The Lessons of Juniper

Juniper Cedar Ceremonial Grounds

There is a story told in sweat lodge that frequently is overlooked but has profound implications if considered carefully. I tell this story each time we sweat in honor of the medicine of the Cedar/Juniper. I tell this story each time we sweat in honor of the medicine of the Cedar/Juniper.  Juniper/Cedar (referred to as Cedar) is used in a multitude of ways by the Great Basin’s People.  The Juniper Berries are used as a food source and the wood is powerful for keeping heat and warmth.  This same tree was the traditional tree used in various circle dance ceremonies.  Juniper Cedar can live for hundreds of years and endure incredible terrain and weather conditions.   In ceremony, the smoke from dried Juniper is used in prayer, as a cleanse of the energy that surround us, as a way of clearing the mind and body of intrusive energies and a beautiful source of grounding.  During the Sundance Ceremony in which participants go without food or water for 4 days in the summer heat; dancers look forward to the morning ritual where burning cedar is used for smudging, as this smoke revives and renews the spirit when it’s at its most fragile point.  As we enter the sweat lodge it’s with Cedar that we bless our body, mind, and spirit so as to bring ourselves into alignment of the work to be done in lodge.

The story of the cedar as told to me by my elders is about a man who walked the earth many moons ago.  This man loved his community and found opportunities to help those who needed his assistance.  For example, after he put up his own tipi, he would help his elderly neighbors or those who were affirmed to set up their camps.  When he went hunting, he would share his bounty with those who were not as fortunate and if people needed prayers, night, or day, he was available to go and tend to the people.  His life was one of service to his community and tribe.   When he crossed over to the other side, he met his Creator and the Creator said he had witnessed this man in relationship to his community, that he helped them in whatever manner was possible for him and because of this life of service and giving the Creator would grant him whatever blessing he sought.  The man considered his options and decided that being of service brought him considerable joy and happiness and that all he sought was to be able to continue to be of service to his fellow beings, so the Creator brought the man back as the Cedar Tree. 

Each time we engage the cedar we are encouraged to consider how we are in relationship to each other, what acts of service have we rendered in our relationship to each other, what is in our heart as we engage each other, our families, in our places of employment, as we drive on the freeway?   What are the words we express to each other and what kindness have we exchanged with each other?  Imagine a government that smudges before each session and enters the chambers of governance considering how to be of assistance to each other?  Imagine your morning as you bath yourself in the Cedar as you allow this medicine to provoke and guide the story of your being?  This is in part, the medicine of Cedar.