Creator has placed Grandmothers and Grandfathers in the Cardinal Directions with gifts for us. As we send our prayers out with our offering of Tobacco, Flat Cedar or Sweetgrass, we are calling on these Grandparents to listen. They hear our feeble prayers. We, as humans cannot recall ever being in Spirit World, therefore; we can only believe, trust and have the faith with clear intentions that our prayers are being heard. From time to time these Grandparents grant us audience when we have created a Ceremony correctly and in the right time and space. When the sacred herbs are used, in truth, with clear intentions, and have proclaimed aloud our thankfulness. We are being heard! 

     The sound of our voice is a vibration that is easily recognizable by spirit. In that, you are using your voice and breath unique only to you. This form of communication allows all of creators creations take notice to confirm your commitment of clear intentions. Give thanks for the gifts that these Grandparents have for us in Creators name. There is not need to ask for these gifts, because they are your gifts already. The Grandparents come to assist you in using these gifts that you are unsure of how to use.

     Be careful what you ask for, you may just get it, and maybe in the form that you would not be pleased with. Be open and responsible in your prayers. Keep in mind, that always there has to be an exchange. For you to receive a gift, you must give a gift. 

     To sacrifice is to make sacred. To Sacrifice is to make an offering, self-denial or surrender. Sacred is hallow, consecrated, sanctified, dedicated, divine, reverend, pure, undefiled and celestial.

     When we turn to each Cardinal Direction with our gift of herbs, face upward with an out stretched hand, firmly planting your feet on Mother Earth, stand tall while sending your voice to the East, then the South, West and finally the North. Always begin in the East with your prayers, for there is new beginnings. Then, progress in a clock like manner to the South, West and North. Open your prayers to each direction in Creators name and closure the same. What ever your thoughts are in Ceremony is noted by Spirit World, positive or negative regardless, it is normal. Do not be ashamed because that is one of the reasons for Ceremony and Prayers. The Grandmothers and Grandfathers are their to help you with any and all difficulties you may have. They help mirror to you your own stumbling blocks so you can build positive lessons from your own negativity. It is called growth, Spiritual Growth in a good way for the highest good of all. 

     Remember: A living thing changes as energies within it change, and inner energies change when external conditions change. 

     We could examine this statement by using an example of a recipe. If we exactly measure the ingredients according to the recipe, it will yield exactly what it is suppose to when all is constant. But on the other hand, if we deviate from he given measures, or temperatures then it is no telling what the out come will be. 

     I remember when I wanted to plant a vegetable garden. I had never tended my very own garden before. How hard could it be, I reasoned. I was raised on a farm and had plenty of experience working in the working the soil and weeding. I began planning my garden confidently. The plot of earth to the side yard where I would have a good view of it from the kitchen window. I chose my seeds and the number of furrows. I was excited and could imagine how beautiful it would be. I have clear intentions and on what I wanted this garden to yield. I bought the seeds and seedlings, brought in manure from the barn, and had a good source of water, if and only if , my garden needed more water that Mother Nature could provide. I got my tiller out and tilled the fallow ground I cleaned out all the sod and stones then scattered the fertilizer. I made the furrows and planted the seeds and seedlings. I sang with celebration to be part of the miracle of growth and fruitfulness. I then watered my garden . 

     Simple !!!! 

     I worked the soil, seeds, fertilizer and water for Seven days. That sounds sacred and holy, Right? Well, Wrong... To my surprise my garden was not lush, I could not keep the insects from eating it up and the plants were weak and small. I was so disappointed. I did not give up. I continued to organically care for my garden.

     Turns out that my garden did not do well because I did not consult my elders for advise. I was arrogant and self willed. My garden was what I wanted. I learned later that I had to work with advise from elders that were experienced in raising beautiful gardens. I then learned that their is a time for planting each and every vegetable, and a time to work the Earth. I was not aware of a lot of Nature variables. The elders are a wealth of knowledge through their own experiences. Nature Spirits being seeds with their own unique spirit in the how and where they are planted. Great Cosmic Mother being the time and season for planting and harvesting. Mother Earth being soil, water, nutrients and time. As in everything we do in a natural world, their is the time and place for everything to happen.

     The sacred and holy Grandmothers and Grandfathers in Spirit World are there for us to counsel and guidance. So when we turn to each Cardinal Direction with our prayers, remember to give them a thank you for being there to help us along our earth walk. 

by Weave Woman