dowsing” COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: http://bapa.net/ Fax:
COLORADO
Fort Collins
WHO: Christina Eala A Place for Every Woman's Spirituality CLAIMS: “Christinia Eala is considered a young elder among the Lakota People. The Divine Feminine nudged her awake at a very young age and after much searching, her primary passion is following the Red Road, the Spiritual Path of the Lakota. She has worked helping others to bring Wicosani (a Lakota word meaning ?Balance in the four aspects of one?s life?- mental, physical, emotional, and Spiritual) back into their lives.” WHAT: WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 2 to 6 p.m. ? WHERE: COST: Cost: $30 or $125 for the entire series DESCRIPTION:” When attending an Inipi ceremony (sweat lodge), it appears deceptively simple. You go into the lodge and pray, get out, smoke the Sacred Pipe, eat, and leave; ah, but there is so very much more to it than this. This final workshop will advise how to ?sponsor? a sweat lodge ceremony in a good and sacred manner” Contact info: Address: 1304 S College Ave #6 Fort Collins, CO 80524 Telephone: 970-556-3111 Email: Website: Fax:
CONNECTICUT
Newtown WHO: Vicky Lagoudis who is a “metaphysical practioner, a Reiki Master and a Transformational Healaer(sic)” WHAT: DAY of HEALING & SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY~WHEN: Sunday June 22nd 9:00 am – 4:30 pm WHERE: Newton Connecticut COST: $95 Advance sign up is required, space is limited.DESCRIPTION: “Please join us for an entire day at Sticks and Stones as we celebrate this season of the year and of our lives. The Sweat Lodge Ceremony is the traditional Native American way of cleansing body, mind and spirit. Experience a more balanced relationship with ourselves, the Earth and all that surrounds us as we cleanse our bodies of toxins, our minds of negativities and help to heighten our spirits. Men and woman both welcome.”This journey of renewal will take you through a Morning Tea, Sweat Lodge Ceremony, Healthy Vegetarian Lunch, Guided Woodland Walk and afternoon” Contact info: Address: Sticks and Stones East 201 Huntingtown Road Newtown, CT 06470 and Sticks and Stones West Pahoa Hawaii Telephone: (203)270-8820 or Cathy (203) 938-3195, Email: cwheels33@sbcglobal.net for info: Annie: anniesands@gmail.com Website: http://www.sticksandstonesfarm.com/ Fax:
OXFORD
WHO: Medicine Wind Society Lori-Ann Locke pours the lodge CLAIMS: Money goes to the Lakota WHAT: Open Sweat Lodge WHERE: 500 Chestnut Tree Hill Road, Oxford, Connecticut. WHEN: monthly COST: DESCRIPTION: “Although I am of Cherokee ancestry, I make no claim to represent the Cherokee Nation in any capacity. ““the Shaking Tent or Spirit Calling Ceremony was once one of the most widely known and used ceremonies in North America. Among the Crow, Gros Ventre, and Blackfoot the ritual was most often performed by female medicine elders. Respected female healers and ceremonialists “ CONTACT INFO: TELEPHONE: 203-815-5365 EMAIL: lori-ann@sweatlodges.info or kangipejuta@yahoo.com WEBSITE: www.sweatlodges.info FAX:
Suspicious appeal to money for Pine Ridge http://www.sweatlodges.info/id76.html
DELEWARE
Georgetown Washington DC /Deleware
WHO: Troupe of the Starry Door Jim Welch, RN HNC was formerly High Priest of Keepers of the Holly Chalice, the founding coven of the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel. He has been active in the Wiccan/Pagan community since 1981. He was the chair of the committee that wrote the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel's code of ethics. He teaches a variety of workshops that focus on ethics. He is a Waterpourer and conducts Sweat ceremonies using Wiccan protocols. WHAT: Wiccan Litha Sweat lodges WHEN: Litha: Saturday, June 21, 2008 WHERE: 14914 Deer Forest Road Georgetown, DE 19947 DESCRIPTION: COST: Contact info: Address: Seelie Court 14914 Deer Forest Road Georgetown, DE 19947 Telephone: (302) 855-9422.Email: Website: http://www.sacredwheel.org/tsd/ Fax:
GEORGIA
Hiawassee
WHO: Gary Adler FourStaris currently the President of the Many Horses Foundation an organization dedicated to the elders, the children, the earth, wild horses and earth cultures and teachings. Gary is an enrolled member of the Costanoan-Rumsen Carmel Tribe (Ohlone), and the son of Jerome FourStar, an Assiniboine Elder from the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana CLAIMS: WHAT: Enota Mountain Retreat Sweat Lodge CeremonyWHEN: June 28 2008 (Saturday) at 2:00 p.m WHERE: DESCRIPTION: “Everyone who joins us on the property must be a conservation member of Enota. There is a $10 conservation membership fee per person per visit. This fee is an impact fee on Enota's land which is in trust. There is also a $10 facility fee for each person participating in ceremonies. This fee covers the operational and maintenance costs of producing ceremonies at Enota. There is no charge for ceremony, however please understand that the Ceremony organizers incurs substantial costs to perform the ceremony (rocks, woods, blankets, gasoline, etc.). It is customary in the Native American Tradition to honor the sweat facilitator and fire keepers with some type of offering. In the past this has been with food and blankets. Currently a monetary offering is a more appropriate exchange for services and benefits derived from the ceremony.” COST: minimum $20.00 Contact info: Address: 1000 Highway 180Hiawassee, GA 30546Telephone: 706-896-9966 800-990-8869 Email: debby@manyhorses.org Website: http://www.manyhorses.org/ Fax:
Talbotton
