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Warrior Societies
By Earthwalker
Could anyone discuss the warrior
aspect of Native American societies? I understand it from a
protection perspective but am perplexed by the statement we
are warrior societies when discussing the fact that Native Americans
from Canada can join the US army. I understand that tribes cross
international boundaries Still if one was a Canadian why would
one join the US army. The answers were for the benefits, because
we are a warrior society, because what happened once will not
happen again. This came after asking that a spirit plate of
food be prepared. The extreme between the warrior and spiritual
perspective left me wondering about the warrior aspect of native
societies and the realization that I am missing something. I
was left questioning where is the line between mercenaries and
warriors? etc.
CinnamonMoon:
I'll try to, Earthwalker,
but my input is going to be drawn from my reference material
as I have no first-hand insight. The source of information is
from The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions by Arlene
Hirschfelder and Paulette Molin.
Warrior Societies: Basically, and
this is from the Pueblo Nation, each Pueblo had a warrior society,
membership in which resulted from killing an enemy and taking
a scalp in a ritual manner. Today, membership continues in these
societies, although the original purpose has changed. War and
Scalp Ceremonies are still performed.
War and Scalp Ceremonies: Again from
the Pueblo. War rituals among the Pueblos were concentrated
in autumn and early winter. Ceremonies, like the Zuni Scalp
ceremony, dramatize the arrival of a war party. These and other
ceremonies contain themes of symbolic violence or rebellion
(mock battles between moieties or some other pair of opposing
groups) that are most explicit and prominent during dramas of
the winter solstice period. Alfonso Ortiz, Tewa scholar, argues
that rituals of violence occurring at change of seasons are
intended for societal and cosmic regeneration and renewal. The
acts that accompany the war ceremonies (new songs, distribution
of seeds and/or prayer sticks, new fire, bathing, games and
initiation rites for dead enemies) are intended to renew and
regenerate nature. The rites also cleansed the scalper from
danger from the slain enemy. It is believed some of these ceremonies
have lapsed. There are organizations of women, such as the Tewa
Women's Scalp Association, whose activities are closely connected
with men's warrior associations.
War Captain: Keresan. Two living counterparts
of the War Twins, Pueblo culture heroes. The war captains bear
their names in their official capacities and are selected annually
by town chiefs, whom they assist. They are priests as well as
chiefs, and they direct, control and administer most ceremonies
and act as executive officers in political affairs of the Pueblo.
They sanction all ceremonies, install a new cacique and select
his successor, a gowiye, and in some observe the sun to determine
times for solstice ceremonies. They guard the pueblos from invasions
and witches and guard ceremonials. They preserve and guard tribal
traditions and punish pueblo
members who transgress. Each war captain has a staff of office,
presented annually to war captains by the cacique and returned
to him at the end of the year when the term of office ends.
The Zuni officials with similar functions to war captains are
the Bow Priesthood.
War Ceremonials: Navajo. Now believed
to be obsolete, these ceremonies were the Enemy Monster Way,
sung for a night or two before going to war; the Monster Men
Way, a war rite employed on or before an actual raid or war;
and the Gesture Dance.
War Dance: Iroquois. A men's dance
performed at the midwinter ceremony for curative reasons and
during the summer for rain. The War Dance, Striking-A-Stick
Dance, and Eagle Dances form a group that has evolved from ancient
war and peace rituals antedating the preaching of Handsome Lake
(1800). Possibly of Siouan origin and originally part of a war
cycle, the dance addresses the patrons of war, sun and thunder.
The dance is likely to be long because of interruptions, one
of its main features. At any hiatus in the dancing, a speech,
serious or funny, may be made by anyone taking part. Any song
may be interrupted by a male society member when he knocks a
cane on the floor, arises to eulogize himself or others and
distributes small gifts to performers. There is a vestige of
exploit narration, or boasting, in the speeches.
War Dance: Navajo. A ceremony that
takes place in summer and fall whose purpose is to free one
from the power of his enemies. The dance is a cure for all diseases
that may have been contracted because of war or because of seeing
dead enemies.
War Gods: Zuni. Also called war brothers
and twin war gods. Sacred wooden statues placed in shrines that
represent the twin brothers, sons of the Sun, who are guardians
of the people. They are carved every year in an all-night ceremony
at the winter solstice and taken to sacred shrines on mesa altars.
