Sacred Ground Intl

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The way of the Sacred Hunt took years to fall into my heart and find peace there. To accept the role of harvesting the buffalo, fulfilling their journey and purpose, was a war zone in my heart….to take a life and call it good, a gift, or Sacred! I also knew we had to find an honoring way to cull more animals for grass conservation and maintain herd health. The Sacred Hunt project was inspired by an old teaching, “The Hunt is a ceremony of giving and receiving, honoring the gifts given to each other. It is important to honor the giving of a life by accepting and using all of its gifts with gratitude and respect. It is all Sacred.” Our harvest and hunt process reflects this wisdom…an honoring way to complete the buffalo’s journey. The ‘Hunt’ takes place at home, on their beloved mountain surrounded by their family .The day before, we go to the herd and let them know the harvest time has begun and we will return in the morning. We ask those who are ready, to set themselves apart. At dawn the following morning everyone is cleansed with sage. All the equipment, guns, bullets, knives and vehicles are also cleansed and blessed with sage. As the hunters depart for the mountain a fire is lit and maintained until word is sent that the hunt is complete and all is well. In the field, the animals clearly set themselves apart. The “Hunter” is given one shot with another marksman standing ready. The mark is a spot behind the ear. They quietly relax to the ground. The family, often the mother and siblings, surround first to say farewell. They come forward and stand by while we offer tobacco and prayers of gratitude. This is magnificent and heart touching to witness. The buffalo have told me that as the bullet opens the door for the spirit to soar, all of heaven and the Ancestors begin to sing in celebration. There is gratitude and honoring for accepting the gift of their body they leave behind. The animal is carried off the mountain and taken directly to the processor. The hides and skulls are delivered for finishing and tanning. All of the by-products are being used including the bones. Commercially, the hides, bones and skulls are thrown away! Most of our skulls and robes are given to spiritual leaders and offered for ceremonial purposes such as the Sundance and Sacred Altars. All proceeds go toward our ability to sustain and follow our ancestor’s wisdom of using all of the gifts they offer us, including the wisdom to do so.

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