WHO: Rose Hill / SomaVeda Institute The leader for this ceremony will be Dr. Anthony B. James LMT, ND, MDAM. Dr. James a fully adopted Crow tribal Member of the Whistling Water Clan, son of the late medicine man Floyd Realbird. Cost: there is no charge for ceremony however we are holding this on SomaVeda Institute property , SomaVeda Institutes regular day fee of $7.00 per person applies for all activities on the premises. This applies whether you sweat or walk in the gardens! CLAIMS: “The leader for this ceremony will be Dr. Anthony B. James LMT, ND, MDAM. Dr. James claims to be a “fully adopted Crow tribal Member of the Whistling Water Clan, son of the late medicine man Floyd Realbird. Dr. James is one of four living persons given the Crow Chanupa or pipe ceremony directly by Chief Realbird. Dr. James was introduced to the Sweat Lodge ceremony by the late elder Sun Bear of the Bear Medicine Tribe, progressed in his education under Charla and Tarwater of Spirit Wind (Cherokee Nation, Ala.), trained under Crow medicine men and women on Crow Agency, Montana for seven years. He was also assistant fire keeper at the first three Sun dances (Pipe Carriers Sun Dance) held at the Memorial at Pipestone National Monument under Sun dance Chiefs Chris Leaf, Clyde Bellecourt, Leanard Crowdog and others. Dr. James was given the right and honor to conduct the sacred lodge by his adopted father, Chief Floyd Realbird (Past president NAC- Native American Church), Robert Littlelight (Past President NAC) and Richard Realbird (Past President Crow Nation, Gary Owen , Montana). Additional training and authorization was received from Acasio Acatecatl Oltehua Spiritual Leader and healer, born in the Nahuatl Nation of Veracruz , Mexico. The Tehkulle of Kalpulle Olmeca in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico and the spiritual leader of Kalpulli Tonal Teokalli in El Paso Texas.” As we are peoples from many and various backgrounds the lodge is set up and run in an eclectic fashion suitable for this purpose. This means elements of tradition are borrowed and incorporated from Crow, Ojibway, Lakota, Dakota, Cherokee, Huichol, Tarahumara and Rainbow traditions as described by Black Elk, Sun Bear, Floyd Realbird, Tarwater, Acasio Acatecatl Oltehua and Ed Mcgaa of Mother Earth Spirituality and . Prayers will be made, Sacred fire fashioned and water pored in a good way. We begin and end with the pipe ceremony. This ceremony will be made clear for beginners and elders alike. All good people are welcome. The Lodge will be co-ed.”: http://www.thaiyogacenter.com/tyc/sweat.html WHAT: Full Moon Coed Sweat Lodge WHEN: Saturday June 21st. 2008 WHERE: The SomaVeda Institute 390 North Washington Ave. Talbotton, GA 31827 Located in the Piggley Wiggley Shopping plaza! COST: DESCRIPTION: Contact info: Address: The Thai Yoga Center PO Box 367, Talbotton, GA 31827 Telephone: (706) 358-8646 Ask for Dr. J, Julie or Michael! Email: itta@core.com Website: http://www.thaiyogacenter.com/ Fax:
ILLINOIS (odorless twinkie sweat lodge) WHO: Relax4Life Center WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: Barrington, IL COST: $60 non-refundable donation which goes to St. Joseph's Indian School DESCRIPTION: ” Note* the "sweat" that is released during the ceremony tends to have no odor, so the ceremony feels very cleansing to all.” “As a reminder: for the sake of those with environmental allergies, you will not be permitted to participate if you or your clothes are fragrant. Perfumes, Colognes, Scented Skin Cremes/Hairsprays/Lotions/Deodorants/Shampoos, Aromatic Oils are just a few of the products that are not permitted in or around the center. There is also no smoking of cigarrettes in or on the property.” “Ceremonial Gift: Terry Kinsey, the sweat leader, follows a Buddhist tradition of DANA, or mutual giving. It has supported monks in the Buddhist culture for 2500 years. The monks offer their guidance and the people support the monastery and fill the monks’ begging bowls each morning as they walk through the village on alms rounds. It is a beautiful exchange, in which the hearts of both the giver and receiver are opened in joy and gratitude, and love flows between them. Terry donates his time and energy as our lodge leader and does not receive any money for doing so. If after a lodge, you wish to offer Terry some money in appreciation of his time and energy (which he donates to charity), it will be warmly and gratefully received. A DANA bowl will be placed in the "feasting" area with his name on it toward the end of each lodge experience. You are always very welcome here whether or not you choose to or are capable of placing a donation in the DANA bowl for Terry. “ http://www.relax4life.com/sweatlodge.html Contact info: Address: Telephone: (847) 842-1752 Terry Kinsey, the sweat leader at 708-383-3957 Email: mailto:relax4life@comcast.net Or terrykinsey@comcast.net Website: http://www.motherearthadventures.com/ Fax:
MICHIGAN
WHO: Shirley Jons CLAIMS: Lakota WHAT: The Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival WHEN:August 5, 2008 - WHERE: Hart, Michigan DESCRIPTION: COST: 5 days $420.00 Contact info: Address: WWTMC Box 22 Walhalla, MI 49458. Telephone: (231) 757-4766 Email: Website: Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/michfest Fax:
MARYLAND
Darnestown WHO: Brooke BrodyWHAT: WHEN: June 14, 2008WHERE: Meet at Potomac Pathways. Transportation provided from here.COST: DESCRIPTION:” We will be doing a Native American Sweat lodge, which you may be familiar with. Lunch will be provided, and everything that you will need to have an awesome and safe experience. You can expect to have a meaningful and an awesome experience. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring: swim suit and at least one towel (I recommend two). See you there!”Contact info: Address: Potomac Pathways 15720 Seneca RoadDarnestown, MD 20874 Telephone: (301) 987-7284 Email: bbrody@potomacpathways.org Website: Fax: (240) 246-7851
MASSACHUSETTES
Plymouth
WHO: Sanctuary Studios WHAT: Sweat Lodge, WHEN: Saturday, June 21st begins at sundown, please call for registration - spaces are very limited. WHERE: Downtown Plymouth, MA DESCRIPTION: COST: Contact info: Address: 47 Court Street Plymouth, MA 02360 Telephone: (774) 454-7290 Email: Website: http://www.thesanctuaryofplymouth.com/ Fax:
MICHIGAN WHO: Rebecca Medicine Owl (AKA Rebecca Denton-Wuerth )Center of Light Spirituality Center WHAT: Native American Sweat Lodge WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Oxford, MI DESCRIPTION:” Join us in Sacred Ceremony As Rebecca Medicine Owl leads us in a powerful sweat lodge” COST: A LOVE OFFERing for the The Center is traditional ($10.00) “In Native American tradition the community took care of ALL the Medicine Mans/Womans needs, as they took care of the communities needs. We hold to this tradition. Contact info: Address: 5898 Baldwin Rd. Oxford, MI 48371 Telephone: (248) 236-0432 Email: Website: http://spiritualitycenter.centeroflight.us/html/SweatLodge.html Fax: THEY HAVE A GUEST BOOK! http://us.1.p8.webhosting.yahoo.com/gb/view?member=colcom33
MONTANNA
