Category: Legends and Lore

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January 6, 2016 totem Card of the Day – Wolf

card 39 Wolf 1122
Today’s card is the Wolf which was no surprise to me at all, bringing us a lesson that is old to most and new to others. Perhaps it is because all of us should take time to learn it or relearn it at this point in time. the story may be an old one but the lesson is still prevalent in this day and age… it is the story of Two Wolves. It is all about feeding the light instead of the dark, to keep balance and to remember what is right from wrong according to the basic foundation and teachings of the 7 Grandfathers. As we walk through our days it is easy to point at something we think we know and cast shadows on it, but it is much more difficult to put our ego’s in check and look for the good in things, to trust that no matter what it is there is a lesson for ALL in each and every moment and situation. So walk and look at things by placing yourselves in both sides and remember in doing so perhaps there is more to situations than meets the eye. To cast out harshness and judgements without truly knowing everything is not our jobs.

Wolf is a very organized creature. It understands there is need for order and balance for harmony to occur with our Sacred Hoops. Wolf is regarded as one of the most powerful spirit guides of all for it represents teacher and lessons to be learned and shared with self. It speaks to us to seek counsel from people that you respect. To take a moment to step back and look for the true meaning from the issue you face. By doing so, you will be able to walk clearly ahead and do what needs to be done with the knowledge you can see it all clearly.

Although many think the site of a lone wolf means freedom but it does not. It instead represents that it is a time to look deep in oneself and find the balance that is needed in your own life that is lacking. For the wolf is meant to be in packs, in a community, in a family, with its mate. The times you see wolves on their own or isolated is do to unbalance that needs to reground and once again be in the circle of the Sacred Hoop.

The Wolf cry reminds us to stand our ground, remember we all need boundaries. It is about communication, answering the call and listening to the response. The Wolf an assist us to open and listen to the sound of others in order to understand better the situation. It is about having the strength of the pack, and your closest friends with you when you need them without questions.

Wolf is strongly connected to lunar cycles, so learn to move with that cycle and honor it in order to be at your best. They teach us to weed out what is the weakest and no longer serves us, so that new and better things will come our way.

 

darkness and light

Today I call upon our Brothers and Sisters from the Wolf packs… teach us that we are Universal beings… and that through accepting all aspects of life you can help us bring about balance and light the fire so we can cast the shadows out.

Definition of DARK ENERGY
Many explanations have been proposed for dark energy; the simplest is that it is an energy density inherent to empty space. “Empty Space”

Definition of LIGHT
1a : something that makes vision possible
b : the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
: a source of light: as
a : a celestial body
a : spiritual illumination
b : inner light
c : enlightenment
d : truth

Fear…darkness… evil… shadows… demons…hell …the devil… all labels given to bad things that as humans we may witness throughout our lives. If you don’t think they exist, or don’t want to believe they exist, that is your choice. But myself…I feel that we are better prepared if we understand it…so that we can walk in balance and stay the course of light.

As our voices are heard for good…and as they grow louder…we are often challenged with doubts and fears, sometimes we are challenged by the darkness itself… and when that happens we need to be true to who we are…and allow that energy no place with in our lives. I am not a Preacher…or a Prophet… But I am not naive in thinking that the darkness will not grow if we allow it to seep and flow into our lives….

Dark and Light
This is a story I will share… it is the Story of Two Wolves…
An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, “Let me tell you a story.
I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.

But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.” He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger,for his anger will change nothing.

Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?”
The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, “The one I feed.”

So should we be scared of darkness? My answer to that is no…we simply must be aware of it… we must understand it… so that in turn we do not feed it.

I ask that today and all days ahead, that we are held in your loving Grace Creator…that we are able to understand the darkness that shadows parts of our world and allow the light to shine upon those very shadows. May we feed the good in ourselves and others. May we be protected from the very shadows that challenge the lights we all carry…Knowing that in the end… shadows will exist no longer when light shines through.

