Perhaps the most eloquent spokespersons are those who are preparing to go through Rites of Passage ceremonies or who have experienced some of them already...

Experience #1   |   Experience #2   |   Experience #3   |   Experience #4

One young man, age 18, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has begun his Rites of Passage process. Having completed his first ceremony, and now receiving additional teachings, he had this to say about his experience:

"I like that I am being honored and recognized for who I am. People my age are being seen as punks and criminals, but there are people my age who are some of the smartest people I have met. The Rites of Passage indicate I am changing and becoming an adult. It is a tricky time. My first ceremony gave me a clear view of myself and my family, and I was able to see how much I have been shaped by my family and how my focus is really their focus. I am honored with heart gifts."

---

A young woman, age 17, also from Calgary, shared these words:

"The Rites of Passage call to me very strongly. I can't find words. I want to leave my childhood behind and not carry it into adulthood. I want to step out of certain patterns and into a clean slate. The women's circle gathering gifted us by sharing their personal experiences as women. Sharing personal pieces of themselves helps us to know some of them have gone through some of the things we are experiencing. We gifted them in return. Everyone came from the heart.

"To try to give it words takes away from the ceremony. This is a broad experience and words are so confining. The Rites of Passage give you the opportunity to know there is support out there. Help you on your journey in quest of Who am I? It is a way for parents and child to let go of each other, and to acknowledge that I have become independent and an adult now."

This young adventurer is continuing her spiritual path work in Red Lodge.

---

Another young woman, age 18, said:

"My overnight ceremony was good; it helped me to find my inner strength. It feels good to step into womanhood this way. I feel protected."

---

The Tree of Life

A fourth person, age 12, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, shared her experience with Rites of Passage:

"Rites of Passage, to me, is the most rewarding ceremony a teen can have. As I read in Star Warrior: The Story of SwiftDeer recently, you are truly blessed to go through this change in your earlier years. This ceremony celebrates the transition from childhood into adulthood. In this ceremony, you emerge from your child self and enter your adult self. Well, at least you try to do both completely. Sometimes, you get stuck in the middle. Rites of Passage is the initiation into the unknown. It's exciting, but at times, it's pretty scary. You don't know if you're going to be able to do everything you want to do.

"Along with Rites of Passage comes responsibility. Rites of Passage is going to open up so many doors for me that have been closed in the past. I believe that with this ceremony I will become more connected with Great Spirit. This will be a truly awakening experience for me personally. I have also been praying for a Pipe. I feel that I should go through my Rites and know myself before receiving a Pipe. I think that going through Rites of Passage will introduce me to a new world spiritually.

"I send a prayer for all the teens out there who are preparing for their Rites of Passage. Stay in the light and walk in beauty."

Continue with 'Why Do We Need Rites of Passage?'