The Prayer Stick

For many people, the idea of constructing one’s own ritual tools is quite appealing. During the process, one is able to imbue the ceremonial objects with their own personal energies and intent. The item becomes more meaningful to the holder and in many ways is more powerful.

Native people from around the world have continued the practices of their ancestors by the passing down of sacred rites and traditions through the generations.  For some of these practices, construction of the ritual item is just as important as the rite itself.  From gathering the objects for use in constructing to consecration… the entire process is a holy experience. Many practices are unique to a specific tribe or culture, but some are universal among the world’s various societies. One in particular that seems to stand out repeatedly is the Prayer Stick.  It seems nearly all of our ancient cultures have in some way utilized the decorative stick in their worshiping practices. Anyone of any age can make this ritual item.  Firstly, it is helpful to understand its function on the whole and then the many ways it may be constructed.

Perhaps the most common use among many ‘traditionalists’ today for prayer sticks is as a sacred ceremonial tool passed from one to another in a circle as a symbol of reverence and in the spirit of community. It is often kept on an altar or in a sacred box, oftentimes placed within a ‘prayer bowl’ symbolizing balance, or it may be hung on a wall as a reminder to keep honest relations.  Sometimes it is left as an offering among the elements either by burying it or planting it, or even by burning it. Actually, incense is one form of the prayer stick. 

The prayer stick has been used for centuries in many cultures and has been called by various names according to specific usage and tradition. For instance… they are called ‘prayer sticks’ by most Pueblo peoples, ‘bahos’ by the Hopi,  ‘talking sticks’ or ‘prayer flags’ by many North American Indians (again, depending on usage), and ‘prayer trees’ or ‘praying trees’ by those who plant theirs in ceremony.  To the Ainu (ethnic group of Japan) they are known as ‘ikupasuy’, a vehicle through which men communicate with the Gods.  In some African cultures they are chosen by their form, similar to a dowsing rod with a fork at one end.  They can be a living tree, or taken from a living tree with respect, or found from fallen limbs and such. They are most often straight as any stick that one might imagine, but can really be of any size or shape. Any type of wood may be used. Many may choose their wood by its characteristics and mystical relevance.

The stick itself serves as a symbol and reminder to the holder to always be true and honest, to speak softly and from the heart. It is representative of the Divine Masculine, just as the cauldron or ‘prayer bowl’ is representative of the Divine Feminine. The Masculine energy serves as the manifesting force and support of the Source, which is the Feminine energy.  Therefore, when in use together it denotes balance. 

The sacred power of words is gifted to the one who holds the prayer stick. As s/he does, all others remain silent and listen to that which is genuinely put forth by Spirit through the person in meditative/prayerful state. 

The creator’s prayerful intent and various items used in the construction of the stick aid in its eventual purpose. The materials that are used in making any sacred object are chosen for the symbology it holds and as a way of asking the beings or spirits of this Universe to join in and aid in the manifestation of our prayers.  Below are a few common items you may think of using in the construction of your own prayer stick along with some symbology. Use your imagination and intuition to come up with other ideas for what may aid in your creation. The possibilities are limitless.

The most common item used when making prayer sticks is feathers.  The feather itself symbolizes one’s own prayerful intent being lifted and carried on the wind to be received by the Source. Further meaning is bestowed by the kind of bird from which the feather was obtained. 

Also, beads are attached representing many various amuletic properties. Beads themselves, have a long cultural history throughout the world’s societies where much thought and importance has been placed upon their creation. They can be made of shells, twigs, glass, bone, earth, metal, gems, precious stones and more. They can also be made into shapes to further symbolize intent.

Some sort of string must be used to tie on objects to the stick. Often this is leather straps, but may also be any sort of twine, yarn, or thread…even wire.

Color may also be taken into consideration when choosing these items.  You may follow a set tradition on color meanings or go by chakra or astrological significance, or even personal resonances.

You may wish to decorate the stick with paints, drawing lines and symbols with significant colors or made from other significant natural materials such as berries or flowers. Then too, you will have imbued the essence of that material into your creation.

