Soon the young men who were watching for the coming of the wakan person announced that they saw something in the distance approaching them in a beautiful manner.
Detail from “Apparition of the Buffalo Calf Maiden” by Frithjof Schuon, 1959
Suddenly, she entered the lodge, walked around sun-wise, and stood in front of Standing Hollow Horn. She took from her back the bundle, and holding it with both hands in front of the chief, said: “Behold this and always love it! It is lela wakan (very sacred), and you must treat it as such. No impure man should ever be allowed to see it, for within this bundle there is a sacred pipe. With this, you will, during the winters to come, send your voices to Wakáŋ-Táŋka, your Father and Grandfather.”
After the mysterious woman said this, she took from the bundle a pipe and also a small round stone which she placed upon the ground. Holding the pipe up with its stem to the heavens, she said: “With this sacred pipe, you will walk upon the Earth, for the Earth is your Grandmother and Mother, and She is sacred. Every step that is taken upon Her should be as a prayer. The bowl of this pipe is of red stone; it is the Earth. Carved in the stone and facing the center is this buffalo calf who represents all the four-leggeds who live upon your Mother. The stem of the pipe is of wood and this represents all that grows upon the Earth. And these twelve feathers which hang here, where the stem fits into the bowl, are from Wanbli Galeska, the Spotted Eagle, and they represent the eagle and all the wingeds of the air. All these peoples, and all the things of the universe, are joined to you who smoke the pipe—all send their voices to Wakáŋ-Táŋka, the Great Spirit. When you pray with this pipe, you pray for and with everything.”
The wakan woman then touched the foot of the pipe to the round stone which lay upon the ground, and said: “With this pipe, you will be bound to all your relatives; your Grandfather and Father, your Grandmother and Mother. This round rock, which is made of the same red stone as the bowl of the pipe, your Father Wakáŋ-Táŋka has also given to you. It is the Earth, your Grandmother and Mother, and it is where you will live and increase. This Earth which He has given to you is red, and the two-leggeds who live upon the Earth are red; and the Great Spirit has also given to you a red day, and a red road.”
“All of this is sacred, and so do not forget! Every dawn, as it comes, is a holy event; and every day is holy, for the light comes from your Father Wakáŋ-Táŋka; and also you must always remember that the two-leggeds and all the other peoples who stand upon this earth are sacred and should be treated as such.
“From this time on, the holy pipe will stand upon this red Earth, and the two-leggeds will take the pipe and will send their voices to Wakáŋ-Táŋka.”
The Seven Sacred Rites
The wakan woman continued: “These seven circles which you see on the stone have much meaning, for they represent the seven rites in which the pipe will be used. The first large circle represents the first rite which I shall give to you, and the other six circles represent the rites which will, in time, be revealed to you directly.
“Standing Hollow Horn, be good to these gifts and to your people, for they are wakan! With this pipe, the two-leggeds will increase, and there will come to them all that is good. From above Wakáŋ-Táŋka has given to you this sacred pipe, so that through it you may have knowledge. For this great gift you should always be grateful! But now before I leave I wish to give to you instructions for the first rite in which your people will use this pipe.”
The Seven Sacred Rites of the Lakota
Wanáǧi Yuhápi—The Keeping of The Soul
Haŋbléčeyapi—The Vision Quest
Wiwáŋyaŋg Wačípi—The Sun Dance
Huŋkápi—The Making of Relatives
Inípi—The Sweat Lodge
Išnáti Awíčalowaŋpi—Preparing a Girl for Womanhood
Tápa Waŋkáyeyapi—Throwing the Ball
From “Lakota Religious Traditions,” Encyclopedia of Religion, Second Edition, pp. 5295-5298. DOWNLOAD
“It should be for you a sacred day when one of your people dies. You must then keep his soul as I shall teach you, and through this you will gain much power; for if this soul is kept, it will increase in you your concern and love for your neighbor. So long as the person, in his soul, is kept with your people, through him you will be able to send your voice to Wakáŋ-Táŋka.
“It should also be a sacred day when a soul is released and returns to its home, Wakáŋ-Táŋka, for on this day four women will be made holy, and they will in time bear children who will walk the path of life in a sacred manner, setting an example for your people. Behold me, for it is I that they will take in their mouths, and it is through this that they will become wakan.
“He who keeps the soul of a person must be a good and pure man, and he should use the pipe so that all the people, with the soul, will together send their voices to Wakáŋ-Táŋka. The fruit of your Mother the Earth and the fruit of all that She bears will be blessed in this manner, and your people will then walk the path of life in a sacred way.
