Issue 26
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In this issue:
1) Welcome Letter by Sibyl McLendon
2) Medicine Wheels, Part 2, by Sibyl McLendon
3) The Only Good Indian Is A Dead Indian by Terri Jean
4) Moldavite by Sibyl McLendon
5) The Power Of Music
6) Belief VS. Idea by Staci Backauskas
7) The Ambitious Violet by Kahlil Gibran
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"Sometimes dreams are wiser than waking."
~~Black Elk
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Welcome Letter
by Sibyl McLendon
Well, for all the regulars: did you miss my welcome letter last week? No need to answer, if you didn't, I don't really want to know! :) And for the new subscribers, Ya'Ah'Teh, and welcome to Mouse Pages!
Last week I was so tired out by my weekend visit from my 6 year-old grandson, Anthony, that by Sunday evening I could not think straight! So rather than embarrass myself by writing something stupid, I just did not not write anything at all. But this week I am back!
A wonderful and miraculous thing has happened at my house, which I want to share with all of you as a lesson that sometimes, our most secret and seemingly unattainable dreams CAN come true! Awhile back, I was led to a site on the Internet by Spirit. I know that this is true, because I went to a message board, which I NEVER do, and I didn't even know why I decided to go and look at it! I found a message there about a site that said that they could help if a person was American Indian, but couldn't get registered with the Federal government because they were having problems proving ancestry. Do not get me started on the subject of American Indians having to be the ONLY culture that has to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt who their ancestors are!
Anyway, I went, and read, and found that the Cherokee Wolf Clan is a Tribe in Tennessee that has decided to enroll members even if they cannot produce birth certificates and proper paperwork concerning their
ancestors. They ask for all the notarized documentation that a person has, and they do some research, and if nothing is found, then the paperwork is presented to the Council and voted on. I figured, nothing ventured, nothing gained!
So, myself, Bobby (my husband, who is 1/4 Cherokee) and my youngest son, Christopher, all sent for applications, did all the work, and sent them back with many prayers. To make an already long story a bit shorter, I am so proud to announce that we are all enrolled members of the Tribe, and have our enrollment numbers with the Federal government! Bobby has remained Eagle Dancing, my son took my father's name and the name of a type of Navajo Medicine Person, so he is now Kioni Stargazer, and I am now Dream Walker!
You have no idea what this means to me, and I can not express it in words. I never dreamed that this could happen for me, and it is overwhelming to now be an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. So, people, never, ever, give up on a dream! The Creator knows your heart's desire, and when the time is right, you just might get it! A HO!
Have a wonderful week, and Happy Mother's Day next Sunday! And I am including the link to this wonderful site:
Cherokee Wolf Clan
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We will be known by the tracks we leave behind... Dakota Proverb
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Medicine Wheels, Part 2
By Sibyl McLendon
Last week, I told you how to make your own Medicine Wheel. This week, I am going to give you more basic information about them. Medicine Wheels have become a real New Age catch phrase. There are a lot of folks writing about them and claiming to conduct ceremonies with them who do not have a clue that they are doing. If someone wants to charge you money to be part of a Medicine Wheel ceremony, take my word for it, they are not the real deal! Charging money for ceremonies and healing is against the wishes of the Above Beings.
Most all American Indian cultures have beliefs regarding the four directions. Many groups give each direction a corresponding color and power animal. These vary from group to group. The Cherokee colors are blue for the north, red for the east, white for the south and black for the west. For the Navajo, they are black for the north, white for the east, blue or turquoise for the south and yellow for the west. For the Lakota, it is black for the west, red for the north, yellow for the east, and white for the south. Usually, the east signifies spring and the rising of the sun, south stand for summer, west for fall and the setting of the sun and north is for winter.
When smudging for the Medicine Wheel, or smoking a pipe for healing, smoke is offered to each of the four directions, to the sky for Father Sun and/or the Above Beings and to the earth, for Mother earth. In this way, all are honored.
