ANCESTRAL HONORING CEREMONY

(Click on photos to enlarge!)

Our Ancestors are the foundation that allows our human experience and allows the continuation of the human experience through our Future Generations.  In terms of our Spiritual Practices within our Spiritual Traditions of Taino and Palo, the Ancestors are the Heart Beat of our Practices!  It is important to understand what we mean when we say "Ancestors" so as to avoid confusion and misunderstanding.  Our Ancestors are multiple.  They are first and foremost the "ghosts" known and unknown within our blood, our Family Tree or Family Root.  They are those Ancestors who we may have known, may have heard about or whose names may be forgotten, they are those Ancestors whose lives may have been difficult and their behavior may have been even more difficult, they are those Ancestors who upheld wonderful principles, and those who failed in their lifetimes to uphold any principles.  They are those who we may have been named after, or whose talents and skills we may knowingly or unknowingly be carrying. They are those Ancestors whose Living Legacy is Us!  

Our Ancestors also extend to those Ancestors of our Spiritual Tradition, those Ancestors who passed Spiritual Wisdom, Knowledge and Medicine to us, who ensured that today we are able to continue our Spiritual Traditions in the here and now.  They are the Ancestors who preserved a Spiritual Legacy and again we are their Living Legacy, and again perhaps they upheld their principles but perhaps it is up to us to uplift the Spiritual Tradition that became distorted, corrupted or misused through a devastating process of colonialism, slavery, deprivation and allure of consumerism.  They are those glorious Ancestors of the past who lived inside a rooted Community and Society and they are also those glorious Ancestors who found themselves in unbearable conditions or seductive conditions inside a spiritual insanity, but who regardless of the difficulty continued with the Spiritual Tradition, handing us the legacy to continue.

Here on the Land, Our Ancestors also include those Ancestors who are buried within the greater "farm" of which the Land is one aspect.  Those Ancestors who had created a Spiritual Community more than 100 years ago, those Ancestors who undoubtedly encountered racism, oppression and hatred due to their complexion and their traditions, yet who also contributed to building the foundation and planting seeds for what is manifesting here today. Within the same understanding Our Ancestors also include those Indigenous Ancestors of this area who also upheld principles of Spirituality, Thriving, Love for Mother Earth, and honoring of the Ancestral Legacies.  Again we recognize their contribution and their planting of seeds which have, like a perennial plant allowed, generations later seeds to sprout today which in essence and quality resonate with the Spiritual Traditions of generations ago.  We also recognize and honor any Ancestor who finds their way to our space who is "Nchila", in their heart, for the benefit of Spiritual Progression and who resonates with the principles of thriving, reconciliation and love for our Earth!

Note:  It is very important that we overcome our personal "prejudice" against our Ancestors (for those of us who struggle with this issue) without erasing the knowledge and understanding of their behavior during their lifetimes and the ongoing consequences of that behavior.  We cannot speak about "Ancestors" and not include the faces and names of our direct Ancestors who, through our Mother and Father, have given birth to us within this experience.

The preparations for the Ceremony began weeks before the actual dates of the Ceremony.  The Ceremony was centered in one of the Bateys, the "Batey of the Clarity of Night" which is within a forest area by the Taino Bohio.  The element of fire is always important within the Ceremony as is the element of water.  In this Ceremony the element and Spirit of Fire was embodied by a Sacred Fire within the Batey facing the Ancestral Shrine, the element and Spirit of Water was embodied both within a jicara of water within the Ancestral Shrine as wells as by the underground spring which runs beneath the Batey itself.  We also recognize the Sun as a Spirit of Fire and one of the Primary Mpungos of our Experience!

Other vital elements include the natural plant elements surrounding the Batey, the multiple trees and other plants which grow around the Batey.  Trees are especially Sacred within our Traditional Lives, they represent our Ancestral Trees, they also allow us to breath as the trees give us breath and recycle our breath.  Additionally the trees represent the transformation of Sun Energy to vegetative energy which we then depend on for nourishment, warmth and shelter.  Trees and other plants also are themselves medicinal, stimulating the healing wisdom of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies.  In our Tradition we utilize trees to make Sacred Cemis, Medicines, Nkisis, Fundamentos and much more. The trees that were used to form the Ancestral Shrine all have a story and all have unique qualities which are vital within the creation of the Shrine.   Many of the trees have been used within the Bohio or Munanso for years and have a great deal of Spiritual Energy.  The choices made are never random or thoughtless.  To truly understand what one is looking at, when one stands in front of the shrine, one must know the stories of each of the trees, both when it was "alive" and now that it is "dead".  

