A Light in the Darkness - Stone Spirit Support During a Tragedy

[Guest guest]

The following has been shared at Peggy's request. I hope it is of

some help in this time of great need. Please feel free to share this

freely:

 

 

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS - STONE SPIRIT SUPPORT DURING A TRAGEDY

 

 

When one person suffers, we all suffer.

When one person is blessed, we are all blessed.

- Indigenous medicine teaching

 

 

Dearest stone friends,

 

The stone spirits act as medicine keepers of this world's oldest and

deepest wisdom, a timeless knowing that is profound, palpable and

practical enough to speak to every facet of our dance. For those

willing to listen with reverence and respect, these earth elders

abundantly share the magic of the Earth Mother and the miracles of

Nature. The medicine teachings they offer to those willing to sit in

their sacred circle are clearly capable of acting as our guide and

guard at every step.

 

In moments of great tragedy, such as what we have just witnessed in

the wake of hurricane Katrina, the support the stone spirits offer us

becomes more vital than ever. We must naturally reach to them as they

lovingly reach to us, working together in divinely guided co-creative

relationships to send much needed support to those directly impacted

by personal, communal or global tragedy, to their family and friends

and, of course, to the Earth Mother herself who often weeps alongside

her children.

 

In the past few days since Katrina has left her undeniable mark on

the southern United States I have received countless emails from

people around the world asking, almost begging, to know what can be

done to offer spiritual support to those in such dire need. In answer

to the desire to help I wanted to offer a simple dance that can be

undertaken by anyone interested in sending prayers, energy, support

and Love to those in need, to those affected at the deepest level by

the tragedy of this natural disaster.

 

During this dance we will ask for the support of the stone spirits

and, as an expression of that support, co-create a very simple grid

that will establish the sacred space that will receive and radiate

the prayers and energy sent to those in need. In order to keep this

pathway of support open and accessible to the greatest number of

people I have presented it in its most basic form. Some variations

and possible options for expanding the medicine present in this grid

will be explored after we move through the steps of the basic dance.

 

This simple dance, called A Light in the Darkness, requires the

assistance of the following stones and medicines:

 

* 4 single terminated Clear Quartz crystals

* A single candle of any color

* Some incense or Sacred Sage

* Matches or a lighter

 

Find a spot where you will be undisturbed and where this grid can be

safely co-created and maintained. Because a lit candle will be a part

of this dance take care to place this grid in an area out of reach of

animals, small children or any fire hazards.

 

Spend a few moments taking deep breaths and slowly exhaling to center

yourself. Though it is easy to be shaken during times of crisis, it

is important to find balance before beginning this dance so that the

stability that we feel can be woven through the medicine held by this

grid. We cannot offer what we don't have, so starting with stability

will bless those in need with the same.

 

Respectfully place the four Quartz crystals in front of you. Take a

moment to touch each one, to acknowledge their presence and their

importance in this dance. Share your desire to send support to those

in need and ask the Quartz spirits for their help. If you're co-

creating this grid in response to a specific tragedy, make this clear

in your dialog with the stone spirits. Remember, the Quartz crystals

are spirits, not tools, objects or things. We're not " using them " or

programming them to do our will, but rather we are respectfully

requesting their help to support members of our global family that

find themselves in great need. The difference in two perspectives,

and the efficacy each offers this dance, are profoundly different.

 

When you've finished sharing your desire to help and making your

request to the Quartz spirits for their support, take a moment to

thank them in some way for joining you in this dance. Simply touching

them once more, while holding Love and appreciation in your heart, is

an easy and meaningful way of saying thank you. You could also offer

them some of your breath, a sharing of your soul essence with stone

spirits who are about to share so much.

 

With all of the necessary spirits and medicines gathered around you

orient yourself to the East. The East is the point of light, the fire

of hope that burns bright even after the darkest night. As the Sun

rises each morning it makes its ascent in the East, reminding us all

that light always follows darkness, heralding the dawn of a new day.

For people in crisis hope is often as necessary as food or water and

so, with that in mind, we begin our dance facing the directing that

brings hope.

 

Gently cup one of the Quartz crystals in your hands, drawing it close

to your heart. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Think the good

thoughts that you're holding for those in need. Feel the emotions you

wish upon them – peace, security, balance, hope, etc. Still holding

the Quartz crystal to your heart, exhale slowly, knowing that your

breath is singing your prayers to the horizon, where they will be

received, carried and illuminated by the Sun as it rises each

morning. Respectfully place this crystal, with its termination

pointed outward, on the ground before you at the 12 o'clock position.

Thank this stone spirit for holding this space in the grid.

 

Gather a second Quartz crystal in the same way, cupped in your hands

and drawn to your heart. Repeat the above step once more, this time

placing the stone spirit on the ground at the 3 o'clock position,

leaving enough room in the center for the candle, which will be

placed later in the dance. As above, thank the spirit of the Quartz

crystal for holding sacred space in the grid you're cooperatively co-

creating.

 

Repeat this process two more times with the two remaining Quartz

crystals, placing the third stone spirit at the 6 o'clock position

and ending with the fourth stone spirit holding the 9 o'clock

position. Moving in a clockwise motion is, in this case, important

because life giving energy flows in a clockwise spiral and it is this

same sustaining force that we seek to share with those in need.

