Harmonic Converage 1987 To 2020 ~ 33 Years

I was at harmonic converage
in 1987, in Toronto
and, danced "The Snake Dance"
~ Susan Lynne Schwenger

 

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Harmonic Convergence/Dance Awake the Dream


Jackie Brazil
Nov 1987
The date for Dance Awake the Dream was chosen long before anyone had heard about the Harmonic Convergence. I find it fascinating that these two events Converged in a most Harmonic way on the weekend of August 15-17, 1987.
A few years earlier, the several Two Rainbows-Two Ravens Gatherings, near Grandjean, had prepared the way for this event which was to be called Dance Awake the Dream. Since the autumn of 1985, people had gathered weekly to learn the Indian songs -- to drum and to dance.
For weeks I had felt that I had found my reason for being alive -- that I had been born to be here at this time -- to be part of this celebration -- that the rest of my life did not matter, it was just important to be here now for the Harmonic Convergence. I grew increasingly excited and it was hard to wait until the weekend arrived. But finally it was here.
The Saturday morning sky was beautiful as I drove north to Donnely, then around to the west side of Lake Cascade in search of the camp. Success! At the registration desk, which was beside the road snuggled under the trees, we received information along with a tiny bag of tobacco. The little cloth bags were in several colors and we chose the one which attracted us.
Each bag was hung on a long piece of colored yarn and we were asked to wear this bag of tobacco around our neck throughout the weekend for purification.
My car bumped slowly across the upper meadow which was already dotted with colorful tents and campers as I chose my spot. After camp was set up I introduced myself to Jo Rene, who it turned out was from Oregon, and who had also just arrived. Since each of us had come alone, we decided to go exploring together to see what was going on. We soon learned that the main
event for Saturday was going to the sweat lodges. We found the sweat lodges on the far side of a grove of trees. Since neither of us had experienced a sweat before, and were a little nervous about it, we asked a lot of questions and finally made the decision to try it together.
Carrying towels, we stood with a group at the top of the path waiting for the bell to sound announcing the beginning of a new sweat. With the ringing of the bell we began the descent along the path, through the trees, and into the opening which overlooked the lake. The two sweat lodges were made of willow branches which were bound together to create frames shaped like an igloo upon which were put layers of tarps, blankets and quilts to hold in the heat.
A group of women were gathering around the sweat lodges and were undressing, laying their clothing on logs or on the grass. Many of us were first timers. We had been told that we should wear something loose and light or nothing at all. We, as did most of the others, chose to wear nothing. A fire was burning in a prepared pit dug near the lodges; beside the pit was a pile of large rocks which had been collected. The group was divided in half, approximately 17 in each. One by one, we crouched and went through the lodge opening, entering to the left and going in a circle to sit around the outer edge of the lodge on a white cloth which had been laid on the ground.
Inside the lodge, to the right of the entrance, a hole had been dug in the ground and a bucket of water sat near it. Our sweat lodge leader, Crete Brown, was nearest the entrance, having entered last. She explained that the ritual which she uses is of the Crow tradition. She talked of the traditions and ceremonies. We learned that the Moon Women were the first to use the new lodges. Moon Women are those who are having their monthly cycle. The tradition is that during this time the women are in their time of power--thus they empower the new lodge when they use it.
One at a time, Crete burned several different kinds of incense in an abalone shell and passed it around to each of us in the circle, the wafts of smoke circling around us, in cleansing and purification. As she used each different incense she explained what it represented. She lit her peace pipe and passed it to each of us, in turn.
We were invited to participate in sharing. Some offered prayer, some shared special thoughts and feelings, others led us in songs or in chants.
Now prepared for our sweat, Crete went outside and with a pitchfork lifted the red-hot rocks, one at a time, from the fire and carried them to the lodge and dropped them in the pit inside our lodge. When the pit was full of hot rocks she entered again and the opening to the lodge was covered from the outside. It was quite dark inside the lodge now. Crete took a ladle and sprayed cold water on the hot rocks as we continued to sing----to chant--to share. With each ladle of water the heat increased inside the lodge; the steam and perspiration combined on our bodies and we were soon dripping wet, rivulets of water running down our bodies. Periodically Crete sprayed us with cold water flung from the ladle which was a startling contrast to the heat surrounding us -- but at the same time refreshing.
Several of the group agreed that they wanted more heat. Crete asked if we all were in agreement. Since several of us were newcomers to the sweat she wanted to be certain that we were not uncomfortable. We called outside to have the opening uncovered. With asbestos gloves, one by one, Crete stooped and picked the large hot rocks out of the pit and set them outside. Then with the pitchfork she again filled the pit with freshly heated ones. While the heat continued to build there were requests for special intentions -- for healing, more songs, chanting, and the most powerful oms I have ever heard. None of us wanted this experience to end but finally there was a group decision that the sweat was finished.
Standing outside, with the sun now going down, we dried and dressed again. There was such a sense of peace and contentment. It seemed to, me that Crete had made every effort to make this the most special experience possible--and for me it was. She was gentle, patient, strong and supportive. We thanked her, exchanged hugs, and ascended the sheltered path through the trees not wanting to break the mood that encapsulated us. As we rejoined the rest of the encampment we realized that we had been in the sweat lodge for about two hours but it did not seem like that long to me.
The evening was spent around a campfire with drums, songs and dance. Just before dawn on Sunday morning a cowbell was rung so that we could gather to greet the new day as the sun came over the mountains. Brooke Medicine Eagle spoke to us about the plans for the rest of the weekend. She asked us to spend Sunday in quiet -- speaking and visiting minimally -- and to keep in mind our vision, our dream for the future, strengthening and perfecting it. Brooke encouraged us to rest during the day as we prepared to Dance Awake the Dream. The Long Dance would begin at dark and culminate at dawn on Monday morning, the 17th, with joy and celebration.
Harmonic Convergence/Dance Awake the Dream (stason.org)
https://stason.org/articles/wellbeing/spirit/Harmonic-Convergence-Dance-Awake-the-Dream.html

