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There are certain customs and protocols which should be heeded when attending any Pipe Ceremony and basically any Native American Ceremony in general. These things are typically not written down, as they are considered common knowledge and generally are considered the MINIMUM things which are heeded and done when one is doing things in a Good Way, and showing the proper respect. I´ve heard it said on more than one occasion that anyone who doesn´t know these basics probably doesn´t have any business attending ceremony in the first place, and anyone who is attempting to lead ceremony who does not observe these things is doing so with neither authorization nor respect for the tradition.  In other words, a wannabe or charlatan. What I am sharing with you here is neither “secret knowledge” nor “insiders-only” information; quite the contrary- these are the things which one who has regular contact with such traditions learns from the time they are quite young, and are often taken for granted, and this, it is seldom thought that much need be said about it. Since it is difficult to assume that those of you born and raised in Europe have had ready access to these ceremonies, I shall endeavor to enlighten you as to “what should already be known”.

For starters, it is never, ever, ever considered proper or appropriate for anyone to charge money for ceremony. Period. That having been said, it is only considered polite and proper behavior that anyone requesting ceremony or assistance, or taking part in ceremony bring some sort of gift as a way of showing respect and honoring not only the one conducting the ceremony, but also the Spirits involved in making the whole thing happen. Likewise, if a Medicine Person is needing to travel a great distance to conduct a ceremony, it is only fair and appropriate to cover the travel expenses which incur as a result, but those minor courtesies should already be taken for granted. Also, if the one conducting the ceremony (when, for example, the ceremony involves a longer period of time and they need to take time off of work) it is only proper that some sort of compensatory arrangement is agreed upon beforehand.

When asking advice or assistance from an Elder (including those who are “elder” in regards to having more experience with regards to Ceremony; “Elder” need not always be associated with age!), an appropriate offering is that of tobacco, cornmeal or something similar or related. The Medicine of tobacco is usually associated with male, and cornmeal with female, and these things can be kept in mind when making the gift itself. Generally speaking, if the person is one who is known to you, offering them a gift of something which you know they would enjoy is also considered an appropriate gift. Requesting special assistance from the spirit world through a Medicine Person is usually done by presenting them with an already loaded Pipe to be smoked together. Other appropriate gifts include feathers, special stones or woods, special herbs- particularly those associated with the Native Traditions, some carved work or beadwork (especially if made personally), leather pouches or similar such items which can be used with the pipe, and so on. Of course, if a person truly has nothing else and is aware that the gift-receiver truly has need, then monies can be given, so long as it is well understood that this is being given as a gift, and not as any form of payment. I have heard, on more than one occasion, of valued elders and Medicine People who, when they passed away, left behind closets full of star quilts and blanket, yet their gas tanks and pantries were bare.

It is important to keep in mind that Pipe Ceremonies are spiritual in nature, and as such, follow certain traditionally accepted protocols.

Persons wishing to take part in any Ceremony should refrain from consuming alcohol or psychoactive materials of any sort for at least 24 hours prior to the time of the ceremony. Afterwards, they should likewise refrain from taking these substances for another 24 hour period (at least; in many cases it is a full 7 days prior and afterwards), in order to properly allow the Medicines to do their work, and to avoid “mixing medicine”, which is a foolhardy and disrespectful practice. This is not to say that these things are “bad” or “evil”- they simply have no place amongst the traditional ceremonies of the Indigenous peoples or North America, and certainly should never be brought near the Pipe. Likewise, alcohol or psychoactive substances should be kept at a good distance- well out of eyesight- and away from the ceremonial areas, to preserve the sanctity and holiness of that sacred space.

Women who are on their Moon time (menstruating) should generally inquire before taking part in any ceremony or approaching any Pipe or Medicine objects. Under most circumstances, they will be asked not to enter the circle or approach the Pipe, but there are some exceptions which occur ( for example, women-only Moon Lodges and Moon Pipes, where men are generally excluded). Many times, women on their Moon Time are given special tasks or ceremonies which they can perform to support the ceremony from outside of the prayer circle itself; in any case, one should inquire. Again, this has nothing to do with any sort of concept of the women being “unclean”- quite the contrary. It is recognized that during this time of regeneration that a woman´s Medicine is particularly strong and oft-times uncontrolled), and out of respect for the woman and the power of her Medicine, they are usually requested to remain at a distance, so as not to overwhelm or overpower anyone else who may be present. It was once described to me that a woman on her Moon Time was equivalent to an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse), short-circuiting everything in their vicinity. Out of respect for the lift-giving power of the woman, and again, to avoid mixing medicines, it is usually requested that they remain at a distance.

Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products is usually ok (on the grounds- assuming, of course, that it is already permitted in the location in question), however one should always ask the person conducting the ceremony beforehand. In any case, any remnants (cigarette butts, etc.) should never be cast upon the ground, but rather picked up and thrown away into the trash at a later time. Such things should go without needing be said, but experience has shown otherwise. If the “ok” is given to smoke within the ceremonial area, one needs to be aware that smoking itself in or around ceremony is considered then to be a part of the ceremony, and as such, the typical protocols normally followed when lighting a Pipe would be followed when smoking a cigarette (for example). As with the Pipe, the first puffs or smoke would then be offered to the directions, as well as above and below (and center, in some traditions), sharing the gift of tobacco smoke with all those Spirits who are present. After this has been done, the smoking can be continued as usual.

When present at a ceremony, one should refrain from cursing or swearing as much as possible. For starters, it´s hardly respectful towards anyone or anything present at the ceremony, and secondly it should be kept in mind that words- even spoken unintentionally- still contain power, and have the ability to corrupt or influence the ceremonies themselves.

Of course, this information is not all-inclusive, not was it ever intended to be. The key word here is “Respect”. Naturally, if anyone should have any questions of any sort, they are free to ask- and no one is ever looked down upon for asking honest questions.

Copyright by Changing Man 2007-2009.

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