So my wish to you all today is that you feed the light, with an understanding of the darkness…the shadows… use that knowledge to move forward and into a better space of mind, body and soul… and remember we are in control of the energies…the things that can affect us… be a positive to a world filled with negatives…and let yourself outshine all the shadows…and stop to think…which one will you feed?

“I am Dedicated to Educating and sharing the Native culture with the World. It is not enough merely to teach 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…”
Mitakuye O’yasin
~bear Medicinewalker

bear dec 2015

“Join Me as I continue the Sacred Hoop Project into this Year 2016…the year of Truths!”

 

“Snow Falling In Silence” from Wolf Moon Rising by Wolfsheart available at I tunes and at http://wolfsheart.eu/start/

 

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Indian Paintbrush as Shared by bear Medicinewalker

indian paintbrush bear

Long ago lived a young Indian Boy who was born crippled. He longed to play as young boys should, yet he could not. His legs did not work the way the other young boys of his age did. He could not ride the beautiful horses of the fields, nor could he run in the meadows with his Sisters and brothers.

His spirit was low. He felt useless as he watched his family go through their daily chores, unable to help. And he felt even more of a burden for they had to assist him with so many things he could not accomplish by himself. Soon with determination, he learned to fish if someone could carry him to the river. He also began to help his Mother grind the corn into flour. But he wanted to do more, much more.

One day in the late summer sun, his Mother decided that the family should go on a picnic. As they sat smelling the sweetgrass, listening to the winged ones, and watching the clouds dance in the sky, the young brave prayed to the Creator.

“Father,” he prayed. “Please show me how to be useful to my people. I cannot hunt for game or plant corn to feed them. I don’t do enough to help them. Please show me the path I am to walk.” He patiently waited to be shown an answer, yet none came. He was again saddened fearing that Creator felt he was not worthy of an honorable path.

After some time had passed, his Mother watched her son, and her heart hurt for this gentle boy. Hoping to change his mood she decided to return to the meadow to connect with the Great Mother in hopes something would change for her young Son.

When they arrived, they found something new among the tall sweetgrass. Growing in the clearing exactly where the Young Brave had called to Creator for a sign, grew a beautiful and unusual small red flower.

Turning to his Mother he looked at her puzzled, “What kind of flower is this Mother?”

“I don’t know, I’ve never seen a flower like this before,” as she looked out in amazement at the field splashed with little flecks of red dancing in the gentle breeze. Be fore the day was done they gathered some of the flowers and took them back to the village, certain that one of their Elders would be able to tell them what it was. Still, no one recognized the flower at all.

Excited they returned to the meadow, and they looked out at the field and saw that the number of flowers had doubled. “They are so beautiful!” cried the young brave. “I just wish we knew what they were called.”

As the seasons passed, the Young Brave made many trips to the meadow. Each time he went, more of the red flowers could be found. One day, he decided to draw a picture of the flower in hopes of capturing its beauty. He carefully sketched the plant and found that he had captured its shape and detail. But he was not happy with the drawings.

As he sat there pondering what to do, a deer wandered into the meadow. It grazed on the sweetgrass occasionally looking up at the Young Brave as he kept drawing.

“What’s wrong Young One?” the deer asked. “Why do you look so sad?”

“I cannot capture the true color of this flower in my drawing. It is so beautiful, but the dye I make from our berries is too purple, and when I mix water with the red earth for paint, the color is too brown.”

“Why do you not just use the flower? Wouldn’t it make the red color for you?”

The Brave looked up at the deer in astonishment, “I never thought of that.” He reached down and picked up the flower, dipped it into the water and brushed it across his paper. To his amazement, what it left behind was the perfect shade of red coloring.

The brave took his picture back to the village and presented it to the Chief. It was perfect. They asked him how he get the coloring so perfect. “I used this,” and he showed them one of the flowers. “It’s like a paintbrush.”

