This month i joined a new group offered by a wonderful musician, here where i live - something of which i'm very excited about.

​Going to the first session this week was wonderful as i found everyone very much interested and very keen to explore sacred sound and how to learn overtone chant... 

A number of years ago, i was thrilled to be initiated in overtone chanting by Matthew Kocel, an overtone chanter + sound healer from Vancouver, BC... 

It also felt really great to be a part of a group of like-minds... and i am particularly excited to explore with others about 'sound healing' that i've been engaging with for many years... i particularly get excited about being in a circle with others where we can work with sacred intention (dreaming) together 'as one'... as i so believe in the power of numbers who gather together.   I have experienced this a lot over the years from offering sacred drum circles and trainings - as 'sound' musician + sacred drummer...  

At our first gathering, Leah offered us sounding circle Invitations... and i hope to journal more about my experience being a part of this wonderful and special group...

• “All of life is vibration.” – Albert Einstein
“Sound connects us to the vibratory nature of all things.” – Jill Purce

I do agree and have experienced in my own life that yes, 'all of life is vibration' and 'sound connects us particularly through our vibrational emotions...  Emotion = Energy and thus does create our life from the present moment forward... I love the quote, "Tomorrow never comes" because 'tomorrow' is not now... 

I have learned through the sacred drum that when i play my drum, i can only be within the present moment of 'now'... and the sound vibrations i sound through my drum go out into the world and return ten-fold... so, a big part of my practice is to really be mindful of where i'm at when i drum or better yet, how i 'feel' + what i'm 'vibrating' through my emotional state in the present moment... I have learned that we can only create our lives from the present moment of now forward... So, i ask, 'Where are you or what are you feeling right now?'...

• Each day become of our own breathing...
Take a few minutes and breathe consciously listening to the sound of your inhale and the sound of your exhale... I'm always amazed as to how much i hold or am aware of how tight my breathing can be - especially when i'm too busy or stressed... i used to love circular breathing on a regular basis... at one time years ago, i experimented with 'Rebirthing' - which i found to be a powerful experience and very healing...

• Working with intention... and what i like to call 'dreaming'.... 
“I am aware of the vibrational nature of my environment” (or) “I am aware of the vibrational nature of all things through sound” or others... Connect with your intention before you begin to make sound." Again... my practice is to keep coming back to how i'm feeling (what is my vibrational resonance)?... Since living here on Gabriola, i've been deeply moved with getting to know the animals and birds who live with us so closely here on the island - it's been such a joy to meet them and learn how sensitive they are... i wrote about a profound experience i had meeting a beautiful doe, a young mother deer who connected with me one day in our yard.  I was astounded as to how we deeply communicated together, just through the resonance of our eyes... I shared this experience with the group...

• Overtone chanting, toning and humming...
Take five minutes (or longer :) and overtone chant and/or hum and/or tone (links below will be helpful)... i'm really excited and looking forward to deepening this practice for my self and my own healing and expanding my own sacred voice... 

• Wondering...
If “all of life is vibration” … what does this mean? How do I live and relate – day to day – as though all of life is vibration? With my family and friends? In my community? In my work? With my possessions? Allow your own listening, and the idea that sound connects us to the vibratory nature of all things, as portals into the question (note: I invite you to energetically carry these questions with you – not to analyze or assess how you live (i.e. not in the head!) – but rather as gentle companions to an embodied, in situation inquiry and exploration).

• Noticing and journaling...
Notice if there are any shifts or changes in your daily life: They may be subtle and they may seem insignificant. Keep a journal – writing, drawing, both – of what you’re noticing.

• Sharing... Each week in the Circle we will take 10 minutes (give or take) to briefly share our experiences...

Some useful links to share... on overtone chanting and healing power of sound with renowned sound healer, Jill Purce...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUjV3SWXFiU&t=3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guANw889h84&t=349s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y6g7X6esQU

I birthed my first drum over 25 years ago with my first teacher in Celtic shamanism.  It sure was an amazing and growing experience.  Back in the early 90s, i was part of a sacred healing circle of about 15 or so women where together, we all birthed the same type and size of shamanic drum - a 16-inch Elk...

At the time, when i was apprenticing, i was asked to help out with that women's drum birthing workshop - being in charge of care-taking the hides... which meant making sure the hides were soaking well overnight in my studio-space bath tub.   The next day, i brought them all back to our workshop space for us to birth our drums in ceremony.

