It was established as a truth 50 years ago that the four tests of the Ordeal are not specifically American Indian-based, are universal in character, are primitive, and exist in both modern and ancient history, as well as pre-history.
In the modern world, spending time alone in nature remains important to many, particularly to prepare for or accept change. Parents help even young children to experience being helpful. Fasting and silence have spiritual value in current culture. But the four do not usually appear together, except in the Ordeal.
In late 2023 we pondered: Did the four ever exist together in ancient times? Our answer is the story we call an Ancient Hunter.
Story of an Ancient Hunter
In ancient times a family fled.
Left behind their hut and village
fleeing to a place they’d heard of
many hard days walk in peril.
Days they walked with small children who
scared the game they might have eaten.
Way of Solitude
Father said, “I must hunt alone.”
Then spoke up the elder son
“Oh my father, I am ready.
You should stay and guard our family.
I will hunt in isolation.”
Spent that night alone in darkness.
Way of Service
Woke at first light, met the challenge,
labored long to feed his family.
Followed game paths through the thickets.
Did not falter as he tired.
Way of Fasting
He’d left his food with his family.
Cheerfully he ate but little.
Hunger did not blunt his purpose;
fasted as he searched for nurture.
Way of Silence
Moved silently, spoke not a word,
listened to the sounds of nature
for his guidance as he hunted.
The ancient hunter brought the food
to his family. Great the banquet!
Great the fire in the evening
cerebrating ties together!
In the ancient world, this would certainly have occurred world-wide, numerous times. Do you see the similarity to our Ordeal?
COULD THE PRE-ORDEAL CEREMONY
BE BASED ON THIS LEGEND?
Since this Ancient Hunter legend describes each of the tests of the Ordeal in a very memorable physical way, a Pre-Ordeal ceremony could be created from it. After describing each experience of the hunter, it would challenge each candidate to go forth and meet that same challenge this weekend.
We have created such a ceremony. Click here to download OA Gateway Ceremony v1
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