Spiritual Earth/Spiritual Cosmos - Creating Sacred Space for Ceremony

Part I

Invocation: Dream

• Calling forth Ancient Ones
• Stating Dream through prayer and offering
• Directions for creating Sacred Space for Invocation
• Co-Creation in Invocation

Part II

Intention: Need

• Calling forth the Directions
• Setting the Stones

Part III

Action

• Calling forth the Elements for the creation of the spiral. Calling forth the gifts
• Ceremony

Part IV

Conclusion:

• Closing the spiral

Part I

Invocation: Dream

The invocation is the initial prayer which is spoken before anything is begun.
Invocation occurs first in the early morning when rising and beginning the day through dancing the Dance of Creation at daybreak and singing of song.

Here we call in all directions, honoring our great relationship with All life. It is here as we light the candle for the morning bringing forth the fire of focus and light the incense which carries our prayer, that we acknowledge our unity with Divine Hope, Grace and Intention. Here we remember that we cherish this life and the life that is mutually shared throughout creation.

While preparing for Ceremony, invocation begins next when the dream is simply an idea. Here we call in our dream, such as:

"I dream there is a place where we can hold this ceremony for ____ purpose, for honoring life in ____ way."

Invocation is the place where we call forth the Freewill Participation of All Matter, Mater, Mother of Nature. We recognize that Mother Earth Embodies Presence of the Union of Matter of Great Mystery and Great Spirit. Their union is called Being InLove. Mother Earth then responds to our invocation through 'the mysterious conversation' – giving us awareness of where this sacred event will take place. And we as freewill participants in the Great Dream of Being InLove, do respond with gratitude of mind body, physical body, emotional body and soul body.

Calling forth Ancient Ones

In the invocation or prayer, we remember that we are simply one part of a Spiritual Cosmos. Our Spiritual Family here on the earth plane and our cosmic Teachers, Guides, Guardians, Universal Counsels stand waiting for our 'call' for help and assistance. We are a part of a whole system who intentionally seek the same thing that we do, Divine Union of Self. When we invoke the prayer by calling in our allies, we Remember that we are not alone. This is not 'my joy,' but rather I am a part of a larger order which naturally sustains and supports each other.

Stating Dream through Prayer and Offering

There are three evidences which drive the invocation or prayer.

First there is the Awareness of Love. In the awareness of Love, we recognize the 'hope' of being heard, of mattering, of someone or something acknowledging our personal validity of being us (me).

First awareness states that I know that there is something greater than myself, that I, in some way am a part of a greater picture, a greater dream. I experience myself to matter, my thoughts to matter, my being to matter, my dreams to matter. Through my experience of myself as matter, I recognize a greater matter and I am in awe of the greater dream.

The second awareness is that I am Frail. It is in my personal frailty, I find humility. It is here in 'humility' that I am transformed. In the humility of my acknowledging my frailty, I surrender. I surrender that which I can not do myself, with every inner desire to do all that I can, to make this dream happen for me and for the goodness of all. The second awareness is the Awareness that Love Transforms all fear when surrendered in the frailty of humility.

The third awareness is the Intention of Love. Love is the Marriage between Great Spirit and Great Mystery. This Union is the Oneness of all Creation (Mother Earth) as the fiery passion of All Life from Eternity to Eternity. The Intention of Love is Happiness.

In the language of Trinity we would say, First Trinity, Mind of Love, embodies the Awareness of Love. Second Trinity, Matter of Love, embodies the Awareness of Transformation and the Third Trinity, Emotion for Love, embodies the Awareness of Intention.

Contents of Medicine Bag

Fire

• Candle
• Copal
• Incense
• Ylang Ylang - Essential oil for the unity of the masculine and feminine.

Water

• Lavender - Essential oil or dried flower - healing, relaxation, and peace.
• Rose - Essential oil or dried flower - Love through passionate heart.

Earth

• Corn Meal - Pollen, flower, grain - InGratitude of source and resource. In cherishment for all that is brought to us for our care and comfort.
• Earth (dirt) - organic soil which is Loved and tended.
• Stones - carry 7-10 small stones.
• Crystal - crystal and granite gains or stones.
• Bark (tree) - Leaf or bark.

Air

• Feather - Feathers used in ceremony are ones that are given by mother nature or teacher. They are not purchased.
• Sage - Essential oil or in dried leaf form. - Healing through clearing of discarnate or discarnate energies. These are energies which resonate with chaos rather than still point.
• Instruments - Flute, Drum, harp...