Back then, i was vegetarian and for me, to handle huge soaked Elk hides was a tad un-nerving, to say the least - especially after they had soaked all night, weighed a ruddy ton!!  They also smelled horrible and felt sooo alive!  I learned that when an animal has been chosen or chooses to transition it's life to become a sacred drum - that, during the sacred act of birthing a drum, they are reborn to be in service to our blessed earth mother - to now be her steward as her sacred voice, heart-beat-pulse... learning this helped a lot for me during this time in my life...

When i got back to the workshop space with the wet hides, the teacher asked me to lay them all out on top of a large tarp and told all the women to choose one...  As i was putting them out, each woman quickly chose their own, where, very soon only one hide was left... i didn't get to choose - my drum's voice/hide had been chosen for me!

Learning how to pull a big drum with a very thick Elk hide (as a full-wrap around the hoop) wasn't an easy task - on top of sitting on the floor to do it... Our teacher also didn't really show us how - she basically walked around the room dropping us each an instruction booklet that had come along with the drum supply-kits she had ordered from Cedar Mountain Drums in Oregon... I have to admit, i did find it challenging to birth my first drum having to read the steps line-by-line... I remember sweating a lot that day = definitely a labour of love...

​As we all came to completing our drums, the teacher did come around at that point to help us with the final pulls to make sure the strong thick hide was completely wrapped smoothly around the frame.  I was quite happy to have the help at that point as my hands were so sore and tired...

While the hide was still wet, when i held it up with the light shining through, the shape of a huge bird in flight revealed itself right through the middle on the back side... Though, when my drum was birthed, as she dried and came into being, a new spirit emerged forward in the front ... i saw the amazing old face of an old white grandmother wolf... she was stunningly beautiful and so present... and has been a part of my special drum ever since her birth... One time, years later, a beautiful Metis elder asked to sing a wolf into my drum as she knew that spirit was very present as a part of my sacred drum... i was deeply honoured to be witness as she sang her sacred gift into my drum... grandmother wolf is still very present guiding me...

The whole process of birthing my own shamanic drum was life-changing for me and, i have been deeply blessed to have had the opportunity to share and pass on the gifts that were shared with me - to assist others to birth their own sacred drums and continue to.  My sweet drum has taught me a lot over the last 25+ years and continues to... Through her, our blessed earth mother continues to share deeper teachings to share with others and my students...

What i found amazing back when i birthed that first drum was, how amazingly strong and resilient rawhide lacings are when wet and dry...

Rawhide dries very rock-hard strong... and when i look at a few of my lacings on the back side of my drum, i am still amazed as to how strong yet vulnerable and fragile they are... and so are we... my own 'heart strings' have been good teachers...

These lacings are still holding the voice of my drum very strongly - even after 25+ years! 

This, my first drum i birthed... my beautiful grandmother wolf drum, my dear friend and ally continues to reflect to me my own inner heart strength and the fragility of all life... She teaches me that it's okay to be vulnerable and that i have the power of choice within any given moment to resonate who i truly am as a be-ing of light and love...

I stand within this present moment... to offer my deep appreciation and gratitude for the gift of the sacred, healing drum - and all that she continues to teach me... I also give many thanks to my teacher who shared the gifts she had been given, to me...  thank you grandmother wolf for being a beautiful teacher...
​in deep munay of love + light, weaver x (((o)))

​photo @ right...

An actual photo of heart strings (tendons) inside the human heart...

It is known that the heart strings can sometimes break after a deep emotional trauma causing the heart to lose form and, as a result be unable to pump blood effectively... You can literally die from a broken heart...

Oh, how fragile, yet so strong we all are.......x (((o)))

In ancient times of the Matriarchy, the drummers were women.   Our herstory proves it in the 100s + 100s of ancient goddess images collected + documented by frame drummer Layne Redmond (rip 1952-2013). 

I was moved to create and birth a 'bee frame drum'... for the annual anniversary 'for the bees' art show held at 'The Hive', here on Gabriola Island.  This frame drum is my honouring of the sacred bee - for, we wouldn't be here without the bees.
- here's my last year's 'for the bees' submission at the Hive >>

This design is based on the ancient frame drum which was also played as our women ancestors did + still do all over the planet.

This drum has resonators installed in the back so, when played, the frame drum buzzes, sounding and calling the spirit of the sacred bees.  This type of 'Bendir' drum is a descendant of the ancient bee priestesses' frame drums, which hummed the world into bee-ing.  It is played in the old traditional upright 'frame drum' style with the hands (see goddess image to the right)... 

On the front is painted the Hexagon symbol - of all the geometric shapes in sacred geometry, the hexagon is arguably the most powerful and fascinating + ancient.   It is found in many spiritual symbols such as the Star of David, the Tree of Life in the Kabbalah and the Hagal Rune composed by ancient tribes of northern Europe, and so much more.