 

This four directional expression of our sacred intention is

recognized around the world as the circle of life, the all-inclusive

boundary and bond that connects all of Creation together in a single

of web of life. Whether it is called the Medicine Wheel by the

indigenous people of North America or the Opon Ifa by the Yoruba

tribe of West Africa, the circle of life is a symbolic spiritual

articulation of our oneness, which, in this dance, helps us to

connect our prayers, energy and Love with the needs of our brothers

and sisters worldwide. The stone spirits of the four Quartz crystals

bring light, clarity and greater connectivity to this sacred space,

while also helping to crystallize our prayers and energy into

tangible blessings for those in need.

 

With the circle of life born into being we may place the single

candle in the center of this grid. Candles bring light in times of

darkness and illuminate the road ahead, especially when it's

uncertain and potentially challenging. At deeper levels fire always

makes a way for itself. It disbelieves the notion of " impossibility, "

and works in powerful ways to clear the path for its dance. The

presence of the candle and the medicine of fire in this dance serve

to clear the pathway to healing, even if the road is cluttered with

seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In so doing the spirits of stone

and fire allow the spiritual support we send to reach those in need

and while reminding them that nothing is impossible.

 

In a larger sense, the candle, seated at the center of this sacred

space, reflects the light of the Mother's heart, a light that forever

calls to her children when they are lost, confused and in pain. The

Mother invites her children to gather close, to her and to one

another, so that they may find security and blessings while being

cradled in their Mother's arms.

 

Once you have placed the candle in the heart of this grid, take a

moment to return to your intentions for this dance. Close your eyes

and exhale deeply. Place your right hand on your heart to anchor your

awareness in this energy center. Reflect on your desire to share

spiritual support with those impacted by the tragedy at hand. Exhale

slowly and, as you do, allow your breath to have direct contact with

the grid itself, with all four Quartz crystals and with the candle

seated in the center. Your exhalation brings the breath of life to

this grid, while connecting you co-creatively to the spirits holding

this sacred space. Touch the floor with your right hand as a way of

rooting your intentions more deeply in this moment and this space.

 

You may now begin to send prayers to those in need through this grid,

doing your part to reach out to others and offer a much needed light

in a moment of darkness. We will send our support through sacred

smoke, allowing our prayers to both be made visible and be carried to

those in need as the smoke ascends heavenward. The light will come

from the Mother's heart that never gives up and always illuminates

the road to healing and wholeness for her children.

 

To begin light the candle in the center of the grid while

acknowledging, in your own way, the heart of the Mother that acts as

a light for those surrounded by darkness. Gather the incense or

Sacred Sage in your hand and, once more, hold it to your heart. Take

a moment to thank the plant spirits for their help in this sending of

support. Say prayer, send energy or offer Love in whatever way is

most natural to you. These prayers, expressed from your heart, are

held by the incense or Sacred Sage.

 

When you are ready to send your prayers place the incense or Sacred

Sage in an appropriate and fireproof holder and proceed to light

them. Fire is the spark of life, that which makes light visible and

the medicine that opens the way for our prayers to take physical form

and to offer tangible blessings. As the smoke begins to rise, know

that your support is already reaching across timelessness toward

those in need, offering them the strength and inner peace to move

forward in the face of great loss, pain or fear.

 

NOTE: If, for some reason, you prefer not to include incense or

Sacred Sage in this dance, you may, of course, send prayers and

support anyway. This can be done in the sacred space held by this

grid and sent to those in need through intentional breathing as

articulated above.

 

You may spend more time reflecting in this space or exit quietly as

your prayers and energy move toward those in need. As you depart

quietly thank the spirits once more for their vital role in this

sending of support. Unless you are using a type of candle that can be

safely left burning for an extended period of time, such as the glass

encased seven day candles, frequently check on the candle and, at

some point, extinguish it until you return to the grid to offer

continued support.

 

Spiritual support can be offered through this grid as often and for

as long as is necessary. Some people may decide to visit this grid

and send their prayers, energy and Love several times a day, while

others may do it once in the morning or in the evening. Some may be

guided to send their support at the beginning of the week and allow a

seven day candle to carry the blessings of support throughout the

week to those in need, returning to the ceremony of sharing

additional support at the start of each week. Still others will spend

time with this grid whenever they are inspired to do so. That you

send support to those in need is of the utmost importance, with the

details of when and how being of secondary importance.

 

These are the basic steps in the dance of A Light in the Darkness.

For those interested in expanding the dance a bit, including

exploring additional stone spirits that can be included in the grid,

please read on.

 

 

EXPANDED STEPS IN THIS DANCE

While it is my primary intention to make this dance as accessible to

as many people as possible, I recognize that there are those that

will be interested in expanding on the basic yet effective foundation

established above. Additional steps will be presented through two

important avenues:

 

* Additional stone spirit allies that might join this dance

* The act of making offerings as an expression of spiritual support

 

 

ADDITIONAL STONE SPIRIT SUPPORT

Though the above dance can be effectively explored with only four

Quartz crystals, the following stone spirits can be integrated into

this grid in whatever way your heart inspires:

 

ANGELITE – Angelite shows us that we are all surrounded, in each

moment, by angels that can guide us through even the most challenging

times in the most awe-inspiring of ways. Wrapping us in great

miracles, Angelite reminds us that we are never, ever alone. This is

especially true in times of great suffering, fear and pain.