“Then that is what we will call it,” the Chief declared. “It shall be The Red Indian Paintbrush.”

From that time on, it was called Indian Paintbrush, and only that. The Young Brave had found his path, becoming a remarkable craftsman, painting pictures, pottery, and other items and selling them to help his people attain the things they needed to flourish within the village. Donating the profits to those less fortunate than him, for he had come to realize that although he had no legs, he was still useful. The Creator had indeed answered his prayers with a simple red flower called “Indian Paintbrush”

Mitakuye O`yasin

~ bear Medicinewalker

 

 

 

Coyote Jump-Lightning Drum available at http://www.canyonrecords.com

2855635037870a8f540fcaa329a0d85e28b78119

 

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a Story of the Plant People…as shared by bear Medicinewalker

story of the plant people

The Ancestors speak of a time when all of Creation spoke the same language. The Plant People were able to communicate with the Swimmers, the Four-Leggeds could speak with the Tree People, the Stone and Crystal People could speak with the Wind. Even us Two-legged humans were able to speak with the other Sacred Life that was shared here on the Great Mother Earth. It was a time that all existed in balance. The Plant People, the creatures that lived peacefully among each other, the Elementals all understood that were the humans to survive all would have to help them to exist.

The Animals gave of themselves freely, so that the humans could have food, clothing and shelter. They knew that their skins were much better suited to survival than that of the humans. The Swimmers, The Winged Ones, the Creepers also gave of themselves to ensure that the humans would survive.

The Plant People, the Tree People, and the Stone and Crystal People also shared themselves in order that the humans had what they needed to exist and flourish. But in order to do so a balance needed to occur and so an agreement was made with the Humans would have to ask permission for these gifts, give thanks for the sacrifice, and take no more than what was needed. And so it was, and life was good.

But soon Humans grew in population and began to feel superior over the rest of creation. They began thinking that the Great circle of Life revolved around them, that they were better than everything else around them, ignoring the simple truth that they were just one small part of the Great Circle. The Humans began killing without asking permission taking more than what was needed. They stopped honoring and giving thanks for what was taken. The agreement that was made… was broken.

So the Councils of All Life, except that of the humans, gathered together to determine what they should do to restore the balance that was required. They had to protect themselves from the humans ignorance and disregard, or they would cease to exist. So it came to pass and decision was made by the entire Council that if one of their own was killed by the humans and gratitude and prayer was not offered for the sacrifice, the Councils would gather and choose an affliction and bring disease upon the disrespectful human.

The Plant People felt sorry for the humans and spoke out to the Council, “They disrespect us as well. They dig us up, step on us, set fire to us and refuse to listen when we try to share knowledge with them. Yet, we feel compassion towards the humans. They do not understand their place in the Great Circle of Life and will not be able to learn if he is wiped out by disease. They need our help, so for every disease the Council sends to them, the Plant People will offer them a cure. All the humans have to do is “Listen” when we talk to them.

This is how it was said to be, and this is how it is…if we but open ourselves to the agreement that was made so long ago… honor the Sacred of All…thus bringing balance back to the Great Mother Earth

Mitakuye O’yasin,

~ bear Medicinewalker

 

 

Watcher of Life – Big City Indians available at http://bigcityindians.com and on Itunes

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the Story of Indian Fry Bread …as shared by bear Medicinewalker

frybread blog shot

Indian fry bread is tradition to the Navajo, and comes with a story of great pain and suffering. Though the tradition of fry bread is familiar among all Tribal People in some way, it is the Navajo people who primarily are known for creating this recipe.

And of course there is a story that has been shared with generations of the Navajo People, and as it was share to me, I will now share with you…
The Navajo People lived from the Earth as their ancestors had for hundreds of years before. They also raised livestock to feed their family. The lands of the Navajo tribe were bordered by four Sacred mountains, from the South West… Arizona, the South East… New Mexico and North West into Utah and North East to Colorado. Crops were planted into rich, fertile ground at the Canyon de Chelly.

