Rainbow Bridge Ceremonial Society
a Rose by any other Name...


Please note the addition of "Ceremonial" to our name. As the essence of our mission is to support a ceremonial way of life, it seemed appropriate to make this change at this time.

Shamanic Ceremonies for a Changing World


Publication of this collection of sixty-six ceremonies draws closer; the cover art has been finalized and various publishing venues are being investigated. We are excited about making this book available in the near future.

Annual Meeting:Circle for Self Governance


From July 5th-7th, several Circle members had the opportunity to "test drive" new ceremonies and to experience a kayaking outing that was blessed by the antics of many of our seal allies.
The Circle met from the 8th-11th. Issues discussed included the name change, and all that pertained to formally establishing the society, such as insurance, who would be regarded as a member, and what those associated with the Society would be called. Board members were identified. The role and qualifications of a mentor in this Society were clarified and those eligible for serving in this capacity were identified. Progress on the characteristics and responsibilities of RBCS local communities was made. The success of the launch of the RBCS Newsletter was acknowledged. Messages from the Society pipe were gratefully received. An entire day was devoted to another powerful Earth Dance, with the arbor set up and take down occurring remarkably fast, with all working together in beauty.

Community News

Many local activities were reported at the annual gathering, including:
- Drum teams in Toronto and Calgary.
- Brotherhood activities in Calgary.
- Work on a ceremonial book for children by West Coast artists and authors.
- New Sweat Lodges in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and North of Toronto.
- Rites of Passage ceremonies in Ottawa.
- Ceremonial weeks in Ottawa and on Gabriola.
- Spiritual canoe trips in Ontario.
- Summer Solstice ceremony in Ontario.
- Two new Sweat Lodge Dance Chiefs in Toronto.

Calgary
Sweats will be held September 20th, October 18th, November 22nd and December 20th. Drum Group: May 23. Please contact rbscal@gmail.com for information.

Ottawa Region
There will be a Fall Equinox Sweat on September 20th, a Women's Full Moon Sweat on October 4th, A Men's New Moon Sweat on October 18th, and a Community Sweat on December 5th. All begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact rbsott@gmail.com

Toronto
There will be a Fall Equinox Sweat on September 21st, and additional sweats on October 15th and November 16th. Please contact rbstor@gmail.com for information.

Vancouver Area
This community has a variety of ongoing activities and upcoming events. For more information please write to rbsvan@gmail.com.

Featured Animal Totem

The Sturgeon
This is an ancient fish that survives today in many different environments, due to its adaptability to waters on many continents. Being a "bottom feeder", it is proficient at stirring up the depths and finding what it needs to survive. As such, it is seen as a metaphor for being able to find the gems in the shadow land. Although it presents as a bony and prickly being, underneath it is soft and sensitive, perceptive to its own pain and to that of others. The fact that it has managed to survive as a species for thousands of years suggests that its longevity is dependent upon its ability to delve deeply into what matters. As a water being, and of the South, it serves as a teaching about the significance of making a priority in our lives consistent efforts to seek out where we are out of emotional balance, where we are still driven by our old stories.
How deep are you willing to venture into your own psyche to root out the noxious weeds that hold you captive, and to discover the golden core of your being? Can you dare to find and release the pain underneath your prickly surface so that you may live a life of freedom?

Ceremony

Holding a strong intent to discover what remains in your emotional body that is having a negative effect on your life right now, dream into the water, knowing that its clarity will support your own ability to see clearly what must be seen. Become the Sturgeon, allowing yourself to be guided into the depths of your own self. Just allow, and ask to see the pain you still carry, and to be reminded of the old stories that must be seen at this time. Ask the water to dissolve and purify anything that comes to you for release at this time. Ask that you be blessed with the ability to allow all emotions to flow freely through you from this time forward so that you will always be in emotional balance and harmony. Feel your connection to your heart. See how it exists to always support you. Spend at least an hour or more on this ceremony. If you feel a need to forgive yourself or others, do this gently and with awareness. Make any notes you wish.
Once you feel complete, thank and release all the energies that came to assist you, and thank the Sturgeon for what it has taught you. Clear your ceremonial space and leave it in beauty.




...............................................................www.rainbowbridgesociety.com ........................... ........ Vol 1, Issue 3, September 2009

Materials Needed:
Smudge stick or smudge and shell
Lighter
Bowl or pool of water
Note book and pen

Creating the Space

Find a place indoors or outdoors where you will not be disturbed. Smudge yourself and whatever water source you have chosen. In your own way, call in the energies of the directions, East, West, South, North and Centre, and ask for the presence and guidance of whatever spirit energies are willing to assist you.