SWEAT LODGE CEREMONIES

The sweat lodge is a re-enactment of a return to our mother womb-like experience, which is the cleaning of the body, mind and spirit. People remove all accessories like watches, rings, and glasses, to remember that we came into this world without material possessions. It is a time of sharing our problems with other people and praying for the needs of our innermost self. Then after the rounds we re-enter creation reborn with New Hope and a changed attitude.

The sweat lodge has been amongst our people long before the churches were built on our Reserves. This is where our people went to pray and come in contact with a Higher Power or Creator.

There are four rounds to each ceremony. Four rounds in honor of four grandparents or four directions. Six Colors are used in the sweat lodge ceremony.

Colour Red in honor of Red Race or First Nation people, the gift given to Red Man is the gift of vision to be able to look backwards in time or to be able to see into the future.

Colour Yellow in honour of Yellow Race or Chinese people; the gift they were given is time. 
They are an ancient people in their beliefs and religion.

Colour Black in honor of Black Race or Black people; the gift they were given is reason to be able to reason with things.

Colour White in honor of White Race or White people; the gift they were given is movement, to be able to move things like jets, planes, and cars.

Colour Green in honor of Mother Earth, giver of new life to all creation, she gives life to all two legged, four legged, the one's that fly, ones that crawl, ones that swim, insects, trees, water, rocks and grass.

Colour Blue in honor of Father Sky - Creator and God/Great Spirit; the ultimate of all Universal Powers. Blue is a sacred colour.

Round 1 - in this round we honor Mother Earth, the Fire, Rocks, Water, and Steam Spirits. 
Prayers of thanks said by all the participating individuals. Sacred songs are sung, people can either pray silently in your traditional language or English. We ask Mother Sweat Lodge to purify our minds, bodies, and spirits to take away all our bad feelings, hurts, anger and resentments. A sweat is a place where we can cry, pray, sing and be able to humble ourselves and cry for our people.

Round 2 - in this round we honor all sisters, because women are the backbone of First Nation people and they have the gift of bringing new life into this world. We have to remember that some of our women got caught up in alcohol and drug abuse, they get weak and need our prayers and thanks. We pray for our Mothers, Sisters, Grandmothers, Nieces, Cousins, Aunts, Elders, Pipe Carriers, Spiritual Advisors and all Sisters pray for each other. We remember all our sisters that are in institutions, jails, battered women's homes and young sisters that are in 
foster homes. We ask the Creator to help them find their identities. Prayers are said and a sacred or sweat song is sung.

Round 3 -in this round we honor all our Brothers. We remember our Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Nephews, Cousins, Elders, Spiritual Advisors, Medicine People, Pipe Carriers, and if any of the above are in the Spirit world we still pray for them that their spirits are set free by their loved ones. We remember all our brothers in jails, institutions, jungles and skid row. 
We ask the Creator to forgive us and for our wrong doings, we humble ourselves and cry for our people. Sacred sweat lodge songs are sung.

Round 4 -in this round we honor ourselves now that we have prayed for everyone else. We ask the Creator to help us with our daily living problems and to work on our character defects. We can use any amount of rocks that we want.


The Native Sweat lodge.... A Spiritual Tradition

The Sweat Lodge Ceremony, now central to most Native American cultures and spiritual life, is an adaptation of the sweat bath common to many ethnic cultures found in North and South America, Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, and Africa. 

It was prompted by the influence of European culture with its corrupting effect on native culture. With the introduction of alcohol and the inhumane treatment of native people, the need to re-purify themselves and find their way back to traditional ways of living became evident, as they were becoming increasingly poisoned by European culture. The Sweat Lodge Ceremony was the answer.

With the help of Medicine Men and Women, they could repair the damage done to their spirits, their minds and their bodies. The Sweat Lodge is a place of spiritual refuge and mental and physical healing, a place to get answers and guidance by asking spiritual entities, totem helpers, the Creator and Mother Earth for the needed wisdom and power.

A traditional Sweat Lodge is a wickiup made up of slender withes of aspen or willow, or other supple saplings, lashed together with raw hide, or grass or root cordage, although in some areas the lodge was constructed of whatever materials were at hand, from a mud roofed pit house to a cedar bark and plank lodge. The ends of the withes are set into the ground in a circle, approximately 10 feet in diameter, although there is no set size for a Sweat Lodge. That is determined by the location, materials available and the builder. The withes are bent over and lashed to form a low domed framework approximately 4 - 5 feet high at the center. 

The pit in the center is about 2 feet in diameter and a foot deep. The floor of the lodge may be clean swept dirt, or natural grassy turf, or may be covered with a mat of sweet grass, soft cedar boughs, or sage leaves for comfort and cleanliness, kept away from the central pit.

The lodge in former times was covered with the hides of buffalo, bear or moose. In this day, the animal skins have been replaced with blankets, plastic sheeting, old carpet, heavy gauge canvas sheets and tarps to retain the heat and the steam.

In many traditions the entrance to the sweat lodge faces to the East and the sacred fire pit. 