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• next: Harmonic Convergence/Dance Awake the Dream. Part 2

 

PART 2


Dec 1987
Jackie Brazil
Part two -- The Dream Continues
Every event and activity at the DANCE AWAKE THE DREAM GATHERING was a ceremony--a DANCE. Before I arrived at the gathering others from the Boise Family and those who had arrived early had set about gathering firewood, cutting thistles, collecting large rocks for the sweat lodges and setting up the lodges, preparing the dance circle and building the moon lodge. Many were fasting in preparation for the Celebration. Each activity was done with a sense of the dance.
Saturday morning those who were already there circled as a group for the first time. With the circle going clockwise, they stepped with the left foot in harmony with the beat of the drum -- the heartbeat of Mother Earth -- feeling her receptivity, her support, her generosity in supplying all their needs.
Brooke Medicine Eagle spoke and sang eloquently. She told the group that her teachers had reminded her that two things are important to remember at this time:
"1. We must have a golden vision of what we wish to create in our future;
2. We must be strongly com- mitted to that vision and really want it, stick to it and not waiver."
Most of the day Saturday was spent in continued preparation of the site, registration of new arrivals, getting acquainted, setting up camp and participation in the sweat ceremonies.
At the evening gathering two circles were created. One of women and the other of men. The women had collected "moon rocks" during the day. They created a cairn with these in the center of their circle. The men had collected "sun rocks" with which they also built a cairn in the center of their circle. The cairns were to honor the ancestors and spirits who were joining in the ceremonies.
Sunday morning at sunrise all again gathered in a circle around the fire. Brooke sang a powerful song dedicated to the Four Directions -- North, South, East and West. As she sang we faced each direction, in turn, honoring each. Brooke's voice lifted across the open meadows and marshes reaching the mountain tops it seemed.
A purification ceremony followed in which Brooke tossed herbs on the fire instructing us to use the smoke for cleansing, to scoop it up and sweep it over and around us -- washing it over us four times for each herb. First she used frankincense and myrrh which she explained is a very powerful cleanser. Next, she used sage which helps us purify ourselves and our thoughts and thirdly she threw sweet grass to sweeten us -- to fill in the void left by the cleansing with sweetness. She ended this ceremony with cedar, symbolic of love and light. As we washed ourselves with the smoke we spoke the words "I dedicate myself to the Light".
A bowl of tobacco was passed around for us each to take a pinch. In groups of eight we went up to stand beside the fire, to pray in silence for our personal intentions and for our golden vision. The tobacco, signifying unification or one heart, was tossed into the flames as we spoke the words "I dedicate myself to all my relations."
Following the ceremonies Brooke spoke. She said that we have been following some wrong teachings and we need to replace them. We have been taught fear and need to replace it with love; we have been taught scarcity and need to replace it with abundance--Mother Earth and Father Spirit are absolutely abundant; we have been taught separation and need to know Oneness. Mother Earth is the very cell of our bodies and Father Spirit is the spirit that gives us life. Each one of us is a pattern of light, like a snowflake, and Mother/Father shines through that pattern.
Brooke went on to explain that we are in the Age of the 8-pointed star which represents the heart, and Venus. If we allow the Light to shine through us we are able to give the gift of ourselves and then miracles can happen.
She continued, saying that we are separate from one another only to the extent that we feel the need to hide from one another. She encouraged us to be like children -- like the grass waving in the breeze -- receptive and open to each breeze because to be that open is to perceive so very powerfully.
She instructed us "This day pay attention to the feelings in our bellies." She urged us to fast saying that would help us tune in. She continued "Your umbilical cords have been replaced by invisible cords of light to Mother Earth. Open up to it, listen and receive Mother's messages. This is about bonding yourselves through the circle of love and peace. Our intentions will magnify across the planet as we Dance Awake the Dream and will continue in our lives after we leave here."
