On Easter (the ceremony of the East?), the Son (sun?) returns from the dark place below. Join us this Easter for a sunrise ceremony and dance.
This dance is an annual event here and it is great for the whole family. Kids really like it. We will be dancing as the sun rises and there will be a sweat lodge before the dance. Sunrise is at about 7:00 A.M. on March 23, 2008.
Just like the disciples of Jesus who waited at his grave, we will keep a vigil Saturday night. This part of the ceremony was quite moving, we spent the time in silence, tending the fire and making prayer ties. The fire will be lit at 3:30 AM and we will go into the sweat lodge at 5:30 A.M. That will give us plenty of time to get into our dance clothes and be in place for the sunrise ceremony and dance by 6:45 A.M. The dance is intense and full of joy, and it is not a long one, allowing us to will breakfast together at a potluck and still be on our way as early as 8:30 A.M.
Come late Saturday night and keep the all night vigil or come when we light the fire or just in time for sweat, or just for the dance. All is good.
Bring food for the potluck, drums and rattles, and your good intentions. There will be plenty of floor space for crashing, so bring blankets and sleeping bags if you come early on Saturday night. Children are welcome.
This dance and ceremony was discovered/recovered through the shamanic postures techniques taught by Lisa Woodside. About eight years ago, Lisa led Brigid Meagher, myself and others in shamanic journeys using a special posture associated with divining ceremony. Lisa can give you more details of the technique, spirit gave us details for this ceremony. The ceremony is rich in symbolism from both the Christian and indigenous traditions. It is simple to learn and we will teach the dance as we do it.
E-mail to let us know you're coming: info@malvernsweatlodge.com Photo of the sunrise over the Delaware River was taken by Jim Frank from a elevated SEPTA train on February 18, 1974.