So today I am told to pose the questions to All… How strong is your Medicine? How long has it been since you tended your own needs of Body, mind and spirit? More than likely for most it probably has been awhile for life in its normal fashion typically gets in the way. And as most are taught from a very young age, we put our self last in the line of taking care of needs. We are taught to share, to take care of others first… but sometimes we need to remember that we need to take care of self in order to be strong enough and balanced to take care of others. And contrary to beliefs that is NOT a selfish thing. Go figure right?
But seriously take a minute and think about this…if we ourselves are not balanced, or healthy, or strong enough to do things for ourselves… if we ourselves do not experience joy, laughter, love of self, how is it then we can share those experiences or teach those experiences or even assist with those experiences for others?
So Spirit whispers today, fill your Medicine Bag with the things that are important to you… stop and think about what gives you pleasure and joy in your life. Look into your Medicine Bag and see what it is you placed inside that perhaps has been neglected or forgotten… whatever it may be, Feed It, Nurture it, and most of all take time to recall why it was placed inside in the first place. Feed your Souls!
A Medicine Bag ( also called a Medicine Pouch) is traditionally a small pouch filled with talismans such as stones, herbs, found objects, personal memorabilia and its purpose is protection, to remind us of our human and All that is Sacred and to assist us in healing and keeping our Sacred Hoops in balance. Native Americans have carried these bags for centuries, but in recent years, they’ve also become popular in our modern day culture but most are unaware of the intent/purpose of them.
Traditionally a Medicine Bag or bundle contains something from the plant, animal and mineral kingdoms and from the life of a person. Meant to be kept close to your person so that the spiritual power surrounds you and becomes one with your energy. In a sense it becomes one with who you are. What goes onto the bag is your personal medicine, things you draw “power” from that will aid you as you walk your paths. If you receive one as a gift, the maker or person gifting it should add something of their own to help you on your journey.
Understand that a traditional Medicine Bag is Sacred. The bag should not be opened by anyone else. It is up to the individual whose bag it is if they choose to take items out in order to share with others the story behind them, or to use them for healing purposes. Each item is considered Sacred and is meant to assist its owner with power and spirituality while they walk the Human. Allowing others to access the bag and it’s contents, ‘steals’ the power and lessons its intent for the owner.
I am dedicated to Educating and sharing the lessons, teachings and culture I have been taught by my Elders and journey with the World. It is not enough merely to learn the ways of our Elders. We must honor those traditions by sharing and educating the World. Inspiring others …Inspiring our Youth. Through the Music… the Arts…the stories…
Blessings to you All,
bear Medicinewalker
Music provided by Chris Ferree and available at http://www.chrisferree.com as part of the Wolf and the bear Network @2018