The Navajo traded with many tribes and cultures and even at times the early American settlers. During 1846 large numbers of immigrants flowed and migrated onto Tribal lands and with them came the United States Calvary. In August of 1849 a Navajo Leader by the name of Narbona was murdered.
On this day, Narbona a few hundred of his warriors traveled to discuss peace with Colonel John M. Washington representing the United States Government and military prescience in the area. There had been issues with the some of the New Mexican areas as some of the immigrants attempting to settle in the area were said to have been aggressively pushed out of the area. After discussing everything over several hours they came to an agreement and it was thought all was settled. Sadoval a young warrior with the group however did not agree with the decision. He ran out and jumped on his horse riding in front of the Navajo party goading them to break the treaty that was just formed.

Soon one of the U.S. Calvary soldier’s began to shout and yell saying that the horse ridden by the young Navajo was his and soon the calm was met with fighting. Colonel John Washington called to the Navajo to stand down and for the horse to be returned to the soldier, however the rider and horse were now nowhere in sight. The Navajo party did not comply. Canon and gunfire erupted and Narbona was mortally wounded.

This unsuccessful attempt at peace led to what is called the “Long Walks” in history records. In September 1863, Kit Carson (1809-1868) was dispatched into Navajo land to retrieve work out terms of surrender. When the Navajo did not show to discuss terms of surrender, he issued an order to burn tribal lands. Many attempts were made to starve out the Navajo people. Many were captured and taken to Bosque Redondo near Fort Sumner. Hundreds starved on this 300 mile walk, more died later in the over crowded and sub human condition that they were placed. The people were often placed with warring tribes. The camps were meant for 4,000 to 5,000 people but grew to over 9,000 people. Government supplies of lard, flour, salt, sugar, baking powder or yeast, and powdered milk were often rancid. So food source was scarce, thus Fry bread came from these few foods provided during the 4 years of captivity.

Since that time, it has become common food among tribal communities. To some, Indian Fry Bread is a Sacred tradition and is to be consumed by the people until the earth has again become purified.

Indian Fry Bread Recipe

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup instant dry milk
2 cups shortening

Add the flour, baking powder, salt, powdered milk, and water into a bowl and mix just enough to form a dough ball. Don’t overwork the dough or it will not turn out light and airy like it is meant to be.

Heat the oil/shortening until flakes of flour start to bubble when dropped into oil. While shortening is heating, Pull off a small sized amount of the dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Then flatten it out on a well floured counter or board to the size of a personal pizza. Then add the dough into pan and let it cook until it browns, then flip it and allow the other side to cook and turn a nice golden brown.

Remove it from the oil and allow it to set on some paper towel to release the oil.

Fry bread can be served with honey as in the traditional way, or used as a base for taco’s, sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with jams as a desert or many other ways. It was and is a food staple for many homes.

Enjoy and I hope blessings are abundant with you as you share the bread at your table!
Mitakuye O`yasin,
~ bear Medicinewalker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gary Small – “Choke Cherry Wine & Indian Fry Bread” from Hostiles and Renegades  https://www.facebook.com/revgsmall/about

1330064930_Hostiles___Renegades_Front_Cover_Hi_Rez

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The story of the Sweat Lodge as shared by bear Medicinewalker

sweatlodgepost

The following story speaks of the sweat lodge as the powerful friend and leader of the “Animal People.” Long ago, in the days of the Animal People, Sweat Lodge foresaw the coming of Human Beings, inhabitants of the Earth. So one day he called all the Animal People together to give each one a name and to tell him his duties. In Council, Sweat Lodge stood and spoke,

“We have lived on Earth for a long while, but we shall not be in our present condition much longer. A different People are coming to live here. We must part from each other and go to different places. Each of you must decide whether you wish to belong to the Four Leggeds, Winged Ones, Creepers or Swimmers. You all may make your own choice.”

