This bear ceremony focuses on calling in the spirit of the revered bear and invoking the animal’s strength, courage, healing, and protective powers with the assistance of a medicine man for attendees offering prayers for self and others. 

Being closely tied to nature and all living things, the Lakota believed strongly in animal powers and the supernatural. Observance of animal behavior was incorporated into everyday life.

The bear (mató in Lakota) represents strength and is known for healing and knowledge. The bear is chief of the underground supernatural forces. Because bears dig for roots and herbs and are one of the few wild animals who use medicine on themselves, bears are thought to be the chief healers among animals.

The bear is also known for his unpredictable contrary nature, fierce and brave one moment and ready to charge any enemy, cranky and growling his displeasure the next, or curious and playful the next. If a man dreamed of bears, he was expected to behave aggressively when needed and be fearless, yet he should also show unusual kindness, be peaceful when he could, and be filled with the knowledge of herbs and medicines.

The bear ceremony is not only for your personal prayers for healing, but for those others you may want to pray for, as well as all creatures of our living mother earth.

Each attendee will have a turn to sit in the ceremonial altar. A full sized bear skin will be draped over you as the Spirit of the Bear enfolds you, listens to your prayers and supports you. Truly a moment of awe, beauty and sacredness!