Sacred Pipes

The pipe is sacred to First Nations people. In the past, it was used to open negotiations between different nations as a way for good talk to take place. This ceremony was also regarded as the way by which participants would be truthful, respectful and abide by the decisions and agreements that were made during the meeting time. Tobacco that has been blessed through prayer is normally used for the ceremony. The pipe is usually kept in a sacred bundle that is owned by the pipe carrier, and only he (or a helper) is allowed to open the bundle to prepare for the ceremony. After all preparations are accomplished, the ceremony can start. When asked, the pipe carrier can do the ceremony in almost any location. The participants sit in a circle with the pipe carrier. Amongst some First Nations, the men sit in an inner circle and the women sit in an outer circle; in others, all sit in one circle. Women who are in their menstrual period are required to excuse themselves from participating in this ceremony because it is believed that they have great power and could do harm to the ceremony. The helper places the sacred tobacco into the pipe and lights it in front of the pipe carrier. The pipe carrier, who is the host of the ceremony, says prayers to seven cardinal points: the Four Directions; the Above or Spirit World; the Below or Mother Earth; and the Center or all living things. The pipe is then passed to the participants for them to either touch or smoke it. The passing of the pipe can be repeated several times. The tobacco is then allowed to “die” and the pipe is disassembled to be returned to the bundle until the next ceremony. After this, the pipe carrier may speak a few words of gratitude about life and expectations; each participant is also invited to speak such words; and the ceremony is considered closed.

William Asikinack

Sacred Pipe Carving Weekend with Leo Binda   

April 30 - May 2, 2010

Come out and learn to work with the pipe-stone, the wood, and the teachings on the pipe.  All materials, tools and good life teachings will be provided at this workshop.  

Reserve your spot for this special workshop - 3 days-3 nights,  accommodations and meals included

Day 1

Arrive in time for a BBQ supper at the Wharncliffe Farm Retreat & Learning Center, where you will meet your facilitator and your hostess.  From there you will find your place in the sacred hoop.  While the pipe carver facilitator gives an historical overview of the "red pipe-stone," you will be asked to intuitively find the stone that calls to you.  Once you have found the one stone for you, you will be guided in how to cut the stone, drill the pipe, cure the pipe, and bless the pipe.  

Your accommodations will be in the three bedroom farm house, the loft style sleeping arrangements or in the tenting circle.  Most of our activities for the next 2 days will be in the area of the sacred fire arbor.

Day 2

Begin your day with prayer and meditation at sunrise ceremony as we prepare to continue the sacred time of working with the "red pipe-stone." After a hearty country style breakfast, we will reconvene at the sacred fire to begin our days work.  This is the time when we put our energy and all of our creativeness into our work.  At the end of the day and after supper, bannock on a stick you might want to end your day with a sweat lodge ceremony.

Day 3

After a hearty country style breakfast we will continue working in sacred space with the fully fashioned and completed pipe and stem.  Luncheon will be the "feast of the pipe."  Wild meat and hearty home made breads.  

Pipe Making Retreat Weekend Includes

3 days and 3 nights accommodations & meals

Hunter/gatherer meals

Feast of the pipe

Sunrise Ceremonies

Sweat lodge Ceremonies

Sacred Fire

Options

Hiking Trails

Canoeing Adventures

Horseback Riding

Century old historical barn

Register on line - Cost for this workshop $444.00

Contact person - Isabelle Meawasige 

Wharncliffe Farm, R.R. # 3 Thessalon, Ontario, P0R1L0, 705-842-3793

Things to bring - tent, comfortable hiking/walking shoes, bug repellent, clothes for evening campfires, drums, long skirt for sharing circles.

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