Sweat Lodge turned to Elk, “You will be first, Elk. What do you wish to be?”

“I wish to be what I am an Elk.”

“Let us see how you run or gallop,” said Sweat Lodge. So the Elk galloped off in a graceful manner, and returned. “You are right,” decided Sweat Lodge. “You are of the Four Leggeds” With that said, Elk galloped off, taking his place on the Earth.

Sweat Lodge called to Eagle next, asking what Eagle wanted to be. Eagle replied, “Just what I am an Eagle, a Winged One.”

“Let us all witness you fly,” replied Sweat Lodge. Eagle flew, rising higher and higher the winds gently ruffling his outstretched wings. Sweat Lodge called him back and said, “You are correct, you are an Eagle. You will be king over all the Winged Ones. You will soar in the Sky among the Sacred Winds. You will live among the highest Mountains. Humans will admire you.” With that, Eagle flew away happy. Everyone watched him disappear
into the Sky.

“I wish to be like Eagle,” the Blue jay told Sweat Lodge. Sweat Lodge said again, “Then let us see you fly.” Blue jay tried to imitate the easy, graceful flight of Eagle, but could not keep his balance and was soon flapping his wings. Sweat Lodge called him back. “A Jay is a Jay. You will have to be content as you are.”

When Bear came forward, Sweat Lodge said, “You will be known among Human Beings as a very fierce Animal and strong Hunter. People will fear you. You walk as with the Four Leggeds”. With that said, Bear went off to the woods and has since been known as a fierce animal.

Then to all walking creatures, except Coyote, and to all flying creatures, to all Four Leggeds, Winged Ones, Snakes, Frogs, Turtles and Fish, Sweat Lodge gave names, and the creatures scattered.

After they were gone, Sweat Lodge called Coyote to him and said, “You have been wise and cunning. You have been a man to be feared. When this Earth becomes like the air, empty and void, your name shall last forever. The new Human Beings who come will hear your name and say, ‘Yes, Coyote was great in his time. Now, what is it you wish to be?”

“I have long lived as a Coyote,” he replied. “I want to be noble like Eagle, Elk or Cougar.” So Sweat Lodge decided to let him show what he could do. First, Coyote tried his best to fly like Eagle, but could only jump around, this way and that. Then he tried to run as Elk. He succeeded for a short distance, but soon ran as he always had. “You look exactly like yourself, Coyote,” laughed Sweat Lodge. “You are a Coyote.” Coyote ran off howling, to all those that could hear. Before he ran out of sight he stopped, turning his head standing just as a coyote.

Sweat Lodge, left alone, spoke to himself: “All now are gone, and the new People will be coming soon. When they arrive they should find something to give them strength and power. I will place myself upon the ground, for the use of Human Beings who are to come. Whoever visits me now and then, to him I will give power. He will become great in war and great in peace. He will have success in fishing and in hunting. To all who come to me for protection, I will give strength and power.”

Sweat Lodge spoke as he gently lay down on his hands and knees and waited for the first People. He has lain that way ever since and has given power to all who sought it from him.

This is how it was shared to me by an Ojibwa Elder, as I now share with you all….

Mitakuye O`yasin
~ bear Medicinewalker

Swirling Smoke from Pathway to Destiny: Songs of Healing and Contemplation by Louie Gonnie available at

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The Cherokee Rose…as shared by bear Medicinewalker

cherokee rose post

As it was shared to me I now share with you…The Cherokee Rose

More than 100 years ago, the Cherokee people were driven from their home mountains when the white men discovered gold in the mountains of Tears. Some of the people came across Marengo County in West Alabama. It seems that after they had left the mountains, they came this far south so not have to climb more mountains.

