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We sometimes complicate our lives and the lives of others who look to bring back tradition. Some of us become judgmental of others when they strive to enrich there own lives with our sacred ceremonies and ways. We become critical of each other in how we express our spiritual side when we practice our traditions and culture. "Born again Indians" is the term that comes to mind.
I do believe that there are elements to any ceremony that are constant, however each person, place and time are also factors that will change the ceremony or custom. There are ceremonies like a "Sweatlodge" that are more involved and require a person conducting who has been given that responsibility by a mentor or teacher. Even that person will change from time to time the way they conduct that ceremony. It seems to be an ever evolving and learning process.
When I hear people who consider themselves “Traditional” so quick to criticize others who are trying to walk a good way, it saddens me. In my mind, this is not a traditional practice. I understand that when we decide to walk this good path it does come with a responsibility to attend ceremonies and gatherings to learn and share what we have learned with others. We must take the time to learn all we can about protocol, ceremonies and tradition before entering into something we know little about. The Creator that I pray to is not sitting in wait ready to use a bolt of lightning to strike down anyone who happens to be carrying a child around the drum during a gathering when they might not know the customs of that particular area. There are also many teachings, protocol, ceremonies and customs from across "Turtle Island" that sometimes will be different but are constantly being shared. It is not a matter of right and wrong but a matter of different spiritual expression. If all good paths lead to the Creator then what does it matter which path we choose?
I am still new to this way but I remember when I first decided to follow this good path and the fear I had about my worthiness and not to offend anyone by my beliefs or how I expressed them. From that experience I have learned that we should be gentle with those who are new to this way and to those who struggle to follow their path. If you feel strong enough about what someone is doing then it is your responsibility to take them aside in a gentle and good way express your concern. Speaking against someone in public or to others is not the right or traditional thing to do.
We should only be looking at our own paths when walking this way and let others walk theirs. You might just end up tripping on yours. If they are doing something wrong the Creator will surely let them know. And always remember, "If it is done in a good way, it is the right way".
Traditional Health & Healing:
The Ojibway spreads across the Anishinabek territory and Canadian landscape from Lake Ontario, north to James Bay, west into Alberta and south into S. Dakota along Lake Michigan. The traditional healing movement has grown in recent years within Anishinabek and indigenous communities across Turtle Island (North America).
All human societies have medical beliefs that provide explanations for birth, death and disease. Throughout history, illness has been attributed to witchcraft, demons, adverse astral influence or the will of the gods. These ideas still retain some power, with faith healing and shrines still used in some places, although the rise of scientific medicine over the past millennium has altered or replaced many of the old beliefs.
The Anishinabek still have a deep belief in these old beliefs although today most combine (to some degree) both the western and traditional healing ways. Health and staying healthy is all about balance in our lives. All forms of medicine can agree on this. With Indigenous belief systems, "Mind", "Body" and "Spirit" are the areas where balance must occur for a healthy life. Everything we are, everything we do and everything we are exposed to in our lives affects our health.
Our Ancestors knew this and have passed on many tools and knowledge to help us with our health.
Seven Philosophies for the Indigenous Person
The wisdom of Native elders is contained in the Seven Philosophies and is offered to Native American men so that they may be better fathers, sons, husbands, uncles, relatives, friends, Tribal members and citizen of the countries in which they live.
The Seven Philosophies point the way towards a return to the values of Native American culture for the healing of individuals, families and Native communities.
First Philosophy: To the Woman
The cycle of life for the woman is the baby, girl, woman and grandmother. These are the four directions of life. She has been given by natural laws the ability to reproduce life. The most sacred of all things is life. Therefore, all men should treat her with dignity and respect. Never was it our way to harm her mentally or physically. Indian men were never abusers. We always treated our women with respect and understanding. So from now on, I will treat women in a sacred manner. The Creator gave women the responsibility for bringing new life into the world. Life is sacred, so I will look upon the women in a sacred manner. In our traditional ways, the woman is the foundation of the family. I will refrain from any form of emotional or physical abuse. If I have these feelings, I will talk to the Creator for guidance. I will treat all women as if they were my own female relatives. This is my vow.
Second Philosophy: To the Children
As an eagle prepares its young to leave the nest with all the skills and knowledge it needs to participate in life, in the same manner so will I guide my children. I will use the culture to prepare them for life. The most important thing I can give to my children is my time. I will spend time with them in order to learn from them and to listen to them. I will teach my children to pray, as well as the importance of respect. We are the caretakers of the children for the Creator. They are His children, not ours. I am proud of our own language. I will learn it if I can and help my children to learn it. In today’s world it is easy for the children to go astray, so I will work to provide positive alternatives for them. I will teach them their culture. I will encourage education. I will encourage sports, I will encourage them to talk to the Elders for guidance; but mostly, I will seek to be a role model myself. I make this commitment to my children so they will have courage and find guidance through traditional ways.