Billings
WHO: Dreamweaver Lodge Jaqui Thier WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: 45 minutes south of Billings, MT near theRed Lodge Mountain Ski Area, the Beartooth Highway and the northeast entrance to Yellowstone Park. East of the Crow Indian reservation COST: “Dreamquests” cost DREAM QUESTS: $1250 for six day and $1500 for a seven day DESCRIPTION: ”The Rainbow Lodge was given to me in 1990, by a native woman of African American and American Indian ancestry. In the world of ordinary reality, she is a social worker and also a native healer and teacher. I was introduced to her by my Qigong teacher at a time when I was preparing for my first vision quest which took place in the summer of 1990. To honor her privacy, I will call her Oya after the African Goddess. She and others helped me to prepare for my quest and the gift of the lodge and its ritual was part of that preparation. In the spring of the year, the Rainbow Lodge was built by me and the women who were part of a Ceremonial Circle that met monthly at my home in the mountains above Boulder, CO. Oya conducted a "Consecration of the Land Ritual", naming me as Keeper of the Land and the Lodge. She instructed me and the women in the building of the lodge and conducted the first sweats for us while tutoring me in the ritual. At that time, the lodge was primarily a woman's lodge. Honoring the feminine principal through this earth centered ritual has always been a strong focus of the lodge even after we began to conduct co-ed lodges.” http://www.dreamweaverlodge.com/sweatlodge.html Contact info: Address: Jaqui Thier, M.A.P.O. Box 1686Red Lodge, MT 59068Telephone: (406) 445-2517Email: info@dreamweaverlodge.comWebsite: http://www.dreamweaverlodge.com Fax: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: Fax:
WHO: Turtleshire Mountain Ranch WHAT:Solstice Sweat Lodge WHEN: WHERE: Turtleshire Mountain Ranch Magdalena New Mexico DESCRIPTION: “Full Moon is on the 21st of June during Solstice ceremonies where there are evening sweat and fire ceremonies “Spirit names are given to those who do not know their names by which the spirits know them. There is medicine in your spirit name. Your medicine, who you are, have been and will be. The medicine of your soul that you have, that is you, that you can learn to share with others. The pipe also sometimes awards clans, the totem medicine of your brothers and sisters in the spirit world. Teachings of the four shields and the four directions are passed, and some learn in which direction of the wheel they were born. This helps them understand their medicine even further. The pipe will sometimes take things from us that are no longer ours to carry, or give things to us as need demands. When the circle is complete, when all the helping and healing spirits that have come are finished, the lodge pipe is closed and it is on to the next ceremony.” COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: learn@turtleshire.org Fax:
Ruidoso/Alto
WHO: High Mesa Healing Center in Ruidoso New Mexico Barbara Mader WHAT: Sweat Lodge WHEN: weekly – Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: It’s just past the KOKOPELLI, Gated Community! DESCRIPTION:” Here at High Mesa the Lakoka Sioux Ceremony is practiced. While the sweat lodge itself is simple enough to describe, the actual experience cannot be rendered in words. You have to participate in it to truly realize its fullness and depth. From the preparation of the fire, covering of the frame, making the tobacco prayer ties and on through the many facets of the ritual, the seeker is involved in a sacred inner journey that can be profoundly transforming. Every second Saturday of the month, weather and fire conditions willing, we celebrate this ancient method of purification through the ceremony and pot-luck meal afterwards.” http://www.ruidoso.net/highmesa/sweatlodge.html COST: Contact info: Address: 101Mader LanePO Box 834Alto, New Mexico 88312 Telephone: 505.336.7777Email: http://www.sonnie@gmackre.com/ or highmesahc@beyondbb.com Website: http://www.ruidoso.net/highmesa/MainHome.html Fax: 505.336.4808 (also a fax) Santa Fe
WHO:The Swan Foundation WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: DESCRIPTION: NORTH RETREAT:COST: “4 Day January 23rd - 26th, 2009 Only 4 participats for both.$940 7 Day: January 23rd - January 29th, 2009Extended retreat includes experiencing more of the Santa Fe area.$1300 Includes: Food, lodging, program and transportation.” “A $50 non-refundable deposit is due within 10 days of booking. Remainder of balance due 60 days prior to start of retreat.” Contact Info: Address: Heyokah Retreat Center7 Avenida Vista Grande, #326Santa Fe, NM 87508 USATelephone: 505-989-8981 Email: info@swanfoundation.org Website: http://www.heyokahcenter.org/id4.html Fax:
NEW MEXICO
Galisteo
WHO: Vista Clara Ranch Resort & Spa Julie Rivers and Dona Wilder CLAIMS: “Julie Rivers returned to her Indian "heart" felt roots when she and her partner, a Cochiti Indian, owned and operated a tour business that took visitors to the Pueblos, ruins and ceremonies in northern New Mexico.” Julie claims to be a water pourer for the intertribal purification "Sweat" lodges .Dona Wilder, a registered nurse, spiritual leader and counselor returned to New Mexico six years ago to assist Julie at the Heyokah Center in expanding the programs offered. Julie and Dona claim to have had the opportunity to experience Pueblo, Seneca, Cherokee, Shumash, and Lakota traditions” WHAT: Weekly Sweat Lodge WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Northern New Mexico nestled in the historic Galisteo Basin just twenty minutes south of Santa Fe COST: 3 night summer weekend special $1,549.00 per person http://www.vistaclara.com/int.php?re=news-specials DESCRIPTION: “Julie leads our guests in discovering the native way of viewing life through the Medicine Wheel. These Teachings explore the Seven Cardinal Directions North, East, South, West, Mother Earth, Father Sky and the Sacred Space within. Learn the subtle meanings of the tribal drums, the heartbeat of the Mother Earth, and how each of us connects with the earth and the sky. Guests will conclude the evening by creating their own Medicine Bag as a reminder of the cultural experience. After lessons in Ancestral Ways, our guests are invited to join Julie and