The Ahayu:das serve as guardians for the people and land until
relieved by new ones. the old ones remain in place until they
return to the earth. In the late 19th century, scholars and
museum collectors began taking or buying the statues. In 1978,
the Zunis began to retrieve their statues, removed from the
Zuni Reservation after finding evidence that a 19th-century
surveyor took a war god that ended up in the Denver Art Museum.
Zuni Pueblo authorities argue that the war gods are created
in a ceremonial process for the use of the entire tribe and
that the pueblo owns them. No Zuni has the right to give them
away or sell them and no outsider has permission by the tribe
to take them. By 1990, the Zunis received 41 statues from 19
institutions and eight private collections, and they began discussions
to reclaim every war god image still known to be in an American
museum or private collection, 15 in all, in three museums and
several private collections. By the summer of 1991, it is believed
the Zunis recovered the last of the war gods.
War Twins: Pueblo. A pair of culture
heroes credited with saving people from monsters. Their names
differ from pueblo to pueblo: Hopi--Pookong (elder) and Balonga
(younger); Keresan--Masewa (elder) and Oyoyewa (younger); Zuni--Ahayu:da
(elder) and Matsailema (younger). They are great hunters and
warriors. The father of the twins is the sun and there are a
variety of mothers. They undergo a series of adventures that
are somewhat similar from pueblo to pueblo. War Captains stand
for these twins in Keresan pueblos today.
Personal perspectives I hold based
on bits and pieces I've gathered over the years is that Warrior
Societies were honored as protectors and defenders of the tribe...'back
in the day'...and as integration with modern society formed
itself some of these members went to war on behalf of the United
States military. Some were involved in code work speaking their
native tongues that were unknown to U.S. enemies. I forget now
what they were called: _______ Whisperers. Others entered the
armed forces as warriors in general. The societies honored their
valiance.
In regard to the Canadian society
members joining the US Army, I should think that would be because
they want to keep the lines of that Society strong. Trained
as warriors themselves they would need an outlet and thus need
to join a foreign mercenary force to allow that to continue.
Soldiers of Fortune have always been a factor somewhere too
and I'm sure there would be some of that involved. However,
I should think that in today's society a tribal Warrior Society
would be outlawed and therefore (in the active sense of war
parties freely ranging which has no purpose these days) this
is a coping mechanism to keep the Society alive.
In that light, the 'benefits' would
be to the Society as well as the warrior himself. Tribal Societies
tied to Reservations are also impoverished and there might be
other benefits (financial and perks of active service) that
would benefit them as well. When trained as a warrior they would
need an outlet in some fashion I should think so it's the old
ways adapting to the new conditions in that sense. The spirit
plate of food requested would be a means of honoring warriors
who had Dropped their Robes. I don't think that this is exclusive
to Native Americans either. And other cultures honor their war
heroes with guilds or societies as well, having done so throughout
the ages. Even in religious texts we find the lore of the warrior
factions in religious wars...look at what's going on in the
Middle East with the war on infidels and Jehad. These situations
are not new by any means. So perhaps the line between mercenaries
and warriors is not so defined as it might once have been?
For what it's worth there have always
been holy wars, and even amid the angelic hosts of heaven we
hear the tales of battle against good and evil. Warriors have
always dedicated themselves to destroying their perceived enemies,
real or not, and protecting their people and/or lands...and
their neighbors if the threat came close to home. Canadian 'mercenaries'
would likely perceive the U.S. Army/military branches as friendly
neighbors that needed assistance and offer their services in
that light I would think.
Anyway, that's my take on the issue,
Earthwalker, cast it to the Wind if it's not resonating for
you. Perhaps MonSnoLeeDra could address this more accurately.
I might be off on the way I perceive the focus of the warrior
mentality here. My opinions are based on my own logical perspectives
from the scraps of insight I hold.
Jimmy WhiteBear:
Hi EW,
The few I know of are the "False Face" of the Mohawk
which were formed to protect the tribe and the "Dog Men"
of the Cheyenne. Most Recently formed (1970's) is AIM the "American
Indian Movement". AIM has gone thru' a few transformations
since its beginning but was formed to protect the woman, children
and Elders from others that where beating, raping, and stealing
funds
from the Lakota People. I believe basically the Warrior Societies
were formed for just this reason. (Past and present)
Canadians coming
south to join American military would have to be Nationalized
before they could enlist . Might be because the US Military
pays a little better than the Canadian military, but from what
I seen when I was in the military and we visited Canada. They
were tough on the soldiers and they seemed quite proud of being
Canadian military.
