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.)
