Across numerous cultural traditions, this time of the year beckons US to pay homage to our loved ones who have crossed over. The veil between the worlds is felt to be very thin as WE transition from the heart of Autumn into the darkness of Winter. WE EMBRACE this opportunity to HONOR our BELOVEDs who are beyond the veil with the recognition that LOVE IS ETERNAL. Death does not sever our ties with them…in TRUTH, that bond can be strengthened as WE have a direct experience of how LOVE IS TRANSCENDENT…
The SHINE commUNITY has gathered TOGETHER to HONOR our Ancestors on or around November 1st for several years now. WE ARE GRATEFUL for the opportunity to do so this year with a very special Despacho ceremony GUIDED by Heather Elizabeth, Founder of SHINE and Paige Ryan, Founder of Hill Country Intentional Healing.
Paige shares:
“In many shamanic traditions a Despacho -Payment to the Earth- is used as a ritual offering of thanks to the gifts we have received in our lives and to honor Mother Earth (Pachamama) and the Unseen World. These ceremonial intentions of love and gratitude are prepared offerings of Ayni ( sacred reciprocity).
I am deeply honored and called to lead the group Despacho ceremony so that we may create a beautiful mandala-like offering in Sacred Space with the intent to restore balance and harmony to our lives. The Despacho is then buried or burned in a sacred fire. This process involves intention and prayers with the offerings of such items as: flowers, tobacco, shells, man-made items, candies, poems, feathers, small mineral crystals, incense, seeds, etc. Each of these gifts resonate with the five directions of the Pachakuti Mesa to the guardians of Nature and the Unseen Spirits associated and all offerings have a deeper meaning and profound medicine. The small items that someone might want to offer with the additions of flowers is greatly appreciated.”
Here are important details about the event:
Where: Serrano Trail House Sanctuary
5106 Serrano Trail, ATX 78734
When: Monday, November 1st
WE will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.
PLEASE arrive about 15 minutes before start time to get settled in before the CEREMONY begins
What to bring: Pictures and/or mementos of LOVED ONES who have crossed over. PLEASE keep in mind that anything that is placed in the Despacho will NOT be returned to you. You might want to make copies of any pictures you are called to place in the Despacho.
PLEASE BRING FLOWERS to contribute to the Despacho! Marigolds are symbols of this season, so please bring those if you can! ALL FLOWERS are GRATEFULLY RECEIVED!
If you are called to bring a favorite dish/dessert of your LOVED ONES, you are welcome to do so, yet absolutely not a requirement! There will not be a way to cook/heat up anything...
Although there is not a specific investment for the event, LOVE donations are GREATLY appreciated! As is your RSVP! You can send a LOVE donation to Venmo @Heather-Neary or PayPal , https://www.paypal.me/heatherelizabeth114
Please RSVP to shineheatherelizabeth@gmail.com
WE look forward to sharing this SACRED time of HONORING with you!
In Lak’ech,
Heather Elizabeth and Paige Ryan