Brooke could see drummers and dancers from another dimension coming toward our circle and could hear the heartbeat growing stronger. Others said they also saw them. Brooke continued, saying that we are moving from the 8-pointed star age. It is time to graduate. While the work of the heart is not yet complete we must move onto the next task.
We must move the energy up and out our throats and as we apply ourselves to doing that the work of the heart will become natural and easy. We shall set a new tone on the earth and learn a new song. We must bring ourselves to a 8-cycle rhythm into -- Mother's rhythm -- to come into synchrony. Once we find synchronicity we will discover our complex harmonies... listening and feeling each other and expressing ourselves through our voices. She urged us to listen to our voice, our tone. She recommended that each one find a voice teacher -- that the correct use of the voice will be very important in the future.
"During this Celebration," Brooke said, "Each of us will be dancing for 10,000 other two-legged ones across the world who are not aware of the Harmonic Convergence or who are unable to participate. It's as if we are at a birth together -- each of us standing by as the wings of spirit open enormously. Whatever we focus on will be magnified. Our purpose is to bring forth the New Vision and ground it into reality. Dance the Dream into reality, hook it up, set that intention into the Earth. The vision and dream comes from the Great Mystery and is set in time. The dream has already been planted and is inside each of us. Consciously calling that dream awake is what we're all about.
During the dance it is ok to glance at the past, just don't stare at it. Acknowledge it and release it. Surrender all of it. You don't have to be afraid. Surrender everything and worry not about loss.
There is deep history in the metaphor of what's happening. The first law was 'You shall be in good relationship with yourself and others'. The human experiment was the experience' of free choice. We are like a washing machine spinning off balance. We have been given many opportunities to come together in oneness and have kept blowing it. Many say this is our last chance to 're-green' the Earth. The Earth is the green gem of the rainbow in the sky and our pollution keeps her from shining green.
Quetzalcoatl walked over Meso-America with the teachings that will save us. He was the plumed or feathered serpent and his name means Lord of Wind and Water. He taught the Way of Love and put together a spiritual family with Great Spirit as Father and Earth as Mother, that united all people up and down the Americas, swirling out as a spiral of light from the center in Meso-America. He was the one who spoke of the prophecy of 13 Heavens and 9 Hells; August 17, 1987 was to mark the full circle and the first day of the One Heaven once again. Quetzalcoatl spoke that the greatest sacrifice was to give the great gift of yourself to life. He is symbolized by the Dawn star which we pray to at sunrise and represents the Light of the New Day. Many tribes refer to him as Elder Brother. He is the one that says, 'You can do it', in a precarious situation. All bands in North America had a name for him. When he came north he was called Seattle and lived on Mount Rainier. A Azpotec prophecy predicted that at sunrise on August 17, 1987, the heart of Quetzalcoatl buried beneath an enormous tree near Oaxaca, Mexico, will burst open and billions of tiny spirits will emerge from the branches of the tree and implant themselves within each and every human heart -- planting the seed of awakening."
Brooke spoke to this as a time of the feminine. She told of her teacher who had said that in the next five to ten years, if we are to be allowed to stay on the Earth we will need to make a contract with Mother Earth that we are willing to have it all -- to have good relationships with ourselves and others, to have abundance, and to have peace. We must let go of whatever is in the way of making such a contract.
In closing, Brooke urged us to keep the silence during the rest of the day until after the Monday morning ceremonies following the Long Dance. She asked us to keep our thoughts focused on the Dream -- the golden vision. If we needed to communicate to do it with song and music.
I give thanks and credit for much of the information in this article to Elizabeth Faller, (Lizzy), Lopez Island, Washington for taking such fine notes and sharing them.

