by Nate Long “Owl”
Whether a physical, energetic, spiritual or imaginative object, a Sacred Object can be a tool, a guide, a teacher, or a focus to develop and maintain intent. It can be a container to hold intent. It tool to help funnel, transmit or transmute energetic intent from and/or to a greater power.
Common Sacred Objects include crystals, stones, drums, jewelry, feathers and clothing, to name a few. However, non-physical “objects” also can be important tools. These may include song, dance, breathe-work, body posture and even specific drum beats.
Remember that with Shamanic Practice, all things are sacred and all things are alive. So in reality, anything (and dare I say everything?) can be a sacred object.
Some objects you may only use while you are working in your Journey World. These could include a special medicine you’ve received from a Guide, or a cloak you wear, sword you wield or shield that you hold in front to protect you.
Finding and receiving:
Sacred Objects, as living beings, come to us in various ways:
- The object will always find you. Never “hunt” for a sacred object…. Put yourself in the right place and state of mind and right relationship to allow the object to find you.
- It is okay to ask a spirit guide or teacher to give you an object.
- Always ask the object if it is there for you.
- Just because it is pretty or unique does not make it something for you.
- A Gifted object is one that has found you, too, just as one that comes from a walk in the woods.
- If being gifted an object, remember that the person or guide giving has as much or more “medicine” through the act of giving and with the object itself than you, do. So treat both the giver and gift with utmost respect and gratitude. Ask the giver what the object’s story is to them.
- Different cultural practices define specific objects differently. Let the object guide your own definition, however. So… do your own research: 1) journey work, 2) mentors/teachers 3) academic/online… many times, an object’s true intention will surprise you once you have done your research.
Maintaining:
Honor and respect and recognize your objects:
- Smudge it with sage regularly. Sage helps to maintain a grounded and clear energy.
- Use it. It has come to you for a reason, let it and allow it to do its job.
- Use it only how you have been told to use it. (i.e. don’t use your drum as a coffee table)
- Place it in a visible place, and recognize and honor it whenever you see it.
- You may want to introduce it to other sacred objects that it will be sharing space with.
Blessing and naming:
Give it life … personalize it:
- Performing a ceremony for the object will solidify it as a living being and guide and establish mutual respect.
- Journey with it physically (take it with you)
- Bring it with you on a Shamanic Journey to introduce it to your Spirit Guides. Use this time to ask it questions and receive its medicine.
- Discover its private name that only you call it. This allows for a one-on-one respect. Tell it your name, as well.
Ceremony:
Recognized the object in a formal way, as Sacred:
(this is intended to be an example, not a strict ritual)
Smudge the object
Hold it and feel it and truly see the object. Inspect it very carefully. Get to know it.
Say/Ask the following:
“Will you join and help me on my path?”
“My name is ____ …. Will you tell me your name?”
“With respect, I introduce you to MY directions so that we may walk together.” (point the object to the directions)
Silently give a personal prayer/blessing about your needs and about your gratitude
“I am here for you as you are for me.”
Journey to be with the object.
Gifting:
Sacred objects may be created for or given to another:
- To gift someone a Sacred Object is a way to pass some of your intention (medicine) to them, be that healing or gratitude or respect. It can also be a way that an object can continue with its own intention if you have found it no longer provides the medicine it once did.
- Always ask the object if it is ready to help another. Talk with it about whether it has fulfilled its role as your guide.
- Before gifting it, do some work with the object to recognize what it has done for you in the past. What is its story? Where did it come from? Be prepared to tell its story to whomever you gift it to.