Combining energies

Each of the ingredients are used to specifically call in the combining of energies for the Divine Soul/Sole purpose of Co-creating an environment of highest potential of Being InLove.

Note: Every plant or plant derivative embodies all of the elements of ether, fire, water, earth, and air. All of creation embodies ether.

Fire - Through fire we honor the Passion of Great Spirit through Focus and Attention.

• Candle - fire, earth, and air
• Copal - fire, earth, and air
• Incense - fire, earth, and air
• Ylang Ylang - Essential oil - Fire and water

Water - Through Water we honor Great Mystery the depth of the healing womb.

• Lavender - Essential oil or dried flower - Earth, Water, Air, Fire
• Rose - Essential oil or dried flower - Earth, Water, Air, Fire

Earth - Through Earth we honor the creation of One Love manifest in all of Creation.

• Corn Meal - Pollen, flower, grain - Earth, Water, Air, Fire
• Earth (dirt) - organic soil which is loved and tended. - Fire and earth
• Stones - carry 7-10 small stones - Fire and earth
• Crystal - crystal and granite gains or stones. - Fire, earth, air
• Bark (tree) - Leaf or bark - Earth, Water, Air, Fire

Air - In Air we honor the song which reaches the Infinite resonance of all life in all universes and galaxies.

• Feather - Feathers used in ceremony are ones that are given by mother nature or teacher. They are not purchased. - Earth, Air, Water, Fire
• Sage - Essential oil or in dried leaf form. - Earth, Air, Water, Fire
• Instruments - Flute, Drum, harp... Song is of all the elements

Some might say that all life is made up of all elements, which would in a sense be true. For now we consider the obvious to our mind understanding.

Directions for Creating Sacred Space through Invocation

The following are examples only. They may be used but remember that you are personally responsible for your dialogue with Divine, God, Goddess, En Sof, Krishna, Buddha, Christ, ... whoever you conceive your greatest understanding of Love to be. There is NO ONE who knows you more, or desires the intimate conversation with you than your Divine Love. You alone hold the language of the harmonic of Love which is your relationship with Divine.

Co-Creation in Invocation

Divine Love, Great Spirit, Great Mystery. Thank you for your constant presence in (my life) our lives. Thank you for always and in always acknowledging my (our) deepest dream and most sacred desires. Thank you for your constant comfort, whether or not I (we) know to acknowledge your presence.

Today (I) we come here for the sacred purpose of ****_****. I call in my counsel and all counsels, Ancient Ones and ancestors of this great place, to honor and hear the dreams, needs, concerns and limitations in unity. Grant us this day open hearts and minds and a shear willingness to be present to hear and understand my (our) place in healing through my (our) compassionate heart.

Grant me (us) clear pathways to sharing and co-creating in abundance of beauty and joy in Love. Provide for us peace during this transition and may peace lead the way of all who enter this most holy and sacred space.

Selahl

Part II

Intention: Need

Now that the intention is set, the sacred place for ceremony needs to be set up with intention to embrace and be embraced by the fullest capacity of being inLove.

Calling forth the Directions

Each direction is the gatekeeper of that energy system. Each energy system has its own life purpose. We, as human beings, have a natural affinity to specific directions due to our personal make up, cultural insight, and global orientation.

As is each of our personal desires, the desire of each direction is to be acknowledged as sacred and that the personal participation of each Element and Direction is one of Freewill Participation.

In ceremony we seek to call in "ask" these unique energies of the elements and directions to participate in ceremony.

As stated earlier there are five elements that we work with consciously... earth, ether, fire, water, and air. There are 7 basic directions and 10 uniting and combining directions.

• North, South, East, and West.
• Above, Below, and Center
• North East, East South, South West, and West North

For traditional ceremony we work with the 7 directions always.
For High Ceremonies we call in the 10 directions of Unity.
Use the Dance of Creation steps and Directions to help your mind and heart get in touch with the sacred space.

Section 2 – Dance of Creation – Steps and beginning origin of prayer song.

Great Spirit – Mother Earth – Cosmos of One Circle

1. Center Stance:

   In center I stand, here in your presence. Three times I lift my hands in gratitude.Once for the dreams of my vision quest.Second for my vision held in this moment of light.Third for the dreams of tomorrow.Here I stand in presence.
   

2. Right Arm out:

   With my right hand, I reach out into the world of the masculine. The energy and strength of life focus and direction.
   

3. Left Arm/left foot out:

   With my left hand and my left foot, I call forth my feminine, where center and balance reside within.
   

4. Hands join above head:

   Together in inner unity I lift up my presence to you Great Spirit.
   