This has very significant spiritual value. Each new day for all begins in the East with the rising of Father Sun, the source of life and power, dawn of wisdom, while the fire heating the rocks is the undying light of the world, eternity, and it is a new spiritual beginning day that we seek in the sweat ceremony.

Between the entrance to the lodge and the sacred fire pit, where the stones are heated, is an altar barrier, beyond which none may pass except the lodge or fire keepers, to prevent participants from accidentally falling into the fire as they emerge from sweat. Traditionally this barrier altar is a buffalo or other skull atop a post, placed about 3 paces from the entrance and 3 paces from the fire, to warn of the danger. At the base of the post is a small raised earthen altar upon which are placed items sacred to the group or clan, sage, sweet grass, feathers, etc., bordered with the four colors, and a pipe rack for the chanunpa.

Common to all traditions, and the sweat, is the ideal of spiritual cleanliness. Many sweats start with the participants fasting for an entire day of contemplation in preparation for the sweat while avoiding caffeine, alcohol and other unhealthy substances. Prior to entering the sweat the participants usually smudge with sage, sweet grass or cedar smoke as a means toward ritual cleanliness.

Bringing personal sacred items is allowed but some rules apply. Items such as Eagle feathers, whistles and medicine pouches are allowed and welcomed. You should not bring anything that is not natural into the Sweat Lodge, such as: watches, ear rings, gold, silver, eye glasses, false teeth, etc. In many cultures a female on her moon is not allowed into the sweat, but in some they are.

A Sweat Ceremony in many traditions usually starts with the loading and offering of the sacred chanunpa ~ "peace pipe" ~ in prayer, that the participants may know and speak the truth in their supplications of Grandfather, Earth Mother and the spirits. In other traditions, when you are called upon to go into the sweat lodge you will have some tobacco to offer to the sacred fire, saying a prayer or asking a question, the smoke from the tobacco carrying your request to the Great Spirit. As you prepare to enter the lodge the sweat leader smudges you with the smoke of burning sage, cedar, or sweet grass, wafting the smoke over you with an eagle feather. You then crawl into the lodge in a sun-wise (clockwise) direction, bowing in humility to Great Spirit and in close contact with Earth Mother, and take your place in the circle, sitting cross legged upright against the wall of the lodge.

When all are inside the sweat leader calls upon the doorkeeper to drop the flap covering the lodge opening. The lodge becomes dark, and at this point the lodge leader announces that all are free to leave the lodge at any time if they cannot endure. (If you must leave, speak out "Mitakuye Oyasin," "All my relatives." The other participants will move away from the wall so that you may pass behind them as you leave in a clockwise direction.) He then asks for a short, contemplative silence. After the brief silence the flap is raised, and the leader calls upon the fire tender to bring in the heated stones from the sacred fire.

The Stone People spirits are awakened in the stones by heating them in the sacred fire until red-hot. They are swept clean with a pine or cedar bough to remove smoking embers which would cause irritating discomfort in the lodge. One at a time they are placed in the shallow pit inside the sweat lodge, placing first the stone on the west, then north, east, south, and in the center to Grandfather. Additional stones are then placed to Grandmother and The People. 

After four to seven stones are in the pit, depending on tradition (and probably the size of the stones), the entrance is closed and sealed by the Sweat Lodge Keeper, who generally is also the fire tender.

Aglow with the luminance of the red hot stones, the ceremony begins in the lodge. The sweat leader sounds the Water Drum and calls forth the spirit guides in prayer from the Four Directions. The sweat leader then dips water and pours it onto the hot stones in the pit, producing large amounts of steam, usually one dipper for each of the four directions, or until he is told by the spirits to stop. Then he begins his prayers, songs and chants.

A typical prayer might be:
Grandfather, Mysterious One,
We search for you along this
Great Red Road you have set us on.

Sky Father, Tunkashila,
We thank you for this world.
We thank you for our own existence.
We ask only for your blessing and for your instruction.

Grandfather, Sacred One,
Put our feet on the holy path that leads to you,
and give us the strength and the will
to lead ourselves and our children
past the darkness we have entered.
Teach us to heal ourselves,
to heal each other and to heal the world.

Let us begin this very day,
this very hour,
the Great Healing to come.
Let us walk the Red Road in Peace.

During the purification of one's spirit inside a sweat lodge, all sense of race, color and religion is set aside. As in the Mother's womb and the Father's eyes, we are all the same, we are One. Each of us has the ability to sit with the Creator himself. Healing begins here for dis-ease, physical, emotional, directional and spiritual.

As the steam and temperature rises so do our senses. Messages and vision from the Spirit World are received through the group consciousness of the participants. One at a time, as a talking stick is passed, all the people inside get an opportunity to speak, to pray and to ask for guidance and forgiveness from the Creator and the people they have hurt. As they go around the circle, they tell who they are, where they are from, and what is their clan, so the Creator, the Spirit People, and all there can acknowledge them.

A sweat is typically four sessions, called rounds or endurance's, each lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. The round ends when the leader announces the opening of the door.

The first round is for recognition of the spirit world which resides in the black West where the sun goes down, and the Creator may be asked for a "spirit guide" by some of the participants.