Some life-altering things can happen in a Medicine Wheel ceremony. Once, I conducted a ceremony in which my husband stood in the circle for all of the animals of the world, the birds and the insects. This was many years ago, but he still continues to have a miraculous connection to all of the animals. He can tell a spider that where it has built its web is dangerous for it, and that he will move it to safety. Invariably, the spider will get onto his hand and sit quietly while he takes it to another location. When he meets a strange dog or cat, they always some to him peacefully and looking for affection. He has amazed people who owned animals known to be unfriendly to strangers! He can feed hummingbirds from his hand.
The power of the Medicine Wheel lies in the intentions of the individual while they are in it. If one goes into the Medicine Wheel with a bad heart, and bad intentions, the energy will backfire on them. One must never pray for power over another, or for harm to come to anything or anyone. But, if one enters the wheel with a good heart and pure intentions, the effects are powerful. Strong healings are granted inside of a Medicine Wheel!
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"In early days we were close to nature. We judged time, weather conditions, and many things by the elements--the good earth, the blue sky, the flying of geese, and the changing winds. We looked to these for guidance and answers. Our prayers and thanksgiving were said to the four winds--to the East, from whence the new day was born; to the South, which sent the warm breeze which gave a feeling of comfort; to the West, which ended the day and brought rest; and to the North, the Mother of winter whose sharp air awakened a time of preparation for the long days ahead. We lived by God's hand through nature... . May Wah-Kon-Tah, the Great Spirit, look down upon us, guide us, inspire us, and give us courage and wisdom. Above all, may He look down upon us and be pleased."
~~Unknown Speaker addressing the National Congress of American Indians in the mid 1960's
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The Native Truth
A column dedicated to historical truth and human rights activism
of the American Indian
Editor/Historical Activist: Terri Jean
Contact: the_native_truth@mail.com
Established year 2000
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The Only Good Indian is a Dead Indian
An Examination of Words and Phrases pertaining to the American Indian
by Terri Jean
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"... every redskin must be killed from off the face of the plains before we can be free from their molestations. They are of no earthly good and the sooner they are swept from the land the better for civilization... I do not think they can be turned and made good law abiding citizens any more than coyotes can be used for shepherd dogs"
- Major John Vance Lauderdale, 1866
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Today numerous words and phrases associated with the Native American Indians have been absorbed into common every-day language. In the fall you may hear "Indian Summer" expressed by your local weatherman; or a teacher may tell her students to sit "Indian Style." These words and phrases, and many others, are so interwoven into everyday American language that we barely take notice
when someone uses them. That is, unless you're an American Indian.
So what is so offensive about these seemingly harmless expressions? In this issue of The Native Truth we'll examine the definitions and origins of such remarks. Then you can judge for yourself.
Eskimo: Eskimo means "Eater of Raw Flesh" and the aboriginal people of Alaska do not recognize the term; actually it is considered offensive language. The proper terminology is Inuit, meaning "the people."
Eskimo Pie: This chocolate covered ice cream bar was first manufactured in 1921 by Russell Stover. Though the company has been made aware of the insult created by the tradename of this product and of the "Eskimo" child on the box cover, the manufacturers choose to continue marketing this product which can otherwise be called a "raw flesh pie." The Eskimo Pie product is on the
Native Truth boycott list.
Indian Giver: Trading was an honorable function within Native communities. Items were traded for those of equal value.
Traditionly, if a trade was unequal, the item offered would be taken back. Though this tradition is honorable, the whites saw it as a strange custom and mocked the Native people when it occurred. Today the term
incorrectly means one who gives a gift and then takes it back.
Indian Summer: Indian Summer means `false summer.' Many of the terms prefixed with Indian are synonyms for `false.'
These words and phrases are sarcastically meant to imply that an Indian is dishonest or ignorant.
Indian Whiskey: This cheap, impure whiskey was sold to Indians by traders. Also known as `false whiskey.'