5. Hands move to heart:

   Together in inner unity I hold within my heart my presence in you Great Mother.
   

6. Bend knees:

   I bend my knees in honoring your vision and dream.
   

7. Right hand moves around to left side in full circle:

   I move with my masculine into the depths of the feminine dream, crossing the full horizon, honoring the dream of new and fresh ideas.
   

8. Left hand moves around to right side in full circle:

   I move with my feminine into the depths of the masculine, crossing the full horizon, honoring the desire to fulfill those dreams and fresh ideas.
   

9. Join again at heart:

   Together, we, feminine and masculine do sit in unity in the heart of Great Mother.
   

10. Hands move from heart to above head:

    <span style="color: blue">Together, we masculine and feminine do lift our unity to the life force of Great Spirit.</span>

    
    

11. Hands move to the ground gathering within the womb up through the body, heart head to the sky: Arms to the side:

    <span style="color: blue">From the life force, all prayers in unity of divine love is brought through the heart intention of the human being. I honor you mother earth for the stability that you give me in standing.</span>
    <span style="color: blue">From your womb into my own do I embrace your dream and care. Lifting high into the embrace of Great Spirit.</span>

    
    

12. Right arm moves to left fully back. Right arm moves around on a horizontal line to the front of body. Body moves forward on right leg:

    <span style="color: blue">Again I reach around, fully extending and embracing the memory of this direction and I with all of my heart do move forward into the next direction of life.</span>

    
    

13. Left hand in a vertical circle moves up over and behind head. Body is moving back and then forward in the natural flow:

    <span style="color: blue">Again I reach around, fully extending and embracing the memory of this direction and I with all of my heart do move forward into the next direction of life.</span>

    
    

14. Arms are extended to in front and forward. Left leg is extended behind. In Unison both arms and left leg is brought into center facing the next direction:

    <span style="color: blue">Facing this new direction, I am here and fully present, seeking the clarity and vision of this new dream.</span>

    
    

15. At the end of the four rounds...we move to the beginning point, bowing our heads and giving thanks for this revealing dance and song.

    Thank you Great Spirit and Great Mother.

Dance of the Creation for the Grandmothers is begun in the North to call forth and honor the Sages of Wisdom.

Dance of Creation – Steps and Grandmother Song

Center Stance:

Right Arm out:

Left Arm/left foot out:

Hands join above head:

Hands move to heart:

Bend knees:

Right hand moves around to left side in full circle:

Left hand moves around to right side in full circle:

Join again at heart:

Hands move from heart to above head:

Hands move to the ground gathering within the womb up through the body, heart head to the sky:

Arms to the side:

Right arm moves to left fully back:

Right arm moves around on a horizontal line to the front of body:

Body moves forward on right leg:

Left hand in a vertical circle moves up over and behind head:

Body is moving back and then forward in the natural flow. Arms are extended to in front and forward. Left leg is extended behind:

In Unison both arms and left leg is brought into center facing the next direction.

East

Center Stance:

Right Arm out:

Left Arm/left foot out:

Hands join above head; Hands move to heart:

Bend knees:

Right hand moves around to left side in full circle:

Left hand moves around to right side in full circle:

Join again at heart; Hands move from heart to above head:

Hands move to the ground gathering within the womb up through the body, heart head to the sky; Arms to the side:

Right arm moves to left fully back; Right arm moves around on a horizontal line to the front of body; Body moves forward on right leg:

Left hand in a vertical circle moves up over and behind head; Body is moving back and then forward in the natural flow:
Arms are extended to in front and forward; Left leg is extended behind:

In Unison both arms and left leg is brought into center facing the next direction.

South

Center Stance:

Right Arm out:

Left Arm/left foot out:

Hands join above head:

Hands move to heart:

Bend knees:

Right hand moves around to left side in full circle:

Left hand moves around to right side in full circle:

Join again at heart:

Hands move from heart to above head:

Hands move to the ground gathering within the womb up through the body, heart head to the sky:

Arms to the side:

Right arm moves to left fully back:

Right arm moves around on a horizontal line to the front of body:

Body moves forward on right leg; Left hand in a vertical circle moves up over and behind head:
Body is moving back and then forward in the natural flow:

Arms are extended to in front and forward; Left leg is extended behind:

In Unison both arms and left leg is brought into center facing the next direction:

West

Center Stance:

Right Arm out:

Left Arm/left foot out:

Hands join above head:

Hands move to heart:

Bend knees:

Right hand moves around to left side in full circle:

Left hand moves around to right side in full circle:

Join again at heart:

Hands move from heart to above head:

Hands move to the ground gathering within the womb up through the body, heart head to the sky; Arms to the side:

Right arm moves to left fully back; Right arm moves around on a horizontal line to the front of body; Body moves forward on right leg:

Left hand in a vertical circle moves up over and behind head; Body is moving back and then forward in the natural flow:

Arms are extended to in front and forward; Left leg is extended behind:
In Unison both arms and left leg is brought into center facing the next direction.

