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Phillip Scott – Reflections on the Red Road Ancestral Voice 2nd Quarter Newsletter 2026

Spring Salutations Relations,
 
Praying you and your loved ones are in health and safety during these turbulent, tumultuous times.
 
Dog Medicine – Lessons from Four Leggeds….
The bond between humans and canids (wolves/dogs) is ancient and primordial – an alliance that has deepened and been cultivated over millennia. Their Medicine includes abiding loyalty and unwavering protection. 
 
Coco, a terrier mix, is currently 16 years of age. I have had the pleasure of caretaking this remarkable being and elder for nearly six years. In this window of time, she has become quite the Ceremony dog –  at the Purification Lodge Site, she lies quietly, patiently waiting for us to emerge, then standing to warmly greet everyone with a wag of her tail and ebullient enthusiasm. During healing and counseling sessions at the Institute, she instinctively knows when to approach to offer comfort or lend support by sitting/standing beside or lying directly behind the person. She is a fine teacher and a loyal companion. I am inspired by and marvel at her presence, sensitivity, and awareness. Particularly, her ability to literally shake off whatever is troubling her – whether something that thwarts, irritates or frustrates her or an unpleasant interaction with a fellow canine, with a swift, full body flutter, she is immediately back and riveted to the present moment, without residue of or attachment to the past. 
 
She embodies true Buddha nature. 
 
On account of her advanced age, she is beginning to show signs of decline. Based on the Medicine of canines’ devotion to humans, dogs rarely Pass on their own. Rather, it becomes the responsibility of the caretakers to render that difficult decision – to pay attention to the signs and determine when it is time to support that faithful friend in making the Journey Home. 
 
Soon, this time is arriving for Coco and when it occurs, I will profoundly miss her and her buoyant, playful and joyous Spirit. Being away at college when my first dog of 19 years was placed to sleep, Coco is also fostering healing in my life by allowing me to care for her in her latter years and to be present when she takes her final breath. Requesting your Prayers for her Journey and for all who are left to remember her and were touched by her loving, gentle presence and sweet Medicine.

Photo Credit: Crystal Yescas

In the Spirit of shaking off difficulty and challenge, equally ancient ways involving peace and reconciliation were practiced by Indigenous Nations throughout the world. Inevitably, conflicts, disputes and disagreements arise between individuals, communitites and Nations. As a consequence of this unavoidable reality, Ceremonial protocols were established and implemented to ensure the restoration of harmony and balance between relations. Considering the current turmoil and unconscionable violence transpiring on the global stage, wise it would be to apply these ancient principles and practices. 

Join us the weekend of April 11th and 12th for The Art and Paths of Peacemaking to learn time tested ways to achieve peace and reconciliation within ourselves and our relationships. 

In the Samurai Tradition, before drawing one’s katana to harm, it was necessary to exercise self restraint and first learn the healing arts so join us for an intensive onIndigenous Healing during the potent Full Moon weekend of May 30th and 31st. 

Now that the season of emergence has arrived, travel is ramping up. In the latter part of April, I am heading to New York City to attend the UN Indigenous forum followed by a return to the Daintree in Queensland to reconnect with the Aborigines of the region and support them in rematriating the rainforest in early May.

Circa the summer Solstice in June,  members of the Tiospaye (community) and I will be returning to Texas to attend our annual Sundance Ceremony. 

This year, the weeklong intensive in September (21-26), which occurs during the Autumnal Equinox, will be devoted to communing with and learning from our Elemental Elders – Water, Air, Earth and Fire. Please contact the Institute for further information, to accompany me on any of the aforementioned travel and to register for the intensives.

Being the auspicious year of the Fire Horse, we are currently accepting students for the various Moon Cycle options in the Indigenous Lifeways Program, so if compelled to invite and embrace profound movement, change and lasting transformation in your life, contact us directly by email, phone or text for inquiries and to initiate. We welcome you to embark on the adventure of learning, discovery and liberation.

