Rituals
"We expect to see the face of Jesus and the face of our dead relatives. We are worshipping God and Jesus, the same god that the white people worship" (Parker)
Rituals in the Peyote Religion Ceremony
The Peyote ceremony consists of all night prayer in a tepee around a crescent-shaped mound of earth, sacred fire, and special prayer button.
The Roadman, Cedar chief, and Drummer chief sit opposite of the door. The water drum, gourd rattle, and staff are passed around the sacred elements and peyote songs are sung. Prayers are offered, sacred tobacco is smoked, cedar is burned, and peyote is ingested. At midnight the ritual is interrupted by special songs and a bucket of water is brought in and blessed by the Fireman. At dawn the Water Women carries holy water and her prayers into the meeting. Next comes breakfast of corn, water, fruit, and meat. The morning sun is greeted with hands raised to the skies and thanks is given to the Creator. The ceremony lasts 10-14 hours (World Religions).
The Roadman, Cedar chief, and Drummer chief sit opposite of the door. The water drum, gourd rattle, and staff are passed around the sacred elements and peyote songs are sung. Prayers are offered, sacred tobacco is smoked, cedar is burned, and peyote is ingested. At midnight the ritual is interrupted by special songs and a bucket of water is brought in and blessed by the Fireman. At dawn the Water Women carries holy water and her prayers into the meeting. Next comes breakfast of corn, water, fruit, and meat. The morning sun is greeted with hands raised to the skies and thanks is given to the Creator. The ceremony lasts 10-14 hours (World Religions).
Ceremony
The ceremony takes place in a tepee with males inside and female outside. A mound of earth in the shape of a curve was built around a small fire-hole and pointed east. The altar was placed on herbs and a peyote button was placed on the herbs. Sage was spread around the tepee and special objects such a peyote buttons, tobacco, and food and water were procured. The Roadman's wife prepared the meals (Martin 110).
Phases
- Lighting the fire
- Prayers
- Peyote consumption
- Songs are sung
- Midnight break
- Rite with water and an eagle feather
- Prayers for the sick
- Smoking tobacco
- Drinking blessed water
- Peyote consumption
- Early breakfast
- Discussion of ceremony
- Rehearsing new songs
- Great feast (Martin 110-111)
Symptoms of Peyote
When the peyote plant is first ingested, there are unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, choking, hunger, and fear of death. Many
people called it "self torture." Pleasant symptoms follow, such as euphoria, peace, contentment, contemplation, exhilaration, and pleasurable fantasies that may last for hours (Martin 109).
people called it "self torture." Pleasant symptoms follow, such as euphoria, peace, contentment, contemplation, exhilaration, and pleasurable fantasies that may last for hours (Martin 109).
Powerful Effects of the Peyote Ritual
For each participant there are powerful effects: the healing of body and spirit, alcoholism is cured, sick children are healed, and some people
feel closer to sacred powers (Martin 111).
feel closer to sacred powers (Martin 111).
J.J Methvin's Experience
"Between the songs Quanah tried to explain the meaning of this worship to me. It was the peyote worship which is really more of a drug habit and a dissipation than a worship. Under the influence of the peyote, Quanah said, they got their inspiration from the Great Father while the white man got his from the Book. He said "All the same God, both ways good."