The frame drum is birthed in white Goat rawhide.  The spirit of Goat helps us and the bees to 'stand our ground'... and helps us with sure-footedness and balance.... We can call on the spirit of goat when we need independence coupled with plenty.... and, when we are ready to take on something new, and there is no need for guilt.  Goat spirit helps with gaining confidence and firm cornerstones for personal or spiritual development.  For those who find themselves stuck or wholly misplaced, the spirit of goat gets you moving again - Let that energy take you where you need to be for finding answers.  Goat may not move swiftly, but slow and steady is best when you start losing balance... Once you’re on your way with goat guiding, you’ll find the determination necessary for success.
Note: This frame drum size birthed... 11.5 inches in diameter with a maple wood hoop in goat hide, painted in gold + red acrylics...

I'm very proud how my first traditional 'women's' frame drum came into 'bee-ing'... and the process and connecting in with the sacred bees taught me a lot... I'm also excited to report that this special sacred drum has found it's new caretaker, being a part of a thriving women's counselling practice in Vancouver, BC... 

If you wish to have a sacred frame drum birthed like this one or other, i invite you to visit my drum shop here on this page >>  I am open to discussing what's possible and honoured to birth a special sacred drum especially for you or your loved one... 

with brightest blessings... weaver x (((o)))

Click the images above to enlarge + below, a short video to have a listen to this bee drum...

​Did you know that drumming is good for you?... it's actually a very healthy practice for body, mind and spirit....

Lately, i've been thinking about rhythm and also the benefits of drumming... and so, wanted to share some things i have learned over the years... 

"If you could see your DNA, you'd see what your inside rhythm looks like... You are rhythm... You are made of flesh, bones - and rhythm... Rhythm is what keeps you alive."   --Mickey Hart

Within our bodies, we have the rhythm of breath, the rhythm of our heart and the rhythm of our blood pulsing through our veins.  We are nothing but rhythm within and out...

Sometime when you have a moment... just sit quiet and just listen to the diverse rhythms around and within you... listen to the rhythm of a bird's song... the drumming of a flicker woodpecker... a squirrel's chatter...  the ticking of the clock on the wall... the crackling of a hot fire... the constant passing of traffic on the freeway... the swishing of the wind swaying the branches of a tree or in the grasses... the honking of a truck's horn... the gentle drops of a spring rain... the gentle in and out of your own breath...  that annoying drip on the kitchen faucet...

I have to giggle sometimes when folk tell me that they can't or don't know how to drum... i aways say, "of course you do! ...because the first sound you ever heard was your own mother's constant heart-beat - that's all you knew and heard while in her womb all that time... it's the first thing you learned... that constant pulse was all you knew! - so, yes... you know how to drum - it's the very first thing you were taught and know so deeply!" 

Everyone knows how to drum - everyone who has a mother... a grandmother and our blessed earth mother...

I love this, the below powerful teaching by sister frame drummer Layne Redmond... who wrote the beautiful book, When the Drummers Were Women  >>

​“It is often said that the first sound we hear in the womb is our mother's heartbeat.  Actually, the first sound to vibrate our newly developed hearing apparatus is the pulse of our mother's blood through her veins and arteries.

​We vibrate to that primordial rhythm even before we have ears to hear. Before we were conceived, we existed in part as an egg in our mother's ovary. All the eggs a woman will ever carry form in her ovaries while she is a four-month-old fetus in the womb of her mother.

This means our cellular life as an egg begins in the womb of our grandmother. Each of us spent five months in our grandmother's womb and she in turn formed within the womb of her grandmother. We vibrate to the rhythms of our mother's blood before she herself is born. And this pulse is the thread of blood that runs all the way back through the grandmothers to the first mother.

We all share the blood of the first mother - we are truly children of one blood."  
-- Layne Redmond

Outside of ourselves are endless universal rhythms all around us... every 365 days our blessed earth mother revolves around father sun... while every 28 days, grandmother moon revolves around our mother earth... ever 24 hours our earth mother rotates (spins and dances) on her axis... since the beginning of time, these cycles have intertwined and are the background against which our universe exists...

Another great quote i love...

"Rhythm lives within everyone, and it's not something special.  People don't have to have professional musical talents and techniques to express their rhythmical spirit.  Everyone has a rhythmical sensibility within and how they express it differs from person to person.  Rhythm permeates everyone's life.  It is in everything we do, we see, we feel and it is within the rhythms of our bodies, as well.  Rhythm is a fact of life."  
-- Arthur Hull

The voice of the drum is the bridge to the spirit realm... The pulse connecting us to our blessed earth mother's heartbeat... and the circular shape is that of the hoop of life.