The second round is for recognition of courage, endurance, strength, cleanliness, and honesty, calling upon the power of the white North.

The recognition of knowledge and individual prayer symbolize the third round, praying to the direction of the daybreak star and the rising sun that we may gain wisdom, that we may follow the Red Road of the East in all our endeavors.

The yellow South stands for growth and healing. Thus, the last round centers on spiritual growth and healing. From our spirit guides from the west, from the courage, honesty and endurance of the north, from the knowledge and wisdom obtained from the east, we continue the circle to the south from which comes growth. It is from growth and maturing that healing comes.

At the completion of each round, the participants may emerge, if desired, to plunge into an adjacent pool or stream if one is available, or roll in the snow if the sweat is held in winter. 
In arid areas the participants roll in the sand to cool off and remove the sweat. Many participants maintain their places in the lodge until completion of the fourth round, while the cooled stones in the pit are removed and replaced with hot stones.

There are many different forms of sweat ceremonies in Indian country. Each people has their own tradition and this is especially clear when it comes to the sweat lodge ceremony. Many differences, depending on the people participating, occur during each ritual. For instance, many times rounds are held in complete silence and meditation as the participants feel the need. At other less intense times, a round may be devoted to story telling and recounting of the clan's creation stories. This is all part of spiritual and emotional healing and growth. 

Respect, sincerity, humility, the ability to listen and slow down are all key in the way you approach ceremony.

Who Sweats and Why?

The sweat lodge ceremony usually occurs before and after other major rituals like the "Vision Quest" for example. The aim of the ceremony is to purify one's mind, body, spirit and heart. It is also a "stand alone" ritual that it occurs whenever it is needed. Sweat lodge essentially translates into returning to the womb and the innocence of childhood. The lodge is dark, moist, hot and safe. The darkness relates to human ignorance before the spiritual world and so much of the physical world.

Traditionally it was only the men who would sweat. As time has passed and the lodge has evolved, other levels have been shown. The sweat lodge has given many gifts and shown itself as a way to not only cleanse, but to release anger, guilt and shame in a safe way, and to bring people together as ONE. These days women sweat also, provided they are not on their moon time or cleansing time already. Men can sweat separately and women can sweat separately, or there can be mixed sweats where men and women both participate. The Elder or Lodge Keeper running the ceremony according to their teachings will determine this.

Observing very strict protocols while in ceremony are key. Men and women must both practice modesty in their dress when they come to ceremony. Sweat lodge is not a fashion show, nor is it a place for vanity or to get a date. This is a sacred place to pray, meditate, learn and heal, and that must be the focus.

Unlike "New Age" sweats we do not go in naked when men and women are present. It has nothing to do with being uncomfortable with our bodies, as some would have us believe. Rather it is about not confusing spirituality with sexuality, and creating a safe place where all people feel comfortable. Men, women, boys and girls can all benefit from the lodges. Modesty is to be practiced in our dress, meaning that men wear shorts and bring a couple of towels to cover themselves and the women wear modest dress or long skirt with a loose T-shirt and a couple of towels.

We must always walk the Red Road in a way that honors others' views and teachings without sacrificing our own. All of these ways are good, none is better or worse than the other.

We need to unite all of the races and both of the sexes if we are going to be strong and the Sacred Hoop is to be mended. Every form of spirituality goes through change. This evolution reflects the changing needs of the community and of our environment. Anything that will not change risks isolating itself from the people. 

Water is life and changes everything, even the hardest stone. The change that is needed is turning towards each other instead of away from one another. If we ceremony together, we heal together, we laugh together, live and love together.

If you are invited to a sweat, the 24 hours previous to the sweat should be spent in cleansing, fasting, prayer and meditation on the intended purpose of the sweat, and you should be free from drugs and alcohol. For the greatest spiritual benefit, these conditions should be met.

If you would like to know more of what happens in a sweat lodge ceremony the answer is quite simple:
Attend one. It will be different than the last one you attended. 


Sweat Lodge Etiquette

by Carmeen
We welcome you to the opportunity to participate and pray in the traditional ways of the Lakota people.  The "Inipi" ceremony is a very sacred ceremony and we ask that you observe some basic etiquette when participating.  The Inipi is the way we pray to Grandfather.  The lodge represents Mother Earth and when we crawl out at the end of the ceremony it is like a rebirth. 
 We leave all our problems in there with the Grandfather Stone

No women should come to the lodge when they are on their "Sacred Monthly Time".  That is a ceremony in itself and according to the elders we cannot be in two ceremonies at the same time.

If you have not attended a traditional Lakota lodge please be open to learn and ask questions.  
Do not assume you know.  We want to always be respectful.

    * When women come to the lodge they should not wear slacks or jeans.  They should come in a skirt or dress that is at least below the knees.  When in the lodge women should wear a dress or skirt and shirt that covers some of the arm and is long.  Bring different clothes to wear in the lodge than the ones you arrive in.  No sleeveless, tank tops or bathing suits.  We must respect ourselves.  Bring a towel in the lodge.  Wear no makeup or metal jewelry of any kind.
    
