Thunder Lodge
Thunder Lodge is the Brothers Lodge in the Circles of Empowerment
As always, we wish to acknowledge the strong and generous leadership that has carried this Lodge from one year to the next as well as the participation from our community Brothers who offer a great deal of service, both seen and unseen.
This constant commitment and evolution towards refinement and cultivating our practice has led us to the current leadership held by our beloved Grandfathers. Additionally, our local leadership has been cultivated and these elders are passing on their teachings in a good way to these men.
This Lodge has historically, primarily been in a balancing energetic and ceremonial service to the annual women’s Long Dance ceremony in the fall, although the men regularly connect throughout the year in various other ceremony as well as through their volunteerism.
During the annual Long Dance, all Brothers, regardless of experience, are invited to the purification ceremony, the sweat lodge and all community events throughout Village Building as well as Take Down on Sunday morning after Long Dance. Our monthly planning meetings are open to all Lodges and are intended to cover the questions and preparations of the Lodge itself.
New to Ceremony?
For the Brothers who are new to ceremony and ceremonial etiquette, we offer training and initiations in order to participate through the duration of the Long Dance ceremony: sunset to sunrise. This preparation and training requires advance planning and can easily be coordinated by working with Hua Anwa directly.
Ceremonial Guidelines
Long Dance is a sober event. Alcohol, cannabis, and other mind-altering medicines are prohibited. If you are found with prohibited substances at the event you will be asked to leave.
Of course, prescription medications taken for health reasons are allowed. Please stay on your prescription medication regimen and please continue to take all medications that you require.
It is very important to listen and follow the instructions of the Spiritual Leaders and Firekeepers at all times.
As you plan, pack and travel to the ceremonial grounds, and throughout the event, be mindful of your thoughts, words and actions. Consider carefully the energy you bring, the energy you invoke while you are at the land, the energy you take with you when you leave.
Be on time. Do not make the elders wait.
We ask that you maintain a Sacred Space by being respectful of others, listening, and waiting for your turn to speak. When finished speaking, please remember to indicate your completion so others may have their turn. Keep what others share about their personal affairs confidential and be aware of the impact your words and actions have on others.
Dress in beauty and modestly. Men should wear a shirt or tank top at all times, and long pants or long shorts are suggested.
In general, it is always good to think ahead and ask questions if you are not sure about something.
We are available to help in any way we can.
This is not a festival; it is a planetary event. You are entering a different world which is the vessel that is our community. Be your highest personal self.
Experienced Brothers
For those Brothers who are called to hold Sentry during the Long Dance Ceremony itself, the prerequisites are to have had ceremonial experience as well as being present for the Thunder Lodge Purification sweat lodge Saturday morning. We encourage and invite all Brothers, regardless of past ceremonial experience, to connect with the Lodge Leads to sign up for the mailing list. Please let us know more about your past experience so we can ensure a safe and enriching experience for you and those being held in your care.
Thunder Lodge Shield
If Thunder Lodge appeals to you, please contact us at info@circlesofempowerment.org and we can fill you in on opportunities, resources and connections.