Sacred Hunting
As part of a collaboration with Sacred Hunting we are grateful to be able to share an extremely special, upcoming gathering which will take place in Hawaii, December 08th-13th
Sacred Hunting is an organization that facilitates transformation, self-growth, and eco-spiritual connection to nature by utilising the power of sacred medicines, indigenous practices, prayers and intentions, and through ethical hunting within a conscious brotherhood. These practices encourage a deep intimacy with nature, and a direct and respectful relationship to the food we choose to consume. Ayahuasca, the Grandmother vine, has been used in hunting since ancient times. This special gathering will allow its participants the opportunity to experience the symbiosis of the ceremony and the hunt, through which a profound connection with nature—and our place within it—is found.
This gathering is held in collaboration with Sacred Hunting. Please be aware that the application, and all communication and coordination, will go through the Sacred Hunting organisation.
Molokai, Hawaii and the Axis Deer
The island of Molokai is home to much undeveloped tropical landscape, as well as rich and deep Hawaiian traditions. There are also over 50,000 axis deer on the island—and around 7,000 humans. Axis deer pose a major threat to both the environment and the economy of the islands where they establish. As with any herbivores left free to roam in Hawaii, deer strip the landscape of native plants, preventing the regrowth of important forest species.
The animals roam in huge herds, which means there are dozens of pairs of eyes looking for movement. The axis deer hunting in Hawaii involves a combination of ambushing and spotting/stalking when there is no available shot.
This hunt gives you the opportunity to connect with the process of killing an animal in order to eat, to connect with yourself, your brothers, and to remember an old way of living. On this hunt, we begin by learning and participating in traditional Hawaiian cultural practices, before entering into a sacred medicine journey both before and after the hunting.
Sacred Journey meets Sacred Hunting
Watch Mansal Denton of Sacred Hunting and Dennis Notten of Sacred Journey discuss the paths which led them to ethical hunting, and the transformative experiences that the hunts have offered them. Listen on Soundcloud here.
The Hunt
The gathering will take place over six days, on the beautiful island of Molokai, Hawaii:
December 08th: Arrive on the island from the mainland, and transfer to the lodgings in time for dinner.
December 09th: We cover logistics in preparation for the hunt and visit sacred Hawaiian cultural sites, prior to to entering into ceremony with the Grandmother
December 10th: Hunting for axis deer
December 11th: Hunting for axis deer
December 12th: After hunting for axis deer in the morning we enter into ceremony with the Grandmother in the afternoon
December 13th: We depart the island
The hunting and killing of an animal is not something which should ever be taken lightly, but in our fast-paced culture of instant gratification we have become so accustomed to consuming food which is quickly and easily available. The consequences of this are tragic, from the devastation of the environment to the cruelty of factory farming, as well as our deep disconnection from the truth of what we are contributing to, and what we’re putting in out bodies.
The Axis deer on Molokai have only ever known freedom, and have only ever eaten from the unpolluted land. Their current numbers also pose a serious threat to the environment there, as the native plants are ravaged and not given opportunity to regrow—creating a series of issues for other native species whose habitat is threatened. Hunting the Axis deer positively affects the native landscape, without putting the species themselves under any threat.
Entering into ceremony during the hunting period, allows for an even deeper connection to the cycle of life which is playing out. Clear communication with the spirit of the land and the animals is facilitated, so that the necessary and respectful permissions can be asked, and all thanks given. Hunting in this way is a rite of passage, and a truly profound experience.
This gathering is held in collaboration with Sacred Hunting. Please be aware that the application, and all communication and coordination, will all go through the Sacred Hunting organisation.