INITIATION
THE MAKING OF A CONTEMPORARY DA'IGOTI
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After a brief whispered conversation, I knew what I must do. I walked quickly down the canyon to where our guests camped. A time or two I thought that I saw Ancestors some distance behind me and tried to convince myself that it wasn’t my imagination working overtime. As I expected, I was met with excitement. “What are you looking for, Little One?” an Elder inquired. “There are many things for trade.” She paused, looking at me. “What are you needing, MoonFire?” I looked at her for a moment, longing to imprint my completed vision. “Shells,” I muttered. “Grandmother, I am looking to trade some of my painted rocks for some shells so I can make my honoring gifts.” I sat down but was up and restless pacing before the Elder had brought me a basket of clam shells. I let her pick a few of my painted rocks and picked up the basket. It was a good trade. Now what else could I find? “I am making something so special, and I still need one more piece.” I looked at the blankets of trade goods thrown on the ground. I thought about when I saw these Elders working so hard to make a living, selling at the side of the road. It made my small trade seem so very small. “But Little One, what might that be?” “I’m not sure, but I will know when I see it.” I kept walking. Ceremonies like these provided reunion, trade, and stories from the other areas of Snake Clan… which according to Grandfather, stretched around the world… and somehow, we were all related. I found what I was looking for! A distant Mayan Elder had brought what he called “Worry Dolls.” They were not quite the same as tipoñi, which represented Ancestors on the other side, but what Guardian of the land didn’t worry about the way of life? I clucked to myself because it made perfect sense. I headed home with my treasures, and I thought I saw another brief flash of motion among the trees ahead. At the barn, I stopped and peered into the shadows. Sun Wolf whacked me to get my attention. “Come on, MoonFire. I have to sit witness for the sweat lodge. You can work on your gifts there.” I grabbed the rest of my materials and followed him to the west end of the canyon where the waterfall flowed into the stream that brought life to us. I smelled the cedar burning as we approached and saw Strikes the Enemy and Moves by Night attending to the fire. The Grandfather Rocks were heating to receive the prayers and return life to where it had been lost. I thought about the number of times I had heard the Story of the Beaver, who not only brought us this ritual, but the tobacco we used, to bring his dead uncles back to life after a run in with a sorcerer. A face flashed in my mind. The moon would set soon, and the first star was dim. I looked for Sun Wolf’s face. I felt like I could stop my fear if I could see him. Then I moved around the fire to where I could see the lodge door where he sat. I took a deep breath and settled into making my honoring gifts for my sponsor, Grandfather and others that had traveled far to be here. Suddenly the fire snapped, and an ember flew close to where I sat. Strikes the Enemy was about to stomp it when Sun Wolf pointed into the dark. List to "A Night with a Wolf."
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Maria YracébûrûWhile I one day hope to convert this into my final book… my biography, I find that my motivation lies in sharing in the moment. To not share is to not release the story to the four directions. This work is dedicated to Juan Ten Bears Yracébûrû. My grandfather, my mentor, my teacher, my coach, my inspiration, my family's leader, my best friend, and by far the most magical person I have ever met. I hear you every day, and share the world you raised me in. Best read in order
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