 

AQUAMARINE – The spirits of Aquamarine help to keep our mind clear so

that we can maintain our bearings and an awareness of the right steps

to take that will lead us to the healing needed in moments of great

tragedy. At deeper levels Aquamarine reminds us to listen to our

spirits, revealing that our heart has every answer we need if we will

but take a moment to check in and listen.

 

BRECCIATED JASPER – We can feel as if we've literally been broken

when we experience a tragedy, particularly one that is intense or far

reaching. Brecciated Jasper allows us to " keep it together " and to

not give in to a feeling of brokenness so that we can weather the

storm unscathed.

 

EMERALD GREEN CALCITE – Emerald Green Calcite invites us to keep our

hearts open, even when it feels easier or safer to close down under

the guise of self-preservation. When our heart is open, it can still

receive whatever medicine and miracles exist to see it to safety.

 

FLUORITE – Though all members of the Fluorite family have individual

medicines, they collectively support our ability to call upon our

rational mind in moments of need so that we can organize the best

possible plan of action. When our emotions seem to have consumed us,

the spirits of Fluorite will help us to find a place where we can

first know and then act from a clear plan that will insure our own

safety and survival.

 

HEMATITE – Hematite gives us a clear connection to the strength of

the Earth and the stability of the Earth Mother. When we feel too

weak to carry on, Hematite reminds us that we can, that we must take

another step.

 

MANGANOCALCITE – The stone spirits of Manganocalcite share a sweet

nurturing that is often so needed and sadly absent in times of great

crisis. These delicate stone spirits help us to find sustenance on

all levels that will both nourish and nurture us in meaningful ways.

 

MOCHI MARBLES – Mochi Marbles connect us to the timeless strength and

support of our Ancestors, those that have gone before us that still

stand with us beyond the Veil. Indigenous wisdom recognizes that we

stand upon the shoulders of those that have gone before. The strength

they offer is profound and the protection they give is, in most

cases, second to none. The stone spirits of Mochi Marbles help us to

establish a more conscious connection to our Ancestors. In so doing

we can more readily connect to this source of support and receive the

abundant blessings our Ancestors offer us all.

 

PINK DANBURITE – It is easy, when confronted with great tragedy, to

lose all sense of self. Yet, this connection to our core is often

essential in order to find the strength and resolve necessary to move

through the pain so that we might return to wellness once more. Pink

Danburite calls us to remember who we are or to hold tight to the

strength of our soul, a strength that can act as a lifeline in

desperate times.

 

QUARTZ CLUSTER – We are all connected through the circle of life,

united as a single global family. Quartz Clusters remind us of this

interconnectedness and, at other levels, offer us the wisdom to

recognize that the suffering of others is our suffering. In that way

it is only natural to offer whatever support we can to those that

face great needs. Quartz Clusters ask us to remain mindful of our

interconnectedness and the bonds we share in spirit with all members

of our global family, which includes all beings in the plant, animal

and mineral realm.

 

ROSE QUARTZ – In every moment we are all faced with a simple choice.

We can either choose Love or choose fear. The choice of Love reveals

the road to survival, while the choice of fear opens the way to

hopelessness, confusion and loss. Rose Quartz helps guide our heart

in the direction of choosing Love over fear, even when the presence

of fear seems overwhelming. Rose Quartz teaches us that simple

choices shouldn't be mistaken for easy ones and that while choosing

Love may seem challenging, the blessings and medicine it offers can

birth miracles that transcend all apparent limitations.

 

RUBY – The stone spirits of Ruby calls us the courage of the heart

and circulates it through all levels of our wholeness. In survival

circumstances Ruby allows us to hold to the promise of hope and to

follow the light that will lead us out of harm's way.

 

RUTILATED QUARTZ – Rutilated Quartz offers us an energy that sustains

our body, mind, heart and spirit. The medicine embodied and expressed

by these stone spirits offers us the energy to go the distance and

the endurance to weather any storm.

 

SODALITE – The spirits of Sodalite help us to find trust in the

Mystery/Great Spirit/God/Goddess, even, or perhaps especially, in

those moments when we feel abandoned, violated or alone. Though we

cannot always understand the " why " behind things, Sodalite helps us

to trust in the Mystery to safely guide us through great tragedy.

 

 

The stone spirits listed above are, by no means, the only stones that

can be of support during this dance. You are encouraged to listen to

your heart for signs of stone spirits stepping forward to help. It

matters little whether they " make sense " to our minds, only that they

have recognized the need and, in response, offer to share their

medicine to support those that find themselves in crisis. Your

listening will also reveal how to respectfully include these stone

spirits in this dance.

 

 

MAKING OFFERINGS AS AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

Another way to increase the energy and efficacy of A Light in the

Darkness is by making specific ceremonial offerings to enhance and

increase the reserves of spiritual support available to those in

need. Spiritual traditions around the world recognize the power in

making offerings, honoring the reality that different offerings bring

different medicines to the table. By making offerings that are

aligned with our intention, we increase the range and reach of our

intention, which also increases the blessings available to those in

need.

 

When we understand that all things embody a spiritual essence, we can

more fully comprehend how physical offerings translate as spiritual

support. In fact, we have already explored this in previous steps of

this dance. By making an offering of fire, through the candle resting

at the center of our grid, we have asked for the gift of making a way

through seemingly impossible circumstances to bless members of our

global family facing such circumstances. Fire embodies a particular

medicine and through making an offering of that medicine we ask that

its gifts be made available to those in need.

 

We will, for the sake of brevity, explore five specific offerings.

