Sacred Earth Sanctuary was founded by Kristina Ellery, who also serves as the Head Minister and Guide. While there are no specific teachers or prophets, Sacred Earth Sanctuary believes that natural entheogens can facilitate and serve as both teacher and prophet to those who engage in their sacramental and ceremonial use.
Sacred Earth Sanctuary shall retain at least one ceremony location where sacred ceremonies may be held, the business of the organization may be conducted, and sacraments may be securely maintained.
Sacred Earth Sanctuary may also conduct ceremonies at various locations throughout the United States in furtherance of its mission. As membership and participation continue to grow, additional ceremony locations may be established to provide opportunities for spiritual development, community support, and safety.
Insofar as they are knowledgeable on certain matters, the ministerial leadership team will impart knowledge regarding ceremonies, safety, and spiritual development to the members and participants at Sacred Earth Sanctuary.
However, due to their extensive knowledge regarding indigenous beliefs and practices and general knowledge regarding the spiritual elements of natural entheogens, the primary keepers of knowledge will be the medicine men/women, ceremonial leaders, and ministers conducting sacred ceremonies at Sacred Earth Sanctuary.
The sacred ceremonies conducted by Sacred Earth Sanctuary shall be conducted in accordance with the guidance of the specific medicine man/woman, ceremonial leader, or minister conducting the ceremony. Moreover, all ceremonies shall be conducted in a sacred place.
The basic structure of sacred ceremonies at Sacred Earth Sanctuary should be as follows:
In conjunction with ceremonies and rituals, Sacred Earth Sanctuary will also hold integration meetings, the purpose of which is to assist members and participants in integrating the spiritual insights gained during ceremony into their everyday lives.
Integration is the process of absorbing and digesting the insights gained through ceremony and incorporating them into one's daily life and heightened level of consciousness.
Post-ceremony integration circles provide an opportunity to share authentically, discuss lessons gained from ceremony, receive support from fellow participants, and remain connected to one's truth, soul, and community.
One-on-one integration sessions may also be offered for those seeking additional support.
The governance, administration, appointment procedures, voting requirements, and operational functions of Sacred Earth Sanctuary shall be further defined within the organization's Bylaws and other governing documents.
The Head Minister serves as the primary spiritual leader of Sacred Earth Sanctuary and is entrusted with preserving and carrying forward the mission, teachings, values, and spiritual integrity of the organization. The Head Minister provides spiritual guidance to the ministerial leadership team, members, and participants while helping cultivate an environment that supports healing, personal growth, self-discovery, community connection, and communion with Spirit.
The Head Minister is responsible for safeguarding the sacred traditions, ceremonial practices, standards, and teachings of Sacred Earth Sanctuary and for ensuring that all activities remain aligned with the organization's spiritual purpose and foundational principles. The Head Minister serves as a steward of the community, offering wisdom, mentorship, guidance, and support while helping foster a culture of compassion, respect, personal responsibility, and service.
The Head Minister is expected to maintain a deep and ongoing relationship with Spirit through prayer, meditation, ceremony, contemplation, service, and continued spiritual development. Through both word and example, the Head Minister shall embody the values and teachings of Sacred Earth Sanctuary and inspire others to deepen their own relationship with Spirit, themselves, their community, and the natural world.
The Associate Minister serves as the designated spiritual successor to the Head Minister and must be capable of assuming the responsibilities of the office when necessary to ensure continuity of Sacred Earth Sanctuary's mission, ceremonies, teachings, and community.
An Associate Minister must possess a deep understanding of the principles, beliefs, teachings, and sacred use of the sacraments recognized by Sacred Earth Sanctuary. They must have cultivated a strong and ongoing relationship with Spirit through prayer, meditation, ceremony, contemplation, and service, while demonstrating spiritual maturity, sound judgment, emotional stability, humility, compassion, and integrity.
An Associate Minister is expected to have significant personal experience with at least one sacrament recognized by Sacred Earth Sanctuary and to embody the wisdom, responsibility, and lessons gained through sincere sacramental practice. They shall live in a manner that inspires the community and upholds the trust, honor, and values of Sacred Earth Sanctuary.
Associate Ministers support the mission of Sacred Earth Sanctuary through prayer, teachings, ceremonial service, integration work, community support, and assistance to the Head Minister. They are expected to continue their spiritual growth through ongoing practice, direct experience, service, and dedication to the mission and teachings of Sacred Earth Sanctuary.
The Council serves as an advisory body within Sacred Earth Sanctuary and is composed of members of the ministerial leadership team, senior facilitators, and other respected members of the community who serve in support of the mission and spiritual well-being of Sacred Earth Sanctuary. The purpose of the Council is to provide guidance, wisdom, and diverse perspectives regarding the spiritual direction, growth, community well-being, and continued evolution of Sacred Earth Sanctuary.
The Council may offer recommendations regarding church programs, community outreach, fundraising efforts, ceremonial standards, ethical considerations, member support initiatives, and other matters affecting the health and development of the organization. While the Council may provide guidance and recommendations, the day-to-day leadership and spiritual direction of Sacred Earth Sanctuary shall remain the responsibility of the Head Minister.
Council membership is considered an honor and reflects an individual's demonstrated commitment to the mission, values, teachings, and community of Sacred Earth Sanctuary. Council members are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, humility, sound judgment, and respect for all members and participants.
Senior Facilitators are experienced ceremonial leaders and space holders who assist in carrying forward the mission of Sacred Earth Sanctuary through ceremonial service, mentorship, integration support, educational offerings, community stewardship, and support during ceremonies. Senior Facilitators may include ministers, medicine men/women, ceremonial leaders, visiting guides, and other experienced practitioners who have demonstrated a deep understanding of the principles, values, and safety standards upheld by Sacred Earth Sanctuary.
Ceremony Assistants support the ministers and senior facilitators during ceremonies by helping maintain the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of participants. Ceremony Assistants may assist with logistical needs, participant support, ceremony preparation, and general stewardship of the ceremonial space. They are expected to uphold the values, standards, and mission of Sacred Earth Sanctuary while serving the community with compassion, humility, and integrity.
Sacred Earth Sanctuary honors Mother Earth and acknowledges the Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, and Fall Equinox with reverence.
As all holidays are times of celebration and promote unity within a community, members are encouraged to participate in other holidays as their consciousness dictates.
During ceremony, members and participants are encouraged to wear comfortable white clothing to reflect unity and respect the sanctity of the sacred ceremony.
Sacred Earth Sanctuary engages in some online marketing and community outreach in an effort to make people aware of our ceremonies and mission.
In no event should anyone affiliated with Sacred Earth Sanctuary make concerted efforts to convince others that our beliefs or way of living is superior to or better than anyone else's.
Sacred Earth Sanctuary prefers to acquire members and participants by attraction rather than promotion. We believe that the greatest attraction to Sacred Earth Sanctuary is the healing and positive changes that occur within those who participate in our sacred ceremonies.