The earth is round... the moon is round... the season's turn 'round and the stars and planets are round... 

A circle is one of the most natural forms found in our physical universe... it has no beginning and no end...

"Blessed am I... Holy am I... 
I am the infinite within myself... 
I can find no beginning... 
I can find no end... Oh, this I Am!" 
-- traditional chant

Since the beginning of time, peoples have gathered together in circles in ceremony and ritual fashion to celebrate and to pray in community.

Participating in a drum circle creates community almost instantly... as soon as we begin to drum together and we entrain together... we become one -- we become community... we also have fun, we sing, dance, play music and socialize... and, heal together...

Drumming together mindfully and in a sacred way - by acknowledging our spirit and helper-spirits and our ancestors - those who have come before us also connects us in a very special way... we embrace purpose and again "one-ness" of "like- mind"...

Drumming together is also just plain fun... when we drum together, we can let down our guard, relax and let go thus reduce stress and worry... the sacred drum also clears the way on many levels... drum vibrations and sacred sound massage our bodies, our head, our brain and calms our mind... and also creates physical exercise... 

"Music washes away from the soul
the dust of everyday life 
--Berthold Auerbach

A while back, a medical study done by a team of MD's using control groups and blood tests show drumming together boosts the immune system. 

It's now been proven that stress is a cause of 98% of most disease.  Recent biofeedback studies show that drumming along with our own heart beat rhythm for at least 15 minutes a day alters brainwave patterns (increasing alpha) and dramatically reduces stress...

So, drumming actually "meditates" us!

A recent medical research study indicates that group drumming boosts the immune system. Published in the January, 2001, issue of Larry Dossey’s Alternative Therapies the ground-breaking study was performed at Meadville Medical Center’s Mind-Body Wellness Center, by a team of MDs using control groups and blood tests.

Led by well-known researcher, author and cancer expert Barry Bittman, MD, CEO of Meadville Medical Center’s Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadville, PA, the study shows that group drumming actually increases cancer-killing (NK) cells which help the body combat not only cancer but other viruses, including AIDS.

According to Dr. Bittman, “Group drumming tunes our biology, orchestrates our immunity, and enables healing to begin… When our hands connect with a drum that vibrates with our energy, vitality…and unity, we become whole again.” Dr. Bittman’s weekly radio program, Mind-Body Matters, is syndicated nationwide on NPR.

This new medical research follows recent biofeedback research showing that even brief heartbeat drumming can double alpha (a light meditative brainwave) and reduce stress. We now know that stress depresses the immune system and has been linked to nearly all diseases.

Drumming has also been used successfully with Alzheimer’s patients to focus attention, with war veterans to end trauma, with addicts in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, and with prison and homeless populations to enhance self-esteem. Progressive corporations like Motorola, AT & T and Levi Strauss have drummed with middle management to promote team spirit-building.

Widely published research also indicates that playing musical instruments increases kids learning abilities. This appears especially true of instruments which can be played intuitively, like the drum.  Qualitative studies have shown that drumming enhances right-brain functions such as intuition and creativity.

“Dreams are the way the unconscious speaks to the conscious mind. Ritual is how the conscious mind speaks back. One-sided conversations are unhealthy for the psyche, which craves response. New thought writings on addiction suggest that we are hungry, that our souls are starved because our lives are devoid of ritual.

“We keep trying desperately and unsuccessfully to feed this hunger with food, drugs, sex, alcohol, work, shopping, gambling, etc. Drumming is one of the most accessible forms of ritual because drumming along with our own heartbeat is so natural. It calms, centers, and reconnects us with our deeper selves.”

"The Drum is the Great Spirit's favourite instrument. 
That is why we were given  a heartbeat. 
-- Mano, Navajo Elder

Did you know that you can 'drum your life into be-ing"?...
​Learn how here >>

I'm thrilled and excited, along with my wonderful friend, Allannah... we both welcome you to...

Come join us to celebrate the light of who we truly are through sacred sound, music and song for a...

Summer Solstice Journey of Light Ceremony Soundscape with...
Allannah Dow, cello + voice and,
carol weaver, drums, strings + voice

Tuesday evening, June 20, 2017
at the  Gabriola Theatre Centre
1475 Peterson Road, Gabriola Island, BC

Tickets $20-$30 sliding scale and available to reserve at North Road Sports, 510 North Road, Gabriola, BC

​The show starts at 7:30 pm - doors open at 7pm... 
There will be some tickets available at the door
​- please reserve/purchase at North Road Sports...

