February 2016 Newsletter

February 2016

Greetings Every One!
 
A note from Rutury: 
 
The work we are doing could not continue without you.  We are very grateful for your support and help.  Every single donation is appreciated more than you can know. Thank you so very much for your support.

Que-Tuma-Aku, Dear friends!
 
Greetings to everyone and especially to the new people I have been meeting, welcome to our circle and to the human tribe. 
 
The last time I was in Albuquerque, New Mexico was many years ago with my dear sister Jaichima. When the opportunity came this last December to do a Blessing Ceremony there I was very excited, and with the help of Anaya, Chilauyeh and Joy, it all became possible. The Blessing Ceremony was held on December 13th, 2015 at the Old San Isidro Church, a beautiful historic building in Corrales, New Mexico. It was an inspiring location with spectacular views of the mountains. On the day of the ceremony there was a delicate new snowfall, and we could feel Mother Nature blessing all living beings on Earth as we prepared for the event in the afternoon, setting up the tables with the beadwork from my tribal people, and arranging flowers and places for people to sit where I did the blessings. The people who attended were very welcoming and there was a genuine feeling of openness, love and compassion at the gathering. I know I will return soon to this beautiful land and continue to do more ceremonies. I also had private sessions in Chilauyeh and Joy’s house and I want to thank them very much for hosting so graciously. 
 
The New Year’s Ceremony in Sebastopol was profound and joyful, and we continued the tradition of preparing bags, candles, and burning our sticks in the fire. We shared an awareness and appreciation for a ceremonial connection with Nature and the Universe. That’s what the Wixarika Elders are telling us, that when we participate in these kinds of ceremonies our Sacred Design becomes alive, and we gather the tools to do better for ourselves and for our families and loved ones. Organizing this event was possible with the help of Haulipa, Kumuki, Ulima, Sikima, Talama, Huyeh, Nierika, Tuli, and Tunaya. If I did not mention your name please know that my intention is to acknowledge everyone’s efforts. 
 
To those of you who could not attend the ceremonies, please know that you are still a part of the circle as you are all included in my prayers.
 
On a final note, I am urging everyone to continue to search and not stop searching until you find a way to enhance your life and spirit. We all know that life is a jungle, and at times it is hard to find a clear path to where you want to go. No matter how expert we may be at navigating the trails of our life, there are times when we all need guidance and help. The ceremonies that I share with you are passed down for generations in my Wixarika tribe, and they are intended to stimulate you with a spark to ignite the fire in you that may have dimmed over the years, or that never had the right energy to freely burn. Everyone has their own light and fire inside themselves, and I am encouraging you to cultivate your unique flame. 
 
Pam’Pa’Dios
Rutury
 
Nahwi here:
 
Construction at the center is finally going upwards!  The foundation and pipes have been taken care of.  We are not having the water pipes in the ceiling again!!!! 
It is thrilling to see the framing going up and the bones of the house developing.  The house has been planned with a lot of thought and prayers.  Half of the roof, on the side of the house where the bedrooms were tilts upwards towards the ancient ruins on the hill across the road from the center.  There will be 7 windows to allow the setting sun’s light into the house.  The other side of the house where the dining room was has the roof tilting up toward the pond and the hills to the east and will allow the light from the rising sun to fill the house.  It is my understanding that it also represents two cultures sharing, both different yet working together, as the elders are with us.  I am not exaggerating when I say I got chills seeing the plans becoming solid and real beyond the paper.  This is really happening!  Jaichima would be/is so happy. I just wish her physical self was here to see it.

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  5 of the 7 windows facing west.                                         Roofing beams going both ways.
 
Jaichima always wanted a water fountain, and now one is being put in near the new entrance.  The new entrance will be facing the pond. (Sorry the picture is not one of my best.) The new entrance is behind the brick work going in. And the next picture with the Boss (Rutury) shows the entrance from inside the house.

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We are so thrilled to see it growing.  The gentlemen working on it, including the Contractor and the Architect have the most amazing energy.  It seems the Land has enchanted them and they are very respectful in their work and interactions.  Will keep you all posted on the progress. 
 
A note about the pond, for some reason it is not filling up.  Rutury thinks we may have a hole thanks to the burrowing critters.  So we will be looking into reinforcing things soon. 
 
July Workshop Information Reminder
 
We have reserved a spot for the July Workshop Commemorating the 4th Anniversary of Jaichima’s passing. It is so exciting to think of being together for this.
The dates are Friday July 15 through Sunday July 17th.  The Camping area for those in tents is at Salt Point State Park 25050 Highway One, Jenner CA 95450.  The web site is http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453  
We have reserved the group camping area for people in tents.  There is room for 40 people in this camp and we have 32 people who have signed up so far for tent camping. Please be advised that there is only parking for 10 cars for the group camping area and we will need to co-ordinate ride sharing.   We have 7 people who will attend but do not wish to camp in a tent.  They do have trailer sites and one can reserve them for this event, however it fills up fast and they recommend reservations as soon as possible because it is a very popular area. The online reservations are open for July right now. The phone number is 707-847-3221.  Other accommodations are available in the area for those who do not wish to camp in a tent.  Trip Advisor has some suggestions.  Please check out the site at      http://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsNear-g32540-d156597-Salt_Point_State_Park-Jenner_Sonoma_County_California.html  People who choose this option will be responsible for their own reservations and costs for their accommodations. This would include anyone who would be camping in a trailer; the trailer site reservation calendar for July is now open and we understand the spots do go quickly, again that site is;  http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453    The cost of the Workshop will be $250 per person regardless of your choice of accommodations.
We will gather on Friday July 15th after 2:00 PM and the Workshop will continue throughout the weekend until noon on Sunday July 17th.  Rutury requests that all participants be present for the Ceremony on Friday evening. The Elders will be doing their ceremony simultaneously in Mexico throughout the weekend as well.
In this Ceremony we will be honoring the four elements, as Jaichima’s fourth anniversary dictates in the Wixarika tradition. There will be an all night fire vigil on Saturday night, after Rutury shares with us a message from the Elders. Participants have the choice to sit by the fire for whatever amount of time they feel drawn to be there. There will be more details about the weekend when we get closer to the event, like food preparations, what else to expect, what to bring, etc. 
This ceremony is open to everyone who wants to attend, whether they knew Jaichima or whether they are new to our Ceremonies and Workshops.
The Elders have been encouraging Rutury to conduct Ceremonies in a more natural environment, away from the electronic world with all the conveniences we are accustomed to. They are encouraging us as a group to return to the ‘old days’ of camping while being in Ceremony. Some of you remember those days very well! Rutury is looking forward to being in this environment again with the participants. 
If you have questions please feel free to email me at [email protected]  and I will do my best to get you answers.
 
Website
Please check it out at:  http://www.indioshuichol.org/  The store is open for business as well. Please be aware items are shipped to one address and they are going USPS.  We’re not charging for shipping at this time. All profits go to support the Wixarika (Huichol) people.