Each of these physical gifts embodies a spiritual medicine that is

needed during times of great crisis. These offerings include:

 

COOL WATER – Within cool water we find the medicine of cooling,

calmness and clarity of spirit. Cool water also supports and sustains

divine flow, which can include the influx of blessings and, in a more

physical sense, a greater capacity for receiving the rations and

supplies needed for sustenance during a tragedy.

 

FRUITS – Fruits offer the medicine of manifestation, of making things

fruitful. An offering of fruit becomes a request that the rescue

efforts be successful, that the blessings offered in prayer become

tangible and that those in need be able to see the signs of success

that will support their survival.

 

GRAINS – Grains offer us the medicine of physical and spiritual

fulfillment, of sustenance that feeds us at every level. In times of

great crisis it is easy for desperation to set in, which can spawn

violent actions rooted in the idea that one's needs must be met with

force. When we feel sustained on one or more levels we are less prone

to resort to violence in the illusion it that will bring us

nourishment. In a larger sense grains bring with them a medicine of

mindfulness that considers the needs of the community, as well as the

needs of the individual.

 

OIL – Oil embodies and expresses the medicine of soothing. It quiets

upset, reduces struggle and allows us to travel the road of safety

with great ease and grace. Offerings of oil speak to the struggles

inherent in surviving a tragedy, offering a medicine to help ease the

challenges found during difficult times. Some oils commonly offered

during spiritual ceremony include palm oil, olive oil and coconut oil.

 

RATTLING & DRUMMING – Sacred sound can also be a powerful offering.

In this case rattling and drumming can offer two distinct and

complementary medicines to those in need. Rattling, particularly when

done vigorously, raises energy. The sounds of a rattle can awaken us

and fill us with the energy necessary to survive during a crisis,

while also strengthening us in moments when we feel too weak to carry

on.

 

Drumming, depending on the rhythms being sounded, can offer

protection or support. Rapidly sounding the drum can co-create a

circle of protection around those at risk, while sounding the rhythm

of the heartbeat can bring a sense of comfort, security and peace to

a struggling soul. Sacred sound can play a vital role in sharing

spiritual support and, for that reason, has been included here for

your consideration.

 

 

You may consider offering small and simple prayers as you place each

offering, stating aloud your reasons for including the offering in

this dance. For example, you may say something similar to, " I offer

this oil to soothe the struggle of those in need and to bring them

grace as they continue to move toward healing. " The offering(s) can

then be placed in the sacred space of the grid, in suitable plates or

bowls. When placing more than one offering, do so in a clockwise

fashion for the reasons stated above.

 

 

It is my hope that the dance of A Light in the Darkness will offer

those of you inspired to share support with the members of our global

family a simple, tangible and effective way to do so. As a firm

believer in the power of prayer I know that sending prayers, energy

and Love to those in need can make all the difference. I believe that

in today's world knowing clear and direct ways to offer support is

more needed now than perhaps ever before. Whether we are responding

to the needs sparked by hurricane Katrina or from other great

tragedies, the energy and effort that we invest may become an

invisible lifeline to someone whose name we'll never know, but whose

heart has received our support in full.

 

Aside from the above dance designed to offer spiritual support I

would also encourage those of you that are able to do so, to give to

reputable charities dedicated to helping those in need. Even small

gifts can make a big difference. When we take steps that bless even a

single person, the whole of Creation is blessed in kind. Your efforts

on all fronts make a great difference. Thank you for all that you do

and all that you are.

 

Please feel free to share this with anyone you believe would be

interested in receiving it. It has, for myself and for others with

whom I have shared it with in the past, become a staple in moments

when the members of our global family face great needs. I hope it

will be the same for you and trust that it will continue to be a

blessing to many.

 

In Love,

Fabeku Fatunmise

crystal_spirit_2/

 

 

 

2005 Fabeku Fatunmise/dancing dragonfly. Though this work

is copyrighted, please feel free to distribute it freely. The only

conditions governing its distribution are that it be shared in its

entirety and at no cost. All commercial distribution or uses are

prohibited unless express written permission has been obtained from

the author. Fabeku Fatunmise may be reached at fabeku@dancing-

dragonfly.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi Fabeku

Thankyou so much for sharing this dance. It sounds wonderful and I will start

tomorrow.

Love and Light,

Aho Dolores (small elk)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

fabeku (AT) dancing (DOT) ...

I only have one quartz point and incense. Do you think it would be

beneficial for the people in crisis if I prayed with the quartz sending them

the

properties of the quartz and feelings of peace and light and hope. If i do this

at

the same time as burning incense i hope to create a more sacred atmosphere

as the aroma would allow me a more comfortable ambience. Do you think that

this would be ok too?

 

Eva

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Eva-

 

>

I only have one quartz point and incense.

<snip>

Do you think that this would be ok too?

>

 

I firmly believe that any prayers sent for those in such great need

bring great blessing. The prayers are what matter most, always. I am

sure your prayers will bring goodness to those members of our global

family facing this great challenge. Thanks for sending them.

 

In Love,

Fabeku

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to thank you for sharing the ritual...Just with your

intent you have helped many.

Blessings, Azera MoonHawk

, " Fabeku "

<fabeku@d...> wrote:

> The following has been shared at Peggy's request. I hope it is of

> some help in this time of great need. Please feel free to share

this

> freely:

>

>

> A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS - STONE SPIRIT SUPPORT DURING A TRAGEDY

>

>

> When one person suffers, we all suffer.