The Soil itself is another vital element.  We are blessed to be able to create an Ancestral Shrine directly upon the Earth, as there are many Sisters and Brothers who only have access to concrete or floors to do this Ancestral Practice.  The soil itself is full of life and full of stories.  It is the embodiment of the process of Life and Death as both growth and decay are constantly taking place within it.  For us the Soil of the Ceremonial Grounds is never "dirt", it is Sacred.  It is a Living Entity!  

Forming the Batey and marking points outside the Batey itself and all around the Ceremonial Grounds are many Stones.  Some have petroglyphs which are Ancestral Sacred Pictographs of deep and mysterious significance and origin.  Many times "Misterios" are clearly seen on these Sacred Stones.  Again the stones all carry stories, Ancient Stories and contemporary stories as they imprint the energy of whatever is occurring around them and to them.  They are silent and not so silent witnesses!

The Sacred Fire reveals much when we begin to look at the photos taken during this process.   Different Spirits make their presence known through the Fire, as the Fire itself is transforming the wood (and whatever is within the wood) to ashes.  Once the Ceremony was over we collected the ash to be utilized for Ceremonial processes and Medicines in the Future!  Of course sage, tobacco, tabonuco and other resins and herbs are put on the fire to cleanse and energize the Ceremonial Space and as an offering to the Fire and to all the Ancestors Present.

As preparations continue we bring special attention to whatever weather patterns and conditions are present.  

In the photos below the combination of the smoke from the Fire and the Rays from the Sun coming through the tree canopy creates a mystical phenomenon which enables us to see the rays as the smoke reveals them!  The fire's smoke (enhanced by herbs and resins) allows us to "see" Spirit in a way that we ordinarily are not able to see Spirit!  While the Fire is an Offering to the Ancestors, it is also becomes an offering from the Dead to the Living in terms of Vittiti (Sight).

What we are able to understand from some of the photos is that what might appear to be a "one way" offering, is always an exchange.  Spiritual Practices arise out of a mutual need of the Living and the Dead!  This principle of "exchange" is vital within both material and spiritual practices, it is the true "reality" of our human experience.  It is important for us to expand our understanding of what "exchange" truly is, especially within traditional practices.  

As we worked with the Space and the Creation of the Shrine we divined on a day to day basis concerning the purpose and message that was being brought forth.  We never assume that we know what the Ancestors are bringing forth, we of course are sensitive to what they are telling us through the multiple messages we receive everyday, however it is also vital to have a process of divination that can illuminate those things that we are not seeing or sensing.

Many fruits, roots and flowers are offered along with Ceremonial Drinks and other items, this is only part of the whole offering that was put down.  There was an important point brought up by the Ancestors during this process concerning the actual offering that was made.  We know that the offering could feed many people especially at a time when there is much suffering and deprivation due to lack of food in places near and far, from the Reservations here, to Haiti, to globally.  People, Children are starving.  The Ancestors are reminding us of this and of the luxury we have to be able to make these elaborate offerings, so that when we are making the offerings, we also want the energy and abundance of the offerings to reach those who are starving physically and spiritually to be able to grasp hold of long term solutions!  An offering that is done without consciousness and direction might as well be thrown in the trash.  In a time of great need upon the Earth it is vital that we do not waste, through our unconsciousness or limited thinking, the offering.

One of the vital dynamics which was brought to our attention repeatedly before, during and after the Ceremony was the balance between feminine and masculine energies and entities.  Leading up to the Ceremony the moon was in her waxing cycle and actually reached full moon two days after the Ceremony (which was interesting as at the same time a Medicine was coming out of the ground).  The Ancestors were also speaking about the shifting (often through violence and oppression) of "matriarchal" traditions to "patriarchal" traditions and was calling for a re-evaluation of spiritual traditions which had been subjected to the brutality and corruption of colonization to look carefully at what elements were introduced out of a patriarchal mindset or prejudice/hatred.  Additionally they were bringing attention to the "Corruption" of the representation of Deities through "gender change" which is done to serve a selfish or diseased agenda.   The Ancestors are bringing forth the balance between feminine and masculine energies for the benefit of life, thriving and spiritual development.  