* In the lodge, men wear swim trunks or shorts with no metal on them.
    * When you arrive, be sure to shake hands with the people and introduce yourself.  
    * Be aware that there will be many sacred items sitting on the alter in front of the lodge.
    * Do not throw anything in the sacred fire.  It is not a bonfire.
    * Bring tobacco to put on the alter before you go into the lodge.
    * Women usually go into the lodge first.  Be sure to listen to the one pouring the lodge for any special instructions. 
    * The firemen will smudge you with sacred sage or cedar
    * First the medicine man will load his "Channunpa" (sacred pipe) with tobacco while a song is sung.. 
    * Allow the Lakota women and elder women to go in first unless you have been instructed otherwise.
    * Turn in a clockwise circle at the door, then crawl in and say "Mitakuye Oyasin" or "All my relations" as you enter the opening.  We crawl in to humble ourselves and then remind ourselves that we are all related. 
    * Crawl in a clockwise manner sitting next to the person ahead of you.  Be silent.  When the first seven stones come in there should be no talking.  We must pray to the directions  at that time.
    * Sometimes there are separate men's and women's lodges.  
    * After the 7 stones come in the men will begin coming in. 
    * When all the stones are in the ceremony begins.  
    * The door will open and close 4 times.
    * Sacred songs will be sung when the door is closed.  
    * Pray when the door is closed while looking at the Grandfather Stone People.  
    * Do not attempt to leave the lodge while the door is closed.
    * Do not pull up the sides while the door is closed.
    * Do not pull up the sides unless the one pouring the water gives you permission.
    * It is good to drink plenty of water the day of a lodge (especially in Colorado where the elevation is high and it is very dry.)
    * Be sure not to over eat before a lodge.  You may become nauseous.
    * Be sure to ask questions if you are not sure what to do. 
    * After the 4th round (door) we will go out and get dry clothes on and come back and form  a circle and smoke the "Channunpa" and eat the spirit food. 
Source: http://www.firstnationstreatment.org/sweatlodgeceremonies.htm

How to Attend a Powwow

Gaining a little insight of what to do, and what not to do, may be helpful before attending your first powwow.  

The do's and don'ts that I will be sharing are from my own experiences. Please keep in mind, what I am selecting to share within this site, comes from my attending and dancing at northern Minnesota powwows.

Also realize that each powwow has their own way of conducting a powwow, there may be varying traditions, ceremonies and ways showing of respect.  My focus will be on the basic ways of showing respect while attending a powwow. 

Respect for the Anishinaabe

No one is told what is proper and what is not proper at a powwow. A person generally learns what is expected from them while at a powwow with their family, and by teachings from our elders. 

There is a strong belief that what a person needs to know will come to them when they need to know it. It is best to not ask too many questions. People who are attending a powwow for the first time may want some helpful hints.

Entering a Powwow

As you drive up to the powwow, park your car anywhere - as you will notice people do park anywhere their car will fit. Next, you will need to find a comfortable place to park yourself. 

There are usually bleachers circling the dancing arena for the people who are just there to watch. You may bring a lawn chair with you to sit on, but please do not park your chair in front of any dancer's chairs. 

The dancers need easy access into the arena for dancing. Ok, you are almost ready to sit back, relax, and totally enjoy the experience of community, spirituality, and fun, however a few items of respect are required and need mentioning.

Grand Entry

Grand Entries are at a 1:00 and 7:00. These times are the scheduled time at every powwow. Grand entries are when the dancers to make their entry into the sacred circle,the dancing arena. A spectators must stand once the drum begins, remove hats, and remain standing until all dancers are in the arena. 

After the grand entry, spectators should remain standing for the Flag Song, Veteran's Song, and the spiritual advisor has spoken the prayer. Once all the above is completed, then it is alright to sit down.

Honor Songs

It is good to keep in mind Honor Songs are done throughout the powwow. The emcee will announce the type of honor song and inform everyone to stand and remove their hats, these are showing respect.

Inter-Tribals

When the emcee announces it is inter-tribal time, everyone is welcomed to come and join in the dancing. A person does not need to be in regalia to dance.

Dancing

We welcome anyone into the circle when it is inter-tribal time. Do not be afraid to enter the circle and dance. No one will laugh at you. We are taught to be respectful to all who enter the sacred circle and wish to dance. Just walk out into the circle, watch how the dancers are dancing and do you best to have a good time. 

NATIVE POWWOW ETIQUETTE

Pay Attention and Listen. The MC (master of ceremonies) can be heard via the sound system. He is coordinating the powwow and advises the visitors of additional protocol. Non-natives are welcome at powwow celebrations to learn and share in the cultural and social traditions but are expected to show respect and understanding for these events.

Never Refer To A Native Dancer's Regalia As a Costume

A dancer's regalia may also be called their outfit. These beautifully handcrafted outfits are not costumes! Much thought, time, energy and expense goes into the making of each outfit. Often pieces of the regalia are family heirlooms. Regalia is created by the dancer or by a respected family member or friend. The feathers in particular are sacred and highly valued and cared for. Sometimes years have gone into the final completion of a dancer's regalia.

