The Sacred Way of The Hunt, Hunter and Hunted
The way of the Sacred Hunt took years to fall into my heart and find peace there.
To accept the role of assisting the buffalo to complete their journey and purpose was a war zone in my heart….to take a life and call it good, a gift, or Sacred! I also knew to take the lives of these intelligent and amazing teachers without embracing their request to do so would be a greater dishonoring.
Fifteen years ago, I stood humbled and in awe as the first donated buffalo were delivered to the ranch. I whispered, “Why have you come? What are you doing here?” They responded, “We are the Ancient Ones who have returned for our people. All people. Once we filled their bellies, sheltered their bodies and taught their Spirits…WE HAVE RETURNED.”
When consuming or surrounding ourselves with the gifts of their bodies, we take on the imprint and qualities of their spirit. The courage, the honor, the wisdom and the enormous love and joy they share and live! This is their teaching we share. The Hunt is Sacred, The Hunter is Sacred, The Hunted is Sacred…because the spirit of respect and honor flows through each in collaboration and clear purpose.
Our harvest process reflects my Lakota heritage and what we hold as a very respectful and honoring way to complete the buffalo’s journey here. The ‘Hunt’ takes place at home, on their beloved mountain surrounded by their family.
The day before, we go to the herd and let them know the harvest time has begun and we will return in the morning. We ask those who are ready, to set themselves apart.
That night there is a ceremony and food offerings to open the season. Prayers of gratitude and honoring are offered. Everyone is cleansed with sage and offers their prayers through the smoke of the Sacred Pipe. It is a solemn time as we know we are fulfilling a sacred mission. A very sacred and special friend is leaving to journey on.
At dawn the following morning everyone is cleansed with sage again. All the equipment, guns, bullets, knives and vehicles are also cleansed and blessed with sage. As the hunters depart for the mountain the sacred pipe is offered again and held open until the message can be heard that the hunt is complete.
In the field, the animals clearly set themselves apart. The “Hunter” is given one shot with another marksman standing ready. The mark is a tiny spot behind the ear. They quietly relax to the ground. The family, often the mother and siblings, surround first to say farewell. At first, I was amazed they did not leave. Instead they come forward and stand by while we offer tobacco and prayers of gratitude. This is magnificent and heart touching to witness. The buffalo have told me that as the bullet opens the door for the spirit to soar, all of heaven and the Ancestors begin to sing in celebration. As the buffalo spirit departs it thanks us for honoring and accepting the gift of their body they leave behind.
The animal is carried off the mountain and taken directly to the processor. The hides and skulls are delivered for finishing and tanning. All of the by-products are being used including the bones.
Commercially, the hides, bones and skulls are thrown away! Most of our skulls and robes are given to spiritual leaders and offered for ceremonial purposes such as the Sundance and Sacred Altars. All proceeds go toward our ability to sustain and follow our ancestor’s wisdom of using all of the gifts they offer us, including the wisdom to do so.
HUNTERS: We have now, opened to the public the opportunity to participate. Doing so offers many the experience of a Sacred journey, honoring all and enabling many to have the healthy alternative of the meat. Many create trophy mounts, and robes and skulls for home décor. At first, I balked at this….then was reminded that where the buffalo is, there is the ‘spirit’ as well. The stories of the ‘Sacred Hunt’ would be shared….the buffalo would continue to touch and bless. Their story would reverberate out to the people. All would be blessed.