Third Philosophy: To the Family
The Creator gave to us the family, which is the place where all teachings are handed down from the grandparent, to the parent and to the child. The children’s behaviour is a mirror of the parents' behaviour. Knowing this, I realize the importance for each man to build a strong and balanced family. By doing this, I will break the cycle of hurt and ensure the positive and mental health of the children, even the children yet to be born. So from now on, I will dedicate my priorities to rebuilding my family. I must never give up and leave my family only to the mother. I am accountable to restore the strength of my family. To do this, I will nurture our family’s spiritual, cultural and social health. I will demonstrate trust, respect, honour and discipline, but mostly I will be consistent in whatever I do with them. I will see that the grandparents and community elders play a significant role in the education of my children. I realize that the male and female together are fundamental to our family life. I will listen to my mates council for our family’s benefit as well as for the benefit of my Indian Nation.
Fourth Philosophy: To the Community
The Indian community provides many things for the family. The most important is the sense of belonging that is, to belong to “the people”, and to have a place to go. Our Indian communities need to be restored to health so the future generation will be guaranteed a place to go for culture, language and Indian socializing.
In the community, the honour of one is the honour of all and the pain of one is the pain of all. I will work to strengthen recovery in all parts of my community. As an Indian man, I will give back to my community by donating my time and talents when I am able. I will cultivate friendships with other Indian men for mutual support and strength. I will consider the effect of our decisions on behalf of the next seven generations; in this way, our children and grandchildren will inherit healthy communities. I will care about those in my community so that the mind changers, alcohol and drugs, will vanish and our communities will forever be free of violence. If each of can do all these things, then others will follow; our will be a proud community.
Fifth Philosophy: To the Earth
Our Mother Earth is the source of all life, whether it be the plans, the two-legged, four-legged, winged ones or human beings. The Mother Earth is the greatest teacher, if we listen observe and respect her. When we live in harmony with the Mother Earth, she will recycle the things we consume and make them available to our children and to their children. As an Indian man, I must teach my children how to care for the Earth so it is there for the future generations. So from now on, I realize the Earth is our mother. I will treat her with honour and respect. I will honour the interconnectedness of all things and all forms of life. I will realize the Earth does not belong to us, but we belong to the Earth. The natural law is the ultimate authority upon the lands and water. I will learn the knowledge and wisdom of the natural laws. I will pass the knowledge on to my children. The Mother Earth is a living entity that maintains life. I will speak out in a good way whenever I see someone abusing the Earths. Just as I would protect my own mother, so will I protect the Earth. I will ensure that the land, water and air will be intact for my children and children’s children. – unborn.
Sixth Philosophy: To the Creator
As an Indian man, I realize we make no gains without the Great Spirit being in our lives. Neither I nor anything I attempt to do will work without the Creator. Being Indian and being spiritual has the same meaning. Spirituality is our gift from the Great One. This day, I vow to walk the Red Road. As an Indian man, I will return to the traditional and spiritual values which have guided my ancestors for the past generations. I will look with new eyes on the power of our ceremonies and religious ways, for they are important to the very survival of our people. We have survived and are going to grow and flourish spiritually. Each day, I will pray and ask for guidance. I will commit to walk the Red Road or whatever the spiritual way is called in my own culture. If I am Christian, I will be a good one. If I am traditional, I will walk this road with dedication. If each of us can do these things then others will follow. Form this day forward, I will reserve time and energy for spirituality, seeking to know the Creator’s will.
Seventh Philosophy: To Myself
I will think about what kind of person I want to be when I am an elder. I will start developing myself now to be this person. I will walk with the Great Spirit and the grandfathers at my side. I will develop myself to remain positive. I will develop a good mind. I will examine myself daily to see what I did good and what I need to improve. I will examine my strengths and weaknesses then I will ask the Creator to guide me. I will develop a good mind. Each day, I will listen to the Creator’s voice in the wind. I will watch nature and ask to be shown a lesson which will occur on my path. I will seek out the guiding principles which guided my ancestors. I will walk in dignity, honour, and humility, conduct myself as a warrior. I will seek the guidance of the elders so that I may maintain the knowledge of culture, ceremonies, and songs and so that I may pass these on to the future generations. I choose to do all these things myself, because no one else can do them for me. I know I cannot give away what I don’t have so I will need to "walk the talk".
Medicine Wheel Teachings
The Medicine Wheel is a sacred tool that also helps guide us in our lives so we can make healthy choices and live healthy lives. These tools are only good if you use them properly. Like anything else… if misused it can work against you.
Medicine Wheel teachings speak to us at every level of human experience: individual, community, nation, world. They are moral guides to our growth as people who live in communion with one another and all of creation. The Medicine Wheel tells us that it is our responsibility to care for each other in a manner that allows us to walk our earth walks in emotional, spiritual, mental and physical balance.