Most military
Societies with in the Native nations were not formed to start
war, they were formed to protect. Mercenaries on the other hand
are guns for hire and have no loyalties to any nation. Just
the one that pays them. Hope that helps.
MonSnoLeeDra:
Let
me try to address this: I have not been able to find the exact
regulation but there is something in place that allows Canadian
Aboriginals to serve in the US military. It might be an old
treaty that is known as the J Treaty but I have not been able
to find the exact text as I stated. I do vaguely recall that
there was a joint citizenship to those tribes that were on reservations
that overlapped the boarders, mainly in the northwest from what
I recall. The other option is that they have to hold a green
card and can enlist but cannot be officers as they must be US
born citizens to hold those positions.
The
other thing was that the Canadian Military is a much smaller
service component and thus harder to get into. Canada has pretty
much a universal military and they serve as sailors, soldiers,
etc. depending upon selection. A number of people have entered
the US military from what records indicate. That plus there
is a higher pay scale and greater benefits for service. Even
to the point that one might retire from the US military and
receive retirement benefits even though they reside in a foreign
country. A large number actually lives in the Philippines that
draw a US military retirement check. Warrior and Mercenary?
Actually there is a great deal of difference. A merc is one
who sells their skills to the highest bidder basically. They
are committed to the skill, but stickily from the standpoint
of it is a business to them. The Warrior has the same skill
sets but their calling is based upon honor and prestige. They
serve to protect the families or groups they belong to and see
it as a honor bound duty to do so. To develop those skills they
train and will go to great lengths to gain that training.
I knew
a woman who went by the name of PumaHeart that told me that
to the Indians the warrior facet was a significant facet of
their cultural heritage. As such to be honored for their walking
the pathway was one of great honor and prestige. She did admit
that it is more so aligned towards the males. In fact when her
tribe was having an honor ceremony for the warrior caste she
was not allowed to dance but her husband was allowed to dance
in her place. Yet she was honored for her skill and dedication
in another ceremony.
As Cinn
pointed out there are still Scalping ceremonies, Counting Coup
ceremonies, Warrior Clan ceremonies, etc. A lot of it depends
upon the particular tribe in question as to what their view
point is. I served with an Apache who felt it was the right
thing to do and he gained much prestige for he would face the
enemy and show his skill and bravery. Cinn also mentioned the
Navajo Code Talkers or the Windtalkers as they were called of
WWII. That was an honor for many of them and many died in combat.
I think
what you may be missing is that the warrior facet of the society
was one part of it. Yet the spiritual facet was often seen in
the dances and rituals that were conducted by the Warrior Shaman
who went with the warriors on raids or battle. Sometimes there
were also Shirtwearers or War Chiefs. The warrior Shaman was
also one who sort of oversaw and helped the warrior find and
develop their own medicine. Granted shaman is not the correct
term but it gives the general idea. But one also has to remember
that bravery and skill of arms and feats was what separated
the warrior from the great warrior. Anyone could kill but to
count coup on your enemy showed your medicine was stronger and
humiliated your opponent. To be able to steal his horses showed
you were a better warrior, to fill the pots of your family and
bring in enough for others showed the hunters skills outside
of battle. To compete against other warriors and beat them in
battle was to gain and bring honor. I think many of the warrior
caste go into the military because they can do those things
that their ancestors did and find some of that honor and prestige
within their tribal systems.
Earthwalker:
Cinnamon, Jimmy and MSLD,
Thank you all for your replies and
sharing your knowledge. it has helped a lot and has given me
areas to explore from which I may be able to expand my understanding.
As Cinnamon pointed out there are several examples of the warrior
/spiritual component found in contemporary religions, this nevertheless
surprised me and left me acknowledging that I needed to understand
more since the passion for the warrior component was equal to
that of the passion for the spiritual practices. Let me try
to explain.
Three years ago I was at a drumming
ceremony for an eclectic mix of people. I experienced some negativity
which I discussed here but also with one of the attendees. She
verified my feelings and several months later invited me to
a Sweat Lodge rising at her home. She and her husband have connections
to the Native Americans bordering and in Canada. Due to work
and my sons medical issues the past couple of years I have been
unable to visit but was invited to another Sweat Lodge rising
and ceremony a couple of weeks ago. I went to the rising and
watched as the frame was raised. I am so appreciative of this
traditional couple in allowing me to observe and share in their
customs. I always bring a can of tobacco with me since it is
appreciated as sacred once its blessed. They shared with me
the preparation of the tobacco and mixing with sage, cedar and
sweet grass. They also shared the burning of the frame of the
old sweat lodge and showed me how the sticks were place in fire
and how the circle is maintained.