Prayers for Peace within Ourselves, in the World as well as for Coco’s Journey,
Phillip
 
Place Moccasins On Your Prayers….
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Phillip Scott – Reflections on the Red Road Ancestral Voice 1st Quarter Newsletter 2026

New Calendar Year Salutations Relations,
Trusting you and your loved ones are being Blessed with Dreams, guidance and insight in this Winter season.
Currently immersed in the season of Dreaming, introspection, reflection, incubation and hibernation, I encourage you to align with the rhythms and cycles of Nature by refraining from making new year resolutions and instead to wait until the energies amplify in the Spring – or at least until early February when the Earth and our relations in the Natural world begin to stir from their Winter dormancy in the Northern hemisphere. Early February into the Spring Equinox is the window to make resolutions for the energies of emergence and manifestation begin to blossom.
In the Asian calendar, 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse – an auspicious gateway for swift and profound movement, change and transformation. If seeking to transcend fear, fully embrace change and favorably shapeshift your life and circumstances, I invite you to commence studies in the Indigenous Lifeways program.
A link to the various Moon Cycle options is available here:
Reflecting upon the final quarter of last year, it was extremely potent and profound:
During our annual October Hanbleceya (Traditional Vision Quest) in the Sierra mountains, the Wakinyan Oyate (Thunderbeing Nation) Blessed us with their life granting waters for three continuous days. Kudos to the Ceremonial Fire keepers for ensuring the flames were not extinguished as well as gratitude for the Sacrifice of the Questers and selfless service of the supporters.
Immediately afterward, I traveled to the gorgeous volcano rimmed Sacred Lake Atitlán in Guatemala (the photo I snapped is included) to collaborate with Mayan and Ashaninka Medicine people in the resurrection of the Sacred masculine. Continuously immersed in Ceremonies, Teachings and Transmissions from our three Traditions for nearly ten days as well as being nurtured and supported by the local Mayan community, the male participants received powerful, life altering healing and Medicine. Deep appreciation to Nana Marina Cruz and her beautiful Mayan community for the invitation and honour to share in this important and critical work. Prayers the Ceremonial Fire, which they tend day and night, continues to burn brightly.
November found me in New York City as well as upstate where I was invited to gather and share with Medicine people from many Nations, in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Golden Drum as well as to conduct special Ceremonies for their community. Being warmly received and well taken care of, I am grateful to Maestro Manual Rufino and his cohesive, faithful community for their tireless and constant service – here’s to another 15+ years!
As for this calendar year, the itinerary is already shaping up – in the first half I am heading to the Philippines and Oaxaca, Mexico (both for the first time), returning to the White Mountain Apache Rez to support the Sunrise Ceremony (a young girl’s rite of passage into womanhood) and Queensland Australia to assist in the rematriation of the Daintree, the oldest rainforest on the planet, as well as to New York City to attend the UN World Indigenous forum.
In this first quarter, we will be offering three intensives at the Institute: the Indigenous Journey (which serves as a prerequisite for advanced work) and Death as an Ally, both in late January/early February and Sound Healing in late February/early March. Feel free to reach our for specifics and to register.
Additionally, the 9 Moon Men’s Hoop as well as the 9 Moon Awakened Leadership Course will both resume in April.
The second half of the year, there is a possibility of conducting Ceremonies, sharing Teachings and performing healings in China as well as Canada, Poland and France. If interested in sponsoring me to travel to your area or requiring a healing session (a list of our services and offerings is accessible on the link above), I am honoured to be of service to you and your communities.
Finally, conducted in a Traditional manner, considerable preparations are required to undertake a Hanbleceya, so if compelled and called to seek Vision in the year of Fire Horse and interested in either supporting or Questing with us in October, it is time to commit and commence purifying – we welcome you to reach out for specifics to participate in a respectful way regarding that High Ceremony.
Prayers for a magical and tranformative journey in 2026,
Phillip
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PHILLIP SCOTT- REFLECTIONS ON THE RED ROAD Q2 2025

Ancestral Voice 2nd Quarter Newsletter, 2025
 
Greetings Relations,
 
“Listen not to the 10,000 voices surrounding you. Rather, listen to the singular voice of the heart.”
 
This ancient passage from the Dharma (the teachings and transmissions of the Buddha) is timely and more relevant than ever for we are dwelling in an age of extreme mis and disinformation. The fabrication and spinning of spurious narratives and the dissemination of falsehoods are rampant and deeply disconcerting.  It is wise not to be gullible and blindly believe all one reads and hears from others, especially on social media. Instead, cultivate discernment and observe caution with what one is receiving and consuming. Gossip, rumors and lies abound and are poisonous forms of addiction and propaganda  In fact, current loopholes in laws allow for the publication of anything on the internet, even if untrue and unsubstantiated. Therefore, in the name of clarity, the Earth is not flat. The Dalai Lama is not a terrorist. Biological viruses and bacteria (our elders on this planet) do actually exist. Such assertions to the contrary are dangerous, damaging and reflect a form of denial as well as ignorance.
 
