WHAT IS IT?
The Animal Spirit Dance is a ceremony that at one time was practiced throughout the US and Canada by many, if not, all the tribes of the Americas.
In Gary's fathers teachings he said many things, one was that there are many humans running around our mother earth but very few Human Beings. We the original people, through our songs, ceremonies, dances and being, practiced the art of becoming a human being as a way of life. I was told that this ceremony, the Animal Spirit Healing Dance was one such ceremony that would bring us back to ourselves and to right relationships. This ceremony is an Inter-indigenous Ceremony in that it is open to all people regardless of race, creed, religion, color or sexual orientation. All people are welcome but are asked to follow the guidelines of the ceremonial leaders. The dancers, drummers, singers and wing people are from all nations, mixed nations and some lost nations. They offer themselves for the people and give of themselves selflessly so that others may gain and heal. No monies or fees are asked for, though travel expense donations are welcome for the dancers and drummers. .
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR? Wear something comfortable and weather appropriate.
WHAT TO DO?
Touch the animals as they pass by you. Let go of any anger, anxieties, sadness and give it to the animals. If the animal pulls you up it is to work on you or dance with you. Join in the whip dances by just hooking up placing your right hand on the left shoulder of the person in front of you. The people at the end of the whip move pretty fast so be prepared.
WHERE AND HOW TO ENTER?
Enter the arbor through the East door; be sure to be saged off by the door keepers. Bring a blanket as it can get chilly in the late fall and early spring and a folding chair. Place your chair along the perimeter of the circle leaving space for the animals to go in front or behind you. Do not sit in the North section of the circle nor in front of the East or West doors.
HEALING
Protocol: Healing takes place by ones presence and participation within the arena. The dancers are there to “pick up the sickness” and give it away to the earth and fire. All people are asked to give away their sickness, pain, diseases, sorrow, anger etc. to the animal dancers and to the fire. At times you may be asked to bring you issues to the fire, or come to the fire for healing, if your are called ,within yourself to participate, then do so. This is a community healing and dance, even though it is done with people you know, and do not know. Within the circle, we are all relations, as in all of life.