The invitation was not all that unusual, at least not for the friends I know. It was an invitation to a 50th birthday for my good friend Emery who lives and works at Spirit Hollow. The celebration of his first 50 years would consist of a Sweatlodge and a feast. I was asked to fire-tend with several friends which I was more than happy to do. I was even prepared to stay with the fires and forgo the lodge to make certain that all were well attended to. I was not to worry however since the plans included everyone.
I was excited to finally get a chance to meet Robert I had heard so much about. Everyone has always spoken so highly of him and I now know why. I guess my first impression of him was a gentle giant, a good size man with a quiet and loving voice. This however was just the beginning though as I soon learned about his plans for the celebration. I am afraid that all I could do was stand with my hands together and a large smile, listening and taking it in. His visions were detailed in both purpose and spiritually.
It would begin with everyone but Emery and 28 large stones entering the lodge. A buffalo robe was spread just outside the door as Emery sang his death song once from each direction. Robert had been told by spirit that before Emery was to enter the lodge he must be dismembered. This was done ritualistically at the entrance, upon the robe as 28 people listened to the song that Robert sang and caught an occasional glimpse of the dismemberment. When this was finished, Robert proceeded to re-assemble Emery and bring him into the lodge with another song and prayer.
During the first round, each person was given a chance to speak of the moment they first knew they loved Emery. It was a beautiful and touching time. The lodge was intensely hot and several folks had to leave as Robert poured Sage Tea with a Cedar branch to mark the beginning of the second round. This round was filled with remembrances. Spiritually this was the most intense round for me. Some of the memories felt as if they could have been my own. When the door was opened at the end of the second round, nearly everyone who did not leave was flat against the Earth Mother.
I remember less about the third round, as is often the case for me in lodge. It is the time when I seem to be elsewhere in my journeys and although I am there physically, I often wander away to other places. I remember a moving song before the round ended though and then the water splashing upon the stones again and the scant of sage and cedar. The fourth round was very special as Emery prepared to be reborn. Each of us in turn set out wishes and intentions for Emery for his next 50 years. The connectedness of everyone during the last round made it feel almost as if it had been rehearsed. When this circle was complete, we all left the lodge, except for Emery.
The Buffalo robe was placed just inside the door of the lodge and we gathered around the entrance. On his back, and assisted by several male midwives, Emery was birthed into his new life. He later described the moment as he looked up at the faces above him, loving and nurturing as he was born from the womb of the lodge. His descriptions were eloquent in their simplicity as to the feeling of the birth and the excitement he felt as he entered the world again. He was no sooner outside than many hands were laid upon him with welcoming words of love.
In one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have experienced, traditional and new came together, leaving me with a sense that there is room for both to coexist in true harmony. It is something I will remember fondly, a true inspiration and a gift to all who were a part of it.
Mitakuye Oyasin
C.W.Wolf