> When one person is blessed, we are all blessed.

> - Indigenous medicine teaching

>

>

> Dearest stone friends,

>

> The stone spirits act as medicine keepers of this world's oldest

and

> deepest wisdom, a timeless knowing that is profound, palpable and

> practical enough to speak to every facet of our dance. For those

> willing to listen with reverence and respect, these earth elders

> abundantly share the magic of the Earth Mother and the miracles of

> Nature. The medicine teachings they offer to those willing to sit

in

> their sacred circle are clearly capable of acting as our guide and

> guard at every step.

>

> In moments of great tragedy, such as what we have just witnessed

in

> the wake of hurricane Katrina, the support the stone spirits offer

us

> becomes more vital than ever. We must naturally reach to them as

they

> lovingly reach to us, working together in divinely guided co-

creative

> relationships to send much needed support to those directly

impacted

> by personal, communal or global tragedy, to their family and

friends

> and, of course, to the Earth Mother herself who often weeps

alongside

> her children.

>

> In the past few days since Katrina has left her undeniable mark on

> the southern United States I have received countless emails from

> people around the world asking, almost begging, to know what can

be

> done to offer spiritual support to those in such dire need. In

answer

> to the desire to help I wanted to offer a simple dance that can be

> undertaken by anyone interested in sending prayers, energy,

support

> and Love to those in need, to those affected at the deepest level

by

> the tragedy of this natural disaster.

>

> During this dance we will ask for the support of the stone spirits

> and, as an expression of that support, co-create a very simple

grid

> that will establish the sacred space that will receive and radiate

> the prayers and energy sent to those in need. In order to keep

this

> pathway of support open and accessible to the greatest number of

> people I have presented it in its most basic form. Some variations

> and possible options for expanding the medicine present in this

grid

> will be explored after we move through the steps of the basic

dance.

>

> This simple dance, called A Light in the Darkness, requires the

> assistance of the following stones and medicines:

>

> * 4 single terminated Clear Quartz crystals

> * A single candle of any color

> * Some incense or Sacred Sage

> * Matches or a lighter

>

> Find a spot where you will be undisturbed and where this grid can

be

> safely co-created and maintained. Because a lit candle will be a

part

> of this dance take care to place this grid in an area out of reach

of

> animals, small children or any fire hazards.

>

> Spend a few moments taking deep breaths and slowly exhaling to

center

> yourself. Though it is easy to be shaken during times of crisis,

it

> is important to find balance before beginning this dance so that

the

> stability that we feel can be woven through the medicine held by

this

> grid. We cannot offer what we don't have, so starting with

stability

> will bless those in need with the same.

>

> Respectfully place the four Quartz crystals in front of you. Take

a

> moment to touch each one, to acknowledge their presence and their

> importance in this dance. Share your desire to send support to

those

> in need and ask the Quartz spirits for their help. If you're co-

> creating this grid in response to a specific tragedy, make this

clear

> in your dialog with the stone spirits. Remember, the Quartz

crystals

> are spirits, not tools, objects or things. We're not " using them "

or

> programming them to do our will, but rather we are respectfully

> requesting their help to support members of our global family that

> find themselves in great need. The difference in two perspectives,

> and the efficacy each offers this dance, are profoundly different.

>

> When you've finished sharing your desire to help and making your

> request to the Quartz spirits for their support, take a moment to

> thank them in some way for joining you in this dance. Simply

touching

> them once more, while holding Love and appreciation in your heart,

is

> an easy and meaningful way of saying thank you. You could also

offer

> them some of your breath, a sharing of your soul essence with

stone

> spirits who are about to share so much.

>

> With all of the necessary spirits and medicines gathered around

you

> orient yourself to the East. The East is the point of light, the

fire

> of hope that burns bright even after the darkest night. As the Sun

> rises each morning it makes its ascent in the East, reminding us

all

> that light always follows darkness, heralding the dawn of a new

day.

> For people in crisis hope is often as necessary as food or water

and

> so, with that in mind, we begin our dance facing the directing

that

> brings hope.

>

> Gently cup one of the Quartz crystals in your hands, drawing it

close

> to your heart. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Think the

good

> thoughts that you're holding for those in need. Feel the emotions

you

> wish upon them – peace, security, balance, hope, etc. Still

holding

> the Quartz crystal to your heart, exhale slowly, knowing that your

> breath is singing your prayers to the horizon, where they will be

> received, carried and illuminated by the Sun as it rises each

> morning. Respectfully place this crystal, with its termination

> pointed outward, on the ground before you at the 12 o'clock

position.

> Thank this stone spirit for holding this space in the grid.

>

> Gather a second Quartz crystal in the same way, cupped in your

hands

> and drawn to your heart. Repeat the above step once more, this

time

> placing the stone spirit on the ground at the 3 o'clock position,

> leaving enough room in the center for the candle, which will be

> placed later in the dance. As above, thank the spirit of the

Quartz

> crystal for holding sacred space in the grid you're cooperatively

co-

> creating.

>

> Repeat this process two more times with the two remaining Quartz

> crystals, placing the third stone spirit at the 6 o'clock position

> and ending with the fourth stone spirit holding the 9 o'clock

> position. Moving in a clockwise motion is, in this case, important

> because life giving energy flows in a clockwise spiral and it is

this

> same sustaining force that we seek to share with those in need.

