Tag: Indigenous

June 20 – Daily Feast

 

Everything is fresh and new on a June morning. Someone performed a miracle while we slept. The air was cleaned to crystal clarity, the rising sun glistens on every leaf and blade of grass. The hills are new green from spring rains and the horses that graze there are sleek and shiny. Such rewards, such a as s dv, are for the early riser, the one who greets the day with thanksgiving and praise. Regardless of how many tagalongs from yesterday threaten, they cannot break the spell of the beauty at hand. Another opportunity, another splendid day that is so oblivious to the schemes of man. To go with it, to rise with the morning mist, is to know the freedom and restoration in the soul of the American Indian.

~ To the Indian, words that are true sink deep into his heart where they remain; he never forgets them. ~

FOUR GUNS

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Elder’s Meditation of the Day June 11

“Behold, my bothers, the spring has come; the earth has received the embraces of the sun and we shall soon see the results of that love!”
–Sitting Bull, SIOUX
Spring is the season of love. Spring is the season of new life, new relationships. It is the springtime that really reacts to the new position of Father Sun. New life forms all over the planet. Life is abundant. New cycles are created. Mother Earth changes colors, the flowers are abundant. It is the time for humans to observe nature and let nature create within us the feeling of Spring. We should let ourselves renew. We should let go of the feeling of Winter. We should be joyful and energetic.
My Maker, let me, today, feel the feelings of Spring.
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Elder’s Meditation of the Day May 22

Elder’s Meditation of the Day May 22

“The earth was created by the assistance of the sun, and it should be left as it was… The country was made without lines of demarcation, and it is no man’s business to divide it…”

–Chief Joseph, NEZ PERCE

There is danger when we start to draw lines and boundaries. This is true whether outside ourselves or inside ourselves. The danger is losing sight of the interconnectedness. When we lose sight of interconnectedness, separation, possessiveness ( this is mine, I can do what I want) and infighting results. Even at an individual level, if we don’t believe we are connected to all things we get self-centered and have self-seeking motives. We must think in harmony, balance and integrity. We must see our relationship to the great whole and conduct ourselves accordingly.

Great Spirit, today, let me think beyond boundaries.

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May 8 – Daily Feast

May 8 – Daily Feast

If we ignore everything beautiful and look down the road to some future time, chances are it will be the same. This is the time, the e to a, the now, the present, to see the dearness of other people, the chance to be grateful – to enjoy. Why wait? Perfect times are elusive. They create an atmosphere that life should be lived on some high emotional level instead of experiencing love. Time goes by. The peaks were not what made life worthwhile – but the in-between times that gave us a chance to stand in the quiet of a wooded glen, even if it is just in our hearts, and know that love made it all worthwhile. Love will continue to make each a giant of peace in our souls.

~ I want to tell you if the Great Spirit had chosen anyone to be chief of this country, it is myself. ~

SITTING BULL

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

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May 6 – Daily Feast

May 6 – Daily Feast

When we let down our guard, habit is waiting to reclaim its territory. It seems innocent and it is so familiar that we seldom suspect what teeth it has! Once we decide to change something, we can’t expect to do it in one great sweep. What has taken us over by such tiny degrees must be edged out the same way. The fact that we are taking small steps does not minimize a very great commitment. Little by little, we reform our habits, making sure we leave no void for any other bad habit to fill. If we have a ne lo at nv, made an effort or tried to change and failed, it is probably because we tried to do it along or denied the need to change. The Cherokees believes he needs a u na li go sv, a help or a partnership, to give him support. It may be another v da di lv quo at nv, a special or blessed person that is grounded in the Galun lati.

~ I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. ~

CHIEF JOSEPH

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

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Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 18

Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 18

“Our people don’t come in parts. Either you are Indian, or you are not.”

–Nippawanock, ARAPAHOE

We really need to take a look at how Indian People are talking about Indian People. We say there are Rez Indians, Traditional Indians, Urban Indians and Breeds. This type of thinking will keep us separated. An Indian is an Indian, a brother is a brother, a sister is a sister. We are all related. Today, let us respect ourselves and our people. Today, let me realize Indians are Indians.

Great Spirit, let me see the Unity of the People. Indians are Indians.

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Today’s Affirmation, Thought & Meditation for April 14th

Saturday Images, Pics, Comments, Graphics
Today’s Affirmation for Saturday, April 14th

I take into my heart the gentle rhythms of nature performing its perennial dance of time.

 

Today’s Thought for Saturday, April 14th

“Healthy feet can hear the very heart of the Holy Earth.”

Chief Sitting Bull (1831 – 90)

 

Today’s Meditation for Saturday, April 14th

Reconnect With Nature

Time spent in nature is healing. It grounds us in our bodies and reaffirms our felt connection with the world around us. Spend time in green spaces as often as you can, whether in garden, parks or open countryside. Engage each of your senses in the experience of being at one with nature. Notice the shapes and hues of the flowers, hear the singing of the birds, smell the earthy scents of the ground and the fragrance of flowers.

We can also reconnect to nature using the imagination. Close your eyes and visualize a meadow on a sunny afternoon. Notice different species of plants, birds, animals and insects. Watch the interactions between these species, and then focus on individual organisms, sensing the pace and rhythm of their lives. Finish by watching the grass grow, allowing your consciousness to resonate at the same pace.