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• prev: Harmonic Convergence/Dance Awake the Dream
• next: Harmonic Convergence/Dance Awake the Dream. Part 3

 

Harmonic Convergence/Dance Awake the Dream. Part 3


Jan 1988
Jackie Brazil
Part Three -- The Dream Continues
Sunday, August 16, was spent in quiet activities at the Dance Awake the Dream gathering at Lake Cascade. The camping areas were a beautiful sight and sound as people were meditating, stretching, doing gymnastics, dancing, singing, playing music, or just lying in the sun. This magnificent place, protected by the Bureau of Reclamation as a nesting ground for the eagles and osprey, stretched out across the meadows, sloped toward the marshes leading down to the lake. It was a perfect gathering place for such a Celebration.
In the early planning stages it had been expected that from 50 to 75 people would be part of this gathering. In actuality there were somewhere between 300 and 350 people who arrived. Many in the Boise Family had sacrificed much to bring about this gathering. This small group built a strong foundation for this special weekend.
Everything flowed smoothly and harmoniously as we prepared for the Long Dance which would last from dusk to dawn... and culminate with the great celebration at the rising of the sun on August 17, signifying the beginning of a New Cycle.
There had been much discussion over the months as how best to honor and integrate mooning women into the ceremonies. Traditionally, women on their moon have not participated in the
Long Dance. It was rumored that Brooke Medicine Eagle, who was leading the ceremonies and rituals, had been talking to many elders about combining a new ritual with the traditional, to
fully utilize the special powers of the woman on her moon during this celebration.
Brooke has been recognized as one who blends traditional patterns with her own visions and teachings. One of the strong points of the weekend for many was Brooke's incredible insight and teaching about Feminine Energy and particularly regarding moon time for women.
The moon women had experienced the sweat ceremony first, led by Brooke, to open and empower the Sweat lodge with the offering of their blood. This symbolized the cleansing process as each of them were in a natural state of cleansing and purification. Because the veil between the woman and the Great Mystery is so thin during her moon, the women have the strongest ability to go into the "Mystery" unseen and return safely. Brooke told them that they were the calling card for the rest of the gathering. Their chant throughout the weekend was "I give away my blood for all my Relations -- I open my womb to the Light".
Sunday, about midday, Brooke invited all who were interested in learning more about the Moon Lodge to come together men and women were welcomed. Brooke explained that women on their moon do not participate in the central ceremony because when a woman is on her moon her energy is like a vacuum and it is often powerful enough to pull others away from their focus.
Brooke talked about each person having made the choice as to whether they would be male or female in this life -- having experienced both. She said that when one is born female, much moves in and out of her; she is like the moon -- the light shines on her and she gives it away. She explained that blood represents the highest creative form -- each month that she chooses not to create a human child she is asked then what? It is a beautiful time to spend with her creative and visionary selves. Brooke maintains that naturally women cycle with the moon; going inside and mooning on the dark of the moon -- ovulating and giving themselves away at the full moon.
Brooke said that their moon time is an important time for women to reevaluate their personal choices about what they desire for their lives and to learn to stand by their visions. Taking this time will help women to remember the truth and purpose for being feminine on the planet this lifetime.
Brooke suggested that men can help provide women of spirit the opportunity to move in the world. Men also need to open to their feminine nurturing sense to help bring the planet back into balance.
The women then went to the Moon Lodge to meet alone with Brooke and to prepare their moonsticks. The moonsticks were made from straight sticks about six feet long which the women wrapped with several different colored yarns. Throughout the coming night, during the Long Dance, the Moon Women would carry their moonsticks, tapping very gently on Mother Earth.
Later in the afternoon, there was a dedication and blessing of the drums. There were large drums which were hung from frames and were suspended just above the earth. These could be
drummed by several people at once as they kneeled or sat around the drum. They were made of wood, rawhide and antlers.
