The “Four Tobacco” Ceremony draws from an ancient, timeless ceremony rom South, Central, and Northern America.

“Tobacco” in the title, The Four Tobaccos, refers to the medicine of prayer. Through a sacred use of it Great Mystery leads us to knowing all our other sacred medicines. Throughout the ceremony, we focus our full attention on the sacred fire, shaped like an arrow into the half-moon altar.

We begin with the Purpose Tobacco, which the ceremonial leaders will use to state and support the intended purpose of the ceremony.

The medicine (Peyote) is then passed around the circle, followed by the first prayer songs round. For purposes of singing the prayer songs, a staff and gourd is passed around the ceremony space, accompanied by a water drum.

Once the medicine and instruments have made their way around the circle, the ceremonial leader calls the firekeeper to bring the Midnight Water for purposes of the Midnight Water Prayer Smoke.

After another round of medicine and singing, it is time for the Power Tobacco which is a crucial point in the ceremonial journey. With this tobacco, there is a weaving of great clarity, and much opportunity for healing and integration.

After the power round, the women leave the ceremonial space to take care of the Morning Water and the sacred food. This is the time for the Earth Mother. It is now time for the Morning Prayer Tobacco, which is a time for stillness and deep listening. The Morning Water and food are then sent around the circle and we sit in the celebration and gratitude of accomplishing our ceremonial purpose together.

Until we sing together again around the Sacred Fire,

Aha Mitakuye Oyasin