Ancestor spirits of the Pueblo Indians in North America. The Hopi
also believed in kachinas, believing them to be the souls of virtuous dead
people.
An Opening Blessing
AN OPENING BLESSING
(From the American Indian Tradition)
A Native American tradition called for blessing a gathering by invoking the
powers of the six directions. This morning, we will repeat this brief
invocation with the help of the traditional Indian smudge sticks.
(Lights the sticks, extinguishes the flames, and uses the sticks to brush smoke
in the directions indicated.)
(Below) We call on the power of Mother Earth, the Great Turtle, strong support
for all humankind, bring to us patience and the ability to take one step at a
time. Powers of the Earth, be with us!
(South) Powers of the South, Sacred Mouse, teacher of Trust and Innocence.
Let us find again our innocent eyes, our playful trust in each other and in
other humans. Powers of the South, the Mouse, be with us!
(West) Powers of the West, place of Intuition and of the power of woman, Great
Bear, bringer of dreams. Teach us the ability to go inside ourselves and
discover the truth within. Powers of the West, Great Bear, be with us!
(North) Powers of the North, home of the Great Buffalo, spirit of wisdom and
knowledge. Bring us the wisdom to share with each other and to provide for one
another. Powers of the North, Buffalo, be with us!
(East) Powers of the East, come, source of light and illumination, Eagle,
creature of great heights. Give us the gift of sight, that we may see clearly
the path ahead. Powers of the East, Eagle, be with us!
(Above) Powers of the Sky, Great Spirit, come, bring all healing and infinite
guidance. Sun that shines bright upon all our days. Powers of Earth, of south,
west, north, and east, be with us as the sun in the sky!
(Turns to the audience.) The traditional blessing of power came through the
scenting of others with the smoke from smudge sticks like these, composed of
sage, cedar or other substances. As I have ceremonially blessed this service,
now let each of you do the same to the other.
(Each person uses the smudge stick on one other person.)
Ravinessa23 Community Member 
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