Manito-Debiki Giizoons – Little Spirit Moon, December 13, 2016
TURTLE LODGE – Having commenced in the Spring (May) of 2014, the Turtle Lodge is now conducting Full Moon ceremonies each Full Moon of the year, to acknowledge and honour Nookomis (Grandmother Moon), to share Women’s teachings and teachings of the current Moon, and to share in a Potluck Feast.
For each and every Full Moon, the Women lead and conduct a Full Moon ceremony. For this particular ceremony, Women on their moon time are welcome and encouraged to attend. Our Men are also welcome to attend, for their support as Fire Keepers and Protectors of the Peoples – especially for our Children and Women. Food and cloth offerings are made to the Sacred Fire, and Water is lifted for the Peoples. The Water, once spoken to by a Woman, is then Sacred and Healing Water.
The Full Moon ceremony will begin at dusk on each of the Full Moons of the year. Everyone is welcome to attend and support this ceremony at the Turtle Lodge. The dates of the Full Moons of this year are shown below. We ask that you come for 6 pm, bring a dish to share for a Potluck Feast, yellow cloth and a tobacco offering for the ceremony.
Ogokiinooniiwen-Thirteen Moons
Anishnabe peoples follow the 13 Moons in determining on how to live and maintain Life. Living a balanced Life is about being aligned with Nature, adhering to Ancient Laws and abiding by Natural Time (Lunar cycle).
Life on Earth is connected to the Nookomis (Grandmother Moon). She stabilizes our Earth’s orientation and position, regulates the Waters, and determines the cycle of fertility and birth of Anishnabes. Nookomis helps us with healing and rejuvenation, and she is strongly connected to human Life, especially the Women. Anishnabe Knowledge Holders share the teaching that every phase of the Grandmother Moon provides direction and answers to our life stages: Child, Youth, Adult and Elder.
Our Sacred Stories say that Nookomis is the daughter of Mother Earth. Nookomis’ 13 Moons and Phases point to the ideal times for planting, harvesting, hunting, gathering, and ceremony.
The following are Anishnabe names and cycles of the 13 Moons:
1. Manito-Debiki Giizis – Spirit Moon: Identity and Purification.
2. Makwa-Debiki Giizis – Bear Moon: Vision questing and courage
3. Aandego-Debiki Giizis – Crow Moon: Voice and Seeds of Creation.
4. Maango-Debiki Giizis – Loon Moon: Water cleansing, healing and new life
5. Waabigoowene-Debiki Giizis – Flower Moon: Healing medicines and Spirituality
6. Ode’Minikewe-Debiki Giizis – Strawberry Moon: Relationships and Heart
7. Miinikewe-Debiki Giizis – Blueberry Moon: Change, Family and kindness
8. Manoominikewe- Debiki Giizis – Wild Rice Moon: Harmony, balance and future.
9. Waatebagaawe-Debiki Giizis- Leaves of Color Moon: All Nations, path in life – red road
10. Binaakwe-Debiki Giizis – Falling Leaves Moon: Gifting, giving and letting go
11. Gashkadin-Debiki Giizis –Freezing Moon: Power of Spirit, sacred teachings and songs
12. Manito-Debiki Giizoons- Little Spirit Moon: Health and eternal instructions
13. Gitchi Nokoomis Debiki Giizis – Great Grandmother Moon (13th moon): Life and understanding
Miigwech to Niizhoosake (Anishnabe Grandmother Sherry Copenace) for the Knowledge she has shared with the Turtle Lodge regarding the Thirteen Moons.
Location
At the Turtle Lodge in the Sagkeeng First Nation in southeastern Manitoba: a place built from a vision, with volunteer assistance and which is completely independent from outside organizations, associations and funding. Camping is available on site and hotels are available nearby. http://www.turtlelodge.org/
Cost
Please bring a dish to share at the Potluck Feast, yellow cloth, tobacco and a donation of your choice to contribute to the ceremony. The Turtle Lodge appreciates any and all small donations to help offset some of our expenses.
Contact
Potluck Feast at 6 pm
Please bring a prepared dish to share!
For more information and ceremony protocols, please click here. Please note that Women on their moon time are welcome to attend this ceremony.