Never pick up a feather or feathers that have fallen off some one's regalia. You must find an elder & tell them about it.

Always show respect for the elders, dancers or anyone else who is attending.

Never go under the sacred arbour. It is reserved for the drummers, the MC & singers.

Never Touch A Native Dancer's Regalia. 

Again, respect, respect, respect! A dancer told me once he felt a tugging at his back and to his dismay, a woman had a hold of one of the eagle feathers of his traditional bustle! She kept pulling and saying she wanted one! If you feel the need to touch, always ask permission, and be gentle and considerate. 

Respect the personal space of dancers as you should for anyone else.

Use Courtesy and Respect When Photographing. 

The majority of Native powwows are public events and taking pictures of the dancers during inter-tribal or during dance competition is usually acceptable. The MC will let you know when it will be absolutely not acceptable to take photographs. However, if you want a dancer to pose for you outside the arbor, always introduce yourself and ask permission.

 If you are a professional photographer or artist and feel you may use the image in the future for a commercial project, tell the dancer. Make sure it is OK with him or her and the safest bet is to ask if they will sign a model's release. 

Even if the photos are only for your personal use and not commercial, offer to send the dancer copies. They are usually happy to give you a mailing address so that you may send them photos.

Do Not Enter The Dance Arbor After It Has Been Blessed. 

At the beginning of the powwow festivities, the Dance Arbor is blessed. Walking or running into the Arbor is prohibited. The only time guests may enter the Arbor is to participate during Inter tribal Dances, Round Dances, Blanket Dances or during an Honoring dance that the MC may announce. Don't cut across the Arbor just to get to the other side!

Stand During Grand Entry. 

The MC will announce the beginning of Grand Entry and will ask everyone to stand. The Native Eagle Staff will be brought into the dance arbor and you should remain standing during the Flag Song and the Invocation. 

The same is asked during the Veterans Songs and Closing Songs and when the Staff and Flags are taken out of the Arbor. Men should remove their hats during these times.

Do Not Sit On Any Chairs Under the Dance Arbor. 

The seating under the Dance Arbor is reserved for the dancers, drums and other powwow participants. It's a good idea to bring folding chairs to a powwow and set them up just behind the outer area of the Arbor. 

Throwing a blanket over your chair marks it as belonging to someone. Unless you've been invited to sit under the Arbor, please respect the sitting provided for participants, especially those chairs covered with a blanket or shawl!

Never Record a Native Drum Without Permission Of The Head Singer. 

Ask to tape songs. The MC may also announce that no recording or photographs take place during certain songs. Frequently people do stand around drums and tape without permission without any consequences. But its shows respect and consideration to ask permission first.

Never take pictures when the MC informs that it is not permitted.

No Alcohol Or Drugs Permitted At Powwows. Today's powwows are alcohol and drug free environments.

Any one found under the influence or in the possession of drugs will be immediately escorted off the powwow grounds.

Respect everyone, Non-Native and Native, especially Elders. Treat everyone with respect and kindness. Look out for the children. Treat others as you would expect to be treated.

Finally, Have A Good Time! Above anything else, Native powwows are social events. A time to see old friends and meet new ones. 

Don't be afraid to ask questions and engage in conversation with vendors, dancers, singers and other powwow participants. Enjoy yourself!

Note:

www.powwow-power.com/powwowetiquette.html



The information above came from www.powwow-power.com/powwowetiquette.html

This is a wonderful site that I highly recommend.

Blessings

First Nations Hoop Dance

Native Words of Wisdom 2

We have come to a time when we should be together...there should not be divisions amongst people, there should be peace among men...in saying this, I would pray Great Spirit blesses anyone who hears these words and open their heart to the truth."
Last Cry, Native American Prophecies

There are many clans and many nations, we are a sovereign people. But always, as the Hopi say, "Under it all, every blanket is made from the wool of sheep." 

So we are made from the same stuff, we just look different on the outside. 

That is our individual culture expression. But we are woven together just like that blanket. We are one family, born to Mother and to Father. 

We are one tribe - we are called Human Beings.
Last Cry, Native American Prophecies

We return thanks to the moon and stars, which have been given to us their light when ti sun was gone. We return thanks to the sun, that has looked upon the earth with a beneficial eye. Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness, and who directs all things for the good of her children.

Iroquois

                                                               Black Elk

The Life of an Indian...

...is like the wings of the air, that is why you notice the hawk knows how to get his prey. The Indian is like that. The hawk swoops down on its prey; so does the Indian. In his lament he is like an animal...for instance, the coyote is sly; so is the Indian...the eagle is the same. That is why the Indian is always feathered up....he is a relative to the wings of the air.

Black Elk

The American Indian is of the soil, whether it be the region of the forests, plains, pueblos, or mesas...he fits into the landscape, for the hand that fashioned the continent also fashioned the man for his surroundings. He once grew as naturally as the wild sunflowers; he belongs just as the buffalo belonged.