“Do not forget that Wakáŋ-Táŋka has given you seven days in which to send your voices to Him. So long as you remember this, you will live; the rest you will know from Wakáŋ-Táŋka directly.”
Artwork by Vera Louise Drysdale
Many of us were molded or taught to give
until we break ~and the refuel so we can
so we can keep on giving . But this,
we know now , is the road map to burn
out and resentment . Instead Let's give
to ourselves~ let's fuel our bodies and
souls~ so that we can give to others from
a place of overflow, not depletion .
Lets build bridges and not walls and lets do it with Love~ Yes creator may have given us Mountains but nothing we can't handle! SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND SOAR!!!!!!!ABSOLUTELY! Creator knows your every need. Love will always be the answer. Hearts are heavy with the news in our world. Please join me as we send angels to assist the people of the World. We are calling on Archangel Michael and his angels to protect our planet and work for Love everywhere. These are tough days but remember that angels are with us and Divine Love is stronger than darkness On a crisp autumn day with leaves falling You decide to take a walk. A calm breeze rustles the trees and you feel the sunshine on your face. There is a bench and you take a seat. Although you are by yourself you can feel a presence. It feels like the trees are listening to your every thought and you feel a love all around you. Thoughts of those who have left the earth pop in your head for no reason. Or so you think. The colors of the sunlight streaming through the trees seems to sparkle as if a divine magic was occurring and you the witness. A beautiful calm washes over you filling up your heart. All cares fall away and you are as present in this moment as you have ever been. You rise from the bench and start to continue walking and you realize that you are never alone. Ever. Angels and Ancestors are always walking with you as the trees watch over guiding you with their wisdom. When feeling low ,confused or frustrated with life a walk can be much needed medicine. It is nourishment for your soul. Grateful to those that walk with us. Much love and hugs
it is a rainny sunday coffee pot going my kitty is waiting. have a blessing sunday good day just relax. enjoy, love mary. i think ill just good day to do nothing. watch a good movie, if i can, kitty
Thirteen Grandmother Moon Teachings: A Sacred Indigenous Journey
[The moon] symbolizes tranquility, guidance, and protection, and its phases are interwoven with spiritual teachings that span generations.
In Indigenous cultures, the moon holds a position of profound significance. It symbolizes tranquility, guidance, and protection, and its phases are interwoven with spiritual teachings that span generations. The Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, now known as North America, have long honored the moon’s wisdom through the Thirteen Grandmother Moon Teachings. These teachings, based on the lunar calendar, offer invaluable insights into the natural world and the human spirit.
1. Spirit Moon (Mnido Giizis – January):
Spirit Moon, the first moon of Creation, arrives with the Northern Lights. It encourages us to embrace silence and recognize our place within the vast tapestry of Great Mystery’s creatures.
2. Bear Moon (Mkwa Giizis – February):
Bear Moon, the second moon, marks the beginning of a vision quest initiated in the fall. During this time, we learn to see beyond the ordinary and communicate through energy rather than words.
3. Sugar Moon (Ziissbaakdoke Giizas – March):
Sugar Moon, the third moon, coincides with the running of maple sap, one of the Anishinaabe’s vital medicines. It encourages balance in our lives, much like regulating our blood sugar levels.
4. Sucker Moon (Namebine Giizis – April):
Sucker Moon, the fourth moon, illustrates the journey of the sucker into the Spirit World, where it receives cleansing techniques. Upon its return, it purifies the path for the spirits and cleanses the water beings.
5. Flower Moon (Waawaaskone Giizis – May):
Flower Moon, the fifth moon, celebrates the Spirit sides of plants as they bloom, offering powerful healing energy. It encourages us to explore our spiritual essence.
6. Strawberry Moon (Ode’miin Giizis – June):
Strawberry Moon, the sixth moon, carries the medicine of reconciliation. Communities often hold annual feasts during this time, emphasizing unity and letting go of judgments.
7. Raspberry Moon (Mskomini Giizis – July):
Raspberry Moon, the seventh moon, ushers in great changes. It teaches gentleness and kindness and the wisdom to pass through life’s thorns.
8. Thimbleberry Moon (Datkaagmin – August):
Thimbleberry Moon, the eighth moon, honors the thimbleberry, a protector of the sacred circle of life. It helps us recognize and understand teachings from the Spirit World.
9. Corn Moon (Mdaamiin Giizis – September):
Corn Moon, the ninth moon, teaches us about the cycle of life. Each cob of corn with its 13 rows of multicolored seeds symbolizes future generations, and we must prepare for their Earth Walk.