A number of people had brought their own small drums which several had made themselves. The small drums were 12-16 inches across, sort of like a tambourine in shape, with a cross piece on the back by which they were held with one hand and struck with the other. All of the
drums would be hit in unison, the large lead drum setting the pace...signifying the heartbeat of Mother Earth.
For the blessing of the drums, Brooke used cedar, sage and sweetgrass smoke for the cleansing, purification and dedication of each drum. One by one, each person held aloft his or her drum calling out the name they had given the drum saying, "My name is (name of drum) and I dedicate myself to (chosen purpose, such as the Light). This was a lovely moving ceremony.
Late afternoon, the Long Dance circle was staked out in the lower meadow overlooking Lake Cascade. This large meadow had been unused...having been saved especially for the Long Dance. Stakes were set designating each of the four directions--north, south, east and west and representing earth, fire, water and air.
Several of us "grandmothers" were asked to help prepare the newly staked out circle for the Long Dance which was to begin later in the evening. (Grandmothers are women who no longer have their moons, whether or not they have grandchildren). Shirley Randolph and I went down the path through the trees to where the sweat lodges had been built to collect willow branches which were left over from building the lodges.
As we approached the area, we were met by one of the women tending the fire who inquired as to what we wanted. No one enters the area when a sweat is going on without good reason. We announced ourselves as "grandmothers" who had come to gather willow branches to sweep the Ceremonial Circle. We were warmly welcomed into the area and found the unused branches and each took an armload. As we were preparing to leave, one of the women asked us to depart by walking past the most distant sweat lodge explaining that the children were having their sweat ceremony in it. We were told that by passing nearby we would honor their sweat. We circled around, passing by their lodge and left the area with our armloads of branches, retracing our steps through the woods.
Joined by two other "grandmothers" at the Ceremonial Circle, each of us took several of the long branches which still had leaves attached and using them like brooms we symbolically "swept" clean the large circular area which had been staked off. As we rhythmically swung the branches back and forth, Rusty Westin sat on the nearby grassy incline playing his flute. The lovely melody drifting over us added such a sense of beauty and serenity to the activity that as we finished we spontaneously came together with our bundles of branches and created our own little spontaneous ending ceremony. Having shared hugs, we left the area to go back to our individual activities.
Early evening everyone gathered again to make final preparations for the Long Dance. We did singing and circling. Brooke gave final explanations and instructions. We had been asked earlier to remove all our jewelry, power objects, etc. and to wear comfortable, familiar clothing so that we could come to the Ceremony as our simple, ordinary selves. In the early morning we would change to our Ceremonial Celebration garments.
Now, as it was nearing sundown, for the first time we walked together to the great meadow where the Ceremonial Circle had been laid out and we formed a large ring there. The specifics of the Circle were explained to us. The North was the place where we would enter or leave the circle.
The altars to Mother Earth and Father Spirit were near the center. Toward the north would be laid blankets on which we could lie face up in surrender to Father Spirit when we needed to rest. Toward the south was the area where we would lie face down in surrender to Mother Earth. Brooke said that we could bring items that were special to us to place on which ever altar we chose.
The fire was to be in the center of the circle with the drums on the East and refreshment (water) on the West. Ten men volunteered to tend the fire during the night and ten women to offer the cups of water, each serving for one hour.
Brooke next inquired as to the "elders" in the group... the oldest man and the oldest woman. It turned out that I was the oldest woman there and was honored along with the oldest man.
Finally, we were encouraged to bring mats, quilts, and blankets to lay on the grass in the surrender areas, and plenty of warm clothing as we would not leave the circle once the Long Dance had begun. As the gathering broke up the excitement and anticipation was building.
We went to our tents and campers to rest, meditate, and contemplate our Visions going to create as we Danced Awake Our Dreams.
At dark we began the trek to the large meadow where the Ceremonial Circle was waiting. Suddenly the whole area began coming alive. People coming from all directions, purposely heading for the Circle through the darkness. There was an awareness of being participants in a great Cosmic Event.
