Calling In The Four Directions

In many eclectic spiritual practices, it is common to cast a circle, or bless an area before beginning any kind of Divine work, meeting with Spirit, or just giving praise. Often times, when creating that sacred space, or making an area 'clean' (energy wise) and protecting it from outside forces and energies; people will usually call in the four directions. 
While reading Tanya Paluso's book Open Your Heart, I came across a beautifully written section about calling in the four directions and setting intentions before doing anykind of spiritual work. 

Every tribe has its rituals.[...] Rituals create culture. They create connection. They become sacred. However, there is something missing in some of the modern day rituals. We are, as a whole, a modern tribe who has lost our connection with the Earth. We forgot who Mother Earth is for us. We forgot where home is. We forgot how to draw on the medicines of the land and live in harmony with nature. 

calling in the four directions is a native american tradition that has been adopted by many other beliefs and practices because it shows gratitude, respect, and acknowledgment
 of the earth and her different energies that SURROUND us. 

photo by Jack Heart via HubPages

tanya suggests to raise your hand towards the direction you are speaking to, as to RECEIVE the vibrations and energy. 

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To the element of Earth, the time of the New Moon, and the season of Winter, the time of midnight each night ... the time when the outer world is the darkest and we must go within to find out own light. Thank you for the wisdom that comes from experiencing the darkness and the blessings that come from touching the center of our own being. We embrace the times of quiet, stillness, and seemingly stagnancy in the dead of winter, and trust that the light always returns just like the sun, the moon, and the Springtime. We trust and hold that we are unconditionally supported... even in the darkest of nights. We honor the energy of the stillness and darkness of then North. 
We call in introspection. When the outer world is dark we go within to call forth our inner light. We open our hearts to the pain and suffering of the world. We honor all parts of ourselves. 

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To the land of the rising sun, the element of Air, the time of the crescent moon, the season of Spring, and the dawn of the new day ... We are deeply grateful for each new day you give us. Thank you for the warmth of the sun, for the continual ability to rebirth ourselves, and for inspiration and great thoughts that move through us in consistently new and beautiful ways. We trust in the regeneration of life and in the cycle that all life and creativity must endure - of death and rebirth, time and time again. We celebrate today the time of the coming back into being, and honor the return of life and its fullness in the East. 
We call in inspiration from the rising sun. We give our listening generously to others. We are receptive to what the universe offers. We honor a commitment to live life to the fullest. 

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To the element of Fire and the time of the Full Moon, the the Season of Summer and noontime each day ... We are deeply grateful for the strength to take action and execute our thoughts into fruition. We celebrate this time of intensity and illumination so that we may see what needs to be seen, and do what needs to be done. Let our souls be fueled by the fire of passion and dedication to what matters, and help us to take action and fulfill that which our hearts ache for most. We honor the energy of action in the south.
We call in determination. We celebrate this time of intensity and illumination so that we may see what needs to be seen, and do what needs to be done. Let our souls be fueled by the fire of passion and dedication to what matters, and help us to take action and fulfill that which our hearts ache for most.  

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To the element of Water and the time of the waning crescent moon, to the Season of Autumn, the time of Dusk each day. To the ability to trust the flow of our emotions. We are grateful today for times of transition, change, and uncertainty, knowing these times have the power to birth great strength and courage within. We thank you for the patience we hold for ourselves and others as we all flow with the ups and downs of life. We know that emotions and experiences will come and go, and we open ourselves to the love, acceptance, and peace that come from this understanding. We honor the energy of change and flow in the West. 

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[ From Tribal Truth's Honoring The Masculine gathering, credit to Laura Swan for compiling. ]

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check out tanya's book open your heart to read more BEAUTIFULLY written words of inspiration. she goes on to explain the importance of 'tribe' and offers guidance, wisdom, and support to women and ENCOURAGES and emphasizes the IMPORTANCE of their role in leadership.