Sometimes there are no words......... 

Sometimes there are only moments of sweet beauty.........

The other day, I was standing outside my studio, busy sanding a couple of wooden handles for some rattles i was making...

I prefer to do that work outside to keep the dust down inside the studio... It's also nice to be out in the fresh air - take in what's around me in our big side-yard, up in the sky and the trees... listening to bird-song, (whom i'm still getting to know since moving here a year ago)... Including getting off my butt for a bit too... as i sit waaay too much!   Someone told me the other day, that sitting for too long has become the 'new smoking' = yikes......

​Most mornings, of late, we've had a lone, wild turkey (earth eagle) hanging out in our  yard, gobbling away for no apparent reason, it seems - for, who knows what... though, i wonder if perhaps, he's attempting to call his buddies up the hill to join him... he's not been very successful...

​I was quite focused on my sanding for a good 10 minutes or so when, i suddenly felt a presence... that i wasn't alone.......

I looked up from my work and, there she was... holy wow!... a beautiful, deer doe, just inches away, standing there, quietly looking at me... 

At first i was a bit startled as i wondered how long she had been there, looking at me... perhaps, patiently waiting for me to notice her....

I softly said hello to this dear soul as my heart lit up.... She didn't move... her amazing big beautiful eyes drew me right into her sweet be-ingness... tears were streaming down my cheeks as our hearts locked on as one....

We spent quite some time gazing into each other's heart-soul....  I knew i was receiving a huge gift.... it was such a sacred moment.... When our heart-gaze released some...... we continued to connect with each other so close...... we chatted heart to heart for a while longer...   i was moved to ask her permission if i could photograph her - of which she allowed.... she still didn't move....

Not long after, the turkey, who was  still in the yard, unexpectedly let out a gobble... the turkey didn't phase her though.... she simply dropped her gaze from me and began to slowly saunter away... turning back once or twice - offering a couple more moments to connect........

I was so very moved by this deep moment of beauty we had shared... she offered me to really 'feel' such a gift of the heart i haver never quite felt before... i continue to feel very moved by the whole experience... One of the many gifts she gave me in that moment was...... that i know i am never, ever alone......... something was healed within me and my dear heart...

There are really no words to describe this, our beaty-moment together...............

She has since returned to our yard many times... as she is pregnant and about to give birth.... We have seen her lying on the moss down in the yard at dusk and will walk through to say hello.... I am so honoured with much appreciation, to have met my new, sweet friend of the heart... I can't wait to see her with her new babes come through the yard....  

with brightest blessings... weaver x (((o)))

Above, a bit of video i happened to capture when she began to walk back into the yard, after our time together... below a couple more glimpses of our moment together... x (((o)))

Poem

a dreaming...
to drum with our earth mother...

to connect...
be in harmony
is all we seek...

calm balance...
fresh clarity...
to seek resonance, tone, timbre, pulse...

linking up
to be one, once again...
return to source in unity

together with our blessed earth mother...

she seeks us by always
helping us remember...
being there, a constant...

offering support and nurturance...

let's offer our love and hope
with clear, whole, sound...re-connect with her deep heart-pulse...

her rhythm so constant
so strong...

rhythm gives us intent...
she keeps us going

melody is like thought...
be of like mind

harmony is emotion...

begin by giving back...
as one people

one heart, one song
side by side harmonizing...

with our body...
around her body

at one moment...

now!


© 1994  by weaver
photo of chumpi stone © 2016 copyright by weaver


weaver x (((o)))
​

Above video showing the beginnings of our dear windwalker coming into be-ing...
Thank you dear Rick for the video...

Available, one of a kind - my own design... Custom orders welcome
12 x 12 inch Square Ocean Drum, Vegan  (2-sided)
- $440 + shipping/handling extra... SOLD
Birthed, painted + signed by weaver on Gabriola Island, BC - with original abstract acrylic paintings on both sides...  This unique ocean drum looks and sounds wonderful (see video below) + no animal hides were used... This drum is great for ocean meditation, shamanic journeying - including healing and clearing... Numerology regarding this drum is 12 x 12 = 144 = 9, which is a completion number... For more info about the significance of the number 9, click here >>
- Contact weaver to purchase this drum by interac e-transfer or money order...
- Custom orders are welcome, each painting side will vary where each drum is unique...
- Please expect 3-4 weeks to ship for custom orders...
- Click on images below to enlarge to view detail...