We would be setting the intention in the material plane for those things which we desired to manifest both for ourselves and for our planet, our Mother the Earth, who has nurtured and provided for us all.
As the outer circle grew, a group of the men who would be tending the fire during the night drew together, circling. They voiced a dedication to their intention to nurture the Circle with the fire, emphasizing with the male as a Nurturing Being.
We two Honored Elders were called by Brooke to the center of the circle. The "Grandfather" dedicated the Father Spirit surrender area. Going to the Mother Earth surrender area, I lay flat on the Earth, face down, as this area was dedicated.
Brooke sang then continued the dedication. She explained that the outer circle is the Circle of the Dream. Within that circle we would create a smaller one, the Circle of Forgiveness. The outer circle was to move to the left or clockwise, the inner circle would move counter clockwise. The outer circle would maintain the form and rhythm of the heartbeat of Mother Earth which would resound from the drums. We would be free to move into the Forgiveness Circle at any time to release old patterns. Within the inner circle we could move about freely and expressively.
The final dedication was for the circles. The outer circle began to move slowly, in unison, one step at a time, through the darkness -- stepping into Mother Earth. Opening up the Forgiveness Circle· was led by Brooke as she danced through the hip deep grass which covered the meadow. Brooke was to be followed by the "Elders", Suzanne Lewis and a young man who I thought to be Suzanne's son. I surmised that we elders would represent the outgoing cycle and the young people, the new incoming cycle.
I quickly realized that the Elder male would be unable to follow Brooke through this grass in the darkness because I knew from having gotten acquainted with the family that he is disabled with Alzheimer’s disease and easily becomes disoriented. I whispered to Suzanne who told Brooke the situation. Brooke called to the outer circle for assistance from the second oldest man who joined us in the inner circle. With the other man supporting one side and me helping with the other we began our counter clockwise stepping to open the Forgiveness Circle.
Moving around that meadow, breaking ground, so to speak, was not easy for our small group. After one revolution, the two male elders moved into the center of the circle waiting beside the fire while Brooke, followed by me, Suzanne and the young man continued the dedication. The ceremony continued until the outer circle had completed four methodical revolutions, (with somewhere around 300 people this took quite some time) thus setting the foundation for Dancing Awake the Dream.
It was pointed out to me later that symbolically, the disabled "elder" represented the old male thought patterns which are ineffectual and obsolete. While the female energies and those of the new male are strong and vital. At the conclusion of the dedication we returned to the outer circle to join the others. We began to circle, slowly, rhythmically, stepping to the beat of the drum.
Then it was that I saw the Moon Women. Across the meadow, through the darkness shone their fire. The Moon Women, walking counter clockwise, carrying their Moonsticks, tapping gently with them on the Earth, circled the fire calling to Mother Earth, "Come out, Come forth".
As I watched them it was a very mystical scene. I had the sense that there was a temple behind them and that they were all dressed in ancient attire. Around and around they promenaded. What a powerful and stirring vision.
All night the dance continued. The drummers were free to move in and out of the drumming. Although. the Boise Family did keep the lead drum going all night. The dancers sang the Native American songs we had learned, interspersed with the chant "We are awake in the night. We call the ones who bring the Light. We Dance Awake the Dream tonight." Occasionally someone would spontaneously introduce an old favorite or improvise as the evening grew into morning.
The dancers were free to move from the Dance Circle to the Forgiveness Circle or to rest in one of the Surrender areas. It was important, though, to keep the outer circle strong throughout the night. It became very cold and we were glad to keep moving.
When the moon appeared in the sky, the main dance circles stopped turning and we looked to the Moon Circle where the Moon Women sang their dedication song as they continued to circle.
Throughout the night the Dance continued. Greg Valentin, lead drummer from the Boise Family, moved from the drum to the Circles during the early morning hours keeping the energies alive and strong with his vibrant voice and dynamic enthusiasm. Brooke Medicine Eagle hiked back and forth across the meadow between the Moon Circle and the main Circle keeping communication going.