Dona in a purification ceremony in the sacred Sweat Lodge at Vista Clara Ranch. This ritual is challenging, yet has been carefully designed for the novice. It releases toxins from the body, while anxieties of the mind are replaced with quietness of inner peace. The spirit is rejuvenated with the feeling of unlimited freedom. The celebration of new beginnings continues by sharing a traditional native meal prepared by Vista Clara Ranch's Executive Chef.” http://www.vistaclara.com/int.php?re=visit-fitness-sweat A $1500 weekend package includes:Luxury Southwest Lodging, Two Massages or Body Treatments, One Yonka Facial, One half-hour Manicure or Pedicure, One half-hour Reflexology or Hikers Foot Massage,All Scheduled Fitness Classes, All Scheduled Activities, Three Gourmet Meals Daily Snacks, Use of All Resort Facilities, Native Ancestral Ways Program, Sweat Lodge Ceremony, Breathtaking Views of the Galisteo Basin, Special does not include service charge or taxes” Contact info: Address: Vista Clara Ranch Resort & Spa40 Camino Vista ClaraGalisteo, NM 87540 Telephone: (505) 466-4772 Email: Website: http://www.newmexico.org/relax/resorts/vista_clara.php Fax:
Jemez Springs
WHO: Wolf Martinez and Hunter Flournoy “Wolf will once again be supporting the Summer Retreat. He will be offering his "Transformational Body Therapy", a incredible blend of body work and spirit work. He also will be supporting us in many other ways, as only he can. Wolf is a two spirited, third gender, walks between worlds student of life. He has studied extensively with keepers of traditions in the Amazon, Andes, Mexico, and across North America as well as learning the Oriental medicinal practice of Shiatsu from a Japanese Master. Combining the medicine ways of the ancients, along with intuition and spirit, Wolf has developed for 10 years his practice of "Transformational Body Therapy". He has also been given the privilege to lead the Pipe Ceremony and Sweat Lodge “ “Hunter Flournoy (pictured right) is a lover of life and a messenger of life's sacred passion. A shaman, seer, poet and storyteller, he distills the deepest wisdom of the Toltec, Christian, Sufi, Buddhist, and indigenous healing traditions of the world into a crystal clear vision of personal revolution. Hunter is a teacher in the Toltec Eagle Knight lineage of Don Miguel Ruiz (author of The Four Agreements), a shamanic healer in the lineage of Rebecca Crystal, facilitates healing sweat lodges, and serves as a pastor for Amigos de Dios, a mystical Christian fellowship. Hunter has an MS in counseling, an MFA in creative writing, and has been coaching individual clients and leading workshops in intuitive awareness, holistic healing, and personal freedom for fifteen years in the US and Mexico. For more information on Hunter visit http://www.newdestinies.com/.” WHAT: 16th Annual Summer Retreat WHEN: August 11, 2008 to August 17, 2008 WHERE: Jemez Springs, New Mexico DESCRIPTION: This Retreat is for Gay and Bi Men COST: $1295.00 A deposit of $300.00 is required to reserve space for this journey. To register, use the "Register for this Journey" button on this page. Payment in full is requested by June 27, 2008 Contact info: Address: Spirit Journeys 134 River RoadNew Milford, NJ 07646 Telephone: VOX: 828-258-8880 VOX: 800-754-1875FAX: 828-281-0334 Email: info@spiritjourneys.com Website: http://www.spiritjourneys.com Fax:
NEW YORK WHO: Sparky Shooting Star WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: The Center for Symbolic Studies New Paltz, New York DESCRIPTION: COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: (631)766-5936 or Liz (917)294-8636 Email: Eesh21@gmail.comWebsite:
WHO: Zoe Bryant WHAT: Solstice Full Lovers Moon Sweat Lodge WHEN:June 21, 2008 WHERE: Swannanoa, NC COST: DESCRIPTION: “June is called the "Full Lover's Moon" or to the Natives "The Making of Fat" or "Strong Sun Moon"” “Come early and we will clean and revitalize Sun Bear's Medicine Wheel which he dedicated on this land over 20 years ago.’ http://spiritualism.meetup.com/274/calendar/7397705/ Contact info: Address: 302 Old Fellowship RD Swannanoa, NC 28778 Telephone: (828) 298 3935 Email: Website: Fax:
OREGON
Beaverton
WHO: WHAT: An Earth Awareness Festival WHEN: June 19-22, 2008 WHERE: Silver Falls State Park (the Ranch Area)DESCRIPTION:” A Magickal three day camp-out!An Earth-friendly event honoring diversityand promoting Earth Harmony worldwide!” COST: $150.00 per person Contact info: Address: 9598 SW Whittford Ln Beaverton OR Telephone: Kathy (503) 319-1273 (503) 502-1415 Email: Website: http://www.earthgatherings.org/ Fax:
Detroit
WHO: Breitenbush Retreat and Conference Center WHAT: WHEN: June 12, 2008 WHERE: Just outside Salem Oregon near the Cleator Bend Campground DESCRIPTION:” Breitenbush is privileged to offer a sweat lodge once a month which is open to everyone, free of charge. Traditionally, participants make offerings to the leader and fire tender such as pipe tobacco, spiritual gifts, food or money. Breitenbush also appreciates any offerings that offset the costs of wood and caring for the leaders. Participants are responsible for any other Breitenbush services they use (hot springs, meals, lodging...reservations are required and space is limited). Please call (503.854.3320) in advance if you wish to attend the Sweat Lodge Ceremony.” COST: $92.00/night to stay in a cabinContact info: Address: Breitenbush Hot SpringsPO Box 578Detroit, OR 97342 Telephone: (503) 854-3320 Email: office@breitenbush.comWebsite: Fax:
Salem
WHO: Robin Lynne Rainbow Feather WHAT: Solstice Sweat Lodge WHEN: June 20, 2008 2 pm WHERE: RiverBank Farm in Surrey County - about 50 minutes North of Winston-Salem Riverbank Farm, a quiet sanctuary, is located along the Dan River and is only a 20 minute drive from Pilot Mountain DESCRIPTION: “Robin began her training with Will Rockingbear, a Cherokee Teacher and Healer in Western North Carolina. She now holds weekly healing circles, a bi-monthly Clan Mothers Circle, as well as private healing sessions and ceremonies. Robin offers healing through the Soul Retrieval Ceremony, Twin Heart Dreaming Ceremony, Calling Ceremony and other ceremonies; and vibrational, energetic healing through Tibetan Singing Bowls, Native American Drumming, Laying-on-of-Hands, Sacred Feathers, Stone Medicine Beings and Animal Totems.”
