Rules of our Ceremonies

Fire Prayer at Lakota Inipi ceremonial fire.

As we move toward the Winter months it is once again time to regroup from the past year and get ready for the new beginnings that come with the Spring. There are still Ceremonies being performed at this time because, the Ceremonies do not get put off for the Seasons. Many Inipi fires will be burning and many prayers will continue to rise. That being said, I would remind you all that if you are invited to Ceremony and are asked to pay to participate, Please, Walk Away!! I can...
not stress this enough. These things are done for the people, they are gifts to the people by Creator and therefore should never be sold!!

There is also Not a Collection Plate passed at the end of Ceremony either. If someone would like to give something for the person performing a Ceremony, quiet donations are acceptable. It does require travel, food, sometimes lodging (which actually these things should be supplied by person wanting Ceremony performed but many times the Intercessor takes it out of pocket) and the Medicines that may be required for some Ceremonies, sometimes they are not readily available and have to be purchased. Always bring tobacco, you will probably be told how many prayer ties to make and it's always good to have some loose tobacco on hand. Also, bring a covered dish or something to share after Ceremony as there is usually a pot latch afterwards, this is not required, just a matter of courtesy and adding your medicine to the Ceremony. By eating together and sharing we help to solidify Relations.

I hope this helps clarify for those that didn't know. Walk in Peace and stay safe this winter.

Mitakuye Oyasin

Thomas Seegraves

Lakota - Good Woman & Plenty Strike or Strikes Plenty in 1900 by Heyn & Matzen
source Library of Congress.