Dancing on the Edge
Shamanic Studies and Drum Team

Currently, Red Lodge Classes are being taught in
Topeka and Kansas City. If you are interested in future classes,
please let Phyllis know. New classes will be forming in 2011.

Lodge Leader

Phyllis “Playful Autumn Wind” Cronbaugh combines years of training as a shamanic apprentice studying native spirituality with the modern science of quantum physics. She has an intuitive understanding of the spiritual essence of indigenous people and believes this knowledge is as valuable today as it has been for thousands of years in helping us live balanced lives filled with health, hope, happiness, harmony, and humor. With Cherokee lineage and as a twisted hair*, she joins Cherokee, Navaho, and Maya spirituality with our current understanding of quantum physics braiding this knowledge into a truth or wisdom that has changed lives and helped many people begin living life to the fullest.

*In ancient times the Medicine Chiefs or Shamans of tribes traveled long distances and studied with other Shamans. They shared their belief systems, stories, and healing techniques and then returned to their own people with this expanded knowledge. These individuals were known as twisted hairs as they braided knowledge or wisdom into their own truth..

Comments From Students

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to thank everyone for your prayers.  I'm sorry I missed our last get together.  It was an interesting 2 1/2 days in the hospital.  It seems that while I was under anesthesia, doctors really thought I had cancer.  I did not accept that diagnosis in the hospital so I never gave any power, thought, fear, anxiety or worry about it.  It seems that the final diagnosis is borderline tumor with low probability of malignancy.  I am doing much better.  Working on getting my strength back.   I have really focused on not resisting what my life brings but I watch closely to see based on my thoughts, what I am bringing into my life.  Even though this was hard, I have really received many, many blessings during this journey.  I had two wonderful nurses!  A doctor who listened to me and really was my advocate.  She called in the oncologist right away so I did not have to endure a 2nd surgery, more time away from work and above all my daughter.  I wonder how many people whose appointments I delayed that day because these two doctors were concentrating on me.  What a huge blessing!  My doctor visited me that evening after surgery somewhere between 9:00 - 10:00 that evening. I saw pictures of several of my organs, healthy organs! My daughter did well while I was in the hospital and I did not have to worry about her care or her being scared.  Blessings upon blessings!  Can you tell I am very grateful this holiday season? 

I truly am a believer in this process that we are learning with Phyllis. I guess that is why I chose to share with you! Thank you again for your prayers! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, peace and many blessings to all of you! Stephanie, Independence, MO

That a girl! 'OHITIKA'--brave woman you are! You have faced the 'enemy' with peace, grace, and without fear! Hope this season is the most meaningful one for you and your family. You are an inspiration and a living lesson to our course of DANCING ON THE EDGE! AHO,   Mary, Pleasant Hill, MO

You so rock, Miss Stephanie!

I am humbled by your courage, strength and perspective. Thank you for being the light and inspiration that you are for you grace us all.

When we started this path together almost a year ago, I had no idea what to expect in myself, but even more uncertain was that I didn’t know what I would experience with all of you. I can not begin to put in words what you all have come to mean in my life: unconditional love, generosity, kindness, safety, beauty – but most of all courage. Collectively, I’ve watched this family battle death, heart break, loss, fear, illness and joy. We’ve dried each others tears, held each other’s fears and damn near wet our pants in laughter. I know I’ve grown in ways I couldn’t and wouldn’t have imagined. But to add the gracious blessing of having our Stephanie to show us the brightest beacon of hope, courage and determination, I am utterly blown away.  (Damn, if this is the first year of Red Lodge, I can wait to see what’s next!)

You are truly the epitome of the definition of the word beautiful. Merry, Merry Christmas Miss Steph. And to the rest of my dearest friends – Joyous, peace and light be yours this season. Love you all! Angel, Olathe, KS

Typical Lodge Events
If these events are not on the calendar now, they will be soon.
Keep checking back or click on the link below and ask to be included on the
Dancing on the Edge emailing list.

