This time is one of pleasure and expansion as the heat of the south builds into the late summer. This heat of expansion can also create friction, and conflict.

While we are honoring this direction, the entire medicine wheel is affirmed in every lodge and so we open to receive the teachings of the complete medicine wheel and the wisdom of each of the movements in time. We bring our moment into the lodge and we pray for wisdom and help with navigating the lessons and responsibilities of life while remembering joy pleasure and celebration.

The lodge is a kind of cocoon where we can go to let go of what no longer serves us, so we can emerge into the next moment attuned to the times and what is being given and asked of us.

We will begin at 10am. Parking is along side the roads as you come down and go into the woods to the campground. Some parking at the log cabin but you might be blocked in. There is quite a bit of parking at the intersection which allows cars to pass and also at the lodge and the campground.

The day is on ceremonial time but a general estimate would be that we would complete the lodge between 5 and 6 and those needing to could depart then, but it is recommended you stay and enjoy community with a pot luck meal together.

What to bring: Outdoor cloths for the weather. A fire will be going to heat the stones, Wear cloths that light weight but covering for being in the woods in the summer. For the lodge you can strip down to underwear and a light top, a skirt or shorts are also good. You may want a towel to sit on or you may prefer to sit on the earth. Women find it nice to wear dresses in the lodge because it gives protection to pee in the woods. What you wear in the lodge will get dirty so don't bring your finest. After the lodge your clothes will be wet and dirty so you will want to change back into something dry. You can cool and wash off in the creek. Bring a towel to dry off after the lodge. Bring a water bottle.

Bring some food for the pot luck after... I supply a pot of vegan bean soup, and people are welcome to bring fruit and salad or dips and chips or deserts. Food can be left at the lodge if it needs refrigeration. We will come up to the log cabin in the evening for a pot luck sharing.

What happens in the Lodge? Songs are sung, and prayers are made and teachings are given about the journey around the medicine wheel and each participant takes the journey from the perspective of their own life and where they are at this time.

This is a major all day give away and takes a day to prepare, so I ask others to consider an offering in exchange. I will receive donations of any amount including work exchanges, but I request for those who can, to contribute 50 dollars to attend the lodge.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. earthwalkways@gmail.com 540 752 5540

My lodges while following the tradition of the Medicine Wheel are not from any traditional lodge. I experienced my first lodge based on Sun Bears teachings that were passed down and have done other traditional lodges since, but have been guided to offer what I call a Natural Communion Lodge that is needed for non-traditional people, to help us slow down and return to our senses in these frenetic times, so rather than being short hot lodges, I tend to try to support everyone in melting into the earth and going deeper into their own bodies and beings and recognizing our oneness with and the wisdom of nature to teach and heal us.

I look forward to this most wonderfully beautiful and exuberant time of the year, so lets go feel the life force of the mother as we sit on her belly and sing our songs of love.