The Only Good Indian is a Dead Indian: This prejudicial quote was said not only by politicians and military officials, but echoed throughout many old western movies. General Phil Sheridan said "The only good Indians I ever say were dead" and even President Theodore Roosevelt said "I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of ten are, and I shouldn't inquire too closely into the case of the tenth. The most vicious cowboy has more moral principle than the average Indian."
Redskin - Redskin is a derogatory word for Indian. It holds the same weight as calling someone a `spick' or a `nigger.'
Squaw - The true meaning of this word is `Indian whore" or an obscene term referring to female genitalia. In 2001 a House Committee in Idaho ruled against removing the derogatory word `squaw' from 93 places within their state. Lawmaker Harwood said "I don't think the word is derogatory. It's the way it's being said that would
make 'em take it that way." And Representative Twila Hornbeck said, "Just because people take it as offensive doesn't make it offensive."
Tonto: Remember the Lone Ranger and his faithful sidekick Tonto? What does Tonto mean? It is the Spanish word for fool.
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"When it comes time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home."
~~Chief Aupumut, Mohican (1725)
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Moldavite
by Sibyl McLendon
This time, I am going to do something unusual: I am going to warn you against using a stone! The stone is Moldavite.
Moldavite is a tektite, which means that it is a piece of a meterorite that hit the earth eons ago with such a velocity that it broke into many pieces and was spread over a large area. Most tektites are black shiny rocks that are mostly iron, and are very heavy for their size. Moldavite is glassy green and light in weight. It is fairly rare and quite expensive. All original moldavite was found in the Mouldau Valley in what was
Czechoslovakia (Go to the SITE
for a more technical explanation of this). Moldavite is one of the "New Age Wonders" that is frequently touted as a 'powerful healing stone, a way to connect to our higher self, a way to become more psychic...' and on and on. I am here to tell you that if you decide to wear or work with moldavite, you had best be very careful!
I have had a lot of experience with moldavite, both personal, and in the area of helping others who have been impacted in very negative ways by this stone. Eleven years ago, my husband and I decided to renew our marriage vows for our 10th anniversary. We asked a "Shaman" that we knew (I was new to this type of person then, I have learned so much since then) to do the ceremony. He was a jewelry maker as well, and in honor of our ceremony he made new wedding bands for us. Bobby's ring was set with a lovely Vera Cruz Amethyst crystal, mine had a large uncut chunk of moldavite. Never having done any work with this stone before, I was quite honored that he chose such an expensive stone for me.
Within an hour of putting on the ring, I began to have pain in my hand. Thinking that I just needed to adjust to the higher energy of the stone, I thought nothing of it. Within a day, the pain was up to my elbow, and getting more intense. Still I did not remove the ring. I began to experience very vivid, very disturbing dreams. I was having difficulty sleeping due to the pain, but when I did, I was quite distressed by these dreams. They involved extraterrestrials, and messages that I found quite upsetting. I kept this up for over 2 weeks,
while I became increasingly depressed, frightened and uncomfortable. At the end of this 2 week period, I had just had enough, and I took the ring off.
The pain stopped almost immediately. The dreams never came back. I was quite relieved, and vowed never to wear moldavite again. I began to do research, and found that many people were reporting similar problems when they worked with, or wore moldavite. Within a year, 3 people were guided to me for help with extreme life problems they were having after using moldative for extended periods of time.
The problems that these people were having included paranoia, visitations from entities that appeared to be extra-terrestrial in nature, illness, sleep problems and emotional problems. In each case, when we properly disposed of the moldavite and did protection and clearing work, all of the problems ceased. These people did not know each other and they had no previous connections to me. I have since met people who work with moldavite who claim to have none of these problems. I did not know these people well enough to know exactly how they were using the stone, or whether or not they were having problems that they were not aware of.
