Long Dance is an annual ceremonial event hosted by Circles of Empowerment, a non-profit organization which supports people of all colors, creeds, and walks of life by providing a safe space for ceremonial expression and healing. Although men are welcome to participate, and do uphold the safety of our container and contribute in many ways, our annual Long Dance is a celebration of the divine feminine, and is a woman-centric event. This is our twenty-fifth year and many hundreds of women have attended over time. The book you have before you is filled with the naked, raw voices of our community, sharing their deepest feelings about being in ceremony together. These Long Dancers, primarily women, along with their brothers and their elders, have been holding this ceremonial space, this sacred vessel, this sweetly co-created container through challenging times and good times, and now we look towards the future and the legacy we can leave the next seven generations who come after us. The voices here are of the rainbow tribe, what we experience as an amalgam of spiritual sharings from Native American, Mexica, Wiccan, Buddhist, Christian, and many more traditions, all welcome and reverent and respectful of our mutually created space. There is reverence for the land, for our elders, for the young ones, for all our relations. We always leave it better than we found it, full of prayers and gratitude to our Earth Mother who holds us up. Join us as we dance the Long Dance and share our prayers, tears, loves and transformations. Although non-denominational, Circles of Empowerment embraces a Native American-inspired wisdom way that encourages spiritual connection to the Earth Mother in an authentic, unique and indigenous manner, in support of one another, and for the benefit of global healing. The sales of this book contribute to that good work. AHO.
About the Author: Circles of Empowerment supports people of all colors, creeds, and walks of life by providing a safe space for ceremonial expression and healing. Although non-denominational, we embrace a Native American-inspired wisdom way that encourages spiritual connection to the Earth Mother in an authentic, unique and indigenous manner, in support of one another, and for the benefit of global healing. Based in Central California, Circles of Empowerment is situated at the Western Gate of this Turtle Island as a community of over 700 members who engage in and connect through ceremonial gatherings, events, teachings and meetings. We hold respect for the power of the circle and for shared prayers, and we facilitate and lead group meetings on a regular basis year round. Passing tobacco and making requests honors our teachers and promotes legacy. Those who wish to enter training may do so under the guidance of the organization's Spiritual Lead and founder, Hua Anwa, as well as through the teachings of our beloved Elders and Wisdomkeepers.