Click video above to play... so you can hear this ocean drum...
​note... you'll also hear bird sounds (the flicker, drummer) in the background as we shot this video outside on our deck...  :o)

One of a kind... This unique ceremonial Reiki 'love' drum was birthed, painted + signed by weaver on Gabriola Island, BC...
- 16 x 16 inches in diameter and height - with handle for holding or hanging...
- Materials... recycled wood, deer + goat rawhide, salmon skin on mallet, upholstery tacks, basalt stone pebbles from Sandwell Beach, stick from Drumbeg Beach and acrylics...
- Being a two-sided drum, when one plays one hide-side, the sound reflects off the 2nd side-hide thus, creating a third sound = a true shamanic drum...
- Below, is a video so you can have a listen to this wonderful healing drum...
- Please click the thumbnail photos below to enlarge, showing more detail...

This special drum hung in the gallery at The Hive Emporium on Gabriola Island for their recent art show called, "Love is the Seventh Wave"...

​It's been fun to offer this sacred drum as an interactive piece to invite folk to 'drum up their love' in the moment... This is a powerful 'Intention + Dreaming' drum...

My artist statement...

In our sorted history, the drum was often used as an instrument of war... not no more... Let's Drum Up Some Love!
 
With all the heated global and political events of late, we're all feeling deeply that the world and everyone could use a lot more love right NOW...
 
The drum represents the voice of our Mother's Earth's loving, resonant heart – we wouldn't be here without her.  One of the best ways to connect to her heart and our own heart is through the sacred healing heart-beat of the drum.
 
To see more love in world, love begins from within ourselves... so, let’s drum up some love... i invite you to get still within your own present moment... connect with your own heart-love-feeling and choose to gently drum your love-vibration out into the world - to allow your love to go wherever it needs to go... and love will return 10-fold and more.... x (((o)))
 
other meanings of materials + symbols chosen...

• rawhides... deer helps us to connect to our hearts with gentleness, kindness + compassion... goat helps us stand our ground in balance, steadiness and trust.
• symbol on goat side... 2nd degree Reiki symbol called the Choku Rei - is used as a healing symbol which means, "Place the Power of the Universe Here."
• symbol on deer side... an ancient Celtic Triskel (the 3), representing movement, action + revolution from the center (heart) out...
• basalt stone pebbles on the mallet wood handle, which help ease chaos + ground us in the earth... salmon skin on mallet handle, determination, strength and wisdom.... 

Click on the short video below to have a listen, as my friend Mark plays this drum 'hand-style'... this drum can also be played with a mallet... As Mark plays, the drum is hanging though, it can also be played sitting down on one's lap or on a stand, etc... enjoy!

How to offer and prepare a sacred fire ceremony for letting go and deep healing...
​by weaver...

In almost all cultures all over the world, the offering of fire ceremony or ritual is one of, if not, the oldest traditions known.  

The element of fire was most important  for ancient peoples, literally for survival.  Fire helped keep them warm from the harsh elements, it cooked their food and protected them from predators.  Also, the fire, the hearth was a central hub for the community or the family - meetings and councils were held including time to gather in traditional ceremony, rites of passage and respite.
 
Ceremonially, while we engage with sacred fire, we choose to connect "as one" with fire with all our senses - allowing the spirit of fire to inform and transform us.  

In our work walking the shamanic path, we have also been taught to engage with four specific levels of engagement:  

• Serpent, at the physical level - we know that we need to sit by the fire...
• Jaguar, at the emotional level - we realize that we must bring with us our love and curiosity...
• Hummingbird, at the mythic level - we offer our contribution without comprehending how it fits into the collective dream...
• Eagle, at the level of Spirit - we see the larger picture before us and know and understand the totality of the dream without being able to express it or define it. We choose to feel immersed in love and connected to all - as everything is connected...

​During ceremony, we no longer experience the “I”... we engage mindfully along and with the power and wonder of spirit.   Choosing to connect, "we" become the fire, the sparks, the light, the smoke, the sound of the wood crackling, the moon and the stars, each other and ourselves, no one and everyone.
 
The transformational fire ceremony is done on the full or new moon of each month - in the window of 1-2 days before or after.  It is a time for us to come together as ayllu (community) to support each other in sacred circle - to create a safe, sacred container - to ask the sacred fire to help us let go "our stuff" -  to let go of the heavy, dark energies (hucha or hoocha) - those energetic issues that no longer serve us.

"Hucha" is a Quechua word that means, "heavy and dark energy" - it holds no judgement, is not negative or positive - it's just heavy and dark, simple as that - no drama.   Heavy or dense energy generated by resistance to life in the form of stress-related attachments.  Resistance is typically fear-based - Its energy constricts.  Fear hinders the natural flow of energy through the luminous body.  When this occurs, hucha accumulates.

