#NativeAmericanMusicians | bear Medicinewalker

October 29, 2015

October29, 2015 Totem Card of the Day – White Buffalo

Today the White Buffalo speaks to us again for it is important to remember the rituals of our day. To honor the Sacred that is within and around our Sacred Hoops! If we would simply stop and take a moment to breathe, we would see that many have forgotten the simple, the basic, the ritual and ceremony we should be doing each day as we walk the human. The Seven Grandfather Teachings, “Courage, Wisdom, Respect, Love, Honesty, Truth and Humility” as our guide to how we are to walk our paths as our foundations of who we are. Our connection from the present to our past when these values were a way of life, as they should continue to be today.

It does not matter what culture you are from, what job you hold, it does not matter that you have riches or are poor, what matters is how we all choose to walk, be, share and connect with one another in positives, honoring each soul’s light. So today, be the best person you can be, let your soul’s light shine with goodness and the unconditional that we are born to share. Make a positive imprint on your world the world that revolves around each of us.

White Buffalo shares with us that it is time to honor all that is sacred in and around us. It is about the power of Prayer. It is time to feed our souls, our spirituality. That in order to allow abundance into our lives we must walk the Sacred Path, but also be open to the fact that all life, all that has been shared with us no matter how small …how large, is Sacred.

The White Buffalo is connected to the teachings of the original people, the things that often are forgotten by us in this modern day world that is filled with material and greed. The White Buffalo warns us and gently nudges to remind us that we must not forget to be grateful, thankful, and take care of our Sacred Hoops.

To talk to the Universe and God Creator often, to share with others the simple positive things such as prayer, ritual, ceremony, traditions. To slow down so that we do not forget the lessons of old and where it is we come from. When we honor that process we will assist in manifesting our dreams, our goals in a more positive light. White buffalo will help to keep us grounded and on the right walk, allowing us to realize that when we are walking correctly the path is much easier to move upon.

Honor Self, Honor Creator, Honor All Life as Sacred.

Mitakuye O`yasin
~ bear Medicinewalker

Buffalo Thunder from Big City Indians available at http://bigcityindians.com

October 28, 2015

Indian Paintbrush as Shared by bear Medicinewalker

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

October 23, 2015

October 23, 2015 Totem Card of the Day – the Elemental Fire

Today I add the sub deck to the main Mitakuye O`yasin Totem deck for it is important to understand that sometimes lessons come from other sources. When added to the shuffle this morning, as Father Sun rises in the morning sky to the East, the Elemental ‘Fire” came in to play. Boldly saying it is time for me to show myself to the World!

Fire is all about passion, drive, creation and motivation that steps out in our lives. The Elemental Fire ignites within us sheer will and determination to get the job done. It not only represents our own souls light but is about the Divine Fire that is within each of us. Fire has a place both here in the physical Earth plane and secondly in the spiritual one. Fire is powerful and needs to be understood when using it, both physically and spiritually.

The Elemental of Fire can assist you with standing in your own power. It will assist you in manifestation as you move froward in positives to your goals. It requires us to tend and feed it as flame begins to dwindle. We need to use caution with Fire as it can consume us, yet it has balance and can also share light and heat. It shines and dances leaping into the air bringing light to the darkness, and thus balance. It sings out for us to dance, listen to the drum of our own heartbeats, and share in the magic that Fire brings about.

Today is about following your instincts, channeling the inner fire to get the job done. Fire ignites the extreme within us to trust that ancient wisdom that is in our genetic DNA urging us to listen to the little voice within, stop second guessing yourself and get done what is needed. For at the end of the day, there will be much to show for having done just that. Allow it to not only inspire you, but those around you! Just remember when it is evident in your life, the Elemental Fire needs to have balance and work with what is around the Sacred Hoop in a positive manner.

Mitakuye O`yasin
~ bear Medicinewalker

“Crow Hop” Pipestone Tribute to the Old Timers – Pow Wow Recorded Live available at http://www.canyonrecords.com

October 23, 2015October 23, 2015

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

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

October 22, 2015

October 22, 2015 Totem Card of the Day – Polar Bear

So today we will need to be like the Polar Bear teaches us, dive into the waters, maneuver the waves and ice flows and adapt to life around us. The air is filled with changes and everything frustrating that life can throw at us today, but that is okay because we have what it takes to breathe deep and roll with it all. We simply have to be aware that not everything is cooperative 100% if the time, and sometimes we are tested to make us stronger, smarter and wiser as to how to handle different things that may happen in our day to day lives. We can do this… we have got this…

The Polar Bear shares that it is time to dig deep within your self and balance your Sacred Hoop. Discard what is no longer needed so that you may move ahead on your path in a positive way. Polar Bears are all about the Winter which relates to nurturing self, taking time to feed your soul and examine what is needed for us to take steps forward to survive and flourish in a healthy manner.

Polar Bear steps in to show us all how strong we can be as we face life’s challenges that are thrown at us from time to time. It is time to stand up and show that strength in the dark corners of our life and take ownership of the light that needs to shine from within. Helping to guide us between our human walk and our connections to spirit.

Polar Bear tells us to clean out our dens of unwanted and unneeded energies that are no longer healthy for us. creating for us in that process a renewal of Spirit and thought and putting us back to balancing our Sacred Hoops. We need to remember we are responsible for self and are the only ones that can set ourselves to that place of balance and positives. In a sense we are the masters of our own Universe… so own that …empower yourself …. and love yourself… if we can understand and attain that we will allow other positives into our life with that alignment.

Mitakuye O’yasin
~ bear Medicinewalker

Jana Mashonee The Enlightened Time available on Itunes and at http://www.janamashonee.com/#!

October 19, 2015February 22, 2016

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

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

October 17, 2015October 17, 2015

a Medicine Wheel Teaching… the Sign of the Snake

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

Tag: #NativeAmericanMusicians

October29, 2015 Totem Card of the Day – White Buffalo

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Indian Paintbrush as Shared by bear Medicinewalker

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October 23, 2015 Totem Card of the Day – the Elemental Fire

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

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October 22, 2015 Totem Card of the Day – Polar Bear

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

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a Medicine Wheel Teaching… the Sign of the Snake

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