Medicine Wheel Sun Dance
Tuesday night, 7-17-2000
Chapter 2

The day started gently. We were called to the arena by Joel, the camp's heyoka, pounding on his very flat sounding drum. The meeting was a circle of everyone who was already there... led by Red Earth, Bob Center and Dennis Fourwinds. It set the mood for the entire day. It was gentle and loving. The leaders asked Tu Bears to speak about the Moon Lodge. They also honored WillowNations for their contribution of $250.00 (raised through fund raisers) towards the food fund.

Today was the day to gather wood, take a chain saw to it and get it stacked in preparation for the continual fire that was to follow.

Today also saw the taking down of the old tree and the removal of all of the prayer ties and waluta bundles that were from last year. Those were stacked near the arena firepit. The tree was then moved to a spot where they will cut it up. That wood will be used in the arena firepit only. The removal of the tree left behind the hole that will house the new tree that will be chopped down and brought to the arbor tomorrow.

Also, on the ceremonial grounds are two teepees, one for the male dancers and the other for the female dancers. They are to house them and their few belongings. They are huge and very handsome. But not all choose to be inside so they set their own tents up close by.

This evening saw a gathering of women to talk about the Moon Lodge. Emily Center and Tu Bears held the meeting in our camp. They were a great team. We discussed the role of women on their moon. The topics included a discussion about the powerful healing energy one experiences while on their moon. Those on their moon experience a reversal of energy flow. Now it goes from the Creator down into Mother Earth. It's very powerful and gives access to greater healing abilities. These women should be cherished for the work they do during this time. Next, the (female) dancers spoke in turn of their intentions/why they are dancing. Wow. That was wonderful.

Tonight was capped off with a Sweat Lodge led by Red Earth. The energy was incredible. It was hot and intense and it ended by the smoking of Red Earth's pipe. What an honor.

I'm bushed. Nite.

P. S. I finished Mark's personal bundle. I beaded on green leather a pearl white center. Then in a sunburst fashion, using 2 shiny red bugle beads to form a line, I put those 'lines' all around the outer edge of the circle. (The bugle beads just in case you don't know what I am talking about is a type of elongated bead.) It turned out okay. (Mark was later to put a hematite stone in it. Big Smile. That's a healing stone.) I also talked to Tu Bears about my adopting Mark. It's a go.