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Blessing of the spirits of the land.

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bjrogg:
Less than a mile from my house is a very small pull off roadside “park”. The park has only been there for a decade or two, but the spot is marked on even the oldest maps I’ve ever seen of Michigan. It’s name is White Rock. It’s named after a large rock that sticks out of the big lake a few hundred yards from shore. The natives here are said to have thought it sacred.

Yesterday a  Native American conducted a very small ceremony there. It takes place when the days and night are of equal length and it gives thanks to the spirits of the land. I was invited to attend and I did.
The blessing took about 20 minutes. I found it very interesting and was honored to be asked to attend.
Thanks we’re given to many spirits and mostly to the maker. The spirits of the birds, animals, trees, water, Sun, Moon, Stars and especially the creator were all thanked and a little description of their roles and how they enter acted with the people’s was given.

I’m glad I could attend and I think I made a new friend.

Bjrogg

Outbackbob48:
Bj, sounds like a very educational gathering, I wonder how many times that big rock was used for directions or important gatherings. Bob

bjrogg:
It’s pretty neat Outback. They put some plaques up when they built the road side park. One of them shows a map of Michigan divided into territories. It’s been awhile since I looked at it, but if I remember correctly. There were maybe four territories for different tribes and one for white man. White mans was from Detroit to the white rock. The White man wasn’t to go north of the White Rock. I live just west and a couple hundred yard north of the White Rock.

There’s also a plaque telling a story about two  canoes full of settlers going out to the rock for a square dance. The local tribe warned them against it. All but one settler climbed up onto the rock and danced.
One heeding the warning stayed back. The rock was struck by lightning (or as my new friend called it the grandfathers.) I’m remembering this all from about five years ago so I might have some of the details off, but that the jest of it. I don’t know if the story is true, but it’s kinda cool living so close to such a obscure spot, that’s got so much history and lore.
Bjrogg

Hawkdancer:
Very inspiring!  Good to see the old ways being celebrated, and great that you were invited to attend.  I agree, you probably do have a new friend.  Good luck with the farming this season!
Hawkdancer

bjrogg:
Thanks Hawkdancer. Hard to say for sure yet. Maybe a early spring? A few guys already planted some sugar beets. There’s still stuff that isn’t harvested from last year. We’re still trying to process the remainder of our stored beets. It could change completely any day though. Low of 21 high 29 tomorrow, had .5” shower this morning. Hopefully the spirits are happy.
Bjrogg

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