It was early summer and very hot, and most of the time the people had to walk. Tempers were short and many times the soldiers were more like animal drivers than guides for the people. The men were so frustrated with the treatment of their women and children, and the soldiers were so harsh and frustrated that bad things often happened. When two men get angry they fight and once in a while men were killed on the trip. Many people died of much hardship. Much of the time the trip was hard and sad and the women wept for losing their homes and their dignity. The old men knew that they must do something to help the women not to lose their strength in weeping. They knew the women would have to be very strong if they were to help the children survive.

So one night after they had made camp along the Trail of Tears, the old men sitting around the dying campfire called up to the Creator in Galunati (heaven) to help the people in their trouble. They told Him that the people were suffering and feared that the little ones would not survive to rebuild the Cherokee Nation.

The Creator replied to them, “Yes, I have seen the sorrows of the women and I can help them to keep their strength to help the children. Tell the women in the morning to look back where their tears have fallen to the ground. I will cause to grow quickly a plant. They will see a little green plant at first with a stem growing up. It will grow up and up and fall back down to touch the ground where another stem will begin to grow. I’ll make the plant grow so fast at first that by afternoon they’ll see a white rose, a beautiful blossom with five petals. In the center of the rose, I will put a pile of gold to remind them of the gold which the white man wanted when his greed drove the Cherokee from their ancestral home.”

The Creator continued to explain that the green leaves would have seven leaflets, one for each of the seven clans of the Cherokee. The plant would then begin to spread out all over the land for like the people the plant would be strong and resilient. It would grow into large and almost bush like taking back and rooting into some of the land that they had lost. It will have stickers on every stem to protect it from anything that tries to move it away.

The next morning the old men told the women to look back for the sign from the Great One. The women saw the plant beginning as a tiny shoot and growing up and up until it spread out over the land. They watched as a blossom formed, so beautiful they forgot to weep and they felt beautiful and strong. By the afternoon they saw many white blossoms as far as they could see. The women began to think about their strength given them to bring up their children as the new Cherokee Nation. They knew the plant marked the path of the brutal Trail of Tears. The Cherokee women saw that the Cherokee Rose was strong enough to take back much of the land of their people.

Mitakuye O`yasin
~ bear Medicinewalker

Seven Leaves Cherokee Rose from Big City Indians available on Itunes and http://bigcityindians.com

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Spirit of the Drum ….as shared by bear Medicinewalker

spirit of the drum

Creator was looking to find a place for All of the Spirit Nations to dwell that would become inhabitants of the Great Mother Earth, when there was heard a sound that resonated like rolling Thunder across the skies. The Creator listened closer puzzled at what would make such a noise with out his supreme knowledge and permission, yet the the sound kept coming closer and closer. Creator was pleased and amused, but still puzzled. Then as sudden as it began it was right within the Creator’s presence.

“Who are you?” asked Creator.

“I am the spirit of the drum” was the reply. I have come here to ask you to allow me to take part in this wonderful world you are creating.”

“How do you plan on taking part?” Creator questioned.

” I would like to accompany the singing of the people. When they sing from their hearts, I will to sing as though I was the heartbeat of Mother Earth. In that way, all creation will sing in harmony. It will be as We Are All Related.”

Creator agreed and granted the request, from that moment forward the drum accompanied the people’s voices, celebrations and prayers.

Today within all of the Native peoples of the world, the drum is the center of all songs. It is the heart beat of the Great Mother Earth, it calls out to all Souls that walked before, now and in the afterworld. it assists our prayers, our dreams to be lifted through song rising up to the Creator, the Ancestors and the Spirit world to be heard and answered. The sound of the drum brings completeness, awe, excitement, strength, courage, and fulfillment to the songs, to our prayers, to our thankfulness for all that we hold as sacred. It is the sound of the Great Mother’s heartbeat giving her approval to those living upon her. It sings to our Brother and Sister Eagles and draws them to it asking them to carry our the messages to be heard.

Mitakuye O’yasin

~ bear Medicinewalker

Pipestone Grand Entry available at Canyon Records http://www.canyonrecords.com

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