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Kay Whitaker’s “Bone Bundle” consists of over 60 bone pieces, each piece
representing a specific Spirit Being that has agreed to come every time
the Bundle is opened. Because the Spirits agree to come as the Bundle is
opened this is a "calling of the Spirits" ceremony. The presence and
interaction of the Spirits bestows a gift of healing to all who are
present in the ceremony. The continuing work of the Spirits is often
felt for several days after. To learn to Throw the Bones the student has to pursue,
one at at time, all the Spirit
Nations that are a possibility for them to have as part of their Bone
Bundle. Such a pursuit can take weeks, months or even
years for each Spirit Nation and involves many, many ceremonies. The
purpose is to establish an intimate relationship with the Spirit Beings
from that nation and their medicine. The Spirits themselves instruct the
seeker in every detail of meaning and symbology for all the Bones and
even give precise instructions on what bone to use, where to find it and
how it will look. When the time comes
the student has to ask the Spirit Nation if there is one representative
of that nation that would be willing to commit to being part of the
ceremony every time the Bundle is opened. There maybe somebody that
agrees to that commitment, but they may also say no. Which means that
after many, many hours of pursuit, the student has a most wonderful
friend and ally in that Spirit Nation, but no new
companion for their Bone Bundle at the present time.
During the
studies to become a "Bone Thrower" the apprentice has to become
absolutely clear about who they are; they have to learn to know their
Song intimately and be able to live it at all times. Without that
clarity there is no ability to accurately communicate with the Spirit
Beings and the process could very easily become a guessing game.
In this ancient way of living, this incredibly rich and unique pursuit
of friendship, knowledge and Bone Bundle Spirits continues for the rest
of the Thrower's life. |
