In the beginning the Creator gave to the Four Leggeds and Winged Ones wisdom and knowledge and the power to talk to humans. Each creature was sent to tell the people that he showed himself through them. They would teach a chosen people of all lands the sacred songs and dances as well as rituals, prayers and lore. All things that would assist the humans to walk good healthy and balanced lives.
The creature that was most loved by the Creator was the Eagle for they bring with them the story of life. In the beginning the Eagle would only lays two eggs, and all living things in the world are divided into two. There is man and woman or male and female and this is true with all of life and nature here on the planet. All things are able to have children of two kinds so that life may continue. Man has two eyes, two hands, two feet and he has a body and soul, substance and shadow.
Through our eyes we can see pleasant and unpleasant scenes, through our nostrils we are able to smell good and bad odors, with our ears we can hear beautiful music or hear words that can make us sad. Our thoughts are divided between good and bad. Our right hands are sometimes used for bad, such as war or striking a person in anger. Yet our left hand which is nearest to our hearts are full of kindness. Our right feet may lead us to the wrong paths, but our left ones always guide us to the right way. And so it goes there is daylight and darkness, summer and winter, peace and war, and life and death.
In order for us to understand and remember this lesson of life, we should look to the great eagle the favorite Winged one of the Creator. Thus the eagle feather is divided into two parts one part light the other dark. This represents daylight and darkness, summer and winter, peace and war, and life and death. So that you may remember what I have shared with you look to the favored Winged One the Eagle, for his feathers will remind you of the story of life itself.
So try and recall what I have shared with you. For it is YOU and only You who will choose the path in life you will follow — the good way, or the wrong way.
“I am Dedicated to Educating and sharing Native cultures 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
“Join Me as I continue the Sacred Hoop Project into this Year 2017 “the year of Atonement”
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 Native cultures 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
“Join Me as I continue the Sacred Hoop Project into this Year 2016…the Year of Truths!”
Elementals… let’s look at how we can implement and work with them a little in our own lives.
Let’s start with Air… well what is that first thing that comes to mind… stress chaos…. Frustration… so what do we do… lets work with the Elemental Air…..stop and breathe it in… I mean really breathe it in… it clears our minds, calms the nerves and resets the panic button so we can think a little more clearly.
So when things are a little foggy, a slight bit stressful, open a window…open a door and just breathe. Allow that breath to center us… I often do this when getting ready for a reading or going into a meditation or prayer state. It’s always amazing to me just how it assists me. Think of taking that breath as opening the door after a long winter to air the house out…Wind power…
Can’t hear you all…take a deep deep breath and fill it all the way til you can fit no more… then let it slowly out releasing all the negative stuff we are holding….
Okay the next step …lets do Water….
Water is refreshing revitalizing renewing. It gives life, it sustains life… Our bodies are made up of water… so reach out for that elemental, step into a shower… and let it rinse away the negativity, feel its renewal of energy as it refreshingly wakes you up…or gets your day moving in the right direction…
Step out into a warm summers rain…there is nothing like it… or the smell of a rain in the spring as it brings the world back to sleep after a long winters rest… live it and take the experience in…enjoy that rebirth of energy
Earth…. Grounding…. When life is crazy and we are so out of touch with things… and nothing makes sense… go out and take a walk… plant your feet onto the grass…or in some dirt… ot snow for that matter… just get outside and connect…hug a tree… it will ground you… it will make you forget for a little and you will be able to put things in perspective again…
The great mother is here in support of us… so honor her…respect her… and tell her you love her…tap into that energy…
Fire…. One of my favorite elementals… fire the power of the burn… when you need to get motivated they tell us lets get fired up… the heat… the energy from that… Father Sun… helps all things to grow… keeps us warm… gives us energy in the form of Fire….We cook with it… we pray with it… we dance with it…
So think about all the possibilities, or realize the potential we all have at our fingertips if we only would take a minute to channel the power of the Elementals… For The miracle of life is the miracle of the elementals.
Let us raise our intentions to our consciousness and voice by sending healing energies and prayer up this day… Today I pray for all those who ask, all those in need, all those who do not ask … I pray that we are given the strength, the joy and the love that is needed in our days…
I call to the sacred winds…to carry my words
To the Grandmothers and Grandfathers of the North, the south, the east, the west, Above …below and within…
I call to the sacred winds to carry my words to the Winged ones…the Four Leggeds…the Plant People…the Crystal Keepers, the Thunder Beings, the Angelic Realm…Mother Mary and Magdalene…my Brother Christ and all the nations that love us.
I thank you for all the many blessings that you have shared with us today and beyond and I ask that you hear our prayers whether spoken our held silently within our hearts.
Today I ask that you hear our prayers as we stand humbly before you, small and human.
Help us to remember we are all but a tiny part of a great universe, that we are all connected as one…
Bring us the strength we need to walk our paths without ego or judgment…
Allow our hearts to hear what our ears are missing
Teach us how to allow forgiveness for others and ourselves
Fill our being with the unconditional love that you so freely offer all.
I call that we be reminded we are all no better than or less than one another.
Guide us through our days, to help us with our humanness…that we learn to reconnect with others in a gentle and positive way. Offering smiles when they are needed without thought, shoulders or ears to help ease another…and words that will uplift or soothe.
Keep our children safe and strong in this troubled world… I ask that on this day and days to come…guidance is shared with them to help them as they walk their paths. Help open their eyes so they can learn and see the right way of things, teach them to respect all life as sacred no matter how small, open their ears and minds so that they may understand things that are being taught to them in good and gentle manners…open their hearts so that when the harshness of the world falls at their feet, they can cope and handle it with compassion and understanding.
