SWEAT LODGE: Cleanse yourself: body, mind, and soul. Clutter-clear. Let go of objects and relationships that no longer serve you. Purify your body. Go within. Meditate. Talk to the Creator. Give thanks.
Your Native Spirit Wants You to Know: Sweat lodges are small dome structures covered with skins, blankets, or mud in which very hot stones are placed in the center. Water is poured over the stones so that hot steam arises from the rocks. Thus, the sweat lodge, with its hot steam, is used for purification ceremonies as well as a place to commune with the Divine. This card chose you to tell you that it’s time to clear out the clutter in your life. Sometimes clutter can be things in your closet that you don’t love or use. But sometimes clutter can be outmoded relationships or habits that no longer serve you. The clearer your inner and outer space becomes, the easier it will be to hear the sweet messages from your soul.
The Journey: Sometimes this card chooses you when it’s time to do some physical detoxification. Fast for a day. Drink green juices. Clear out some clutter: love it, use it, or get rid of it. Even one small item can make a difference.
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PRAYER FEATHER: Love is flowing to you and through you. No matter what an individual is saying or doing, love him or her anyway. Gather your inner forces; silently and secretly love deeply and fully, with every ounce of your being, even if someone isn’t fulfilling your expectations. (It’s easy to love people when they’re acting wonderfully; the true challenge is to love them when they aren’t.)
Your Native Spirit Wants You to Know: Feathers in native cultures often represent a connection with the Creator. Birds often symbolize messengers between the two-leggeds (humans) and Spirit. This is your time to love and be loved. The love that you send out into the world comes back to you a hundredfold. There are times when the small concerns of everyday life need to drop away and be replaced by the majesty of your being . . . this is that time. Prayer feathers are decorated feathers that can be used for many purposes. In some traditions, prayers are placed into the feather – and then tied onto a bush so when the wind blows, it carries the prayers to the Creator. Another kind of prayer feather is a decorated feather or a decorated bundle of feathers that are used for smudging (sacred smoke) ceremonies. (The smoke is to cleanse the space as well as carry your prayers upwards.)
The Journey: For a day, love each person you encounter. Imagine a golden ray of light from the center of your heart radiating to the center of the heart of that individual. Notice how great you feel by the end of the day.
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VISION QUEST: Sacred Seeker. Take time away from people and situations. Step back. With- draw. Inner truth is emerging in the stillness, but first you need to retreat. Know that you’re guided. Look for your answers in different ways. The answers are around you; watch for signs in the coming day. Trust that your life is being directed.
Your Native Spirit Wants You to Know: In earth-based cultures, larger questions about life are often answered on vision quests or solo retreats in nature. Questions such as, “Who am I?” and “What is my mission and my purpose in life?” were often answered on quests of various kinds. Even if you don’t have burning questions, when this card chooses you, it’s telling you to take time away from your ordinary life. Take time to explore the depths of your soul. Your soul knows the truth; take time in quietude to discover what it is. The answers to your questions are all around you, but you must be still to hear these messages.
The Journey: Spend time alone, preferably in nature, without your cell phone and the internet, and even without a pencil and paper or a book. Simply be. Listen to the world around you. Be still. Watch for signs. Open your heart to receive messages from the Divine.