Furthermore, Indigenous Traditions are not cults and Traditional Medicine people are not cult leaders. The degree of fear in colonized minds continues to lead to the vilification and attempted censure, cancellation and erasure of assemblages of sovereign people who share similar values and perspectives, who embody interdependence and respect for their elders, mentors and the Earth. Additionally, the profound distrust and fracture of families and communities in modern societies stands in stark contrast to those who actually live and espouse cooperation, collaboration, sharing and genuine care for one another. Sadly, such communities are perceived as foreign and threatening. Regardless of what colonized minds believe and insist, Indigenous Traditions are not cults. They are cultures. The moment has arrived for the colonized world to develop cultural sensitivity, awareness and respect toward who and what they do not comprehend. It is time to curtail the incessant falsehoods and heresay which perpetuate misinformation and reinforce the bandwagon of cancellation, division and separation. As my Hunka Lakota mother would often counsel: exercise vigilance in thought, word and action.
 
The hallmark of Indigenous ways of living is the reliance upon direct experience. Personal sovereignty is honoured and celebrated, it is never subverted by relying upon the opinions and experiences of others to formulate one’s impressions and perceptions of the world.  Personal immersion and direct participation are the ways to gain wisdom, clarity and genuine knowledge of self and others. Furthermore, instead of being easily influenced (and controlled) by the views of others and domesticated by the collective, cultivate curiosity, engage in direct inquiry and trust your instinct to determine and discern the truth for yourself. In fact, in Native country, if one has not had an experience of an event or a person, then one is unable to formulate an opinion, proffer a perspective or render a judgment at all. There is simply no frame of reference to make an honest and accurate assessment. While sitting in council during a Sundance on the Rosebud Rez, I witnessed an elder Chief chide a younger leader for speaking from a perspective and position that lacked any experience whatsoever. The elder encouraged him to refrain from commentary until he had backed it up with embodied knowledge. Without the certainty of direct experience, one is acting and speaking from ignorance and therefore, is out of integrity (not walking one’s talk), untrustworthy and any information conveyed is dubious and suspect.
 
Ancestral Voice is devoted to fostering experiential knowledge through direct immersion and participation. In the month of May we will be offering the Indigenous Journey and Indigenous Healing intensives at the Institute in Novato to cultivate an abiding relationship with one’s Ancestors and Helping Spirits as well as to learn and embody ancient, time tested practices for healing oneself and others. The end of May, we will return to the Lighting in a Bottle Festival in Southern California to support and assist with the Ceremonial Fire.
 
In June, circa the Summer Solstice, members of the Tiospaye (community) and myself will be attending and serving at a Traditional Lakota Sundance in New Mexico.
 
As for approaching highlights in the third and fourth quarters:
In mid July I will be sponsoring another special Ceremony for my birthday followed by returning in August to the Daintree in Queensland Australia to share Ceremony with the local Aborigines, offer teachings and support in the rematriation of the oldest rainforest on the planet.
 
During the week of the Autumnal Equinox in September, back at the Institute, there will be a 6 day immersion in Indigenous Wisdom and Sacred Practices followed by our annual Hanbleceya (Traditional Vision Quest) the second week of October in the Sierras of Northern California. If interested in attending either or both of these offerings, please contact Ancestral Voice.
 
In the midst of composing these reflections, Pope Francis Passed into Spirit. An advocate for environmental justice, immigrants and the impoverished, though considerable work remains in the name of genuine peace and reconciliation, he was the only pontiff to acknowledge and apologize for the heinous crimes the Catholic church perpetrated upon Indigenous Nations around the globe and to rescind the doctrine of discovery, essentially a mandate by the Christian religion to justify the genocide of Native peoples and the theft of the lands they steward. Prayers for his Journey Home.
 
Finally, Ancestral Voice is a community that welcomes ALL people – sovereign, sincere seekers who are mature, responsible and committed to immersing themselves in the arduous and rewarding inner work necessary to liberate themselves from domestication (the herd mentality), the shackles of slumber and to reveal the truth directly from personal experience
 
In conclusion, another quotation from the  Buddha:
“It is by living a life in common with a person that we learn of that person’s moral character; and then only if having insight ourselves, we have watched a person for a long time.  It is only in conversation with a person that we learn of that person’s wisdom and clarity of heart; and then only if, having insight ourselves, we have paid attention for a long time.  It is during times of trouble that we learn of another’s fortitude; and then only if, having insight ourselves, we have paid careful attention for a long time.”
 
Ceremony and community are lived experiences. We invite you to join us to explore, heal and discover for yourself.
 