Robin began facilitating monthly Clan Mother Circles (based on The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams) in 1991, after experiencing the Clan Mothers for herself. They not only assisted Robin in her own feminine journey and personal healing but shared with her the ceremony of Twin Heart Dreaming to assist others in healing their own wounded hearts.” “Please join us for the Little Boys and Little Girls Arapaho Sweat Lodge with Water Pourer Zoe Allison-Rockingbear to celebrate the Summer Solstice. This is a gentle, balanced sweat lodge for men and women, adult and child, beginner and experienced. COST: Because I work in the native, traditional way, I do not have a set fee or cost for the services I provide. However, monetary gifting is appropriate. This is the way I feed my family and earn my living. The amount you gift is entirely up to you. My teaching from my elders is that I show up to do my work and the amount you gift to me is between you and Spirit. There is a gifting bowl in the Flower Eagle Medicine Lodge for your monetary gifts. Cash is preferred but checks are acceptable. Contact info: Address: Robin Lynne 2960 Bennington CourtWinston-Salem, NC 27106 Telephone: (336) 416-7553 Email: robin@flowereagle.com Website: http://www.flowereagle.com/cd_info.cfm http://www.flowereagle.com/www.flowereagle.com Fax:
PENNSYLVANIA
Center Valley
WHO: Snow Star Raven Hawk WHAT: WHERE: Center Valley, PA Eight miles South of Allentown WHEN: COST: DESCRIPTION: “She also conducts Native American Sweat Lodges & Medicine Wheel Ceremonies, Monthly Circles, Marriage Re-dedication & Baptism Ceremonies. Spiritual readins performed in a sacred space are also available. Sacred Path and Medicine Cards are tools used in these spiritual channelings and have been designed to bring spiritual messages & initiate healing. She also performs reiki, shamonic, crystal healing, teaching and ceremonies. She will read for someone over the telephone “ CONTACT INFO: TELEPHONE: (610)351-9428 EMAIL: WEBSITE: http://www.freewebs.com/snowstarravenhawk FAX: Youtube: Spiritual Reading with Snow Star Raven Hawk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEf41AdmEzY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEf41AdmEzY
Malvern
WHO: Jim Frank and Byron Katie WHAT: Malvern Sweat Lodge WHEN:June 21, 2008 WHERE: COST: ” How much does it cost? : Money is a problem, isn't it? The Sweat Lodge Ceremony is our prayer and you can't buy it at any cost. But people do need to make a contribution and money is the most common way. We open our home and there are expenses. We put out a basket at the pot luck and donations are anonymous. Donations go to cover expenses. If each person attending contributed $20 the lodge would be self sustaining. So plan on a give away donation of labor, fire wood, or money.” DESCRIPTION: Today, at age 63, Jim Frank maintains a standing sweat lodge at his home in Malvern, PA. Since 1995 we have kept a standing sweat lodge in the way taught to him by Beautiful Painted Arrow, Joseph Rael.” Contact info: Address: P.O. Box 503, Malvern, PA 19355 Telephone: (610)-648-0953 Email: jim@malvernsweatlodge.com or mailto:info@malvernsweatlodge.com?subject=more%20info,%20please Website: Fax: NOTE: As of May 5, 2008, all workshops have been canceled in Malvern
RHODE ISLAND
Providence
WHO: WHAT: Rhode Island Sustainable living Festival sweat lodge WHEN: WHERE: Enviromental Education Center: 451 Hammet RoadCoventry, Rhode Island DESCRIPTION:” The Deadline for registering is Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 (Earth Day). After the deadline, call to check availability. Space is limited! Make checks payable to The Apeiron Institute, 17 Gordon Ave, Suite 207, Providence, RI 02905, or register on-line at http://www.apeiron.org/” COST: The cost of the 2-day Earth Awareness Retreat & Sweat Lodge Ceremony is $150 including 3 meals and on-site camping accommodations. Contact info: Address: Apeiron Institute 17 Gordon Ave, Suite 207 Providence, RI 02905 Telephone: (401) 228-7930 Email: nfo@apeiron.org Website: http://www.apeiron.org/ Fax:
TENNESSEE
Pinewood/Nully WHO: Laughing Winds/Recovery Ranch Dede Beasley Sweat lodge facilitator CLAIMS: Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are performed by therapeutic staff with extensive training in the Lakota Sweat Lodge Tradition” WHAT:Theurapeutic Sweat Lodges WHEN: WHERE: DESCRIPTION: Equine Therapist and Jeanmarie Guthery (Mama), Animal tender says: “We have learned from one of our teachers that the wheel can be understood as a symbol of this journey called life; a guide for our own self-discovery. Like life our wheel has undertaken many changes. The design came in a vision after Jeremy and Davids first trip to sundance. They also found the center stone on that trip a 60# piece of rose quartz crystal. “ “At Laughing Winds we use our wheel to celebrate birth and honor death. We go there to pray, meditate, and to practice listening. Our wheel is filled with all kinds of healing herbs. The wheel reminds us of our own beauty. We share with others how the wheel helps guide us on our journey back to self.” “The Sweat Lodge process provides several invaluable therapeutic opportunities, including the opportunity to recognize and overcome habitual responses to fear, discomfort, and self-judgment; mobilize new coping responses to these common relapse triggers; increased awareness of internal visceral and affective responses and their impact; recognition of personal defense mechanisms; movement from intellectualized and rationalized self-expression to more authentic, feeling-based expression; and supported opportunities for clients to ask for what they need.” COST: All inclusive; except airfare, $1,495.00 per person double occupancy Contact info: Address: The RanchP.O. Box 38 Nunnelly, TN 37137Telephone: (615)446-4594 or Call Toll-Free: 800-849-5969! Email: Website: http://www.laughingwinds.com/index.php?p=Home http://recoveryranch.com/recovery/default.asp?page=lodge Fax: 931.729.9632
Washburn