>

> This four directional expression of our sacred intention is

> recognized around the world as the circle of life, the all-

inclusive

> boundary and bond that connects all of Creation together in a

single

> of web of life. Whether it is called the Medicine Wheel by the

> indigenous people of North America or the Opon Ifa by the Yoruba

> tribe of West Africa, the circle of life is a symbolic spiritual

> articulation of our oneness, which, in this dance, helps us to

> connect our prayers, energy and Love with the needs of our

brothers

> and sisters worldwide. The stone spirits of the four Quartz

crystals

> bring light, clarity and greater connectivity to this sacred

space,

> while also helping to crystallize our prayers and energy into

> tangible blessings for those in need.

>

> With the circle of life born into being we may place the single

> candle in the center of this grid. Candles bring light in times of

> darkness and illuminate the road ahead, especially when it's

> uncertain and potentially challenging. At deeper levels fire

always

> makes a way for itself. It disbelieves the notion

of " impossibility, "

> and works in powerful ways to clear the path for its dance. The

> presence of the candle and the medicine of fire in this dance

serve

> to clear the pathway to healing, even if the road is cluttered

with

> seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In so doing the spirits of

stone

> and fire allow the spiritual support we send to reach those in

need

> and while reminding them that nothing is impossible.

>

> In a larger sense, the candle, seated at the center of this sacred

> space, reflects the light of the Mother's heart, a light that

forever

> calls to her children when they are lost, confused and in pain.

The

> Mother invites her children to gather close, to her and to one

> another, so that they may find security and blessings while being

> cradled in their Mother's arms.

>

> Once you have placed the candle in the heart of this grid, take a

> moment to return to your intentions for this dance. Close your

eyes

> and exhale deeply. Place your right hand on your heart to anchor

your

> awareness in this energy center. Reflect on your desire to share

> spiritual support with those impacted by the tragedy at hand.

Exhale

> slowly and, as you do, allow your breath to have direct contact

with

> the grid itself, with all four Quartz crystals and with the candle

> seated in the center. Your exhalation brings the breath of life to

> this grid, while connecting you co-creatively to the spirits

holding

> this sacred space. Touch the floor with your right hand as a way

of

> rooting your intentions more deeply in this moment and this space.

>

> You may now begin to send prayers to those in need through this

grid,

> doing your part to reach out to others and offer a much needed

light

> in a moment of darkness. We will send our support through sacred

> smoke, allowing our prayers to both be made visible and be carried

to

> those in need as the smoke ascends heavenward. The light will come

> from the Mother's heart that never gives up and always illuminates

> the road to healing and wholeness for her children.

>

> To begin light the candle in the center of the grid while

> acknowledging, in your own way, the heart of the Mother that acts

as

> a light for those surrounded by darkness. Gather the incense or

> Sacred Sage in your hand and, once more, hold it to your heart.

Take

> a moment to thank the plant spirits for their help in this sending

of

> support. Say prayer, send energy or offer Love in whatever way is

> most natural to you. These prayers, expressed from your heart, are

> held by the incense or Sacred Sage.

>

> When you are ready to send your prayers place the incense or

Sacred

> Sage in an appropriate and fireproof holder and proceed to light

> them. Fire is the spark of life, that which makes light visible

and

> the medicine that opens the way for our prayers to take physical

form

> and to offer tangible blessings. As the smoke begins to rise, know

> that your support is already reaching across timelessness toward

> those in need, offering them the strength and inner peace to move

> forward in the face of great loss, pain or fear.

>

> NOTE: If, for some reason, you prefer not to include incense or

> Sacred Sage in this dance, you may, of course, send prayers and

> support anyway. This can be done in the sacred space held by this

> grid and sent to those in need through intentional breathing as

> articulated above.

>

> You may spend more time reflecting in this space or exit quietly

as

> your prayers and energy move toward those in need. As you depart

> quietly thank the spirits once more for their vital role in this

> sending of support. Unless you are using a type of candle that can

be

> safely left burning for an extended period of time, such as the

glass

> encased seven day candles, frequently check on the candle and, at

> some point, extinguish it until you return to the grid to offer

> continued support.

>

> Spiritual support can be offered through this grid as often and

for

> as long as is necessary. Some people may decide to visit this grid

> and send their prayers, energy and Love several times a day, while

> others may do it once in the morning or in the evening. Some may

be

> guided to send their support at the beginning of the week and

allow a

> seven day candle to carry the blessings of support throughout the

> week to those in need, returning to the ceremony of sharing

> additional support at the start of each week. Still others will

spend

> time with this grid whenever they are inspired to do so. That you

> send support to those in need is of the utmost importance, with

the

> details of when and how being of secondary importance.

>

> These are the basic steps in the dance of A Light in the Darkness.

> For those interested in expanding the dance a bit, including

> exploring additional stone spirits that can be included in the

grid,

> please read on.

>

>

> EXPANDED STEPS IN THIS DANCE

> While it is my primary intention to make this dance as accessible

to

> as many people as possible, I recognize that there are those that

> will be interested in expanding on the basic yet effective

foundation

> established above. Additional steps will be presented through two

> important avenues:

>

> * Additional stone spirit allies that might join this dance

> * The act of making offerings as an expression of spiritual support

>

>

> ADDITIONAL STONE SPIRIT SUPPORT

> Though the above dance can be effectively explored with only four

> Quartz crystals, the following stone spirits can be integrated

into

> this grid in whatever way your heart inspires:

>

> ANGELITE – Angelite shows us that we are all surrounded, in each

> moment, by angels that can guide us through even the most

challenging

> times in the most awe-inspiring of ways. Wrapping us in great

> miracles, Angelite reminds us that we are never, ever alone. This

is

> especially true in times of great suffering, fear and pain.