Setting the Stones

Creating a square is essential for the sacred geometrics of sacred space.

• Begin by finding the directions.
• Once this is established mark the spot with a stone.
• Begin in the North move to the South, From the South move to the East;
• From the East move to the West; From the West to the center.
• You will need your medicine bag as described above.
• State "I am Here and Fully Present 3x's" out loud.
• Say invocation out loud.

1. Find the North Direction. Place the stone.
2. Pray for the participation of the direction stating need and desire.
3. Pour a drop of water for cleansing.
4. Place a drop of your oil upon the stone.
5. Add grains of crystal and corn.
6. Pour drop of water for creative co-creation.
7. Cover with dirt and mark the spot with a stone or a stick.
8. Give thanks to the direction and move to the next direction.

Repeat this for each direction. It is best to do ceremony with another person. This is the exchange of energy in Unity. Break up the set up equally and in fluidity.

This may be done previous to the ceremony. For instance the day prior to the ceremony.

Part III

Action

On the day of the ceremony you will again need to do an invocation.

Calling forth the Elements for the creation of the spiral.

Begin ceremony with:

Fire and Air

• Light the sage to clear the space.
• Begin in the North and move clockwise outside the square.
• Step into the square and cleanse the inner using your feather, sage, and fire.

Earth and Water

• From inside the square Sprinkle the outside of the square with corn meal, beginning in North and working self around. You are creating the sacred space.
• Sprinkle water in the same way.

Earth, Ether, Water, Air, and Fire

• Beginning in the North create the spiral clockwise.
• Sprinkle the corn meal in a circular manner creating a spiral from the furthest north point while staying inside the square.
• Toning (singing) drumming, etc., while doing this is important.
• When you are in the center place corn meal and water in the center as a gift.
• You are now ready to begin the ceremony.

Ceremony

The sacred space for ceremony has now been created. This is a vortex where the all of Creation is welcome to come and sing and dance together. This is the soul/sole purpose for our work......Unity of all creation. Singing and Dancing in the place of Beauty in utter Joy of Living Life Fully InLove.

Have Fun!!!!

Part IV

Conclusion: Closing the spiral.

There is an important conclusion that must be held in the same regard as every other part of our practice; this is closure.

For some reason in our western mind we forget to acknowledge the importance of closure. As a result of this there is a further embedded idea of closure as loss, betrayal, scarcity. The dialogue goes: If I close, then it will be gone, I will lose.

In our western world we have an abundance of the scarcity through fear of growing old, death, letting go...and this fear encourages possession, possessiveness, jealousy. We fail to complete or see the necessity of completing tasks, we would rather just leave with that sense of awe. Our awe comes with the price of not knowing how to fully embrace or how to fully embrace another.

Learning to say good bye in a way that honors who and what we are together, gives our lives greater meaning and understanding of the importance of the Circle of Life. When we do not close, or say good bye, we walk away, alone along the straight and linear mind line, never really connecting.

So let us consider the importance of closing the circle.

Many vortex's created in the heart of ceremony of beauty and joy have become the vortex of scarcity and destruction. This is another conversation, for our work today let us make a vow never to leave a vortex mindfully unattended. This does mean that you can remotely care for a ceremonial ground, as long as you are consciously aware of the responsibility that you have taken. I.E. going there in your mind daily and walking the spiral.

To Close the Spiral

Walk each corner to the center energetically bringing the corners to the center.
Thank the sacred space for its participation.
Take up the center stones that were placed earlier and place them back into the medicine bag.
If there is going to be future ceremony at this place, follow the above procedure and place the stones in a sacred bag.
Upon returning, place the stones in the center to re-energize and recreate the ceremonial place as stated in this paper.
Thank the guardians, bless the place with peace in a closing prayer of gratitude, cherishment, and adoration.
Leave in peace.

Blessed Be,
May this work bring you great joy and blessings in your Spiritual Earth/Spiritual Cosmos Journey.

InLove and InPeace,
Willow Tequillo
Universal Ceremonialist/Medicine Woman

© JiMiTao-ABeautyWay 2024