Accumulated hucha gets stuck in our luminous field - which can keep us bound in many ways.  Hucha is only created between humans and we pick it up through our relations when we are out of "Ayni"  of reciprocity, balance, harmony - right relationship; sacred interchange.

So, it's good to let go of our hoocha - like taking a bath (in water) for our physical body - we are cleansing our light-body, our luminous self with fire.

The sacred fire is a transformational gift of healing freely given to us.  When we release hucha at the sacred fire, it becomes food for mother earth who then composts it and turns it into food that sustains life.  Hucha is thus important to humanity.  The act of releasing or letting go "our stuff' to mother earth is a sacred act of giving and receiving.  I love knowing that I don't have to fear giving away my hoocha to her because it feeds her and she feeds me.  I thank you great mother for this gift and for teaching me this.

Below are instructions on how to prepare and offer an outside sacred fire ceremony.  This can be a community or solo/small ceremony.  Have a sacred intention for the fire so those who are attending know why they are gathering.  

In the Andean Shamanic Path, we are given ceremonial rites of passage in the (first) South Direction of the Inca Medicine Wheel - One of those rites is the seeding of the Ayni Karpays - where, an archetype is blown into each of our seven chakras.

​Part of our homework/stepping into the path as shaman-healer, is to feed and grow these seeds/karypays with sacred fire. We are asked to offer seven individual fires for each archetype before coming to the next session of the West direction...  

Preparation.
Before coming to  fire ceremony, find a small stick in nature - perhaps one that calls you.  With this stick you will create an offering to give away to the sacred fire to be burnt.   We sometimes call this stick a "spirit arrow" or "death arrow" representing an issue or something you want to let go of.

To begin the process of letting go - that which no longer serves you, with the spirt of your breath (as your intention), blow your issue three times into stick - giving it away fully.  We do not re-engage with the issue, we simply give it away.   Doing this serves to focus your attention in an active meditation to prepare for fire ceremony.  You can also write your issues down on small bits of paper and wrap them around the stick or decorate if you wish, though, not necessary - the intention blown-in is good.  If you are adding to the stick, just make sure that you are using combustibles that will burn easily and safe for the environment.  No plastics, etc.
 
Prepare a Pachamama Stick.  Have someone choose and bring a "Pachamama stick" to circulate during the fire ceremony for prayers and intentions for Pachamama - to hold/intend/pray with mother earth's present healed state.

Set the fire prior to the ceremony.   Someone will be the fire-keeper.  Someone will be the space holder.  Begin by placing the kindling in the form of a Southern Cross and then build a teepee of wood – starting to build from the east with 4 separate sticks. This process is a prayer – be mindful of what you are doing – creating ceremony, right action, right loving, right mind - give thanks to the tree people for offering their body for the fire.

The space holder will begin the ceremony with those gathered/ready around the fire-pit.  For any ceremony always open sacred space – call in the sacred directions, south, west, north, east, mother earth, father sky. 

The fire-keeper will light the fire from the east direction.  Begin a chant and drumming/ rattling to honour and encourage the fire.
 
As the fire begins to burn,  the space holder will feed the fire with olive oil three times:  offered first to the four directions, then heaven and earth, and, last connecting the circle with the fire by honouring “all” those present, while holding the oil, one-by-one, acknowledging each person eye-to-eye, heart-to-heart - connect with them so they connect with you -  for all to come to presence.
 
Test the fire for friendliness. The moment the fire becomes friendly it changes colour and burns in a different manner, settling down some.  This change will be learned from direct observation and experience with the fire; it will be discovered by the student/space holder and those present.
 
When the fire is friendly, the space holder opens the ceremony of offerings by making their
offering first to the fire (with someone at their back - holding space for them).
 
All others then make their offerings to the fire coming in from the four directions.  One person holds space behind each of them. Each person approaches the fire and silently puts their offering into the fire (with someone at their back) – letting go.   Take a moment once you place your stick mindfully in the fire, be aware of what you are doing - connect with the fire as it begins to consume "your stuff".  Be aware of the transformation occurring in this moment... your "hucha" is being transformed into light as it feeds the fire.

Let go by unwinding, with your hand (counter clockwise) from your three centers, one at time.. from belly, heart, forehead/3rd eye and give away any hucha/heavy energy to the fire.  Fully let it all go - know it.