Sometimes fur is used to represent traits or abilities of a particular animal. Nowadays this may be frowned upon in certain circles for legitimate reasons, and so may be replaced by fake fur or some other item reminiscent of the particular creature and its spiritual or physical qualities. Also, fabric may be used. These things can be sewn on or glued on.

In some cultures, such as with the Ainu… the stick itself is carved in such a way to allow one end to be used in sprinkling sacred liquid (such as alcohol or blessed water) onto ceremonial participants.  Often images may be carved into the wood, such as with the Native Totem Poles. 

Specific prayers or wishes can be written on parchment and tied to the stick. If you Wood-burn, you may use your burner to carve or draw symbols, designs, and words of intent into the wood. 

Some other Natural objects that may be utilized and drawn upon for symbolism include: acorns, flowers, leaves, moss, shells, coral, pine cones, corn, shed snake skin, shed shark teeth, etc. Go on a nature hike and see what you find, what speaks to you. Though some say not to use rocks or other similar objects that would serve to ‘weight down’ the energy of the prayer stick. There are mountains of possibilities here, but the important thing is to concentrate on your prayerful intent during the construction. Whatever the atmosphere is filled with at the time of creation is what energies will be imbued into the ritual object. Make sure it’s favorable. 

(Links and additional notes, references, etc. to be added soon.)

The Inner Reflection

Learning to meditate is truly a wonderfully enlightening experience that stays with you always. It is a good practice to implement for a number of reasons. Some people seek the tranquility of it to help control stress or to improve health, etc. Others practice so they may come closer to their Divine Reality, commune with the Higher Self or Universal Mind, to be active in Co-Creation, and to receive guidance.

Visualization is just one of many specific techniques that can be used to focus attention or direct energy.  What’s important to remember about visualization is that it is really just guiding oneself through a series of recognizable psychological symbols so that we may be better able to relax our bodies along with the constant everyday chattering of our minds. It’s a lot like daydreaming. But in a meditative state it can be more akin to controlled dream sequencing.  It’s called ‘visual’ization but successful implementation involves all the senses.

Supposing the scene is the beach at sunrise, you would need to focus on that experience (assuming that you’ve actually had that experience in life or that you’re able to imagine it) and the time sequence in which it happens. From the feel of the sand on the skin to the soft rushing sound of the waves to the warmth of the new sun as it rises to meet you…along with the sight of it.  The point is in the experience and how it is possible to draw yourself back into a memory so that you feel in that personally recognizable relaxing place.

Perhaps we should call it ‘emotional’ization or Time Sequence Activity Recall.

If you think about it…when are we at our most relaxed? When we’re sleeping… of course. And when asleep we are able to put ourselves totally in another place, complete with images, sensations, emotions, memories, and time / space recognition. This is when we’re at our most creative and Self-aware.

When we meditate we are looking to recreate that powerful state on a more conscious level so that we can more actively participate in the Co-Creation process… and so we can gain the Higher Insight and Direction that we seek.  In order to accomplish this we must simulate the experience of sleep without actually going to sleep. This way we remain conscious of the process and are able to help guide it. Learning and implementing specific dream working techniques can also do these things.  But that is a whole other subject.

When the body begins to slip off into dreamland it will behave as an engine that has just been shut off. Everything stops to settle. There is a certain order to the natural release of spent energy.  If you pay attention to the natural process then it will be easy to understand how it relates to meditation on a physical level.

Most of it has to do with breathing patterns. Our breathing varies by what we are doing … Talking, Eating, Walking, Exercising, Working, Studying, Sleeping, Etc.  But it is in constant motion, either building up or settling down. When it builds up its pace becomes quicker… more repetitions per minute, but when it settles down it becomes slower and longer…more drawn out.  Our body (heart rate, muscle tension, etc.) reacts accordingly. So when you meditate you want to guide your own breathing to a softer place, where it will be deeper and slower such as in sleep.

