It’s early morning. In the beach sand by the ocean I draw a circle, as perfect as I can make it. This sand already holds the tracks of water, deer, crow, gull, otter, rabbit, and now this two-legged one. I mark the directions, the cardinal points of east, south, west, and north. In my mind and heart I also mark the sky, the earth, and the directions of time: the past, the ever-moving present moment, and the future toward which we are always journeying.

I offer my words to the east first. I think of the qualities of new beginnings,  enthusiasm, inspiration, openness, welcoming, and the qualities of the eagle, which are seeing far and holding the larger picture, the broadest perspective.

I offer my gratitude for these understandings, and I ask that these qualities be given to me, that I may manifest them in the world.

I turn my attention then to the south, the direction of summer. In the south I find the direction of work, focus, and attention to detail. The qualities of the in the deer and mouse are most evident in this direction. They include introspection and the ability to look close.

I turn next to the west, where I find the black bear. The qualities of the west include telling and hearing of stories, acknowledgment, celebration, and resting. The black bear demonstrates strength and devotion to offspring. The west, I know, is also the direction of healing and the journeys of spirit.

I turn my attention now to the north, the direction where I see the white buffalo and find the quality of wisdom. This is the direction of patience and careful consideration. In the north, nothing is hurried.

I complete the circle by returning to the east, finding now the completion that exists in all circles.

I turn my attention to time, recognizing that I carry some wonderful lessons from my past, asking that those lessons and the wisdom from them guide my actions as I move toward manifesting the future.

I acknowledge the sky above me and the earth below, and I ask that I be helped to walk with beauty above, beauty below, and beauty all around me.

Finally I turn my attention to the plants, trees, the wind, the water, the birds, the animals, and all of the tiny things that move and grow around. I express my gratitude to them and for their gifts in my life.

The ceremony complete, I gently move the sand to clear the circle and make space for someone else to greet this day in their own way.

Grounded and reconnected now, I turn my thoughts and my face homeward, to the day and what I can do in this day in service of life.