Buffalo and BearMedicine
for our Present Age

July 23 – 26

Throughout the history of North American indigenous peoples, Bear and Buffalo have legendary powers and medicine. The medicines of these two Animals are reflected in healing practices, dances, stories, ceremonies, songs and almost every aspect of life. And in modern times, they are embedded even in our economics as noted by the labels of a Bear or Bull market on the Stock Exchange.

Unlike the stock exchange, however, Buffalo is also the teacher of sharing and giving-away while Bear teaches the way of the Parenting (of providing home and protection for the growing ones). In the cycle of growth, Bear medicine involves discovering and developing one’s own personal medicine and taking whatever ‘time apart’ is needed for this. In other words, finding one’s Cave within which solitude and visioning can occur and within this Cave, birth of the future begins. Yet Bear powers are not limited to self-actualization for perhaps more than any other animal, Bear has taught us medicine that is still practiced including what herbs to use for particular wounds. BearDream societies are known throughout the Northern Hemisphere and for many peoples, communal actions e.g. relocating the tribe or questing for food were not taken unless foretold to a member of the BearDreamer Clan. The list of such powers and medicines attributed to Bear are numerous---becoming an apprentice to this SpiritBeing involves learning which of these medicine powers Bear wishes to teach the seeker. Since Bear is considered the Guardian of the Animals (and appoints them their powers and duties), Bear not only teaches but also might send the shamanic apprentice to some other animal for some desired medicine.

Finding one’s path and growing one’s medicine powers is the purview of this Spirit Being---anyone practicing shamanism needs to have some basic knowledge, some acquaintance with Bear---if for no other reason than Bear’s place in the cosmology of shamanic peoples. And also because Bear may just be waiting for the seeker to approach…….

In the cycle of a life – any life whether that is a human being, a project, a village or city, a day or a year---Bear represents and teaches about maturation. In the human life cycle this might represent the thirties through the fifties. Buffalo represents the Eldering time…the coming to completion and the wisdom accrued. That is why Buffalo ceremonies are often called the “GiveAway Times” because they entail sharing of that with which one has been blessed…and sharing ALL with which one has been blessed.

Thus did the native peoples in this country respect the actual body of Buffalo. Most of us have probably heard how different parts of a dead Buffalo was used and for what purposes. From this animal was derived all the clothing, sheltering (except for tree poles), food, and hunting tools that the peoples needed.

In addition to respectful use of Buffalo’s body, the people sought to understand the spiritual meaning of Buffalo or what lessons Spirit wished them to learn from this Great Being. Understanding the relationship between form and substance or form and function led to acute observation of the animals. And Buffalo was perceived as THE animal that was able to ‘stand alone’ in the bitter Winter winds and cold; and meaning was assigned to that great massive head (mind) – reminding the peoples to walk with mind-full-ness. The enduring story of White Buffalo Woman carries essential knowledge of Spirit upon whom we are all dependent and to whom all are answerable. And the story details the necessary rituals and ceremonies to conduct when life is out of balance and harmony needs restoring. It is both a description for a ‘wellness -health’ program and for crisis intervention.

In these four days together, we shall explore the medicine of these two Great Beings and the ceremonies done to bring forth their powers through our own bodies. Individuals may find that either one or both of these Beings is particularly interested in being known to that person. We will work with Iniskim who came from a crevice between the worlds to work with us. Iniskim is thousands of years old, lived in Montana, and is known as the Buffalo Calling Stone or “Calls Buffalo.” After five years of quiet work with some of us, Iniskim now seeks to be held by others and share of her Buffalo Calling Powers.

Registration & Lodging options:

The retreat is at Earth Matters Retreat Center in the Santa Cruz mountains. See this pdf file for views of the center

I continue with my commitment to keep shamanic workshop cost as minimal as possible. A large cost is that associated with retreat centers themselves. Thus, for the first time I am viewing commuting as a viable option in creating Circle. Previously I have requested that individuals choose onsite lodging and, of course, that is still available.

To assist you in determining your overall cost (based on lodging option), we are listing the choices below. Since the center charges for day use, a commuter’s option is listed as well as onsite overnight choices. Thus, you must choose one of these options in registering for the workshop and the meals are included in these options.

All the lodging is comfortable with a variety of choices and costs. The camping sites are flattened and prepared for tenting. Both the camping and tipi choices require that participants bring their own bedding. Bedding is provided for in the cabins and dorm lodgings.
These total costs include tuition, food, and lodging or day use fee. Meals are included for commuters.

Lodging Options

Commuting = $410
Camping = $440
Tipi = $470
Dorm = $530
Guest House Loft = $560
Cabin = $575
Guest House Bedroom = $590

To register:
Send registration form together with either the full amount (tuition + lodging) or a nonrefundable deposit of $100
to Pirkko.
Make the check payable to Shamanic Visions and mail to:
Pirkko Miller
P.O. Box 193
North Webster, Indiana 46555
Complete payment is due by June 1, 2009.

Limited Enrollment: To further the development of Circle and opportunity for intense individual explorations, workshop enrollment is limited to 16 people. If you are interested in participating, I encourage you to apply as soon as possible or to notify Pirkko of your interest.

**Scholarships: Through the generosity of others, we are able to offer some partial scholarships and information for requesting one can be found with the registration form
You can apply for a scholarship by contacting Pirkko for an application.
If you are someone who can assist others, consider a tax-deductible donation made to Shamanic Circles. You can send this donation to Pirkko who will then forward it to the Treasurer for Shamanic Circles . It is through this cycle of giving and receiving that we thrive as a community.

If you have any questions, feel free to email or call Pirkko.
Phone #: (574) 834-3460
Email: Pirkko@embarqmail.com

A month before the workshop begins, a letter will be sent regarding preparations for the weekend. You will receive directions for travel to the retreat center which is located about 30 miles South of San Jose International Airport.

Refund policy: Should a workshop need to be canceled by the Coordinator, a complete refund will be given. Otherwise notice of cancellation must be received three weeks prior to the workshop and a refund will be made minus the $100 nonrefundable deposit.