November 1 – Daily Feast

November 1 – Daily Feast

 

ELEVEN
Du

BIG TRADING MONTH
Nu Da Na ‘Egwa

Great Spirit, the council here assembled, the aged men and women, the strong warriors, the women and children, unite their voice of thanksgiving to Thee. Na-Ho!

IROQUOIS THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL

November 1 – Daily Feast

The danger point comes after a victory when we think there are no more battles. How many wars have been fought thinking this is the war that will end all wars? Even in our own private battles we cannot lie back and think we have won the right to peace. We do need to know and remember that we are more than conquerors. It is a life promise, but we have to claim it. Other claims have taken precedence – weariness, lack, sickness – but we are conquerors, even more than conquerors. We are winners and overcomers. Believe it, because it is true, and the more we claim it, the stronger it is.

~ Where is our strength? In the old times we were strong. ~

CHIPAROPAI – YUMA

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

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September 28 – Daily Feast

September 28 – Daily Feast

 

On rare occasions you may have felt a word drop into your heart that you knew meant something because it never faded and always stood as a reminder that something profound happened. You may not have understood then, but your mind has gone back to it numerous times, wondering what it meant. Years can pass between an event and the understanding of it. It may be we have to grow up to it, or our minds and spirits have to mature enough to see how it is to play out in our lives. It is little different from building a house, you can see the structure going up, but you know it can’t be used until it is finished. Sometimes ideas and visions need time to firm up before we can use them.

~ The designs of Providence, in the course of events, are mysterious…. ~

JOHN ROSS – CHEROKEE CHIEF

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September 19 – Daily Feast

September 19 – Daily Feast

 

Eagles soar more surely than we walk – but even so we are eagles in spirit. Physical wings are not so important to us if we can free our spirits to soar. As a symbol of freedom, the eagle builds its nest higher than any other nests and its eyes have vision that can survey anything moving far below. It sets its wings to catch the wind and its flight is graceful and beautiful. Unlike us, it takes time to renew and restore – even its beak is renewed and its old feathers replaced with new ones. When we set our minds and spirits to do something, nothing can bring us down. But rest and renewal are necessary – and never just luxuries to be avoided.

~ I am here by the will of the Great Spirit, and by His will I am chief. ~

SITTING BULL – SIOUX

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

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School of Seasons

School of Seasons

 

Rome: Portunalia, a festival honoring Portunis, an aspect of the god Janus. Also called the Tiberinalia, or the festival of the
Tiber river, as he is the God of the Tiber. Portunis is also the God of keys, and the opening of locked gates. On this day old
keys were burned in the hearth as a sacrificial offering. Also on this day, Romans celebrated the Festival of Diana, Goddess of
the Moon, the protector of all young girls and chastity, and Goddess of the Hunt. The coincidence of festivals honoring the
God of Keys and the Goddess who protected virginity is apt.

Asatru: Odin’s Ordeal, from August 17-25. Also called Othin, Wotan, and Wodin, he was the Nordic and Germanic all-father.
From the Viking age, Odin survived the Christianization of Europe and is still remembered, despite a period when even
saying his name was banned by the Church. He ruled over the Valkyries and rewarded slain heroes with glorious afterlife in
the Hall of Valhalla, where warrior spirits wait in readiness to defend Asgard against the Jotuns and Frost Giants at the
foretold battle of Ragnarokk. Odin’s symbol is the valknut knot, his animal is the raven, his weapon is a rune-carved spear.
Odin’s story has obvious parallels to the story of Christ: he once pierced himself with his own spear, and hung for 9 days on
the world tree, Yggdrasill, to gain knowledge throughcommunication with the dead.

1950: Native American mystic and medicine man, Nicholas ‘Black Elk,’ died in Manderson, SD. Profiled in the book, “Black Elk
Speaks” by John G. Neihrdt, known for his powers of prophecy and healing, a warrior of the Oglala Sioux tribe. Black Elk was an
adherent of the Ghost Dance, and witnessed the tragic massacre of followers of this Native American spiritual “last stand” at
Wounded Knee, SD, in 1890.
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Remember the ancient ways and keep them sacred!

Ritual to Journey To the Universal Circle

 

Adapted from The Cherokee Full Circle, by J.T. Garrett and Michael Tlanusta Garrett (Inner Traditions, 2002).The Universal Circle, a symbol of balance and harmony, is included in every aspect of the Native American way of life. In many Native American traditions, to “offer prayers” means calling out to the four winds for their sacred powers, since the four winds offer lessons from the four directions that make up the Universal Circle.

Each of us experiences this Circle and the four directions as we continue our journey of life. What are the lessons of the four directions? How do we experience this powerful image of wholeness? Find out here:

Circle of Life
The circle of life begins with the fire in the center, the birth, that spirals into the direction of the East for the protection of family while developing.

Then life spirals to the direction of the South to learn how to play, “and to learn of the fairness of games in nature.”

At about the age of seven we start our spiral to the direction of the West, where we learn competition and endurance for work and play through the teen years.

Then we spiral to the direction of the North, where we learn the skills and knowledge of an adult to be a teacher and master of our abilities or trade. We continue to spiral until we reach our elder years as we return to the sacred fire of life, to begin again the spirit world as ancestors.

This is the Universal Circle of life that brings us the understanding of our connections with all things within that circle.