peyote moon

Encyclopedia Article

Article

A peyote gathering of the Native American Church has a crescent-shaped moon drawn on the ground in sand that functions as the altar for the ceremony. This half-circle, which is located at one end of the service space (a hogan in the case of the Navajo), usually facing the door, symbolizes the "peyote road" of brotherhood, harmony, and healing. Within it, ritual tools and the sacramental peyote buttons are arranged according to the ceremonial tradition.

Photo Credit: 

 
"Peyote road sand half-circle" by Haiduc is licensed under Public Domain.

Published Works: 
People of Darkness (1980)
Term Type: 
Cultural Reference