Blessings,
Phillip
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Methods to Transcend the Winter Blues – 2025

Greetings r=Relations,

Praying you and your families are in health and sensing the burgeoning energies of Spring. I am delighted to share that a series of articles have been composed where I served as a consultant on Indigenous subjects near and dear to my heart. Since we are still embedded in the midst of Winter in the Northern hemisphere, the first article relates to methods to transcend the winter blues. Enjoy!

Click here to read the full article.

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INTERVIEW: Soulganize with Indigenous Medicine with Phillip Scott

Below is an interview I did with Wynne from Soulganize disucssing Indigenous Leadership.

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PHILLIP SCOTT – REFLECTIONS ON THE RED ROAD

Ancestral Voice 1st Quarter Newsletter, 2025

 Greetings Relations,
 
As energies shift and amplify nearing the Spring emergence in the Northern hemisphere, Praying you and your loved ones remain imbedded in the eye of the impending storms, both literally and metaphorically.Recently returning from a pilgrimage to teach and conduct Ceremonies in India, the journey was fraught with extreme challenges as well as great beauty and Blessings. A profound message gleaned: locate and align with allies – the people who see, love, respect and support you, who watch your back and stand with you, no matter what.

Truth is, Indigenous Nations and peoples are incessantly under siege. The mis and disinformation, fear and outright ignorance regarding them is rife and staggering in this world. Though the Maori Nations of Aotearoa (New Zealand) are no longer receiving press, Ancestral Voice continues to stand in absolute support and solidarity with them in the defense and protection of their culture, identity and sovereign right to self determination while the colonized parliament endeavors to rescind the treaty of Waitangi, which was ratified in 1840. Unfortunately, being cavalier with words, reneging on commitments and treaties is a pattern in the colonized world. In fact, over 500 treaties were established in relation to Indigenous Nations in North America, and the colonizers have broken every single one of them. It illumines a troubling legacy for those of European Ancestry to address and heal – namely, egregious breaches of integrity.

Though not in accord with the positions and actions of the US government in the Gaza Strip, Ancestral Voice at least acknowledges the previous administration’s gestures toward healing, peace and reconciliation in relation to Indigenous Nations in the United States. These included – the appointment of the first Indigenous senator to serve as director of the department of the interior. Additionally, former President Biden was the first leader in the US to formally and publicly apologize to Indigenous Nations for the heinous atrocities of the boarding school system (to which my Lakota mother was subjected and from which she suffered), which was perpetrated by the federal government. Finally, in one of his last acts in office, the former president commuted the sentence of Leonard Peltier, who has been incarcerated for 50 years for a crime he did not commit, allowing this Indigenous activist, warrior and elder to spend the remainder of his life surrounded by family and loved ones. These were favorable and potentially healing developments. Now, the trajectory with the current administration is uncertain. That said, drawing inspiration from the life and story of Leonard Peltier, it is necessary to remain resolute in conviction and to persevere. In other words – Never Lose Faith and Never Give Up!In the continued mission and quest to support decolonization/reindigenization movements, Ancestral Voice is offering two nine Moon courses – Indigenous Wisdom & Medicine Ways intends to dispel the ignorance and misperceptions surrounding Native cultures and to foster a deeper appreciation of their rich, complex worldviews and lifeways. Within a Sacred container held by the Ancestors, the nine Moon Men’s Hoop is designed to support men, young and old, in becoming Awakened Warriors – to walk with integrity, respect, maturity and purpose in the world, to be honourable, responsible, accountable and to release antiquated and contrived ways of masculinity. Please contact Ancestral Voice for further information and to register for either of these courses.

 
February is the month to commence formal preparations for the Hanbleceya (Traditional Vision Quest), which is conducted in October so if interested in either Questing or serving as a supporter for the High Ceremony, please reach out to initiate the journey. Additionally, the Indigenous Journey intensive, which serves as a foundation for the Path, as well as the Soul Retrieval intensive whose intent is learning ancient methods to reclaim and reintegrate energetic aspects of ourselves are offered in mid February. Mid March will find us conducting Ceremonies and sharing Teachings in Florida and we are anticipating returning to Australia and India (to conduct Ceremony in the Himalayas) later this year and early next. The entire list of offerings for the quarter is below as well as available on our website: https://AncestralVoice.org/calendar.
 
Ancestral Voice is currently accepting students for the various Moon Cycle options in the Indigenous Lifeways Program, so if endeavoring to excavate oneself and learn skills to maintain equanimity and imperturbability in these turbulent, tempestuous times, to remember your Original Instructions and mobilize oneself in their realization for the benefit of All of Our Relations, we welcome you to join us.
 
Prayers for Remaining in the Eye of the Tempests,
Phillip