Basic Teachings of the Medicine Wheel, Powers of the Universe,
Star Maiden's Circle, and the Zero to Nine Law of the Universe.
Classes are lively with a combination of lecture, ceremony, and crafts.
Crafts: Shield Making, Talking Trees, Masks, Talking Sticks

Ceremony

SweatLodge Ceremonies
Vision Quest Ceremonies including:
Climbing the Mountain of Fear
Honoring Death As An Ally
Omitakoyasin Speaks
Dancing With the Shields
Nagual Enemy Dance
Eagle Dances
Equinox and Solstice Events

How You Will Benefit from Attending!
  • Learn the alchemy of the magickal, which was taught in the ancient mystery school of the Rattlesnake. Discover how ancient teachings of indigenous peoples are just as relevant today as they have been for thousands of years and how quantum physics supports all aspects of these teachings.
  • Learn traditions that will help you honor the cycles of your life and nature and keep you in balance. Native Americans have always known that life is not meant to be hard; it is meant to be EASY within elemental balance.
  • Do Personal Ceremony for evolutionary growth. Uncover what it takes to shake destructive karmic patterns and move into dharmic empowerment in all aspects of your life.
  • Master techniques of manifesting what you need and desire... when you need and desire it; emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, and sexually.
  • Join a team of dedicated individuals whose goal is to take responsibility for their own lives, assume authority when appropriate, and stand accountable for all their thoughts, words, and actions… and in the process heal themselves, and work toward healing Grandmother Earth.
  • Have a lot of fun with like-minded people. The class will bring you teachings from a combination of Cherokee, Navajo, and Maya with songs from many more traditions.

GREEN APPLE KITCHEN

Eagle Dance Ceremony

As the ancestral drums awaken and merge with the heartbeat of Grandmother Earth, voices echo songs that have been sung since creation. Dancers in bright-colored ceremonial attire feel the call, take their own power, and rhythmically emerge from all eight directions of the medicine-wheel arbor. The Eagle’s piercing call resonates as the participants ride the hypnotic beat, praying and moving toward the incredible power of the Tree of Life. The arbor is alive. It pulsates, inhaling and exhaling as the ceremony progresses, and prayers soar on the wings of the Eagle to Great Spirit and the answers spiral back to the Tree. The energy ebbs and flows as the day wears on, but the pulse never weakens. Finally, the DanceChief announces, “This Dance is finished in Beauty.”

Dancing inwards, a prayer may be offered for personal health, prosperity, and abundance for a sacred dream, for the dream of the collective, or for Grandmother’s planetary dream. Moving away from the Tree, but never turning his or her back to it, the Dancer visualizes and celebrates the manifestation of their prayers. With roots reaching deep into the Earth, the Tree gives participants the strength and stamina needed to dance impeccably. The branches, stretching to the As Above, inspire lofty dreams, and keep the connecting link to intent powerful and strong. The tree's roots reaching far into the So Below, help to ground the dancers and give them stamina and strength to dance impeccably. On and on it continues as it has since time began. It is a magickal event, facilitating the dreams of all who participate to be danced awake. 

Eagle Dance is an annual event. The Dance itself lasts twelve hours and may begin with the first light of day, ending at sundown, or it may begin at noon when Grandfather is highest, ending at midnight. The Dance is held in an arbor, or large medicine wheel, created by the participants. In the center of the wheel stands the designated Tree of Life. In some cases a large ceremonial bonfire, representing the fire of Great Spirit and our Quest for Enlightenment and Illumination, is used instead of a Tree. Upon completion of the Dance, participants celebrate with a delicious feast. 

Alchemy of a Medicine Pipe

Ever thought about having your own Medicine Pipe?
Before you purchase a Pipe, make sure you know
how to honor this sacred alchemical tool.

  • Learn the story of White Buffalo Calf Woman, how the Sacred Medicine Pipe was returned to the People, and how she taught them to live within Sacred Law.
  • The Sacred Medicine Pipe is a perfect alchemical tool connecting us to Great Spirit. Learn alchemy of the magick, which the was taught in the ancient mystery school of the Rattlesnake over 2000 years ago.
  • Learn traditions that will help you honor the Sacred Medicine Pipe and keep it safe from harm, physically and spiritually.
  • Prepare to do the four Sweatlodge Pipe Honoring Ceremonies.
  • Discover how ancient teachings of Indigenous Peoples’ are just as relevant today as they have been for thousands of years.
  • Join a team of dedicated individuals whose goal is to take responsibility for their own lives, assume authority when appropriate, and stand accountable for their thoughts, words, and actions… And in the process heal themselves, and work toward healing Grandmother Earth.
  • Have a lot of fun with like-minded people.

The class will bring you teachings from a combination of Cherokee, Navajo and Maya.

For those who have the teachings of the Alchemy of the Sacred Medicine Pipe, their Pipes will be Blessed, Awakened, and Presented to the Universe. This ceremony is an introduction to the four Pipe Honoring Sweats where individuals take vows to protect and learn the ways of the Sacred Medicine Pipe, and prepare themselves to be Pipe Holders.

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