During the time I was resting in the Surrender area I became acutely aware of the tremendous power that was being generated in the Dance Circles. Looking from the center of the circle outward through the bodies in the inner circle moving one direction, through the outer circle which moved in the opposite direction in time with the powerful beat of the drums, then across the meadow to that mystical place which shone through the darkness as a beacon throughout the night. It was like a set of tremendous gears which had been set in motion.
Just before dawn, Brooke stopped the circles and had the fire d0used and sent us to our lodgings to change into our ceremonial clothing and return in about 15 minutes. I walked through the frost- covered grass to my tent across the upper meadow. I noticed that my car windows were covered with ice. Climbing into my small tent I could feel the frost on the outside of it. As I stripped off the ski hat and gloves, the two pair of slacks, poncho, sweatshirt, sweater, jacket and several shirts I really didn't feel cold. I changed into my white slacks which I covered with a long white skirt, adding a white t-shirt and finally my white blouse with rainbow ribbons draping down the sides. Finally, I put on the jewelry which I had chosen to wear.
As I walked back toward the Circle it was becoming light. We gathered again in our circle. The Moon Women came over to our Circle bringing bowls of water. They came to each of us in the large circle and with water symbolically and with great sensitivity cleansed each of us. Then, taking their Moonsticks they went to the center of the circle where the fire had burned. Each one, in turn, dedicated her Moonstick to the New Cycle and laid it over the ashes. The new fire was kindled from the Moonsticks.
As I watched the fire grow I looked toward that part of the meadow where the Moon Circle had been. I was amazed to see nothing there at all. I was expecting to see some type of structure. Off in the distance I could see the teepee which served as a Moon Lodge -- but that was not what I had seen in the night in that meadow.
Brooke used the several herbs--Frankincense & myrrh, sage, sweetgrass and cedar-- throwing them into the fire. As before, we used the smoke symbolically for purification as we scooped it over us.
The "elders" were called into the circle. We symbolically planted four willow trees, one for each direction, representing the new growth for the New Cycle.
As the sun began to show itself above the mountain top we all ran at once toward the center of the circle and symbolically scooped up the things which we had envisioned for our future and then gathering them to us danced back to our places in the Circle. Wave after wave we continued running into the center of the circle and gathering our "good" until the sun had risen above the mountain top. Joyously singing and dancing we celebrated the beginning of the New Cycle as the sun shone warmly upon us.
Eventually we scattered to our lodgings to rest. Late morning we assembled for a Celebration Feast of fruits, vegetables, breads, salads, hot stew, and desserts which we enjoyed together.
The final Ceremony followed with the giving away of gifts. Each person brought something of special significance or value to him or her, laying it on the cloth. With some ceremony the gifts were chosen and each person seemed to receive just the thing that was perfect for him or her.
Driving away, toward home, I had such a sense of happiness, satisfaction and completion. What may have seemed purely just ritual to some was, I believe, a process of using the physical as well as the mental realm energies to make an imprint on the essence of spirit.
That pattern which was created has already begun to manifest in the lives of the people who I personally know who took part in Dancing Awake the Dream. I see more creativity, more opportunity, strengthened awareness of mission and a greater sense of fulfillment in their lives. Dance Awake the Dream, a celebration of the Dance of Life--which, in the words of Ram Dass, is the "only dance there is".

Harmonic Convergence/Dance Awake the Dream. Part 3 (stason.org)
https://stason.org/articles/wellbeing/spirit/Harmonic-Convergence-Dance-Awake-the-Dream-Part-3.html

 

Shasta1987 March 19 , 2023 we had an event in toronto for 1987 H.C. NOW;
it is coming time for 13,000 days and/or 50 cycles x 260 - IS THAT important ?

earth day was 1970 - it went 52 years; but; in 2022

i think this year; is 53 years

13000/365.2=35.5969332 years ago 2023-30-5=1993-5=1988 - so; why was 1988 important ???
i think someone is off; by 1 year, why things, always off my 1 year
like 21 dec 2012 , and, 16 dec 2013 (+360 days / the length of an ancient year)
HOWEVER; measurements in the past where 360 DEGREES = 365.2 DAYS in a year.
it takes 365.2 days (24 hr) in order to turn the globe 360 degrees !!!
~susan lynne schwenger