Then, after a moment, put your hands briefly through the fire (three times) drawing clockwise filling the energy of the fire and transformed healing light into your belly area (of right action), then into your heart (of right loving), and then the forehead/third eye (of right thinking/mind) – you are filling back up with that light (transformed).  Feel this with all your senses - be present with this transformation of healing the fire is offering you.  Give thanks for the gift of letting go, emptying and filling yourself back up with light and healing.

The only protection when touching the fire is to come before it with a pure heart.  You can touch it lightly or go deeply into the flame.  It is not meant to be sensational or dramatic, though rather a way to focus attention and energy upon one’s transformation.
 
Meanwhile, the Pachamama stick is being passed around the circle for all to place their blessing and prayers for mother earth... by blowing their sprit-breath into the stick... to hold her healed state in the present moment - we are the "ones we've been waiting for" choosing to hold and dream our world into being as we wish to dream it.  Again, use all your senses during this process - as if the healing has already happened in the present moment.  It is our resonance of who we truly are which will fuel our dreamings.  
 
Next, after all the offerings are made, the oldest person or youngest person places the Pachamama stick in the fire.  Sing and rattle the Pachamama Song as the stick burns.... singing three times is good.

As the fire burns down - this is an opportunity to offer prayers for the community, those who are close to us, globally.  This is also a time to name those who have recently passed over - to lovingly let them know it's okay for them to go home to who they truly are.  When everyone feels complete...
 
Close sacred space - giving thanks to the sacred directions and those spirit-helpers seen and un-seen who were present.
 
At least two people, ideally one male and one female, or who is called, stay with the fire until it is burned down to embers – let the fire naturally burn right out - please, no water on the fire.  If necessary - in the case of an emergency, dirt can be used to smother the fire - use your common sense - if the fire needs to be put out in because of emergency, put it out as quickly as possible.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, it can difficult to hold or attend an outdoor fire ceremony - especially if we live in areas where outdoor fires are banned.  

Walking a shamanic path is about engagement of beauty and intention - we can choose to engage with the transformation of fire in the presence of a simple candle indoors or out.
​
Preparation.  Again, before any ceremony, or a shamanic candle ceremony, always create and open sacred space by calling in the energies and powers of all the directions... this is essential.
 
Light a beautiful candle and sit before it.  If you are outside and it is safe and permissible, light your fire.   Be aware of fire bans where you are (never leave unattended) making sure it is completely out before you leave.
 
Next, open your personal space around the flame as you light it.  Open your wiracoacha (personal sacred space around you) Allow a few moments in meditation, honour the directions and anyone else including the spirits present.  Then, offer to the flame all that has come up since the last fire ceremony, for purification and clearing – let go by unwinding with your hand (counter clockwise) from your 3 centers, one at time.. from belly, heart, 3rd eye and give away any hucha/heavy energy to the fire/candle light...
 
Growing the seed of your archetype/karpay... or, filling back up with light...
Connect with the archetype/karpay you wish to grow the seeds for. Connect with its qualities and its gifts you may wish to visualize the entire initiation process of the archetype/karpay.
           
Now, take from the flame the light and warmth into your hands as if you were holding a golden orb.  Place this orb of light into your chakra (the one relevant to that archetype/karpay you are working with), begin to grow the seed in that chakra.  Feel the power of the light and the warmth accepted and embraced by the seed of the archetype/karpay...  use all your senses as you do this... feel it... know it... embrace it...
 
Allow the power of the archetype/karpay (or light)  to expand and grow within you.
Finally, when feeling complete, rewind clockwise each center, belly, heart, 3rd eye....
           
Know that through the light and warmth offered at the fire ceremony, the seed is grown and strengthened within you until you fully claim and live the power of the archetype/karpay.
 
Finally, once you have finished the Fire Ceremony for the archetype/karpay you are working with, it is essential that you close your personal sacred space... Close sacred medicine space... if outside, make sure candle/fire is completely out and leave space as you found it – with no trace, giving thanks to the helpers + spirits who have come to guide you...
 
Continue to connect with each archetype/karpay in between fires... get to know them...

• 1st chakra Root: Great Serpent
• 2nd chakra: Jaguar
• 3rd chakra... Hummingbird
• 4th chakra:  Eagle/Condor.
• 5th chakra: Huascar
• 6th chakra: Quetzalcoatl
• 7th chakra Crown: Pachakuti

By carol weaver - www.carolweaver.com
copyright © 2016 - all rights reserved

Resources from www.incaglossary.org  and Alberto Villoldo, PhD - thank you!

Below, the chant, Karpay Rites - Welcome Song to the Archetypes - written + performed by weaver...

I share what i have learned with the heart of munay... if you have found value + wish to support my  work... perhaps consider buying me a coffee, thank you!