Chief Luther Standing Bear

Luther Standing Bear

Dreaming that you are an animal...

...or possibly part animal, it's a sign that the characteristics of this particular animal are important to you. If you dream you are the same animal on a number of occasions, it's an indication that this animal may be your totem animal.

Spirit & Dream Animals

We Indians live in a world of symbols and images, where the spiritual and the commonplace are one. To the white man symbols are just words, written in a book. To us they are a part of nature, part of ourselves - the earth, the sun, the wind and the rain, stones, trees, animals, even little insects, like ants and grasshoppers. We try to understand them, not with the head, but with the heart...and we need no more than a hint to give us the meaning.

John Lame Deer

Spiritual Food...

...becomes a sacramental sign when it is offered on behalf of the spirits of the deceased. It is called spiritual food because it has a purpose beyond feeding our bodies...through this symbolic offering one brings blessings to deceased relatives and friends.

Meditations with the Lakota

Relationship to the Earth and the Spirit World, Lakota Spirituality relates one both to the world of visible creation and to the world of spirits...it is a centering of ourselves in creation through a relationship to the four directions, the foundations of the universe, and the place where the spirits dwell. Through this spirituality we learn to live in harmony with all the creatures, it also puts us at ease with the spirits through accepting their presence and through the offering of spiritual food.

Meditations with the Lakota

Your Animal Totems

Many people consider human beings to be superior to the other forms of life on our planet. These people have not stopped to consider that all forms of life are important...all living things are the creation of the Universal Life Force that gives consciousness, intellect, and spirit to all her creations.

 Appreciation of this helps s recognize the sanctity of nature and enables us to revere all forms of life...the fact that we can learn from other forms of life has been known for thousands of years.

We all are aware of how the American Indian considers all life as relations, even a passage in the Bible demonstrates this as well..."But ask now the beasts and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee. Or speak to the Earth and it shall teach thee; and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee" (Job 12:7-8).

~Many young Native American men were sent out to find their totem animals. They abstained from food for four days and spent their time asking the Earth Mother and the Power above to protect them, and to provide them with a spirit helper.

Spirit & Dream Animals

We must take the lessons of life that are written upon the Whispers of the wind, and learn from them so that we may walk and grow in harmony with the Great One. 

We must learn to love all things, deny ourselves, and serve others so the Master will hear the greatness of our humbleness, as He walks in the Garden of Life. 

We must love our Earth partners, not in words, but in deeds and show that our spirit desires to be likened upon the Great Spirit. We must gain the courage to pray through all things and worship even when we feel that we have nothing to offer. 

Through trials, we will find our Wind Spirit will grow and either rise upon the currents or sink into the valleys if left unfed.

We must learn the lessons of life through all things and then pass the gifts of life to those that follow in our footsteps, for they will need them even more, as Mother Earth and Father Sky continues to be darkened by the progress of the Nothing. 

So goes the Circle Of Life and in it's simplicity, contains all the vastness of the Universe.

 ONEIA (forever) 

Chief Dan George

                                                     Chief Dan George                                   

I stood looking at a world that is exactly as other eyes have seen it millenniums ago...I wondered what they must have thought as they received their visions of potential future events. They stood there as I I now do trying to understand the visions of a very bazaar future reality...did they think themselves mad..?

I stood there naked in the moonlight, having made it through the other side of a labyrinth. I found myself struggling to make my new eyes see, to allow my consciousness to touch and comprehend a new reality.

I was struggling to see through veils of illusion, painfully tearing through the bondage of cultural and genetic programming that leaves one blind to what is illusion and what is truly real, and at times it is very difficult to differentiate between dream states. 

There are no borders in the dream time, as there is no space between ones thoughts...

The Hopi Prophecy keeps coming to mind.."in that time man will find that he lives in two worlds...", our lives have certainly become a testament to that.

Last Cry, Native American Prophecies

There is no need to go out and find your spirit animal...they may find you, in fact you already have an idea as to who it might be. If you collect miniature elephants, for instance, your subconscious mind is telling you that your spirit animal is probably an elephant. 

Perhaps you have always been fascinated with foxes, or owls, or turtles...this could well indicate your spirit animal. (any animal you have an affinity with, or dream about, or have a curiosity about, is probably your spirit animal, we can have several, and they can also change as our needs change...you can also ASK different spirit animals to help you in situations that seem out of your control.  

Different animals have different gifts. 

Spirit and Dream Animals

Shapeshifting

There is a number of ways to look at animal spirits, you might decide, like the Aborigines with their "Dreamtime", there are real spiritual beings who exist to help you whenever necessary. 

You might choose to think of them as animal archetypess created by your subconscious mind. 

No matter how you can view these animal spirits, you can become so close to them that you will be able to sense, feel, touch, and smell them.

You may be able to temporarily become the animal...this is known as "shape shifting"...once you accept spirit animals into your life, you will be able to make use of the animal wisdom that will come to you through your dreams.

Spirit and Dream Animals

                                              

                                             
      

Red Cloud, Oglala Sioux, Nebraska, 1822-1909

...was a medicine man who became an important warrior chief

"When the white man comes to my country, he leaves a trail of blood behind him."