>

> AQUAMARINE – The spirits of Aquamarine help to keep our mind clear

so

> that we can maintain our bearings and an awareness of the right

steps

> to take that will lead us to the healing needed in moments of

great

> tragedy. At deeper levels Aquamarine reminds us to listen to our

> spirits, revealing that our heart has every answer we need if we

will

> but take a moment to check in and listen.

>

> BRECCIATED JASPER – We can feel as if we've literally been broken

> when we experience a tragedy, particularly one that is intense or

far

> reaching. Brecciated Jasper allows us to " keep it together " and to

> not give in to a feeling of brokenness so that we can weather the

> storm unscathed.

>

> EMERALD GREEN CALCITE – Emerald Green Calcite invites us to keep

our

> hearts open, even when it feels easier or safer to close down

under

> the guise of self-preservation. When our heart is open, it can

still

> receive whatever medicine and miracles exist to see it to safety.

>

> FLUORITE – Though all members of the Fluorite family have

individual

> medicines, they collectively support our ability to call upon our

> rational mind in moments of need so that we can organize the best

> possible plan of action. When our emotions seem to have consumed

us,

> the spirits of Fluorite will help us to find a place where we can

> first know and then act from a clear plan that will insure our own

> safety and survival.

>

> HEMATITE – Hematite gives us a clear connection to the strength of

> the Earth and the stability of the Earth Mother. When we feel too

> weak to carry on, Hematite reminds us that we can, that we must

take

> another step.

>

> MANGANOCALCITE – The stone spirits of Manganocalcite share a sweet

> nurturing that is often so needed and sadly absent in times of

great

> crisis. These delicate stone spirits help us to find sustenance on

> all levels that will both nourish and nurture us in meaningful

ways.

>

> MOCHI MARBLES – Mochi Marbles connect us to the timeless strength

and

> support of our Ancestors, those that have gone before us that

still

> stand with us beyond the Veil. Indigenous wisdom recognizes that

we

> stand upon the shoulders of those that have gone before. The

strength

> they offer is profound and the protection they give is, in most

> cases, second to none. The stone spirits of Mochi Marbles help us

to

> establish a more conscious connection to our Ancestors. In so

doing

> we can more readily connect to this source of support and receive

the

> abundant blessings our Ancestors offer us all.

>

> PINK DANBURITE – It is easy, when confronted with great tragedy,

to

> lose all sense of self. Yet, this connection to our core is often

> essential in order to find the strength and resolve necessary to

move

> through the pain so that we might return to wellness once more.

Pink

> Danburite calls us to remember who we are or to hold tight to the

> strength of our soul, a strength that can act as a lifeline in

> desperate times.

>

> QUARTZ CLUSTER – We are all connected through the circle of life,

> united as a single global family. Quartz Clusters remind us of

this

> interconnectedness and, at other levels, offer us the wisdom to

> recognize that the suffering of others is our suffering. In that

way

> it is only natural to offer whatever support we can to those that

> face great needs. Quartz Clusters ask us to remain mindful of our

> interconnectedness and the bonds we share in spirit with all

members

> of our global family, which includes all beings in the plant,

animal

> and mineral realm.

>

> ROSE QUARTZ – In every moment we are all faced with a simple

choice.

> We can either choose Love or choose fear. The choice of Love

reveals

> the road to survival, while the choice of fear opens the way to

> hopelessness, confusion and loss. Rose Quartz helps guide our

heart

> in the direction of choosing Love over fear, even when the

presence

> of fear seems overwhelming. Rose Quartz teaches us that simple

> choices shouldn't be mistaken for easy ones and that while

choosing

> Love may seem challenging, the blessings and medicine it offers

can

> birth miracles that transcend all apparent limitations.

>

> RUBY – The stone spirits of Ruby calls us the courage of the heart

> and circulates it through all levels of our wholeness. In survival

> circumstances Ruby allows us to hold to the promise of hope and to

> follow the light that will lead us out of harm's way.

>

> RUTILATED QUARTZ – Rutilated Quartz offers us an energy that

sustains

> our body, mind, heart and spirit. The medicine embodied and

expressed

> by these stone spirits offers us the energy to go the distance and

> the endurance to weather any storm.

>

> SODALITE – The spirits of Sodalite help us to find trust in the

> Mystery/Great Spirit/God/Goddess, even, or perhaps especially, in

> those moments when we feel abandoned, violated or alone. Though we

> cannot always understand the " why " behind things, Sodalite helps

us

> to trust in the Mystery to safely guide us through great tragedy.

>

>

> The stone spirits listed above are, by no means, the only stones

that

> can be of support during this dance. You are encouraged to listen

to

> your heart for signs of stone spirits stepping forward to help. It

> matters little whether they " make sense " to our minds, only that

they

> have recognized the need and, in response, offer to share their

> medicine to support those that find themselves in crisis. Your

> listening will also reveal how to respectfully include these stone

> spirits in this dance.

