Calling of The Bears - A traditional Cherokee (Tsalagi) Winter Solstice Ritual and Ceremony
The Tree People tell the Cherokee a story of the “Calling of The Bears”.
In the beginning times upon Mother Earth she called the Bear People of the mountains to come and rest with her during the winter months. On the longest night (Winter solstice) the Bear People would come to the caves to re-enter into Mothers womb to rest and receive the messages from her heart. The caves represent the veins and arteries that run to and from the heart of Mother Earth. The divine flow that continues to birth generation upon generation of life and being. Deep within they would saunter and find their place to lay and would go into their Dream-sleep and listen to the heartbeat of Mother to receive and remember.
Today the Tsalagi people come at the winter solstice to the mouth of the caves with offerings of berries, fish, honey, etc.. We light a fire as a beacon and to honor the Fire and Tree Nations and to help guide the Bears back to their place of rest. As the people gather they lay their gifts at the opening and they say, sing, weep, laugh, or silently offer their prayers. Their hopes, dreams, and visions are carried vibrationally deep into the Heart where the spiritual alchemy occurs. In the depths of Mother’s Divineness the creative tones of song and story stir. The reverberations permeate into the conscious and sub-conscious, the anima and animus, Ying and yang, and are held in the memories of the Bears as they prepare for Spring and the revealing of the songs and stories to the people so that they can be guided into the future.
‼️ WAIVER & REGISTRATION
REQUIRED TO ATTEND‼️
Cost:
$40 registration fee
Sliding scale contributions are also welcome.
Directions:
This event will take place at
The Horse Shoe Farm near the 🐝 Bee Hives.
Enter through the THSF main entrance off of S. Rugby Rd.
Make the first left onto the gravel road
Go through the covered bridge, and then make the first right onto another gravel road
Drive until you reach the back corner of the property where the bee hives are located
What to bring:
This is a rain or shine event. So come prepared for any weather.
Bring a towel & lots of water
Hydrate before & eat fruit if you are not fasting
Dress is modest - please wear a T-shirt and long shorts
Set an intention for yourself and the land - this is a sacred ceremony.
Can bring a camping chair, blanket or something to sit on before and after the sweat lodge.
Preparation:
Hydration is best to do two or three days before ceremony.
Be sure to intake more water than usual; at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day before you sweat.
To be more receptive and increase the benefits of your sweat experience abstain from intoxicants (at least 24 hours prior) and avoid heavy foods. The cleansing works first on the body and anything that blocks the process may be more difficult to cleanse, thus fasting is an option, or light eating of vegetables and fruit is recommended.
Consider your intentions for your life, what you want for your life and for others and bring those intentions with you. This is a Sacred Ceremony.
It is important that the ceremony start as close to on time as possible.
Please arrive early to orientate yourself
to the land and BE present.
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY:
Sweat lodges can be unsafe for people with certain medical conditions, and it's best to consult with a medical provider before participating. Some contraindications include:
High blood pressure
Pregnancy
Epilepsy
Heart disease
Peripheral neuropathies
Pre-existing medical conditions that are contraindicated for heat, steam, dark spaces, or sitting for long periods
Other precautions to take before entering a sweat lodge include:
Not wearing jewelry, contact lenses, or synthetic clothing
Not eating a heavy meal right before
Eating lightly and waiting a few hours
Avoiding alcohol or drug use in the days leading up to the event
Taking periods of rest from the heat when needed
Additional “Need To Know” Information:
Any person with an open, positive mind and a respectful intent are invited to attend. Please understand that indigenous traditions are based on key tenets of storytelling, respect and patience. You are encouraged to BE in silence during the preparation and sweat lodge experience.
While you may have had an alternate experience or teaching in a past Sweat Lodge experience, it is important to respect the way it is being conducted by the Facilitator that day.
This is also an elemental experience that goes on rain or shine. So please be open to connecting with earth, air, water, fire and heart.
Cherokee Wisdom Keeper - Ceremonialist - Singer/Story-teller
Yona FrenchHawk
Yona FrenchHawk is an enrolled member of The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Born and raised in the Wolftown village on the Qualla Indian Boundary in Cherokee, NC, he and his 8 siblings are of the Bird Clan. Their Mother’s clan. And they are recognized as some of the less than 2000 Full-bloods remaining. Yona’s teacher and grandfather Ephesus (Epps) was a highly respected and sought after Shaman and medicine/wisdom keeper of the tribe.
This wisdom is passed from generation to generation with reverence, respect, and honor, so that our children and grandchildren will prosper and grow the garden of the generations yet to come. Yona is honored and humbled to continue this bridging of the Ancient Past to the Ancient Future with Love, Respect, and Honor. And to continue the legacy of The Cherokee