Spring Equinox
Earth Renewal Ceremony
March 21st ~ 10 am – 2 pm
Red Rock Crossing ~ Sedona, Az
Itinerary of activities
- We gather on site between 9:30 – 10 am. Ceremony starts at 10:00!
- Teachings and orientation of the Earth Renewal Ceremony
- Instruction in the dance and song * See below for words to the song
- Earth Renewal Ceremony – participation in singing, dancing, drumming
- Give-Away Ceremony: Each person brings a gift of personal significance and value to give to the Earth Mother. Each person receives a gift from the Earth Mother, other than the one they brought (usually). ** See below for details
- Pot-luck Feast – an integral part of the ceremony, sharing a meal with one’s community *** See below for comment on the Pot-luck
The Earth Renewal Tree is, in addition to a representation of the pathway we Shamans follow in our journeys into the Celestial Realms of Light, Knowledge and Spiritual Awakening, a calendar which provides us reference as to our location in time.
At the time of the Spring Equinox the Earth Renewal Dance is done in order to dance the Earth Mother awake. Calling her to life and fertility, with a deep heartfelt appreciation, we participate in her renewal.
This ceremony was passed into my caretakership by my predecessor and mentor, my Grampa Peña. To read the full story of the origin of this ceremony: Earth Renewal Ceremony
Map and directions:
Driving directions to Red Rock Crossing
From the junction of Hwy 179 and 89A
6.8 mi – about 14 mins
1.Head west on Arizona 89A S toward West Sedona – 4.2 mi
2. Turn left at Upper Red Rock Loop Rd – 1.8 mi
3. Slight left at Chavez Ranch Rd – 0.4 mi
4. Take the 3rd right onto Red Rock Crossing Rd – 0.4 mi
5. Turn left into Red Rock Crossing/Crescent MoonPark.
6. Go to far end of parking lot, go to Crescent Moon Group Area.
Red Rock Crossing
468 Redrock Crossing Rd
Sedona, AZ 86336
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NOTE: Carpool! If you arrive with four in your car, I will provide you with a free parking pass. All others must pay the Park their parking fee of $10.
Cloak of Water, Cloak of Fire, Cloak of Air, Cloak of Earth, We bring you birth! (Sung facing East)
Cloak of Water, Cloak of Fire, Cloak of Air, Cloak of Earth, We bring you birth! (Sung facing South)
Cloak of Water, Cloak of Fire, Cloak of Air, Cloak of Earth, We bring you birth! (Sung facing West)
Cloak of Water, Cloak of Fire, Cloak of Air, Cloak of Earth, We bring you birth! (Sung facing North)
Water Flowing, Fire Burning, Air Blowing, Earth Growing, We bring you Birth! (Sung facing East)
- At the completion of the dancing and singing a woman is chosen to sit at the base of the Yupa, there to be embodied of the Earth Mother.
- Each person steps forth to give a gift to the Earth Mother. A short acknowledgmetn of the gift’s personal significance is made.
- Gifts are of both personal significance and value. The greater the value, the more honor is given(Traditionally, in a Give-Away, horses, houses, cars, Pendelton blankets, jewelry are given… do what is right for you. There is no judgment of your gift). The gift is in recognition that all ‘personal belongings’ are truly ours but for a moment, that they are really items created of the body of our Mother Earth.
- Each person steps forth, one-by-one and speaks of the significance of the gift they sre offering the Earth.
- When all have given their gift, we each re-enter the circle and recieve a gift from the Earth Mother, usually different than the one we brought. The amazing power of the gift is, in part, the significance that has been passed along from the Giver to the Earth Mother and thence to you.
- Give-Away gifts are not gifts to the ceremonial leader. Ceremonial leaders give and recieve the same as everyone else.
- Following the Give-Away there will be a basket Dance. A couple of volunteers will dance through the gathering reciving the cash contributions which will defray the expenses of the ceremony (such as fee for use of the Group Area from the Forest Service). Any remaining contributions go to the Ceremonial leader and family in honor of their caretakership of the ceremony and bringing of it forth to the community
- Please bring a home-prepared dish! make it with love and care. If you really can’t bring a home-prepared dish, please bring something healthy and vital.
- Each person brings a dish to share with the gathered community. Use your own intuition as to what to bring. If you eat meat or fish, maybe bring a meat dish. If a vegetarian, bring a veg/vegan dish. We are inclusive, not exclusive and honor the blessing of FOOD, not dietary styles.
- There are barbecue grills on site. Bring charcoals if you wish to use one. I will bring a few propane camp stoves for heating pre-prepared items. I will also bring some plastic ware, plates, bowls, cups, napkins, etc.
- Bathrooms are on site.
- Picnic tables and a covered area are available on site.
