Opportunities to Mature

These are times when life calls attention to an aspect of self that is being challenged or refined. In the context of rites of passage, these are called critical learning periods, and they occur throughout our lives. Rites of passage ceremonies can assist us in the recovery and nourishment of what is missing so that we can truly embrace the learning and evolution that our inner spirit hungers for during those times.

Rites of passage ceremonies always hold an opportunity for us to develop or mature an aspect of ourselves. Our basic human nature yearns for rites of passage, to be initiated into a group, to be recognized and to be accepted for who we are. The loss of the rites of passage might be considered a major disruption of our maturational cycles.

Honoring the natural cycles of life

Early peoples living close to nature and the earth experienced our cyclical journeys akin to the cycles, rhythms and seasons of the earth and the heavens. In losing the connection with nature, we also lose our connection to our inner self. Rites of passage ceremonies can help restore this connection.

Because society has failed to preserve and maintain the rites of passage, young people often create their own. They find ways to announce themselves to the world in the absence of honoring by the adults in their lives.

Reinstate the Rites of Passage

We must be willing to listen to our young people, to see the light of their true spirit shining within. We must be willing to nurture that spirit with respect and allow it to blossom and express itself creatively. And we must reinstate the rites of passage that usher young people through puberty into young adulthood to celebrate and honor them.

The Sweet Medicine Sundance Path offers rites of passage ceremonies for conception and birthing through to ages 99 and beyond.

For more information, contact DTMMS: (480) 443.3851 or dtmms@dtmms.org