To sit quietly and focus attention on the breath is often referred to as ‘Concentrative Meditation’. By focusing on a particular thing…such as breath or a flame or the leaves rustling on a tree… your mind becomes absorbed in it, allowing you to find that more tranquil state of awareness. There are many specific breathwork techniques. What may prove useful to remember is that whichever one you choose, when seeking a deep meditative state; it is helpful to allow your mind to follow your breath and bring your awareness further inward and upward toward the ‘third eye’ during inhalation. While exhaling, depending on the goal, you will either hold your awareness inward or extend it outward with the breath as a psychic release of negativity.

One of the most difficult things for some people to accomplish when practicing meditation is the quieting or stilling of the mind.  What some people don’t understand about this is that the mind is never completely still, so it is not necessary to try to remove All thought and sensation. Actually, that would be self-defeating because how will we accomplish any connective task without such benefits?

The point is to quiet the thoughts one thinks toward their own self…The thoughts, conversations and other everyday ramblings of the mind. We must still be open to receive new thoughts from the Higher Mind, whether they are in images or feelings or any number or combination of senses.  When we allow ourselves to remain open to those sensations that arise during meditation, such as smells and sounds and feelings…etc., we actually may in some ways be increasing the likelihood of personal epiphanies.

 Some traditions teach that such a technique will lead to a ‘non-reactive’ state of mind, where we are able to allow thoughts of personal experience from the past and worry as they arise naturally but remain neutral to them … as an observer.  This is referred to as ‘Mindfulness Meditation’.  This can prove to be a very difficult task for those that are quite sensitive - such as Empaths. For those that find this is the case, a more concentrative method will probably work better.  However, for those that find it’s more difficult to hold concentration on a particular thing, the mindfulness technique may be just the ticket.

Furthermore, for the beginner it may be best to start with very light forms of meditation that utilize affirmative self-programming techniques…such that are used in self-hypnosis. This is especially true for those with limited Metaphysical understanding or sensitivity.  Mystical Meditation has more to do with prayer and becoming spiritually aware…to achieve unity with the source of our being. 

It is suitable for the beginner as well as those with esoteric backgrounds or anyone who may seek to re-unite or mindfully connect with the Universal Mind or Ultimate Identity.

A good technique for a person who is finding difficulty with the most commonly taught forms of meditation is to practice in an ‘eyes-open’ state. You may have noticed at times ‘spacing out’ while staring at an object, whether intentional or not. This is actually something we all have experienced many times, and it often happens when we are communing with Nature. It is a totally Natural form of meditation. And since our eyes remain open our mind does not search for content to take in, so we are more easily able to reach that higher state of awareness. We find ourselves in a natural area amongst other equally Divine expressions of the Cosmic Mind. We are psychically drawn to a particular object… a pebble, a wave, a flower, a light reflection.  Our eyes alight upon its beauty and we are carried to a more peaceful state of being wherein we are transformed mentally, physically, spiritually. It may feel as if the experience is fleeting, but it remains with us always and we can continue to draw upon the wisdom of that moment. This is a most effective form of ‘Contemplative Meditation’.

If turning to one’s own sense of sight is not an option there are other equally effective methods that allow for reaching a higher consciousness through other senses. ‘Vibrational Meditation’, for instance, brings focus to the vibrational frequencies we feel throughout our bodies when we chant or sing. This also works with outer sounds such as with certain kinds of music, singing bowls, drums or other variations of repetitive sound.

And there are several meditational practices that work through movement of the body, such as with the Chinese martial art of Tai Chi, which is often referred to as “meditation in motion.”  ‘Movement Meditation’ of any kind involves gentle flowing movements through walking, rocking, swaying, or dance.

There are so many different ways to meditate. People depend on an array of techniques and methods to suit personalities, moods, goals, and paths.

It is beneficial to try learning several methods to find what suits you best. 

Once a person is familiar with several forms of meditation, they find they are instinctually drawn to certain practices at various times depending on circumstance, mood, or specific need. 

On the whole my advice is: seek out various forms, experiment, have fun, have confidence, and don’t worry so much about those things you feel you can’t draw upon to successfully practice meditation. Instead, realize your many supportive qualities and unique gifts as an important creative extension of the God-essence. You do have within you everything you may possibly need to make your experiences with meditation personally rewarding and spiritually supportive.