Headwaters Offerings
Good relationship with the waters
WHEN:
Spring and Fall
WHERE:
Blue Deer Center, Margaretville, New York
TUITION:
Tuition-Free program, registration required (donations are welcome)
AN INVITATION FOR YOU
Long ago in the Catskills, wise elders made fires and spoke to the sacred mountains watching over the land. “You give us great abundance,” the elders said. “What do you want from us in return?”
The mountains replied, “Here you find ample game, berries, medicine plants and the sweet sap of maple and birch. All these are brought forth from the waters running down our sides. If you would be in a good way with us, we ask that you honor the waters.”
Near the Blue Deer land stands a small sacred mountain. Springs flow on this mountain and join together to make the headwaters of a sacred river named Saskawhihiwine. The river carries the voice of the land as it flows through what today is Blue Deer Center. In ancient times Saskawhihiwine identified the Blue Deer land as a sacred place of healing and conflict resolution.
Twice a year we go to the mountain and gather at a small spring which forms part of the headwaters of the river. We leave offerings from the bounty of the land. We make prayers of gratitude and honoring. We seek in this way to stay in good relationship with the waters and the sacred mountains. We ask that as the river flows down to New York City and Delaware Bay, the people of those places may benefit from ancestral teachings and healings carried in the sacred waters.
Good relationship with the waters
AN INVITATION FOR YOU
Long ago in the Catskills, wise elders made fires and spoke to the sacred mountains watching over the land. “You give us great abundance,” the elders said. “What do you want from us in return?”
The mountains replied, “Here you find ample game, berries, medicine plants and the sweet sap of maple and birch. All these are brought forth from the waters running down our sides. If you would be in a good way with us, we ask that you honor the waters.”
Near the Blue Deer land stands a small sacred mountain. Springs flow on this mountain and join together to make the headwaters of a sacred river named Saskawhihiwine. The river carries the voice of the land as it flows through what today is Blue Deer Center. In ancient times Saskawhihiwine identified the Blue Deer land as a sacred place of healing and conflict resolution.
Twice a year we go to the mountain and gather at a small spring which forms part of the headwaters of the river. We leave offerings from the bounty of the land. We make prayers of gratitude and honoring. We seek in this way to stay in good relationship with the waters and the sacred mountains. We ask that as the river flows down to New York City and Delaware Bay, the people of those places may benefit from ancestral teachings and healings carried in the sacred waters.
WHEN:
Spring and Fall
WHERE:
Blue Deer Center, Margaretville, New York
TUITION:
Tuition-Free program, registration required (donations are welcome)
PROGRAM DETAILS
Contact us
Please let us know if you have any questions about this program.
This semi-annual ceremony, performed in the Spring and Fall will be led by Anna-Lena Hilton, assisted by other Mara’akate who will be present.
We will gather for an orientation at 11 am promptly, so please arrive early.
After the orientation we will caravan to the trailhead to reach the headwaters.
Plan on being gone for around 2 hours.
When we return we will have a picnic lunch (bring your own) and you are welcome to spend time on the land and browse our Huichol Art Gallery.
Make sure to bring rubber boots, since we will walk through some wet territory. Also, have rain pants and a rain jacket with you, regardless of the weather forecast.
We will follow state and local protocols regarding COVID at the time of each program. At this time, masks are optional.
We offer the option of lodging on Friday night for $75 (no meals included). Those signing up for lodging may arrive after 5 pm Friday evening and will have use of the kitchen to make their own breakfast on Saturday morning.
* All of our programs are made possible by the generosity of donors.
This semi-annual ceremony, performed in the Spring and Fall will be led by Anna-Lena Hilton, assisted by other Mara’akate who will be present.
We will gather for an orientation at 11 am promptly, so please arrive early.
After the orientation we will caravan to the trailhead to reach the headwaters.
Plan on being gone for around 2 hours.
When we return we will have a picnic lunch (bring your own) and you are welcome to spend time on the land and browse our Huichol Art Gallery.
Make sure to bring rubber boots, since we will walk through some wet territory. Also, have rain pants and a rain jacket with you, regardless of the weather forecast.
We will follow state and local protocols regarding COVID at the time of each program. At this time, masks are optional.
We offer the option of lodging on Friday night for $75 (no meals included). Those signing up for lodging may arrive after 5 pm Friday evening and will have use of the kitchen to make their own breakfast on Saturday morning.
* All of our programs are made possible by the generosity of donors.
Contact us
Please let us know if you have any questions about this program.
Support Blue Deer
HEADWATERS OFFERINGS PROGRAMS
PROGRAM IMAGE GALLERY
