The seed is planted and needs the heat of Grandfather Sun and the quickening force of the Four Directions/Elements, to awaken the inner spirit that lies dormant within the structure of this basic unit we call life. When Grandfather Sun shines down upon the Changing Mother, the seed responds according to the memory it contains within the germinating cell. The sunlight is transmuted into energy, and the seed begins to sprout; it grows, flowers, bears fruit, falls and returns back to the bosom of Changing Mother.
When we go through prayers, the implications are many, but the symbology has deep spiritual meaning. The Heron cycle prayers are performed with dignity, simplicity and deep reverence, signifying in effect: “We have spoken. We have taken within us the spirit of the Changing Mother, the spirit of Fire, the light of Grandfather Sun, to testify that we speak the truth. May all speak with the same spirit, and let All That Is be witness to our gathering, that All Our Relations may be grateful…”
Everything comes in four: the four cardinal points of the compass; the four ages of human life; the four winds; and the four elements; with each grouping representing a certain aspect of energetic vibration. White is the wisdom of the Ancient in the north; yellow is the light of introspection in the West, from whence rebirth and healing join in shamanic process; the beauty and the splendor of the rising sun that begins each day’s journey is represented by the black of the East; and from the south comes the Blue waters of our emotions, our reason for physical experience.
This is the purpose of humanity, and is one of the reasons why we pray during the Heron cycle. When we come together in prayer, it is a privilege to gather together and the highest expression of gratitude to the Sacred Parents, our Guides, and all life itself.
Thus, we make ourselves receptive to the gifts that are bestowed upon us during our time in prayer. While the Heron cycle is deeply spiritual, it attempts to communicate in ways that express the very soul of life patterns – something words fall short of. In prayer, visualization, song, dance and sacred ritual we communicate what words often fail to express. “What we do speaks louder than words.”
This cycle is celebrated, thanking Changing Mother for her gifts that she bestows upon us daily. We face the south, the west, the north, the east, the directions of manifestation, and raise our vibration in love.
At the end of cycle, there is a vibration. When we listen carefully, paying very close attention to the intent, the vibration eloquently conveys the message of Spirit back to our hearts. The Heron, has shared the ways and stories of the Ancient Ones, lighting bits of fragrant smudge which turns into voluminous purifying smoke, and woven a small ceremony together for us especially designed for the energy of the moment.
For a moment, we pause. On every side of us stand Spirits. They have come to display and demonstrate the connection that we seek is ever strong. These Ancients are busily at work, guiding us along our path. The looks of wonderment within us, however, reveal plainly the power of the healing that has transpired.
Maria Yracébûrû is a Quero Apache Tlish Diyan ‘tsanti–a storyteller, healer, ceremonial facilitator, and teacher of the Snake Clan knowledge and philosophy. As a ‘tsant’ trained since birth by her grandfather Ten Bears, she is the guardian of ancient and mysterious knowledge that has been passed down through countless generations. A healer and teacher for over 25 years, Maria’s articles have been translated into 20 different languages. She lives in California.
You can see more information on her website here. Or watch this beautiful video about her community.