My point in all of this is that if you decide to work with or wear moldavite, I would recommend extreme caution! Always use a lot of protection when you do. I personally would not ever wear it unless I had a lot of experience with the stone. I would NEVER wear it when it is given as a gift! The philosophy here is better safe than sorry. Here are links to some photos of moldavite, and I am NOT recommending these sites, or what they say concerning this stone! My advice is to leave it be.
Geocities,
Moldavite
CoolRox
Crown Jewels
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The Power Of Music
Just Around The Riverbend
Music: Alan Menken
Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
What I love most about rivers is:
You can't step in the same river twice
The water's always changing, always flowing
But people, I guess, can't live like that
We all must pay a price
To be safe, we lose our chance of ever knowing
What's around the riverbend
Waiting just around the riverbend
I look once more
Just around the riverbend
Beyond the shore
Where the gulls fly free
Don't know what for
What I dream the day might send
Jut around the riverbend
For me
Coming for me
I feel it there beyond those trees
Or right behind these waterfalls
Can I ignore that sound of distant drumming
For a handsome sturdy husband
Who builds handsome sturdy walls
And never dreams that something might be coming?
Just around the riverbend
Just around the riverbend
I look once more
Just around the riverbend
Beyond the shore
Somewhere past the sea
Don't know what for ...
Why do all my dreams extend
Just around the riverbend?
Just around the riverbend ...
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Belief vs.Idea
by Staci Backauskas
At one point in the movie Dogma, Chris Rock expounds about how beliefs are cast in stone, leaving no room for growth. But that ideas can be changed when new information is introduced. What beliefs do you hold dear about people in your life with whom you have relationships? Can you be honest with yourself about the beliefs and expectations you have of the people in your life?
Expectations are a guaranteed path to pain. The only antidote is unconditional love. If you’ve received it, you’re fortunate. If you’ve found a way to give it, you’re blessed. Human attitudes, fears and beliefs often get in the way of expressing and accepting it. Faith is the only thing that gets us to unconditional love. Faith that your perfect path is unfolding, if only you’re willing to give way to it.
So, in addition to giving him that Sports Illustrated subscription. Instead of buying her flowers, may I suggest owning one, just one, of the myriad of expectations you have of your lover/spouse/partner. I’m only suggesting you take responsibility for one of them. You can do it. And after you own it, be willing to let it go. Affirm out loud that you’re willing to emancipate you and your loved one from your expectation. It might hurt a bit. It’s probably been a part of you for a long time. But I promise it won’t last forever. And the freedom you will experience from having had the courage to release it will be exhilarating.
Copyright Staci Backauskas 2000
Strengthen your spiritual practice and nurture your soul at Fifth
Goddess
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The Ambitious Violet
by Kahlil Gibran
There was a beautiful and fragrant violet who lived placidly amongst her friends, and swayed happily amidst the other flowers in a solitary garden. One morning, as her crown was embellished with beads of dew, she lifted her head and looked about; she saw a tall and handsome rose standing proudly and reaching high into space, like a burning torch upon an emerald lamp.
The violet opened her blue lips and said, "What an unfortunate am I among these flowers, and how humble is the position I occupy in their presence! Nature has fashioned me to be short and poor.... I live very close to the earth and I cannot raise my head toward the blue sky, or turn my face to the sun, as the roses do."
And the rose heard her neighbor's words; she laughed and commented, "How strange is your talk! You are fortunate, and yet you cannot understand your fortune. Nature has bestowed upon you fragrance and beauty which she did not grant to any other... Cast aside your thoughts and be contended, and remember that he who humbles himself will be exalted, and he who exalts himself will be crushed."
The violet answered, "You are consoling me because you have that I craved.... You seek to embitter me with the meaning that you are great.... How painful is the preaching of the fortunate to the heart of the miserable! And how severe is the strong when he stands as advisor among the weak!"