During the Ceremony we engaged a "Snake Dance" which brought us to multiple points within the Ceremonial Grounds, these were points which have much Spiritual Energy, although some may have appeared "ordinary".  Snakes represent powerful Mystery in virtually all traditions.  They are the symbol of our DNA our genetic string, twine, braid which vibrates within us the story not only of what we perceive as our Ancestral Tree but the story of the Spiritual- Evolutionary process of this Mysterious and Spiritual Intelligence which has diversified and given rise to the multiple forms of life within our experience, past and present.  The Snake Dance takes us into different worlds whether we realize it or not, depending on our ability to embrace the Dance beyond the physical aspect or difficulty of it.  One's thoughts and focus during the Dance are very important as it is an extended "prayer or invocation" that we are engaging.

There is a point within the Snake Dance where we entered a Batey which is the "Snake Batey" which directly represents the double helix (double headed snake) of our DNA and represents the connection between the DNA and its COSMIC ORIGIN!  It is also symbolic of the Sacred Egg and Sperm which gives rise to us (again Sacred balance between Feminine and Masculine)!

Three vital principles were brought up by the Ancestors during the Ceremony, these being "Birth, Death and Agriculture (Earth Culture)".  These are the foundation principles of healthy community and solutions for the global dis-ease of present times.  Many of us have been "derailed, distracted or confused" by what is not essential, our wants, our perceived needs and ambitions.  Wallowing in over consumption and waste in one area has lead to deprivation in another.   It has created a system that is by its very nature unsustainable and doomed to failure (as we are witnessing on a day to day basis.  We also must recognize that there is an Ancestral behavior of exploitation which continues with the living which cannot be ignored and erased, especially if we claim to be pursuing Spirituality!  We must recognize the need to reconcile with our Mother Earth as well as with our Ancestors!

We always say "The Ceremony Begins when we leave the Ceremonial Grounds"!  Which is an acknowledgement that there is an energy that is transferred to us during the Ceremony, and it is our responsibility to take that energy and apply it in our lives!  For us that involves cleaning up the space and bringing the offerings to those places where they can return to the Earth, as well as continuing the process of divination to understand the messages the Ancestors are bringing forth.  However, for those who "leave" the space there is a continuing energy and continuing effect from the Ceremony and it is up to the individual to caretake the energy and work with that Ancestral Energy to bring about fruits and roots of understanding as well as positive changes and solutions!  

The Bones of the Ancestors Remind Us!

As Tainos and as Paleros we are Muerteros!  

Our Ancestors and our Living Tradition is one which reveres, honors and values the Ancestors.  Our understanding is that our lives are built upon the "shoulders", the "foundation" of those who came before us.  We have an understanding of the Sacred Spiral of wisdom and understanding which is passed generation to generation through traditional practices and understandings.  It is this Sacred Spiral which is Spiritual and Mental that intertwines with the DNA that we receive from our Ancestors!  We revere, honor and adore the Ancestors because we understand the importance of the relationship between the Living and the Dead, we understand that Death is not an "ending" of the relationships of life but rather a transformation of that relationship.  As Tainos and as Paleros we keep our "Dead" close to us, and we keep their Sacred Physical Remains equally close, be it the bones of the Dead themselves or the soil that their bodies created through the process of decay.  As Tainos and Paleros we utterly disagree with the typical process of burial and the treatment of Ancestral Remains that is rampant within our urban (suburban and even rural) communities.

Within the Taino Bohio of ancient times we see a Sacred Gourd filled with Ancestral Bones, revered, caretaken, loved, appreciated and interrelated to.  Our Ancestors had such a strong ability to see the Dead that the Dead would appear so lifelike that they would have to check for the navels to be able to distinguish which world the Spirit was standing in.  Our Sacred Cemis also held bone or where even carved directly from the bones of the Ancestors.  As Tainos we understand the power, the progression, the spiritual evolution and growth that having this close relationship with the Ancestors through their remains allows us to live inside of!  As Paleros again we know there is a clear understanding of the Power, Progression, and Spiritual Upliftment which is innate within the relationship with the Ancestors through their Earthly Remains!  

Yet in the so called "dominant society", we encounter a struggle, a vast misconception, a fear, a horror, a prejudice and even an outright hatred against our Traditional Practices and Concepts.  Unfortunately at times we even experience this from within our own family, or larger community.  We may have to undergo the painful experience of watching a beloved relative be placed into the ground, embalmed with poisons, encased in vinyl and then cement, with relatives weeping, expressing such pain and loss, clinging onto either spiritual muteness or onto a hollow and misleading religious saying.  We may have to undergo this because we may not be the one who is making the decisions for the deceased.  Our powerlessness in this situation is due to miseducation of our extended families and larger communities, it is due to the indoctrination and the fear and horror of death which has been entangled within our communities for far too long.  We need to remember that the only cross that is relevant to us is the point where the World of the Living intersects with the World of the Dead!

