Does Being Recongized as an Elder Intrigue You?

[Reverend Misa]

A message from Reverend Misa

Hello dear friends,

We are now accepting Elder candidates for Elderhood Initiation through the Women's Water Ceremonies and the Path of the Sacred Feminine. Apprenticeship begins this September and ends with initiation as a Keeper in June 2010.


We support both women and men in  Elderhood initiation.

Perhaps you have experienced the Full Moon Healing Water Ceremony or the Creation Meditation. You know that there is something profound stirring inside you, ready to be awakened so that you can fulfill your greatest dreams.

You are over 50, if you are a woman—you have completed your menses for a year or more now, and while you have always been of service, you know there is something more to do—something really significant now that you are entering your years of wisdom.


Is is possible you are being called to complete an Elderhood Initiation?

True Elderhood is more than growing older. This is something our ancestors have always known and we are just remembering. In the Path of the Sacred Feminine passed on to us by ancient Native Grandmothers on the other side of the veil, we learn how to release our limited beliefs and feelings in order to become our most radiant and limitless selves. How would you know if you are being called? Well...

—Have you been asking yourself what you most need to accomplish before you leave this planet?
—Have you wondered how to release yourself from old, haunting and persistent regrets?
—Have you felt yourself wanting to hold space for the transformation of those you love, knowing there is a profound transformation that must occur in you before you can hold even greater space for others?

Perhaps Elderhood Initiation is calling you.


Preparation Begins

Preparation begins in September and lasts for 10 months to prepare for the first stage of Elderhood, culminating in a Vision Quest and Elderhood Initiation at SpiritQuest in June.

We also have a simpler version, without a quest, that only requires a couple of months of preparation, and can be done anywhere in the world.

You can learn more about the Elderhood Initiation opportunities through New Dream at:
http://www.newdreamfoundation.com/quest-ceremonies.htm

I am honored and delighted to meet the beautiful women and men who are called to fully step into the power of Elderhood and a circle of sisters and brothers dedicated to shedding their limited bodies and becoming their limitless selves.

In my heart and songs,
Reverend Misa

[Maya White Feather]

I love being an Elder of the Water because of our connection to this powerful 2,000 year old Native American tradition by and for women. I grew exponentially because of the process of the Elderhood class, the 3 day Vision Quest, learning my Three Commitments from the Grandmothers, and discussion with my Elders, Ariann and Misa in my Elderhood Council prior to initiation as an Elder. During the preparatory class about Elderhood, named The Power of Age/ The Age of Power, I was able to let go of lifelong patterns of deferring my power to others. My life has always been about service, but now I have the encouragement of/ connection to the Grandmothers and my sister Elders to help me on my path. I don't know if i could have undertaken the intense work I am doing to serve military children around the globe if I had not gone through my elderhood journey first. These connections sustain me as I am away from home and family for months.

Because of my initiation as an Elder of the Water, I grew in my connection to the water and to this tradition, and undertook my apprenticeship, then ordination as a Keeper of the Water ceremonies. Offering the water ceremonies  means the world to me. Through this path, I have formed a community for the first time in my life. I am grateful to be an Elder and Keeper of the Water.   Maya White Feather

[ARIANN]

As an Elder of the Water Ceremony I have freedom from:
   Fixed ways of thinking and I am open to more possibilities in the Universe.
   The need to blame others and I take responsibility for what I create in my life.
   Taking on unreasonable responsibility for others and I have gained a greater wisdom about taking on responsibility.   
The need to be right all the time and now I am able to make mistakes and grow and expand my possibilities.
   Suffering and I am enjoying life more.
Being attached to things and circumstances.
   Judging others and situations and I am open to the opportunities to expand my Universe.

Being an Elder enables me to be clearer about who I am and how I am able to be there for myself and others. I am living a happier life being more at ease and trusting how the Universe is taking care of me.

Cindy Mills
Elder & Keeper of the Water Ceremonies

[ARIANN]

Becoming an elder is truly a process - one which has strengthened me and taught me much.  In this process, I learned that I had not truly faced my own issues at a deep level.  And I learned that I must have faced my own issues ("demons") before I can advise or assist others well.  I now go into the world with much more confidence than before, and with a sense that as an elder I do serve my community in many ways that I had not recognized before.  The process is transformative, enlightening, and wonderful.
Sandra Watt
Elder & Keeper of the Water Ceremonies

[ARIANN]

When i stepped into the sacred circle of elder sisters a couple of years ago, i knew that i was joining a beautiful group of supportive women who would be sharing the ups and downs of the journeys each of them had taken to reach their elder years of age and wisdom, and the commitments each was now choosing to express their service to humanity and to God.  I knew that i too was asking them for their wisdom and encouragement to help me accomplish the commitments i was making as my Highest calling to serve the good of all.  On a weekly basis, we call on the Grandmothers of the Water Bowl to be present in our circle dedicated to meditation, prayers, and a talking circle about our service and our requests for support.  The invitation is also on-going to prepare for a visioning ceremony in service to the planet, at the end of each year, to prepare for the next.  Participation is not mandated.  Rather, it is voluntary on all levels.  I have found the experiences with my elder sisters at times challenging and throughout the weeks, months, and the years, affirming and nourishing.
           Aura Wright
           Elder

[ARIANN]

Being initiated as an Elder in the Water Ceremony tradition has been a turning point in my life. As an older woman there are not many role models for aging in our society. The grandmothers of the Water Ceremonies have given me the strength, courage and self-awareness as an Elder to live my life to the fullest finding my destiny. The path calls for courage, inner awareness, and standing in my power as a spiritual warrior.  The initiation process is an important step in coming into this awareness.
Ariann Thomas
Elder & Keeper of the Water Ceremonies