Onondaga
is a Sacred Lake
The Legend of
Onondaga Lake
In ancient time, a man in a white stone boat arrived at Onondaga Lake—a Messenger from Creator who traveled teaching people The Path of Peace.
At Onondaga Lake, Peacemaker had warriors “bury the hatchet," planted The Tree of Peace, united the Five Nations in a Confederacy, taught The Great Law of Peace, including The Seventh Generation instruction.
How We Pray for Peace
Water is Universal Solvent
Water is Womb of Life.
Water is 75% of Earth's surface.
We are 90% water.
So, we begin with what we are:
WATER
We pray for peace
by holding water in our hands.
We focus into the water
our energy, intention and intelligence for peace.
We collect prayer-energized water
to pour into Onondaga Lake.
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A Call to Prayer
The first purpose of the Festival is
to call people to Onondaga Lake to pray for peace
Today, the need for peace on Earth is greater than ever.
Yet, peace seems ever elusive and impossible. Worldwide wars of terror between extremes of religious and political fervor heighten tensions and deepen fears across America and around the Earth. Abuses of power by political, economic, military, and religious authority seem as uncontrolled and unrestrained as ever. Continued assaults against the integrity and stability of Earth's living systems are near a "point of no return."
At the Festival, we create a Water Sanctuary in Long Branch Park, and hold full day of prayers, ceremonies and celebrations, ending with a Water Blessing Ceremony at the lakeshore. Anyone with a concern to bring peace and healing to our planet is invited to participate.
Theme
Each year the Festival addresses a specific theme. 2008 will be
a gathering of healers and peacemakers
Speakers, prayers and performers are asked to focus their message on the people, principles and strategies for the healing and birth of a new sustainable human social order.
Date
The date is September 9 for three reasons:
Scientists observe Onondaga Lake's normally murky waters get much clearer in early September. When the lake is energized and clearest is our ideal moment to put our prayer and celebration in the waters.
September 21 is International Day of Peace at The United Nations in New York City. Peace Pilgrims from the Festival will travel to this global gathering.
Program
2007 can follow the general pattern of previous years' programs, with prayers for peace at the top of each hour, followed by talks to punctuate music on the stage. Speakers, storytellers, dances, videos, and other activities will be around the north and west sides of the mound. Vendors will setup on the mound. Special areas will offer full programs on The Earth Charter and Healing. The day ends with a procession to the water to bless the Peace Pilgrims and pour prayer water into the lake.
Prayer
* Beginning at the Opening Ceremony and throughout the Festival, each person is encouraged to offer a personal prayer for peace in the Water Prayer Sanctuary.
* The Festival ends with a Water Blessing ceremony at sunset on the lakeshore.
Peace Pilgrims
Peace Pilgrims will canoe from Onondaga Lake east down the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers to The United Nations International Day of Peace at in New York City. These Peace Pilgrims will carry Festival prayer water to the Atlantic Ocean.
To help create the Festival, contact
David Yarrow
at dyarrow@nycap.rr.com
or 518-881-6632
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