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In preparing for a hunting trip as many as designed to accompany each other, applied to a priest for cleansing. He gave them the same kind of purifying drink, as is mentioned above. With this they washed their bodies and cleaned stomachs. This water they used for three days, and fasted each day till after noon. The priest then prepared a place for sweating as mentioned above and when in a profuse sweat, ordered them to plunge as above, seven times. Then on coming out of the water he sometimes consulted his U lu sa ta, sometimes, however, the company was at first ordered to fast one whole day, and toward night take the above purifying drink. They were then put into the warm bath, or hot house, and sweat, and then ordered to plunge suddenly into the river. On coming out of the water, they might if they chose sleep, but must have no more intercourse with women to the close of the expedition in March, even in case their families should accompany. At daybreak the next morning, the priest took them all to the river again, where they plunged as before seven times.
The priest then fixed a stool on the bank of the river, folded seven deer skins (dressed) and put on it and then set his U la sa ta or Divining Stone on them and prayed.  Now if they were to be successful in hunting, a great multitude of deer horns would appear in the stone; but if not, only a few or none would be seen.
Then all started, and for seven days, every morning and evening, all must bathe as before, plunging seven times.  On commencing the hunt new fire was made, and that fire only must be used till they return, and during the whole time, at every appearance of a new moon, all must bathe as before plunging seven times.  The first buck killed was for sacrifice, that is, the tongue as usual. The sacrifice however was not offered till the next morning. Now if the meat popped, throwing little pieces toward the East, the company would be successful, but if towards the west, the contrary.  In case a priest would not accompany a band of hunters, he authorized the leader of the band to do it in his stead.
Hunters sometimes sacrificed the melt? of a deer, and some among the shawnees, the whole breast  cutting it into seven parts.

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It is said that anciently Cherokees used to give thanks before eating, even at common meals.