Ever since we’ve lived on the land, all 30 some years now, we’ve called the large pool of water in the tributary to the Patuxent River that borders our property “the Lagoon.” With its 15 foot storm bank and deep water, it has always been a special place, a healing place; for man and beast. It has become a place of solitude when you just need to be. Whenever I need to escape and find reality, I go to the top of the hill that is right outside the tipi and sit and watch the waters. A few years ago, I personally had a healing experience in the waters at the Lagoon. It was difficult and emotional, yet very uplifting to my soul. I’ve never felt the need to do that work again. It was complete. It washed away my sins and woes.

When we needed a place for the Water Clan People that participated in the Fire Ceremony with JoJoPah, naturally the Lagoon was the choice. Lynda Walton and Loki worked on a hot summer day, raked the debris from the water, and scooped out small holes in the walls of the Lagoon for votives to light the evening ritual. It was hard work and we needed the help of a strong young man to carry and move some of the rocks. That evening JoJoPah said it wasn’t necessary to go there. She was hurting from a fall and her leg wasn’t strong enough to go down the hill to the waters. We did it anyway. We had two Water Clan People, including ole Smiling Bear, and they took charge and lead everyone from the fire to the cooling waters. The light from the votives reflected in the Lagoon so that it seemed you were in the center of light. It was an emotional relief for everyone.

We will always honor the Lagoon and the water on the land. It is the vital source of all that we need to sustain ourselves here on Mother Earth. Again we are blessed.