The teachings create holistic foundations for human behavior, health, wellness and social interaction. A Medicine Wheel can best be described as a mirror within which everything about us is reflected back. It requires courage to look into the mirror and really see what is being reflected back about our lives because some of it is painful, while other parts are joyful and reflective. However, it is ultimately facing the pain that makes us stronger and better people. The Wheel's sacred teachings assist us along our healing paths, and the relationships among the teachings form the basis of what it is to be human. After all, humans are the weakest of all creation and therefore, as the world’s takers, we must be cognizant of what we take, how much we take and why we are taking it. ... as the world’s takers, we must be cognizant of what we take, how much we take and why we are taking it... {The central essence of the Medicine Wheel is that each of us must make our own choices. More often that not, however, these choices are influenced by other individuals (families, co-workers, friends). Not of all our experiences are good, there is a lot of hate, terror, jealousy, fractured families and societies in our very unsettled world which has resulted in an increase in various kinds of cancers. Sometimes we are not successful in working around the pain and we become caught up in a jungle of tangled emotions, followed by "not right action". It is difficult to walk the earth, walk with care, always looking to our futures in a healing, positive and understanding ways, when it is so easy to just give up. But, then, this is the challenge isn’t it? To learn from those experiences that have not elevated our lives, (even though it can be a scary process!) and keep moving forward in a manner that pleases our Ancestors. Medicine Wheel teachings are among the oldest of First Nations people and are based on actually seven directions (North, East, South West, Father Sky, Mother Earth, Centre. The term "Medicine" as it is used by First Nations people does not refer to drugs or herbal remedies. It is used within the context of inner spiritual energy and healing or an enlightened experience, in other words, spiritual energy. The term "Medicine" as it is used by First Nations people does not refer to drugs or herbal remedies. It is used within the context of inner spiritual energy and healing or an enlightened experience, in other words, spiritual energy.{ The Medicine Wheel and its sacred teachings assist us along the path towards mental, spiritual, emotional, physical balance and enlightenment. A good starting point are our birth dates. The Medicine Wheel is walked in a clockwise direction (the direction of the Sun). The time needed to walk a complete circle is whatever time it takes - time, in other words, time is relative to the process and no one else's business.
EAST
(Tobacco, East Asian, Yellow, etc…)
Beginnings start in the east - from where the sun rises we begin a new dawn. Each day is a good new day with a fresh beginning, a new start. East is the direction of the physical body and newness including children and infants. It is the time of change for all is a new beginning. Spring is the season when all things begin to grow and awaken. Yellow is the path of Life, to begin the walk as a warrior, to shine in all that you do. The sun rising in the east empowers each of us. The energy to do and to begin the action of the mind and heart is there.
Animals from that Direction Animals of wings and flight include hummingbird, the owl, and the hawk. Our words are given to the east that the smoke in the air or the voices in the air may be carried to Spirit.
SOUTH
(Cedar, Indigenous, Red, etc…) - Fire
Growth in the South it is the time of Summer. From the bloom we transform into the fruit of the labors. It is the time of mid-day, the hottest part of the day, the part when the sun is overhead and no shadows are cast.. Maturing and growing into an adult to be that who was are. It is the time to accept the change and learn, to understand.
Red is for fire, passion, time of fertility. The South is the place of passion in all things, sex, fertility, mating - the fires that burn within. The direction of fire, like the phoenix we can rise from the flames, we take and rise again from childhood into being an adult in the direction of the South.
Animals from that Direction - The animals of the South represent pride, strength and courage. The eagle with keen sight and strong wings. The lion for the strength and courage to speak out and roar. The wolf so proud as to be a team member of a pride.
WEST
( Sage, African, Black etc…) Water - Emotions
The daylight fades and brings a new awareness in this time of gradual change. When the darkness comes we must look inward to find the light and have courage. To understand what we see in the darkness may not be real but only shadows.
This is the emotional part of ourselves, like the flowing water we must learn to go with the flow of life. The time of the West is when we learn that we are responsible to all things and to each other. It is the time to prepare, to finish things for the time of Winter is coming. We gather ourselves and family, working together to prepare for what is to come. As the place of emotions it is the place of family and love - of responsibility from our hearts because of the love. It is hard work and team effort. Black symbolizes change from this life.
Animals from that Direction - The Beaver shows us of the team work and pre-paredness needed for the winter which is coming. The snake reminds us to shed our skin to grow and change.
NORTH
(Sweet Grass, European, White, etc…) – Wisdom
As we get older our hair turns white, as we come to our time of winter. White (and purple) also symbolize spirituality. With experience and age we gain wisdom. Now we have time to rest and contemplate the lessons. North is purity and wisdom, a great place of healing. This is the time after midnight, a dream time. The time to be grounded within yourself and deep within, like a bear in a cave.
North is the place of winter. This reminds us to stop and listen. That we must have prepared for the long time of winter. Having been in action the other seasons we now rest and contemplate to understand the wisdom we have been given.
Animals from that Direction - The white buffalo, moose and bear. Each is prepared and has a layer of fat to sustain them through the winter. They are also the primary source of meat during the winter time for people. They rest and take things slow, not wasting energy and have the understanding of what winter brings.
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