>

>

> MAKING OFFERINGS AS AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

> Another way to increase the energy and efficacy of A Light in the

> Darkness is by making specific ceremonial offerings to enhance and

> increase the reserves of spiritual support available to those in

> need. Spiritual traditions around the world recognize the power in

> making offerings, honoring the reality that different offerings

bring

> different medicines to the table. By making offerings that are

> aligned with our intention, we increase the range and reach of our

> intention, which also increases the blessings available to those

in

> need.

>

> When we understand that all things embody a spiritual essence, we

can

> more fully comprehend how physical offerings translate as

spiritual

> support. In fact, we have already explored this in previous steps

of

> this dance. By making an offering of fire, through the candle

resting

> at the center of our grid, we have asked for the gift of making a

way

> through seemingly impossible circumstances to bless members of our

> global family facing such circumstances. Fire embodies a

particular

> medicine and through making an offering of that medicine we ask

that

> its gifts be made available to those in need.

>

> We will, for the sake of brevity, explore five specific offerings.

> Each of these physical gifts embodies a spiritual medicine that is

> needed during times of great crisis. These offerings include:

>

> COOL WATER – Within cool water we find the medicine of cooling,

> calmness and clarity of spirit. Cool water also supports and

sustains

> divine flow, which can include the influx of blessings and, in a

more

> physical sense, a greater capacity for receiving the rations and

> supplies needed for sustenance during a tragedy.

>

> FRUITS – Fruits offer the medicine of manifestation, of making

things

> fruitful. An offering of fruit becomes a request that the rescue

> efforts be successful, that the blessings offered in prayer become

> tangible and that those in need be able to see the signs of

success

> that will support their survival.

>

> GRAINS – Grains offer us the medicine of physical and spiritual

> fulfillment, of sustenance that feeds us at every level. In times

of

> great crisis it is easy for desperation to set in, which can spawn

> violent actions rooted in the idea that one's needs must be met

with

> force. When we feel sustained on one or more levels we are less

prone

> to resort to violence in the illusion it that will bring us

> nourishment. In a larger sense grains bring with them a medicine

of

> mindfulness that considers the needs of the community, as well as

the

> needs of the individual.

>

> OIL – Oil embodies and expresses the medicine of soothing. It

quiets

> upset, reduces struggle and allows us to travel the road of safety

> with great ease and grace. Offerings of oil speak to the struggles

> inherent in surviving a tragedy, offering a medicine to help ease

the

> challenges found during difficult times. Some oils commonly

offered

> during spiritual ceremony include palm oil, olive oil and coconut

oil.

>

> RATTLING & DRUMMING – Sacred sound can also be a powerful

offering.

> In this case rattling and drumming can offer two distinct and

> complementary medicines to those in need. Rattling, particularly

when

> done vigorously, raises energy. The sounds of a rattle can awaken

us

> and fill us with the energy necessary to survive during a crisis,

> while also strengthening us in moments when we feel too weak to

carry

> on.

>

> Drumming, depending on the rhythms being sounded, can offer

> protection or support. Rapidly sounding the drum can co-create a

> circle of protection around those at risk, while sounding the

rhythm

> of the heartbeat can bring a sense of comfort, security and peace

to

> a struggling soul. Sacred sound can play a vital role in sharing

> spiritual support and, for that reason, has been included here for

> your consideration.

>

>

> You may consider offering small and simple prayers as you place

each

> offering, stating aloud your reasons for including the offering in

> this dance. For example, you may say something similar to, " I

offer

> this oil to soothe the struggle of those in need and to bring them

> grace as they continue to move toward healing. " The offering(s)

can

> then be placed in the sacred space of the grid, in suitable plates

or

> bowls. When placing more than one offering, do so in a clockwise

> fashion for the reasons stated above.

>

>

> It is my hope that the dance of A Light in the Darkness will offer

> those of you inspired to share support with the members of our

global

> family a simple, tangible and effective way to do so. As a firm

> believer in the power of prayer I know that sending prayers,

energy

> and Love to those in need can make all the difference. I believe

that

> in today's world knowing clear and direct ways to offer support is

> more needed now than perhaps ever before. Whether we are

responding

> to the needs sparked by hurricane Katrina or from other great

> tragedies, the energy and effort that we invest may become an

> invisible lifeline to someone whose name we'll never know, but

whose

> heart has received our support in full.

>

> Aside from the above dance designed to offer spiritual support I

> would also encourage those of you that are able to do so, to give

to

> reputable charities dedicated to helping those in need. Even small

> gifts can make a big difference. When we take steps that bless

even a

> single person, the whole of Creation is blessed in kind. Your

efforts

> on all fronts make a great difference. Thank you for all that you

do

> and all that you are.

>

> Please feel free to share this with anyone you believe would be

> interested in receiving it. It has, for myself and for others with

> whom I have shared it with in the past, become a staple in moments

> when the members of our global family face great needs. I hope it

> will be the same for you and trust that it will continue to be a

> blessing to many.

>

> In Love,

> Fabeku Fatunmise

> crystal_spirit_2/

>

>

>

> 2005 Fabeku Fatunmise/dancing dragonfly. Though this

work

> is copyrighted, please feel free to distribute it freely. The only

> conditions governing its distribution are that it be shared in its

> entirety and at no cost. All commercial distribution or uses are

> prohibited unless express written permission has been obtained

from

> the author. Fabeku Fatunmise may be reached at fabeku@dancing-

> dragonfly.com.