Have you ever thought about gathering your loved ones around you to celebrate meaningful moments in our life passage? We have so many important occasions to honor: birth, children coming of age, marriage, death, and much more that transpires in the passage of being born to dying.
This article is an introduction to one of the most “human” offerings we have, the Rites of Passage.
If you are curious about what Rites of Passage are and how you might become involved, please read on.
Legends tell us that in many earth cultures, important moments in life were seen as events for the whole community to honour and celebrate. These Rites of Passage were often marked by elaborate ceremonies that represent the transition from one stage of life to another.
Some examples from the earth cultures:
The journey from childhood to adulthood might be celebrated with initiations or vision quests. The young adults would face different challenges in order to demonstrate, for themselves and their community, that they were ready to join the group as young adults with adult responsibilities.
Marriage ceremonies in many cultures were seen as more than the union of two people, symbolizing the merging of families and the promise of future generations. These ceremonies were usually filled with meaningful symbols, special clothing, with everyone getting involved, to ensure that the individuals’ transitions were deeply embedded in the community’s shared story.
This approach and group understanding meant that Rites of Passage held a role that went beyond “tradition” they helped build resilience, foster a sense of identity, and provide a sense of a whole community.
Each of us has been some form of Rites of Passage event – a baptism, a bat or bar mitzvah, a funeral and more life events that occur. What has happened to their form and our understanding of these profound moments in life? Although there is a strong potential for such moments to provide a sense of the whole community, lineage, as well as foster our individual identity, in our modern world, these rites have become “diluted.” We seem to have forgotten the vigor and true significance of Rites of Passage ceremonies.
It’s about moving forward with strength and intent. We could hold a baby shower with a specific intent – what is pertinent now? Is this an event to prepare both the mother AND father to become co-creators in the parenting of the new child they are welcoming? Or simply a time to gather to receive gifts and play party games amongst female family members? Or some type of blend of both?
Is a Quinceanera and/or a Bar Mitzvah a time to give the young adult an opportunity to demonstrate their growing characteristics of maturity; an event that we could craft to welcome them into young adulthood? Or are we creating events that are more about social status or putting on the best party? As we learn more about the purpose behind Rites of Passage, we can begin to create events that truly honor and prepare our burgeoning teens into young adulthood with recognition, empowerment and celebration.
Isn’t this a stunning idea? Within the teachings of Rites of Passage, we can find the gains within losses even such as divorce. How freeing it can be to turn something like this around into a harvest of sorts, so our future relationships do not have to be a “repeat” of similar patterns, but instead be filled with new understandings and insights into more co-empowering “how.”
The teachings of the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path recognize that every age and phase of life brings its own unique challenges and opportunities. Our tradition has a rich and thorough program of Rites of Passage that provides guidance and support as we navigate the intricacies of all the different stages of life. We have key ceremonies that focus on various ages from conception to age 135!
Whether you have a child and wish to create a way for them to know their lineage on both their patriarchal and matriarchal sides, or you are a young adult seeking your own empowered voice to meet the world, or as an older adult, you wish to see more clearly what is yours to offer to yourself and those around you, there is an array of ceremonies that create opportunities to consciously embrace the changes and choose what serves you best at that moment in your life.
Additionally, we each have had moments of pure joy, tough challenges, or deep reflection that stand out and shape who we are. For example, falling in love for the first time, an accident, the birth of a sibling, offering forgiveness when wronged, or moving somewhere new. These pivotal moments play a significant role in our personal growth and development. Individualized Rites of Passage ceremonies can be created to support our integration.
Earth Lodge in Germany, Italy, and Australia – re-introducing Rites of Passage into our society
Earth Lodge takes place annually in beautiful natural locations in Germany, Italy and Australia. These magickal camps offer a program of events that is tailored to whomever comes to it, individuals and families! There are opportunities for children, teens, and adults to participate in age-appropriate activities and Rites of Passage ceremonies to foster connection with our deepest selves, families, and the world around us. The innate human desire for these ritualistic transitions is held with care, in a manner that demonstrates a clear understanding and respect for their profound significance.
Earth Lodge Australia | VISIT SITE | earthlodgeaus@gmail.com
Earth Lodge Germany | VISIT SITE | kontakt@earthlodge.de
Earth Lodge Italia | VISIT SITE | info@earthlodge.it
We have a lovely little book that has a brief description of various Rites of Passage ceremonies.
To read more about Rites of Passage purchase this book from our store.
We also have three videos to stream: An Introduction to Rites of Passage, the Child Moon, and Menopause as a Rites of Passage.
Join us in this Vision to restore and nurture our communities and families
We imagine a world in which the wisdom of our ancestors is passed down through generations via authentic Rites of Passage. Where these events are held to create a deep, transformative experience and align us with the rhythms of the Universe. We envision our relationship with ourselves, each other, and this beautiful planet Earth being revitalized and enriched.
Ultimately, we envision a healed planet where Rites of Passage are acknowledged, celebrated, and cherished as necessary elements of holistic growth and development.
If you are touched by this idea and would like to embark on your own journey of self-discovery either for yourself and/or your family, you are welcome to contact one of our Earth Lodges or contact us at: dtmms@dtmms.org
May you, your family, and your communities grow and prosper in beauty.
by Razel Wolf
Razel currently teaches the foundational teachings of this Lineage Path at the Arizona, US and Australian Red Lodge Longhouse Programs.
Along with drumming and singing, she is also a trained Specialist in the SMSD Rites of Passage teachings and ceremonies.
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