Our advent wreath looks a little different this year, thanks to Jon Wheelock and the good people at the Refuge in Appleton.
This year, along with the four candles that symbolize hope, love, joy and peace, we included sweetgrass.
Sweetgrass, we learned (thanks to Saturday night’s cultural exchange and fundraiser for the people of Standing Rock), is a sacred plant that can be burned to attract positive energy. It is used in peace and healing ceremonies.
It also smells like a warm cookie.
We lit ours Saturday night and then followed Molly as she made her way around the house, attracting positive energy to every room. She even held the gently smoldering braid up into our attic, while we all ducked our heads in case a bat flew out.
Then, we stuck the braid into a tall vase until the flame went out. I love the idea of all that positive energy flowing through our house and, hopefully, out into the world. I like the way the individual blades of grass become so much stronger when they’re braided together.
That’s why we’re really grateful for events like the Refuge’s Second Annual Celebration of Native Peoples.
Like Sweetgrass, we’re all a little stronger when we stand together.
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