We realize that we cannot survive or live without our "relations". 

We also realize that they cannot live without us...evidence of this belief system can be found in Native myths, legends and stories. Here we can find reference to the animals and birds as "people". 

The Bear is our Grandfather, Rattlesnake our aunt,Beaver our cousin, Eagle our uncle, Deer our sister, and Buffalo our brother. They are not only our "relations" but are also our teachers, protectors, guardians, supernatural aids, and sources of power and knowledge.

Earth Spirit, Native American

When the first Europeans came to this country, they saw us praying to the Sun, moon, Stars, Rivers, and Lakes; to the Trees, and Plants; to the Wind, Lightening, and Thunder; and even to the Birds, Animals, Fish, Snakes, and Rocks....they called us pagans, heathens, and savages. 

For some strange reason they developed the idea that we did not believe in God, although in many different tribal languages there were references to a Great Spirit, the Great Creator, the Maker, the Great Mystery, or the Great Invisible One.

The truth is that not only did the American Indians worship God, but they also respected and communicated with that which God had created.

Spirits of the Earth, Native American

Black Kettle, Cheyenne, South Dakota, 1803-1868~

He narrowly escaped death at the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, took part in discussions at the Medicine Lodge Council of 1867, and died a year later in battle.

I once thought that I was the only man that perservered to be a friend to the white man, but since they have come and cleaned out our lodges, horses, and everything else, it is hard for me to believe white men any more.

There are many misconceptions about the Indian ways...we do not worship beasts and we do not worship stones.

 We honor them, and we honor the consciousness that is within them...because we are all "Mitakyue oyasin" - we are one with all things, even unto the Universe. We are connected to all life by a web of light, this light is invisible to most. 

But the medicine people can see it, if their medicine is real. We see it in everything - all of life is connected. We are all brothers and sisters with the Eagle, the Rabbit, the Tree people, even the stones. 

Everything is alive, and that aliveness is the Creator, that is in all things.

Last Cry, Native American Prophecies.

Go and learn how they see Spirit and Creator. Then you can help them (the People) heal their minds, and that they might heal their own hearts...in your time a new world will be born. You will see many strange things. Judge no one for their ways of expressing spirit, for the Creator allows all beings to express in their own way.

Another part of your journey will be that somehow you are to help reconnect the people of the Condor with the people of the Eagle...if you and others succeed, then this land and its people may become one again. Many secrets will open that have been closed.

Last Cry, Native American Prophecies

Bear's Message for you

"Be strong...know what and where your boundaries are. You can love others, still disagree with their opinions, and say no to their requests. You don't have to justify your your refusals...my power is making a stand is unparalleled, and you must also stand up for what you believe in,

and who you are. Neither do you need to fear criticism or defend yourself when it is offered.. 

Treat others with respect, and demand the same from them. 

Trust your creative hunches - those urges to make music, write poetry, sculpt, or engage in any other forms of creative expression...turn inward to the loving darkness of your soul's den to find inspiration to birth such projects...let them blossom in the cave of your creative mind and manifest as your heart's desire....

~Power Animals~

A Prayer For The Wild Things

Oh, Great Spirit, we come to you with love and gratitude for all living things. We now pray especially for our relations in the wilderness ~ the four - legged, the winged, those that live in the water, and those that crawl upon the land. Bless them that they may continue to live in freedom and enjoy their right to be wild. Fill their hearts with tolerance, appreciation, and respect for all living things so that we all might live together in harmony and peace.

Power Animals

There is only the way of the people. We the people are the dream of the Earth, we are her gift to the Universe.

Learn to listen to your own heart, if you learn that, you will know the wisdom of the ages. Learn to speak your own words, and sing your own songs, while you learn to allow others to enjoy the same state of being. 

We must learn to respect all life - respect the planet, respect the insect, respect the rattlesnake, as well as the eagle, the rock, and the tree...we are all related, just different expressions of divine intelligence. It is all the song of creation...and the song is made up of many notes.

Last Cry, Native American Prophecies

Never let anyone tell you who you are...that is between you and the Creator. For the truth of what and who we are and our long journey to this present expression is something few remember...when we come to own ourselves, we first loose the images of what they expected us to be...and learn to follow our inner feelings of who we really are.

No matter what you have been, or what you have done, Creator sits evenly with all of us on that day of passing. All that matters is that you did, that you lived it all and drank from the cup of life...and danced to your own drumbeat.

Ghost Wolf of Last Cry

When the light from the heart of the eagle shines forth, it will illuminate the world, the heart knows how to feel. Allow your heart to be connected with the elements of nature - the air, the water, the earth...when you feel the connection, you are close to the Creator.

I thought of all the times I'd found feathers; always in nature, always bringing me a feeling of blessing fro the invisible spirit world that I know exists, because in those moments of connection "I feel it"...Let each place and each moment be sacred..."Simplemente sentir"...simply let yourself feel.

