Goddess Moon Ceremony
About the ceremony …
This is an outside-earth-centered ceremony held in circle during dark time under the beautiful light of the moon as it has been celebrated for eons.
First we begin with a “turtle island” fire ceremony blessing in the Apache tradition as taught by and handed down with permission by OhShinnah Fastwolf. This ceremony helps cleanse, purify, and prepare.
With the fire burning brightly, the moon ceremony begins. It is a very ancient ceremony in OhShinnah Fastwolf’s tradition, who is carrier of this ceremony on this continent. It celebrates the Goddess in all of us through the honoring of the primordial Goddess energy that connects us to the nurturing, creative aspects of the Mother and to her very heart.
Levels of ceremony
As you become familiar with the ceremony you will eventually experience 3 different levels. 1st level is simple and the shortest. It is where one starts. It is also a great time to bring new people who are interested in connecting with the divine feminine energy that exists within themselves and the earth mother.
The energy level grows stronger and the ceremonies become more complex moving from 1st to 2nd and then 2nd to 3rd level. To ease into the ceremonial energies gently, it is important for you to experience them sequentially: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ceremony. Ideally it is best if you attend each level twice before moving up to the next level. At times there could be exceptions to what level you might begin with based on prior experiences you may have had. Please ask if you have questions about how this works.
Ceremony start time and duration
The actual time in ceremony is variable based on the level, ceremonialist, and number of participants. The ceremony is held outside and begins soon after sunset. As the time of sunset changes around the seasons, the start of our gathering also changes.
About our Group
We are made up of women, men and children. Our children have a desire to be part of ceremony and are old enough to successfully participate throughout the duration of the ceremony. Men attend 1st and 2nd level ceremonies.
What to expect
First of all, relax you are in good hands. We will take care of you. There are no dumb questions and we are happy to repeat, clarify, mentor, and support you along the way. We are all learning and we work in community; teaching together as we go. Our intent is to support each other throughout our experience.
We first gather in circle inside to begin the teaching of the ceremony, the history and the sequence of activities from beginning to end. You will learn how you participate and how we will support you that you may fully participate with confidence.
As we listen, discuss, and learn together we also create prayer and protection bundles. Once the teaching has concluded, we get ready to go outside.
Since we will be in dark time, you will want to bring a flashlight for your safety. Everyone helps to facilitate bringing supplies to and from the fire site as needed. Once outside at the moon ceremony altar, we will be doing smudging, fire building, and what is called “setting the circle” in preparation for the ceremony
You may have the opportunity to be a participant with a role in the ceremony itself; usually if you have come to ceremony before and only if it is something you’d like to do. There are quite a few different roles. You would not be asked to do something you are not comfortable with. If you do accept a role you will be provided guidance before and during ceremony as needed.
After moon ceremony we share snacks. (See what to bring / not bring below.) Please feel comfortable to help yourself to the tea stash and water provided. Do not hesitate to ask if you need some help.
Cost
Your contributions, as you are able, keep our moon ceremony community in right relationship, called Ayni (pronounced eye-knee). It is customary to contribute to the supplies and costs for moon ceremony, every ceremony, so that the entire community supports the cost. See suggestions below for recommended contributions.
For the Ceremonialist: Please consider bringing an offering such as tobacco, corn meal, dry kindling, dry split wood, sage, or red cotton cloth either as yardage or cut into 2 inch squares if you have the time and desire to do so. These are supplies used in ceremony.
For the SONQO land stewards: When you come to ceremony, you are experiencing the home and land of SONQO which is a word for heart in the Quechua language. This ceremonial land encompasses 17 acres that are held in an act of service by the stewards, Jonn and Alleson Lansel. It is intended that this sanctuary exists for the community’s well-being and benefit.
Unless specified differently, cost to attend events at SONQO is by donation. We ask that you consider the possibility of donating a monetary offering to help support the upkeep, supplies, equipment, and maintenance of the sanctuary. All contributions are as you are able – if you can’t that’s okay too! We’ve been there. Your time in the “garden of weed-en” or other sanctuary maintenance activities is also a beautiful offering if you are so inclined. There is always much “to do” here.
What to bring
- The day before or day of ceremony, find a small stone that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. You will use the stone during ceremony. It will be placed on the moon altar and left there. The stone is used to hold what we call “your beautiful golden dream” for the earth mother, your community, all beings, or whatever speaks deeply within your heart. Carry it with you before ceremony. As you consider your “beautiful golden dream” prayer intentions share what is important to you with your stone by blowing what that is into it.
- Bring something made of natural fibers (towel, blanket, or mat) to place between you and the (possibly) wet ground.
- Though not required, women traditionally where dresses, skirts, or waist/hip wraps
- A flashlight for your safety
- Appropriate clothing for your comfort as this is an outside ceremony – so dress accordingly for warmth, wet, and mosquitoes during summer months
- If it is difficult for you to stand during ceremony, bring a camp chair for your comfort
- Bring snacks and anything you’d like to eat / drink / share after the ceremony
We are FRAGRANCE FREE!
We strive for a fragrance-free environment to accommodate attendees with asthma and chemical sensitivities and to improve awareness for all people regarding fragrance chemicals. Thank you for not wearing perfume, cologne, or other scented personal and clothing products.
Sage is used for smudging prior to moon ceremony. Tell us if you have sensitivity to sage. We will strive to do a work-around.
During summer mosquito season it helps if you can use natural products rather than chemicals.