WHO: Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center WHAT: Summer Solstice Celebration sacred circle cosmic walk WHEN: June 21, 2008 7:00 pm Vision quest June 21-29, 2008 WHERE: Mac Smith Resource Center at the Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center COST: $50 deposit is due by March 15, 2008 DESCRIPTION: ”Participants will experience several days of preparation and training, a time of fasting alone on a mountain near Narrow Ridge Center, and several days of processing including a sweat lodge ceremony. Past participants have reported significant increases in clarity about life directions, decisions, and purpose, in addition to finding the experience profoundly restorative in terms of feelings of health and well-being. Vision Quests have been part of the rites of passage of many different cultures since time immemorial.“ Contact info: Address: Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center 1936 Liberty Hill Rd. Washburn TN 37888 Telephone: Mitzi Wood-Von Mizener at 615-419-6970 or (865) 497-2753 Email: community@narrowridge.org or mitziz1@bellsouth.net Website: http://www.narrowridge.org/ Fax: They have a guestbook! http://www.earth-learning.org/page.aspx?navid=2437
TEXAS
West Point
Mary Thunder Sweat Lodge WHO: Mary Thunder, Leonard Crow Dog, JoAnn Parks, Sparky Shooting Star WHAT: WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: Thunder Ranch West Point, Texas DESCRIPTION:” “Fasting before a ceremony is very beneficial could heighten awareness. If you are too hot in the lodge, please wait until the song or the prayer is finished before speaking up and telling the water pourer you need help. The Old ones used to say, “It is supposed to be hot. Keep your face to the ground and breathe in the coolness of the Earth, let go of what may be holding you back, and pray hard.” Within the sweat lodge, when you are offered water to drink, remember this is the lifeblood of the Earth Mother, feel its healing energy flowing through you. The length of the ceremony can vary greatly depending upon the leader and the participants. Let Sweat lodge leader and Spirit guide you. After leaving the lodge it is best to rinse your body to wash away the toxins you have released and to close your pores. If you have to wait for your lodge to begin, please be patient, and use the time to consider what you want to release and what prayers you would make for yourself, your loved ones, your Earth Mother and your relations upon Her. This is a very powerful healing ceremony, I have seen many heal! “ COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: http://www.marythunder.com/SpiritualServicesEvents/Events/Sweatlodge/SweatLodge.htm Fax:
Fort Worth
WHO: Randy Crow Parsons WHAT: WHEN: Saturday June 21, 2008 WHERE: Fort Worth, Texas area DESCRIPTION: COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: 817 221-3772 Email: sacredtreeusa@yahoo.com Website: Fax:
UTAH
Salt Lake City
WHO: Queer Spirit nonNDNs Jerry Buie and John Cottrell WHAT: Weekend retreats for gay men shamanic sweat lodgges WHEN: monthly WHERE: Windwalker Lodge in Spring City, Utah COST: DESCRIPTION: “Although Buie is not Native American, he was taught to pour Sweat – that is, to conduct the Lodge – by Ute leader Carolyn Sanders and closely mentored by several Elders. He has participated in Lodges for 12 years and has poured them for nine. He regularly pours “two to three” times each month for the Utah community.“Auntie Brucie invites you to queer summer camp” http://queerspirit.blogspot.com/ Contact info: Address: Telephone: Email: Website: www. queerspirit.org Fax:
VIRGINIA
Charlottesville
WHO: Katy Cannon, a fourth-year student at the University of Virginia WHAT: public art piece "Our Sweat" WHERE: Charlottesville University of Virginia between Dell I and Ruffner Hall. WHEN: Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. COST: DESCRIPTION: ” Cannon said, "This structure of a sweat lodge is universally known, yet, for each culture it has a unique and specific use. The aim of my work is to find a way to bridge cultural specificities through this universal structure." Those attending this performance should bring a rock or similar item that can be heated and then wet to produce the steam for the sweat lodge.” CONTACT INFO: TELEPHONE: 804-387-1672 EMAIL: kgc5e@virginia.edu WEBSITE: FAX:
Gore
WHO: The Land Celebration WHAT: Solstice sweat lodge ceremony WHEN: Friday, June 20-Sunday, June 22, 2008 7:00 am Saturday WHERE:Virginia COST: $250.00 for festival plus “love offering” for sweat DESCRIPTION:” Summer Solstice Retreat at The Land Celebration Our 10th Annual Summer Solstice Retreat featuring workshops on Color Therapy, Building Your Dreams, Sweat Lodge Ceremony, Wellness Wash, yoga, and the music of Armand and Angelina. Swimming pond, hot-tub, three labyrinths, medicine wheel and meditation trails.” “While our Lodges are based in the Native American tradition, we honor many other paths as well, and the gifts of all are welcome to be shared in the Lodge.” http://www.thelandcelebration.org/lchapel2/sweat.htm Contact info: Address: The Land Celebration 411 Three Oaks Drive Gore, VA 22637 Telephone: 540-858-2776 Email: info@thelandcelebration.org Website: http://www.thelandcelebration.org/ Fax:
WASHINGTON
Tacoma
WHO: WHAT: Change of Seasons Sweat Lodge Summer Solstice Sweat LodgeWHEN: June 21, 2008 - June 22, 2008 2 pm WHERE: DESCRIPTION: “Inuit Sweat Lodge to Celebrate the Solstice with Gratitude. Spend the night, bring a tent, sleep under the stars. RSVP” http://seattle.consciouschoice.com/calendar/6/21/2008 COST: $10 donation for wood if possible or some kind of energyTobacco offerings if you have special prayers Contact info: Wayne and Dianne Address: 5425 S. K StreetTacoma, WA 98408Telephone: (425) 760-2918Email: info@ unionwithtruth.com info@unionwithtruth.com Website: http://www.unionwithtruth.com/Fax:
WEST VIRGINIA
Elk Garden