Sacred Messengers

By Shiju

The Sacred Sound of Water

What is it about the sound of water that attracts us, part of its magic lies in its relentless rhythm, the kind of sound that soothes and perhaps returns us to our pre-birth experience...we continue to love the sounds of water...the waterfalls trickling down hillsides, or roaring down hillsides, or the whooshing sounds of geysers erupting in Yellowstone National park. 

The almost silent sound of underground pools making their way through the depths; the whisper of creeks and rivers meandering through mountain meadows.

When I'm near the sound of water, I always pause and give thanks for something that calls me to a sacred sense of self...something that creates a connection with the...all of life.

Sacred Messengers, Native American

Spirits, ghosts, and interaction with them are seen by Indian people as a normal part of life on this earth...all things, living or nit, have a spirit that may manifest itself in the living, including insects, wolves, deer, eagles, even rock spirits. 

Helper spirits often manifest themselves in an object...to the Lakota, small round rocks may be charged with great power and attach themselves to a living person, returning to them even when discarded. 

These rocks belong to a class of spirits known as the "rock nation".It is the little pebbles found on anthills that aid the Yuwi'pi practitioners in their ceremony.

Walking in the Sacred Manner

Dreams form a large spiritual complex and are looked to for important insights about oneself, and other living people, often relatives. 

They are also seen as a source of contact and communication for those relatives now in the spirit world who may have help, advice, or warning to impart to the living. 

Dreams may then provide motivation for changing one's life.

Walking in the Sacred Manner

Black Kettle, Cheyenne, South Dakota, 1803-1868

...was a Cheyenne leader who tried to make peace with the white man...he narrowly escaped death at the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, took part in discussions at the Medicine Lodge Council of 1867, and died in battle a year later.

"I want you to give all the chiefs of the soldiers here to understand that we are for peace, and that we have made peace, that we may not be mistaken by them for enemies [ Address to Colonel John Chivington at Camp Weld, Colorado, September 28, 1864; two months later, Chivington would wipe out ( kill ) nearly half of Black Kettle's band at Sand Creek..The Sand Creek Massacre, by Stan Hoig]

When did time begin...what is time. How can we attempt description of the Creator of such mystery when we realize that "It" is too vast to describe...we are truthful people, we cannot be liars to ourselves and to those around us...the term "Great Mystery" leaves adequate latitude to avoid argument.

Growth comes with an increasing awareness of and respect for the Great Mystery in all people, and things, with an awareness that this force of mystery is at work in all events...growth comes through tolerance for the infinite variety of ways in which Great Spirit, the Infinite, may express itself in the Universe.

Rainbow Tribe

Ho. Ina Maka, Mother Earth...it is you who feed us, shelter us, heal us...and like unthinking children we squander your riches, taking without thought for the future. Mother we are ashamed of our ignorance and our greed...it is our wish to live in a holy way, in harmony with you and with all our relations. We commit ourselves to a new reverence for life, for you, and for ourselves and our place in the Universe...Mother, most of all, have pity on us that the people may live...for without you, we are nothing...Mitakuye oyasin..Ho. Hetch etu aloh...~?

Mother Earth Spirituality, Native American

Ho..."Wiyoheyapa ouye, power of the rising sun of the east...from you come wisdom and understanding, to you we sand a voice. You are the power of the red dawn and the home of the morning star...we call on you to bring forth new knowledge and understanding among the people that the earth and all our relations may live. It is a time of new ways, and we ask that those ways be right and holy...with each new day we pray to you for wisdom. And we know that with this gift comes the obligation to use it for good of all our relations...Mitakuye oyasin...Ho. Hetch etu aloh.

Mother Earth Spirituality, Native American

Entering, I place my blanket on the ground and build a smudge as an offering of smoke for the spirits...in my heart I reach out to them and share my willingness to take on their lessons and carry them forward. 

Many of these spirits are suffering for other people, and they need to find someone to take on this suffering, so they can move on. 

I reach out an embrace this suffering, offering to share the lessons with the people who have no food, those who are desolate in life. I will do this with much love and honour inside myself, and when I am done, I will take these lessons of the spirits with me, and pass it on to those who need to learn these lessons.

On The Red Road

A Star Whisper, by Leonard Crow Dog

I had a vision, it came from the morning star, a star whisper. I heard this voice saying, any understanding you ask from the morning star shall be granted to you, but ask with the sacred things, the drum, the sacred tobacco, the sacred sweet grass, and, above all, with the sacred pipe. 

Our dead sleep not...they tell me what I want to know. I have the power to see through things...I have only limited vision with the eyes I have in my head, but with my spiritual eyes I can see across oceans. 

The pipe is here to unite us, to remove fences people put up against one another...putting up fences is the white man's way. 

He invented the barbed wire of the heart. The pipe s a fence remover...sitting in a circle, smoking it the right way, all barriers disappear...walls crumble.

Leonard Crow Dog  (Kangi Shunka Manitou)

                                                                     

                                                    Leonard Crow Dog               

[Born in 1942, Leonard Crow Dog was spiritual leader of AIM (The American Indian Movement)..he published his family autobiography in 1995, in collaboration with writer Richard Erdoes.]