Fran Dancing Feather

The Great Mystery is one way to translate the name of the Creator from a Tribal language. This name “Mystery” reminds us that we cannot fully understand the nature of God, no matter how much we think we may know about Him. Among the Tribes on this continent the Creator has many names in various languages. There are as many Creation stories as there are names for the Great Mystery of Creation. People have been arguing about the nature of this Mystery since we humans first learned to speak. Disagreements do not bring a clearer vision of the supernatural workings of the universe but they keep human beings busy talking. Constant talking is highly over-rated. Sometimes prayer is nothing more then a sense of wonder at the extraordinary interconnection we share with each other and the Greatness of all things. There is a mystical time each day just before the sunrise. The light hasn’t really arrived and yet the darkness is slowly giving way. To grasp this moment and hold it inside the heart would be a perfect poem of gratitude. Read the rest of this entry »

Many indigenous peoples around the world believe that we can help each other heal from any affliction of the body, mind or spirit by using prayers, natural medicines from the earth and other components of ceremony. These beliefs for many of us, are older than any of us can remember. The skills of healing ceremonies have been carefully guarded and passed from one generation to another throughout the ages for thousands of years. The words and actions of various rituals have been held sacred and very private for most Tribal members and extended families. It is insulting, dangerous and disrespectful when these rituals are copied and corrupted by others who attempt to steal them for profit and recognition. Just last year, a non-native man from our area was arrested for attempting to imitate a Native American ritual that was performed outside Tribal or even Inter-tribal protocol without consulting local Tribal elders. As the result the innocent attendees were charged nine thousand dollars apiece and instructed to trust his leadership without question. Three of them died! The fake “spiritual guru” was jailed and the native community spoke out harshly against his actions in the media. This was a great tragedy and a valuable lesson for everyone. Ancient Tribal culture is not a game or a fantasy. It is to be practiced only under the direction of the Tribal elders being represented. Read the rest of this entry »

How many of us have had reoccurring or individual dreams about being inside a house and trying to accomplish anything from running away or towards something or interacting with others in some inconceivable way? Dreams about houses have to do with the sheltering of the human soul. We often unconsciously work out conflicts in our dreams and form ideas that can be used in the material world of the daytime. We do this without ever consciously remembering it. In our sleep we are completely free thinkers and dreamers who often form solutions to conflicts, face fears and joyous events without reservations. This is why our elders often tell us to honor our dreams and visions that are born within the human imagination and sheltered by the soul.

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