2000 - 2002 Broadcasting from KNRY on Historic Cannery Row in Monterey, California
on our original Radio Program ... "Where the Eagle Meets the Condor"

~~~ Martin Herrera "Panther Paw" ~~~ Martin, "Panther Paw" is a local Native Leader. It was with him that we finally experienced a sweat Lodge, an evening made wonderful with his beautiful Indian songs, flute and drumming. The ceremony brought closeness (beyond the physical closeness of eight persons in a small lodge) to the group. The lodge is a rounded structure fashioned from tree limbs and covered with several layers of heavy blankets with an entrance that is covered once the large rocks are brought into the lodge, with great ceremony, from the great fire pit outside into the pit in the center of the lodge. The heat is tremendous and several 'rounds' of hot rocks are introduced increasing the heat. The ceremony was beautiful, and we were honored to be able to participate in a very traditional Native American ritual that is about gratefulness for life and the oneness that includes the fire and the rocks. Allowing the magic of an ancient tradition, the fragrance of the herbs Martin put into the fire, the herbal tea in a wooden bowl ceremoniously passed from one person to the next, the Indian songs, and the awareness of the brotherhood that all beings share - but sadly seldom remember - made the heat and closeness disappear and a timeless state take its place. If you have thoughts of knowing what a sweat lodge is like, we cannot think of a better person to take you through it than Martin, but remember, as with everything else, every experience is what we make of it. So if your focus is on the heat, discomfort, the small space, it could be less than wonderful. But what a good way to find out about our attitudes and opinions! ARCHIVED PROGRAMS for Your On-Line Listening Pleasure October 5th, 2000 - (48 mins) Listen Now! Travels the world honoring shamans slaughtered centuries ago, shares drumming and chants December 28th, 2000 (not available yet)

RETURN to California Guests List















Please let us know if you have any problems hearing the audio streams!
Send email to Wizard@BeyondtheOrdinary.net