And Nature heard the conversation of the violet and the rose; she approached and said, "What has happened to you, my daughter violet? You have been humble and sweet in all your deeds and words. Has greed entered your heart and numbed your senses?" In a pleading voice, the violet answered her, saying, "Oh great and merciful mother, full of love and sympathy, I beg you, with all my heart and soul, to grant my request and allow me to be a rose for one day."
And Nature responded, "you know not what you are seeking; you are unaware of the concealed disaster behind your blind ambition. If you were a rose you would be sorry, and repentance would avail you but naught." The violet insisted, "Change me into a tall rose, for I wish to lift my head high with pride; and regardless of my fate, it will be my own doing." Nature yielded, saying, "Oh ignorant and rebellious violet, I will grant your request. But if calamity befalls you, your complaint must be to yourself."
And Nature stretched forth her mysterious and magic finger and touched the roots of the violet, who immediately turned into a tall rose; rising above all other flowers in the garden.
At eventide the sky became thick with black clouds, and the raging elements disturbed the silence of existence with thunder, and commenced to attack the garden, sending forth a great rain and strong winds. The tempest tore the branches and uprooted the plants and broke the stems of the tall flowers, sparing only the little ones who grew close to the friendly earth. That solitary garden suffered greatly from the belligerent skies, and when the storm calmed and the sky cleared, all the flowers were laid waste and none of them had escaped the wrath of Nature except the clan of small violets, hiding by the wall of the garden.
Having lifted her head and viewed the tragedy of the flowers and trees, one of the violet maidens smiled happily and called to here companions, saying, "See what the tempest has done to the haughty flowers!" Another violet said, "We are small, and live close to the earth, but we are safe from the wrath of the skies." And a third one added, "Because we are poor in height the tempest is unable to subdue us."
At that moment the queen of violets saw by her side the converted violet, hurled to earth by the storm and distorted upon the wet grass like a limp soldier in a battle field. The queen of the violets lifted her head and called to her family, saying, "Look, my daughters, and meditate upon that which Greed has done to the violet who became a proud rose for one hour. Let the memory of this scene be a reminder of your good fortune."
And the dying rose moved and gathered the remnants of her strength, and quietly said, "You are contended and meek dullards; I have never feared the tempest. Yesterday I, too, was satisfied and contented with Life, but Contentment has acted as a barrier between my existence and the tempest of Life, confining me to a sickly and sluggish peace and tranquility of mind. I could have lived the same life you are living now by clinging with fear to the earth.... I could have waited for winter to shroud me with snow and deliver me to Death, who will surely claim all violets.... I am happy now because I have probed outside my little world into the mystery of the Universe.... something which you have not yet done. I could have overlooked Greed, whose nature is higher than mine, but as I hearkened to the silence of the night, I heard the heavenly world talking to this earthly world, saying, 'Ambition beyond existence is the essential purpose of our being.' At that moment my spirit revolted and my heart longed for a position higher than my limited existence. I realized that the abyss cannot hear the song of the stars, and at that moment I commenced fighting against my smallness and craving for that which did not belong to me, until my rebelliousness turned into a great power, and my longing into a creating will.... Nature, who is the great object of our deeper dreams, granted my request and changed me into a rose with her magic fingers."
The rose became silent for a moment, and in a weakening voice, mingled with pride and achievement, she said, "I have lived one hour as a proud rose; I have existed for a time like a queen; I have looked at the Universe from behind the eyes of the rose; I have heard the whisper of the firmament through the ears of the rose and touched the folds of Light's garment with rose petals. Is there any here who can claim such honor?" Having this spoken, she lowered her head, and with a choking voice he gasped, "I shall die now, for my souls has attained its goal. I have finally extended my knowledge to a world beyond the narrow cavern of my birth. This is the design of Life.... This is the secret of Existence." Then the rose quivered, slowly folded her petals, and breathed her last with a heavenly smile upon her lips... a smile of fulfillment of hope and purpose in Life... a smile of victory... a God's smile.
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