WHO: Chief Lightning Wolf (Sweat Lodge facilitator)Water Pourer- Leonora Lantella and the Fire Tenders:Mole Woman and Rainbow Spider Founded by Vince Lombardi. Vince's multi-cultural background comes from having traveled the world extensively including several places in the Middle East (Jordan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates), parts of South Asia (India, Nepal), Europe, Central America (Costa Rica, Mexico) and the whole USA WHAT: Sweat Lodge Ceremony -- A Guided Spiritual Journey:In Native American tradition and style WHEN:June 21, 2008 WHERE: Abram's Creek Lodge & Campground Meet at the Peaceful Spirit Sweat Lodge between Campsites #5 and #6 in Sector I.DESCRIPTION: native American style Sweat Lodge, Ceremony, and Ritual.Liability waiver required. http://www.abramscreek.com/cautions.html COST: $20 donation to Lodge Facilitators (under 18, $10 donation). Cash or Check in advance please Contact info: Address: Abram's Creek Retreat & CampgroundRR 1 Box 118Elk Garden, WV 26717 Telephone: Lodge House - Campground: (Business Only) 304-446-5383 Social Calls: 304-446-5113Vince Cell: 703-328-1840Email: vlombardi2003@msn.com Website: http://www.abramscreek.com/Lodge_schedule.html Fax: They have a guest book!!! http://www.theguestbook.com/sign.php/617146
CANADA
MANITOBA
WHO: Robert Currie WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: COST: DESCRIPTION: “Wir Sprechen Auch Deutsch. We have been supplying high quality eco-adventure canoe trips to the national and international market since 1996. Our packages are all inclusive and include hotels, food, and special add-ons such as beluga whale watching tours, First Nations Sweat Lodge ceremonies and tours of various Canadian National Historic Sites.” Contact info: Address: Wilderness Spirit 696 McMillan Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3M 0V1 Telephone: (204)452-7049 or 1 (866) 287-1591 Call tollfree (in North America) 1 (866) 287 1591 or 1 (204) 452 7049 Email: Rob@WildernessSpirit.com Website: http://www.wildernessspirit.com/ Fax: (204) 452-7049
ONTARIO
Barrie
WHO: WHAT: Shamanic healing retreat at WHEN: WHERE: located at 461 Penetanguishene Road (Hywy 93), RR # 1 Barrie, Ontario 461 Penetanguishene Road here in Barrie Ontario DESCRIPTION: “We are Rainbow Spirits , Eclectic thinkers, following a Multi-Cultural Medicine Way. We offer you a glimpse of multi-cultural spiritualism through products, resources, services, workshops and events from around the world.” COST: Contact info: Address: 461 Penetanguishene Road Barrie Ontario Telephone: Email: Website: http://earthandskyconnection.com/dcontent/13042 Fax:
Guelph Ontario
WHO: Dirt Time Trackers (The does anybody know how to do this? Sweat) WHAT: Summer Solstice Sweat Lodge and Tipi Finishing GatheringWHEN: Saturday & Sunday June 21 & 22, 2008 WHERE: the home of Kathy & David Browne which is 20 minutes north of Georgetown, just south of Erin. Arrival can be anytime after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning DESCRIPTION: “As noted already, we will be having a Sweat Lodge. We will require 2 people to facilitate the Sweat. We need a Sweat Chief and a Fire Keeper. The Sweat Chief manages the entire Sweat with the assistance of the Fire Keeper who takes care of the fire and heating the rocks. There is much more to these roles. These simple definitions don't even scratch the surface of their true job descriptions. If you would like to participate in either of these roles, make yourself known to the group. Dress code for the Sweat is a bathing suit or similar attire. We expect to start the fire at 7:00 p.m. and enter the Lodge around 9:00 p.m.” COST: Contact info: Address: Telephone: Kathy Browne at (905) 702-9649 Email: brownes@tbcinc.com Website: http://www.dirttimetrackers.com/invites/solstice-06-08.htm Fax:
Orangeville
WHO: Kerrie Dancing Butterfly WHAT: WHEN: July 16th ~ 20th, 2008 WHERE: DESCRIPTION:” Kerrie Dancing Butterfly will be leading the ceremonial aspects of the retreat including the Fire Offering Ceremony, Cofacilitating the Sweat Lodge and initiating the daily intentions. Kerrie will also be offering Private Shamangelic Transformational Empowerment Healing Sessions and Spiritual Card Readings.“ COST: Investment in Your Health is $695-$1095 US depending on choice and availability of accommodations. Contact info: Address: Ecology Retreat Centre Journeys for the Soul 978 Temple Hills Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Mailing Address: 308046 Hockley Rd. RR#1, OrangevilleOntario, Canada L9W 2Y8 Telephone: 949.294.2966 Email: journeysforthesoul@hotmail.com or mailto:bookings@ecologyretreatcentre.com?subject=Contact%20Email%20from%20the%20ERC%20website Website: http://www.journeysforthesoul.com/summer_rejuvenation_july_2008.htm Fax:
MEXICO
San Miguel de Allende
WHO: Casa Dharma PATRICIA FELDMAN GONZALEZ Patricia is one of the pioneers of spiritual life in San Miguel, having made this her home for the past 25 years. She is a gifted communicator with experience in community building, groups,meditation and practical spirituality. Early in life she began a path that led her to Tibetan Buddhism. Her teachers include Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Chogyam Trungpa and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Patricia has dedicated her life to nurturing others on the path to spiritual enlightenment. BEN-ZION Ben Zion Ptashnik, a former State Senator from Vermont, was born in Jaffa, Israel, the son of Holocaust survivors. Ben-Zion has been in service for most of his adult life, first as a peace activist, and later organizing organic farmers, consumer cooperatives, and environmental organizations. He is the founder of the Stopnitz Fund, a charitable foundation which is dedicated to human rights, cultural survival, and the elimination of genocide WHAT: Summer Solstice Sweat Lodge and Children's Sweat Lodge with Roland WHEN: June 18, 2008 8:00 a.m. Sweat Lodge Camp - June 21, 2008 – June 22, 2008WHERE: Bestwood Country Park DESCRIPTION: “Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a weekend of sweat lodges, children’s sweat lodge building, ceremonies and healing. For further information please contact Jason Sewell” COST: A charge applies to this event and pre-booking is essential Contact info: Address: Telephone: 0115 956 9603 International & Mexico: +01 52 415 152 6336 Direct US Line: 802 526 1020 Email: Jason: turtlelodge@btinternet.com info@casadharma.com or groups@casadharma.com Website: http://www.casadharma.com/san-miguel-events.asp Fax: 01 52 415 152 8986