Falling Leaves Moon, the tenth moon, adorns Mother Earth with vibrant colors. It’s a time when all of Creation offers gratitude, reminding us of the miracles around us.
11. Freezing Moon (Mshkawji Giizis – November):
Freezing Moon, the eleventh moon, brings the Star Nation closest to us. It’s a period of preparation for fasting and a time to learn sacred teachings and songs.
12. Little Spirit Moon (Mnidoons Giizis Oonhg – December):
Little Spirit Moon, the twelfth moon, represents a time of healing. It offers visions of the spirits and good health, guiding us on the Red Road with pure intentions.
13. Big Spirit Moon (Mnidoons Giizis – Blue Moon):
The thirteenth moon, the Big Spirit Moon, serves as a purification and healing phase. It involves a three-month spiritual journey and imparts knowledge about the healing powers of the universe.
Conclusion:
The Thirteen Grandmother Moon Teachings are a testament to the deep connection between Indigenous peoples and the natural world. These lunar teachings remind us of our place within Creation and the profound wisdom that surrounds us. They guide us through life’s seasons, encouraging us to embrace silence, unity, balance, and healing. As we journey through the lunar calendar, we not only connect with the Earth but also with the spirits and our own inner truths.
Source: The 13 Grandmother Moon teachings are from “Kinoomaadiewinan Anishinabek Bimaadinzinwin, Book Two. Author Arlene Berry. Environmental Scan of Urban Indigenous Services
Image of Full Moon Source: https://muskratmagazine.com/ojibwe-moons/
The truth is, everyone who meets you genuinely wants to MEET THE REAL YOU, The best YOU is the authentic, bruised, brave, perfectly imperfect you. You are beautifully awesome.
Story about overcoming adversity
The Snake was crawling on the ground. The Eagle flew to her and said: – How unfortunate you are, doomed to crawl all your life. Not like me – I am destined to fly. The Snake looked at the Eagle and said: – You are right Eagle, I can’t fly. But only I know what it means to fly. – How can you know that? – The Eagle smiled, – you don’t have wing! – Thoughts are my wings, – said the Snake proudly, – Dreams are my heaven. While crawling on the ground I close my eyes and I see the heaven. I imagine that I’m crawling in heaven not on the ground. Yes, it’s impossible to crawl in heaven, you can only fly. It means that in those moments I am flying. In my free thoughts I am learning to fly, Eagle. With my soul I am arising to the high heaven, so when my time comes and my life as a snake comes to an end, I could ascend into the blue heaven, into the endless heaven and fly, to fly and not think about anything, enjoying my freedom. And I won’t be afraid to fly, because it won’t be a new thing for me. For you Eagle, the wings were given as you were born, but not for me. But the heaven will make us equal. We will be flying together one day, Eagle, under the clouds. Only I will be stronger and freer than you, because I have learned how to fly without having wings, simply crawling on the ground. Both things are available for me. I am not afraid to lose my wings because I know how to crawl, and I am not afraid to gain wings because I know how to fly. And what will you do, Eagle, if you lose your wings?
“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”
The Saint and the Scorpion
Once, a saint was walking by a riverbank when he saw a scorpion drowning in the water. The saint decided to help the scorpion and reached out to grab it. However, as soon as the saint touched the scorpion, it stung him. Despite the pain, the saint did not let go and instead gently pulled the scorpion out of the water. As he did so, the scorpion stung him again and again. A passerby saw the saint struggling with the scorpion and asked why he was helping it when it was only causing him pain. The saint replied, “It is the nature of the scorpion to sting, and it is my nature to help. Why should I give up my nature to help just because it causes me pain?” The story teaches us that it is important to help others, even if they may not appreciate it or even harm us in return. It is our nature to be compassionate, and we should not give up on that just because it may be difficult or uncomfortable.
IAM so happy i saw my adopted foster lunabelle 2 years anversery wolf sancuary of pa. lunabele joined the wolf family . so beautiful . i love all wolfs so iam happy, ts a wonderful feeling to save and care for animals. i feel like a prould mom. have a good night everyone, god bless.
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it is a rainny sunday coffee pot going my kitty is waiting. have a blessing sunday good day just relax. enjoy, love mary. i think ill just good day to do nothing. watch a good movie, if i can, kitty
Good afternoon all my boomer friends, great tuesday, keep cool, anyone thats in the path of debie keep save, love you all.
IAM so happy i saw my adopted foster lunabelle 2 years anversery wolf sancuary of pa. lunabele joined the wolf family . so beautiful . i love all wolfs so iam happy, ts a wonderful feeling to save and care for animals. i feel like a prould mom. have a good night everyone, god bless.
