Historically, Rites of Passage ceremonies and rituals have taken place in many cultures all over the world. These rituals solidified a new identity helping individuals to function and fit into the community as responsible adults. The understanding of the cycles of change was passed down from the wise elders of the tribes, who reinforced these necessary role changes in our lives with ceremony and ritual. These rituals all had much symbolism affecting the initiates on both conscious and subconscious levels. There was a death of one role and a rebirth to begin another. Due to the symbolism and dramas of these ceremonies, and the way they were undertaken, they left an everlasting and indelible imprint on the psyche. They evoked a sense of awe and created a lasting and powerful image on the whole community. These milestones were never forgotten and most importantly, they were understood, accepted and supported by the community at large. These ceremonies greatly enhanced the initiate's ability to move forward into their new role with pride and respect during these important transitions. This Ceremony also greatly effected the community or tribe by reminding them of there responsibility in responding to the initiate in a new way, in their new role as an important member of the community.

Rites of Passage, which are the soul's evolution by incremental changes in consciousness, always involve the following 3 stages:

1. Separation:
Separation from the existing limited awareness of all that is familiar and secure. Acknowledging the fear and resistance, we have no choice, but to separate and face the fear of the unknown. At this stage the community has to see that the initiate is ready for the transition. This is where our western society has been lacking, therefore the final stages become problematic. Where this support is missing it can help if we are totally open to Great Spirit and the mystery that is unfolding.

2. Transition Rites or the Adventure:
This is a hazing period, when we are in full flight of the adventure. This is where we face the fears head on, as the grip of old consciousness fades, and in time merges with new revelations. This is a time when our faith is tested, a time when the community support was needed for wisdom and clarity. This is the 'Dark Night of the Soul'. This is a time to surrender to The Great Spirit and His mystery.

3. Rites of Incorporation - the Return:
The return of the same person, but forever changed. The deed has been achieved, the boon, or gift gained, and has led the initiate to self recognition and deep understanding of surrender. Celebration and community support enhances the individual's experience to trust in the cycles of life.

Traditionally Rites of Passage ceremonies marked the turning points in life, such as those for the transition from child to adult, marriage rites, death rites etc.

Nowadays we have added a few more transitions because in present day western society with its absence of rites of passage we still resist change. We need assistance in dealing with divorce, separation, empty nest syndrome, menopause, and retirement, and any major turning point or soul call. These latter rites have become problematic because the earlier rites have not paved the way for our psyches to accept the letting go processes, as they did in the traditional primitive cultures.

Rites of passage ceremonies offer assistance in helping us to move ahead, letting go of the pre- existing roles. Then we move smoothly, with wisdom and trust, into the natural cycles of life that everyone must experience. These ceremonies help us to embrace life and move into a new role with acceptance and gratitude, knowing that we are supported.

During these times of intense acceleration many people are being called to take their place, change their paths, and for many, this is frightening

While we do not know the great mystery of life, each of us cannot deny the soul call. The call begins as a whisper and gradually gets louder and louder, chasing all of the illusions out of our lives. It is Great Spirit calling us.

We are all in the process of co-creating our world and we all have a role to play. Through change we are initiated into higher states of consciousness, which are more in accord with our true nature .These changes may feel uncomfortable, but we here at Medicine Wheel Lodge offer inspiring life changing workshops of life.

Our vision is to support inspire, validate and empower humanity on the journey of life. We seek to ease the natural transitions, which feel like a catastrophe and loss of identity at times, and we aim to help establish a deep respect and understanding of the natural rhythms and cycles of life.

Using ancient wisdom and ceremonies such as Inipi Ceremonies (Sweat Lodges) for purification and cleansing; the teaching of the medicine wheel; and our connection to Great Spirit and the divine mystery, we assist in solidifying a new identity for participants. We intend to equip our brothers and sisters with the courage, the persistence or endurance, the patience, the alertness and the understanding needed to step into their new awesome role with gratitude and responsibility. We hope to leave you with a sense of pride, joy and exhilaration as you take your part in the unfolding of the universal changes. It is time to stand up and be counted in the spirit world, and to do what we all came here to do.

If you require assistance and would like more information on our workshops of life please feel free to contact us.