EUROPE
United Kingdom Devon WHO: Sacred Earth Camps offer sweats conducted Sun Eagle Heart (AKA Bethlehem Taylor), an alleged Rainbow Elder and Pipe Carrier, and Lodge-Leader Whispers-in-the-wind (AKA Sara Drew). WHAT: Sweat Lodges WHEN: June 13 –15, 2008 WHERE: Tiverton, Devon COST: ” Cheques payable to:- Sacred Earth Please send to:- 3 Rainbows, Stoodleigh, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 9QQ Now, let us begin to build the second teaching wheel. The wheel of the six directions - the wheel of the spirit Grandmothers and Grandfathers. So, we now introduce another dimension which gives the wheel tension. This represents the dynamic of opposites - duality and our place as humans on the wheel of life.(left) The Polar Axis . costs 25 English pounds” “3 Day Camps - £90 (Concessions £85) 4 Day Camps - £120 (Concessions £110)One Day Sweat Lodge - £30Includes good vegetarian FoodPeople faced with a long or difficult return journey may stay over until the Monday.” DESCRIPTION: ” All the shamanic tools you need for personal empowerment and transformation. The four days, with two sweat lodges, allows us more time to explore the mystery teachings of the medicine wheels: Pluging energy leaks. Increased vitality and inner radiance equals increased heightened awareness. Earth energy healing alignments using the drum, connects us to the spirit.” Contact info: Address: Rainbows, Stoodleigh, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 9QQ Telephone: 01884 881467 Email: Website: http://www.sacred-earth-camps.co.uk/ Fax:
Crowborough
WHO: Eagles Wing Centre For Contemporary Shamanism WHAT: Women's Sweat Lodge Ceremonies Spring and Shaman and Men's Sweatlodge Weekend WHEN: June 21, 2008 WHERE: Hourne Farm, Crowborough, TN6 2SQ DESCRIPTION: COST: £150; Deposit: £50 Contact info: Address: Eagles Wing Centre For Contemporary ShamanismSteel CrossHourne Farm, Crowborough, TN6 2SQ Telephone: Email: Website: Fax:
AUSTRALIA
WHO: Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society (SOTEMS) NOTE: This is the group that was responsible for the negligent homicide of Rowen Cooke in 2004 Website: http://www.sotems.com.au/sweat_lodge.htm
Western Australia Mixed Sweat Lodges Every Thursday 6:30pm Brad 08 9331 2461 Fremantle
Mens Sweat Lodges Every Sunday 6pm Paul 0414 224 269 Fremantle
Womens Sweat Lodges First Friday of the month 6pm Erycka 0419 332 558 Fremantle
Southern Australia AT MCLAREN VALE Women's Dark Moon Sweat Lodge 7pm Contact Prue to confirm details Prue 0419819089 McLaren Vale
Mixed Full Moon Sweat Lodge 7pm Contact Prue to confirm details Prue 0419819089 McLaren Vale
PLEASE NOTE If the forecast temperature is 35 degrees Celsius or above the sweat lodge will be Mixed Sweats 2007
Every Sunday at 6pm First Sweat 2008: 3 February
Book on Sweat line 95135959 CERES cancelled. Please check the weather forecast before coming.
Men's Sweat Lodge First Monday of the month 7pm First Men's sweat 2008: 4 February, 3 March, 7 April, 5 May, 2 June, 7 July, 4 August, 1 Sept, 6 Oct, 3 Nov, 1 Dec. Book on Sweat line 95135959 CERES
Women's Sweat Lodge First Thursday of the Month 7pm First Women's sweat 2008 7 February, 6 March, 3 April, 1 May, 5 June, 3 July, 7 August, 4 September, 2 October, 6 November, 4 December. Book on Sweat line 95135959 CERES
Men's Initiation By Invitation 10 & 11 Nov 2007 Kamalesh Mobile 0427224604 Bunyip State Forest Shamanism for Women Travelling the Worlds of Self 7-9 March 2008 16-18 May 2008 26-28 September 2008 21-23 November 2008 Residential Workshop Phoenix Institute 95104264 Healesville
Shamanic Practice Workshop 10 & 11 May, 2008 Phoenix Institute 95104264 Healesville
Shamanism for Men 28 & 29 June 2008 Phoenix Institute 95104264 Phoenix Prahran
Queensland Sweat Lodges For details contact Martin Kornaus 0410 286 746 Rocklea Brisbane Men's Sweat Lodges 6pm First Sunday of the month Contact Les to confirm details Lez 0439494633 McLaren Vale
You can see for yourself what kind of offensive and disrespectful behavior goes on at these unauthorized sweat ceremonies. There are several offensive Sweats that have been videotaped on put on Youtube:
Please join YouTube, give them a low ranking, make comments and flag the videos you see fit.
Ward Churchill, Academic, Literary and Indian Fraud
-
PRESS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE: Thursday, July 26, 2007
FROM: American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council
Ministry for Information
PRESS CONTACT: Vernon Be...
AIM TRADEMARKS
-
*SPECIAL NOTICE*
The names and graphics displayed on our Website, AIMOVEMENT.ORG, our
letterhead, publications and merchandise are the exclusive U.S. Pat...
Geneva Institute on Indigenous Peoples
-
If you are a law student interested in studying abroad, the University of
Tulsa offers a program in Geneva relating to Indigenous people. The 2009
program ...
Come See the New ILP Blog
-
Come See the New ILP Blog at http://newsletters.asucollegeoflaw.com/ilp/
We have upgraded to a new blog - please join us!
Best wishes to you and Happy Holi...
A Reintroduction
-
The last few days/months/years have brought a lot of new folks to me, my
work, and this ever-aging blog. I wanted to take a minute to introduce
myself to a...
Supreme Court Grants Cert To Two Indian Law Cases
-
Last term was seemingly so busy, it is hard to believe that the Supreme
Court is back at it again. Today, the Court granted certiorari to two more
Indian l...
Survey: Americans don’t know much about religion
-
READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT THE WASHINGTON POST A new survey of Americans’
knowledge of religion found that atheists, agnostics, Jews and Mormons
outperformed...
JR Redwater: More Natives Succeeding
-
Editor’s Note: This dude is hilarious. I don’t know Jr. at all, but I’ve
been an admirer for awhile. That’s right Mr. Redwater, you have a stalker.
A big B...
BJA FY 2026 Veterans Treatment Court Program
-
BJA FY 2026 Veterans Treatment Court Program – The Office of Justice
Programs (OJP) is committed to advancing work that furthers the U.S.
Department of Jus...
