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
Fire Ceremony on the Beach Siargao, Philippines
700+ Year Old Grandmother Ceiba Tree in Costa Rica
The Indigenous Trees Planted Three Years Ago in Queensland, Australia
Planting New Indigenous Trees this Year in the Daintree Rainforest
Sunrise Ceremony on the White Mountain Apache Rez in AZ
Fire on the White Mountain Apache Rez in AZ
Tipi in Costa Rica
Waterfall in Costa Rica
Photos by Phillip Scott. All Rights Reserved, 2026
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….
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
Soulganize with Indigenous Leadership
Traditional Lakota Ceremony to Prepare for the Full Moon April 2020
The Orinda Experiment – PeopleUnited’s Grassroots Community Building Gathering
Grandmother’s and Grandfather’s Speak Messages from the Heart of the Mother
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
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!