Peace Hostel Amelia
Sacred Site Tour
Brother NorthStar - 01/01/2004
|
|
Peacemakers On The Scene |
|
|
Peace Hostel Amelia |
|
When Peacemakers visit Peace Hostel Amelia and time permits they are taken on a tour of what we call "Sacred Sites" that are in and around our location. These are days of prayer and reflection. As we visit each site we each in our own way direct our thoughts and prayers to those we hold dear. Since what I call "Tour A" takes place at indiginous sites a traditional "Tobacco Ceremony" is performed at each of these locations in honor and respect for those who were here before us.
We were Joined by Peacemaker Jon Blickenstaff who came over to visit his friend NorthStar and spend the day visiting the sacred sites. Jon was our chauffer for the day so we got to drive in great comfort for a change. 
Our first stop was Serpent Mound. It is one of the few effigy mounds in Ohio. Serpent Mound is the largest and finest serpent effigy in the United States. It is nearly a quarter of a mile long and apparently represents an uncoiling serpent. Serpent Mound lies on a plateau overlooking the valley of Brush Creek. Nearby conical mounds contained burials and implements characteristic of the prehistoric Adena people (800 BC-AD 100). Although it has been thought that it may have been constructed by the Fort Ancient peoples who disappeared around 1,500 years ago and whose home is some 100 miles west.
The next site on our tour was Tecumseh's Rock. Located in Hocking Hills State Park it is known as Ash's Cave but we call it Tecumseh's Rock because as legend would have it Tecumseh held a huge council of 1,000 Chief's of the Indian tribes, who lived in and around the Miami Valley area, at this location.
This hugh rock had broken off from the roof of the cave a million or so years ago and landed in the stream facing the very center of the amphitheater like cavern giving Tecumseh a perfect stage for his speach of unity to the Chiefs who gathered there. 
I always describe this place as a "natural cathedral" since I always feel a closeness to God when I visit here. Brother NorthStar agreed with this feeling. It is truly a sacred site. Brother NorthStar was so amazed by this wonderment that he plans to hold a One People One Earth ceremony here in the future.
Our last stop for the day was Fort Ancient, home of the Hopewell Indians. Due to the early darkness in winter and the distance of the drive we arrived well after dark. We still held ceremony near a burial mound and had a prayer session joining together in the brotherhood of Peacemakers. Peacehq reporting |
||
