July 10-13, 2025
What is the Sun Moon Dance?
The Sun Moon Dance is a three and a half day ceremony that came out of a vision
of our teacher Joseph Rael, Beautiful Painted Arrow. Joseph is a respected
author, visionary, mystic, and medicine teacher. He comes from the lineage of
the Picuris Pueblo tribe of New Mexico and the Southern Ute of Colorado. The
dance takes place in a circular arbor on sacred land; the Tree of Life sits in
its center. Dancers fast from food, water and talk, which brings heightened
awareness to receive any visions or teachings. Drummers drum and chant for 20 to
40 minute cycles from sunrise to sundown, and dancers move back and forth to the
Tree. Ceremony connects us with our ancestors and all of creation. This dance
represents an opportunity to contribute to the healing of self, community and
the planet as a whole. Through dancing we come to understand our deepest
potential. We dance to honor the present, cleanse the past and bless the future.
To participate in the Sun/Moon Dance affirms a commitment to spiritual growth
and transformation. Joseph requests Sun Moon dancers make a four-dance
commitment. This allows us to acknowledge the depth and meaning of all we
receive from the Dance.
Support People: The dance is
supported by a grounded crew of people who honor this ceremony. Dancers are
encouraged to bring a support person who can affirm rather than worry about
their dancer. Support people also help with setup and break down tasks and drive
the dancer home after the dance.
Give-Away: A give away is a
ceremonial exchange of energy. This invites Spirit to work in and through us
without pre-conceived expectations. Beautiful Painted Arrow established the
Dance exchange as $750. It is an offering of practical support for the Dance.
Those who participate in the dance as Drummers, Medicine People, Dog Soldiers,
Kitchen Angels and Support are grateful to the dancers for creating, through
their giveaway and sacrifice, an opportunity to be part of this sacred
gathering. A nonrefundable check of $350 is required by June 1; $400 is due the
day of the dance. Another option is to pay month-by-month prior to the dance.
Ben Jezierski, Cheif - Bjezierski1@yahoo.com (856)577-2126