Reflect on the difference between the Spiritual Process that an Ancestor, such as the one above who was buried at Tibes, goes through compared to the process an Ancestor who is encased in cement and slotted into the cemetery three to a grave goes through. In the natural burial which was the norm in our Ancestral Times, our Mother Earth embraced the Ancestors body and the natural process of decay in our Caribbean homelands would happen very quickly, allowing the Spirit of the Ancestor to quickly transition into the World of the Ancestors (which is not a distant land or a la la land) without confusion and without the rampant grief and disorientation of the Living adding to the confusion and difficulty.

Thousands upon thousands of bodies are encased within these modern cemeteries, graves opened with a back hoe, coffins lowered, rules and regulations which have to be followed, and families left feeling loss, feeling disoriented, and often worried about the financial burden of the whole process. In many circumstances we do not have the voice to intervene, however in our own lives and in our direct Families we do.  We are able to be the directors of what happens when the time for our own transformations arrives or for those transformations for which we are left to make the decisions.  We are able to retrieve our Ancestral Empowerment within this process and within that embracing of our Ancestral Empowerment we can also educate those around us.  

Many of our beloved ones are in these Cemeteries but that does not make it a requirement that we continue this barbaric practice.  It is easy to put on the clothes and headdresses of a Taino or Palero but what happens in that most Ceremonial Moment within that most Spiritual Process?  Taino, Palo, is not about rhetoric and it is definitely not about appearance, it is about Spirit, it is about Ancestors and it is about Earth, it is about the relationship between the Living and the Dead.  It is this active relationship with the Ancestors and our Mother Earth which defines our Taino-ness or our true empowerment as Paleros.  When we are able to, as communities, transform our approach to our own inevitable processes of Death and the processes of Death of all those within the Community, then we will be able to heal from the ravages that Conquest, murder, genocide and colonialism have done to our Traditions.  And at this point a more profound dimension will enter into our "earthly" Reality!

Tobacco and Sage Garden

This particular Ceremonial Garden is in the shape of the Taino Fire Petroglyph and the Garden is dedicated to growing primarily Tobacco and Sage which is used to burn Ceremonially or to put into Ceremonial baths, oils, drinks, medicines and more.  Many of the Tobacco in the garden come up from the naturally self seeding Tobacco of the previous year!  We also save tobacco seed and grow seedlings in the Spring and we also introduce more Indigenous varieties each year.  In this Garden there is the conventional  very large leafed "smoking tobacco" variety which gets very tall, then there is a Huichol variety with Yellow flowers which is small, along with a Hopi tobacco which is also small and very strong, and a variety we added this year which is a large plant with unusual curling leaves which is an Aztec variety.  We also throughout the summer find tobacco plants coming up in various different places around the ceremonial spaces which have self seeded!

On the left is the Aztec tobacco which is very strong, on the right is the milder smoking tobacco.  Touching the leaves one experiences the stickiness of the plant.  At night in particular the flowers release their aroma and the smell is awesome!  The multi flower heads become seed pods which hold thousands upon thousands of tiny tobacco seeds.  The tobacco is a plant that is extremely prolific much like its use globally has been.  

Again the smoking tobacco is pictured on the left, and on the right is a white sage which we grew from seed.  White sage is a challenging seedling to grow because only a small percentage of its seeds germinate and sometimes they germinate very slowly.  We were able to germinate five white sages this year which in appearance and smell are different than the white sage seedlings we get every year at a local herb festival. In all we grow about 20 sage plants.  "Our" seedlings have a lighter and sweeter scent.  One of the beautiful aspects of growing ones own Tobacco and Sage is that one becomes aware of the differences between the varieties and comes to appreciate the range and subtle differences of smells and tastes which grow!  

As Tainos and Paleros it is very important to us that we are able to grow our own tobacco and sage  because we know that it is organic, and we know that it has been grown with Spirit and with positive energy and it has been grown without any mechanization.  Additionally because we grow it and it grows so rapidly and is so abundant with its gifts, we are able to be equally abundant with what we offer the Spirit in terms of the Tobacco and Sage.  This relatively small garden gives us all the Tobacco and Sage that we need for the whole year (and more).   As Tainos we gain understanding and appreciate the growing of this Tobacco because it is not being offered to the Spirit through a "store bought" mentality, but rather we have put our sweat and sacrifice and our appreciation and love into the growing of it!