PHILLIP SCOTT- REFLECTIONS ON THE RED ROAD Ancestral Voice 3rd Quarter Newsletter, 2026

Summer Salutations Relations,

 

Trusting you and your loved ones are having an enjoyable and safe season.

 

Recently returned last month from conducting Traditional Ceremonies in Costa Rica at the gorgeous Yacumama Eco Village and celebrating my 63rd revolution ‘round the Sun (July 18). In addition to a 700+ year old Grandmother Ceiba tree, the landscape was truly breathtaking – one of the Ceremonial sites had the most magnificent views I have ever witnessed – a verdant valley with the ocean on one side and a mist enshrouded mountain on the other, whose interior contained a series of waterfalls with clear, refreshing pools. Absolutely magical!

 

This year of the Fire Horse has been potent and fruitful for Ancestral Voice, characterized by considerable invitations to travel and be of service. In January (pre Fire Horse), I visited the Sea of Cortez in La Paz, Mexico where I had the privilege to swim with a gentle and graceful whale shark, the largest species of fish on the planet. February found me in Siargao Philippines, teaching intensives, performing healings and conducting a Fire Ceremony on the beach as well as an indoor Ceremony during a torrential downpour (clearly to honor the Sacred Waters). Unfortunately, the reefs in this region are being ravaged by overfishing. Prayers and concerted action required to protect the fragile ecosystem there. Gratitude to Tracy and the staff at Soultribe Beach Retreat for stepping up and taking great care of me.

 

In March, I was invited to attend my second Sunrise Ceremony with a family from the White Mountain Apache Rez – a profoundly moving celebration to honor the transition for a girl into a young woman soon after her first Moontime. It is truly lamentable the colonized world does not embrace these essential rites of passage, especially for our youth. In late April, I travelled to NYC to attend the 25th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN. Gratitude to Meistro Rufino and his community at the Golden Drum for the honor to participate as their guest. My presentation at the conclusion of the Forum – an adamant request for Sacred Fire Ceremonies to be conducted on the grounds of the UN throughout the forum – are included in the written record. Offsite from the UN, I also attended the second Global Indigenous Peacebuilding Summit where, as a member of a committee, we drafted a declaration of further rights, which was submitted to the UN.

 

Early May, I returned to the Daintree rainforest in Queensland Australia to conduct a Land acknowledgment and Fire Ceremony for Barnaby and his amazing staff at Climate Force along with leadership and team cohesion trainings. It was remarkable to behold the swift regeneration and growth of the forest from the Indigenous trees we planted only three years ago. This year, 1,500 Native trees were planted in collaboration with Rainforest Rescue, I was granted the honor from Aboriginal elders to speak at the opening of an installation showcasing art from Aboriginal youth, as well as to present for a class of first graders at an Aboriginal charter school. It deeply touches my heart to see Indigenous youth preserving their lineages, culture and identity by learning their Languages, Sacred Songs, Dances and oral histories.

 

June found myself and some of my supporters back in Texas, this time at the Blue Star Sundance, where we were warmly received by the Chief and his community and had a beautiful Ceremony of Sacrifice. I appreciate the impeccable organization, precision and exacting attention to detail in which this Chief conducts the Ceremony. Looking forward to returning there for at least four more years.

 

The next couple of months, I will remain closer to home and the Institute where we will be offering intensives on Soul Retrieval (August 29 & 30) and our annual weeklong intensive in September (14-19), this time on The Four Elements. Please contact Ancestral Voice at (415) 310-0981 for specifics and to register. Near the end of September, I will resume travel by returning to be of service and support for another Sunrise Ceremony on the White Mountain Apache Rez.

 

Regarding next quarter, our annual Hanbleceya (Traditional Vision Quest) occurs in October (10-18) and though unable to accept Questers at this time (preparation requires a minimum of nine months), supporters in basecamp to chop wood/carry water as well as to eat, drink, sleep and Purify in daily Lodges for the Questers are always welcome and appreciated. In December, after well over a decade, I return to Cusco, Peru, to collaborate and share Ceremonies with the local Indigenous Medicine People there.

 

Considering the myriad global challenges and crises we are facing as a species, it is essential that each and every one of us focuses upon healing and inner work. Therefore, if compelled to find liberation from the shackles of familial and social domestication by learning the Ancient ways of our Ancestors in order decolonize and re-humanize (place the being back in human), we welcome you to join our various Training programs and community of committed seekers. Check out our website at https://AncestralVoice.org

 

For the Sake and Welfare of the Earth and Future Generations, Time to Place Moccasins on Our Prayers,

Phillip