What is the Sun Dance Religion? The Center Pole Symbolism of the Sun Dance Lodge Tribal Participation in the Sun Dance The Eagle and the Buffalo The Sunrise Ceremony Dancing to the Center Pole The Suffering of the Sun Dancer Having a vision during the Sun Dance Blessing of the Water The Will of the Medicine Fathers

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The Center Pole As each sun dancer approaches the lodge, ready to begin the ordeal, he should be aware of the sacred character of the lodge. It represents the earth and all creation, as well as the circle of seasons that travel through time. The Center Pole is the staff of life and on it are the medicines and the representatives of The Maker of All Things. It is through the Center Pole that we meet God, so we must go to the center of the circle and understand the responsibility of being placed at the center of creation.