I ask that today and all days ahead that our awareness of the Elementals and the energies they offer become keener, sharper. So that we can understand how to use and harness that power to better our lives, our health our states of mind. For us to be thankful for all that we need to survive and walk productive positive lives has been provided for… if we simply open our eyes to the magic of the world around us. I call to the Element of Water…cleanse and refresh us…nurture our bodies and our Souls! I call to the Elemental of Air… clear our minds and thoughts… jump start our being, help us gain new perspectives! I call to the Great Mother Earth and give thanks for all she shares… help us to ground and center ourselves again… and I call out to the elemental of Fire… Ignite within us all a new way of thinking, give us the energy we need to become better people to ourselves and others…
I thank all those who have walked with us and answer our calls…this day and in days to come…and honor you …
AHO
So today…give yourself a gift, and play with the magic of the elementals… and allow them to bring magic and miracles into your lives!
I wish you a wonderful and magical day…may the love in my heart reach and fill yours.
“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
“Join Me as I continue the Sacred Hoop Project into this Year 2016…the Year of Truths!”
“Never Fading Spirit of Mother Earth” by Big City Indians and available at http://bigcityindians.com
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”
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
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
It is time to begin the teachings of the Medicine Wheel. I have been asked over and over about them, so as I have been taught I will now share those teachings with you. Please know that there are various interpretations of the teachings, but what I share is what I have been taught by my Teachers and my Elders over the years. So let us begin this journey as we prepare to enter into the time of the Snake, the Time of Frost as it sits on the Medicine Wheel beginning October 23rd thru November 22.
Being born at this time puts you into the Snake/the Time of Frost with the main influencing wind being the West Winds! The Totem that walks with this birth sign is that of the Grizzly Bear, it rests within the Frog Clan. The polarity totem that shares balance for the snake is the Beaver.
The Plant Totem for Snake is Thistle.
Thistle was used by our Ancestor’s and Tribal communities as a cure for stomach and digestive ailments and also against various poisons very effectively. Now a day, people look at thistle mostly as expensive bird seed. The plant itself grows very thick and dense in the wild and has beautiful purple flowers that rest at the top of the plant. It protects itself with prickly leaves along the plant that often can cause you to itch if you are not careful when harvesting the plant. Thistle is also full of vitamins, and the root of the plant when peeled can be eaten raw or even roasted. Also the leaves can make a wonderful medicinal tea after drying the leaves.
Like the thistle, Snake people also have protection that does not allow many to get too close to them, thus hiding who their true self really is. Because they often feel vulnerable, they will tend to keep people at arms length on order to feel more in control and safe.
The Mineral/Crystal is Amethyst.
Amethyst the Healers Stone! One of the most powerful crystals you can work with. Calming, healing, protecting and it enhances psychic abilities and spiritual awareness.
The Snake’s Affinity color is Violet.
Violet is the color of Spirituality and Healing. It relates to spiritual awareness the relationship and union with our higher self and a higher consciousness.
Elements that influence Snake as born to the Time of the Frost are Water and Earth. Earth providing the things needed for transformation, and transforming through change and into renewal of self and spiritual balance is how their lives are traveled. Water assisting with the flow and rejuvenation of the soul!
Snake People are Intense, Impulsive, Determined, Ambitious and are often Mysterious in nature. They typically keep their true feelings hidden under layers upon layers of self.
Relationship compatibilities are best with those born under the signs of the Woodpecker or that of the Wolf.
Their Life Path is to seek and bring about sensitivity to their lives, as it is something they enter the world lacking and as they walk this path they unconsciously seek a spiritual union or soul mate that they feel they can not do without.
Being born during the Time of Frost, ideas, creativity and the energy that goes with bringing these things about are first and fore most on their minds. Yet sometimes that same energy gets them going in many directions instead of one at a time in order to finish the goals that are set. Then they find themselves at a halt or ‘Frozen’ with which direction to take next.
This is part of the learning curve they need to learn. To slow down and perhaps put some things aside in order to accomplish a task in a more positive and complete way. Timing comes into play as the lesson they are here to learn and cultivate. People born to the sign of the Snake need to find patience in life, and often have a difficult time mastering just that.
Being of the Frog Clan they are easily carried away as I put it, new and shiny things! They want to experience everything and leave no rock unturned. They are very capable of adding new insights to projects, life and ideas, but often do not stay long enough with it to actually receive any benefits from the experience, for they are quick to run off on the next adventure!
Snake people are people that are extreme in most things they do in their lives. They can for sudden attachments to people or things and then just as suddenly detach from them with out a blink.
Snake people crave attention and actually need it to feel good about themselves, and they need to be shown love in order to love in return. When that occurs love is all consuming and they are true and supportive of their partners but sometimes wind up loosing themselves in the relationship since they put their partner’s happiness above all else.
Best times of the year for people born to the Sign of the Snake the Time of Frost are October 23rd thru November 22 February 19th thru April 19th June 21st thru July 21st
Tuesdays are the strongest day of the week when they can accomplish much.
5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. best time of the day to accomplish thing
I hope you have enjoyed these insights and may they inspire you to look more into the Medicine Wheel teachings and how they can assist us all to bring balance to our Sacred Hoops! And make sure to add yourself to the mailing list if you are interested in learning more about the totems and the Medicine Wheel!
Mitakuye O`yasin,
bear Medicinewalker
“Discovering Years” from Pathway to Destiny: Songs of Healing and Contemplation by Louie Gonnie. Available at http://www.canyonrecords.com