We picked blueberries for the Sweat
Lodge Ceremony the next day. I have read and shared experience
here and have a good understanding of Native American spirituality
but never experienced the daily living of the native spiritual
practices so beautifully describe by Joseph Rius; every step
being infused with Spirit. Certainly, I understand the cloistered
Christian perspective but this differs in that the beautiful
practices are part of daily and traditional living not separated
by walls. I appreciate the gift given by this open couple.
After the frame was raised, we went
inside for a pot luck dinner and just talked. Discussions started
with the couple's trip to a pipe ceremony in Canada and another
large gathering in Ottawa which another person had attended.
I suggested that it seemed that Canada treated its native people
more appropriately that the US had. This was negated with the
suggestion that the difference was primarily based on the need
for land and the population size. An example of how Canada was
now having the problem that the US did was provided. Current
attempts to take over tribal land was evidenced now that uranium
or a derivative was found on it. Another example was of a ninety
year old native Canadian person who lived on a reservation that
had applied for a passport and had to be nationalized before
she was given a passport. This example led to the discussion
that some nations which expanded across international borders
could join the military in either US or Canada. I think this
being the treaty MSLD spoke of. I was surprised by this and
asked why would one living in Canada choose to join the US military
and received that answers which were the basis of my posted
question. It was also suggested that people with the negative
intent would be very reluctant to travel on tribal land when
greeted by a six foot muscular individual trained by the Special
Forces. While understanding the anger of disrespect, I was surprised
by the passion in the response about the warrior society. Personally
I have been and fought against discrimination with my son but
never thought about the power needed to overcome issues and
the willingness to but your life on the line. The physical component
was what surprised me and I was left with the question about
the line between mercenary and warrior. It led me to thinking
how we each train for what we anticipate as a need in our lives
and therein removed judgment. Yet the passion of the response
left me feeling that I need to understand so much more since
both the warrior and spiritual practices are component parts
of traditional daily life which has been so openly shared with
me.
Uncomfortable with this discussion,
I asked where they thought the arrogance and greed (negative
intent) comes from and how can change be made. Again I was surprised
by the answer. They felt that it was neither arrogance nor greed
but was intentionally bread into individuals from the time they
were born by separation (yielding adrenaline rush which fosters
the need for self-gratification). In other words, so often children
are segregated from parents and often left to cry etc.; whereas,
native children are kept close and have all needs met (in an
ideal traditional family). They sent me a link to website that
discusses this theory by Gaston Lavoie in order to expand my
understanding. If anyone is interested it can be found by a
Google search " Building a Better World through Wisdom
and Understanding by Gaston Lavoie ". (Sorry, I can't get
the link to attach.) The answer is love and respect which I
agree with, but I am not sure that there aren't many other factors
that go into aggression than just the need for adrenaline rushes.
Nevertheless, the theory presents an interesting perspective
which deserves thought and consideration.
Cinnamon,
Thank you for the historical
perspective and the sources to find information. I have a lot
to look through. Thank you also for SL where questions can be
asked and answered openly.
Jimmy,
Thank you for reiterating the
protection aspect of the warrior nature and drawing clear lines
between a warrior and a mercenary. Thank you also for providing
more sources from which I can expand my understanding. In addition,
thank you also for earlier discussion reminding me to observe
not always question. Admittedly, it's hard but is and was good
advice. Your words are kept in mind
MSLD,
Thank you for the words "The
warrior facet was a significant facet of their cultural heritage.
As such to be honored for walking their pathway was one of great
honor and prestige" and for the explanation that followed.
This was the passion I felt during the discussion and which
left me questioning. Honor and prestige is such an integral
part of the total culture and something I need to understand
more fully.
CinnamonMoon:
Anytime, Earthwalker! Thank you
for being you! (((Hugs))) Your methods of exploring, the perspectives
you take, and the way you go about things draws from us issues
that aren't always touched on. Your questions always stimulate
though and while we may not hold the fullness of the answers
you're seeking at all times we all grow a little in the process
of what's shared.
You've been
blessed to be embraced by this couple and those they introduce
you to. I am happy for you, because it's that one on one interaction
that allows you the room to experience more than just words
and in that your path is enhanced in such a lovely way. Then
when you come back to share with us we grow a little more too.
It's a complicated
world, and in Native culture there are many variations from
tribe to tribe, from Nation to Nation and from reservation to
reservation. All have been suppressed, their religion and culture
mutated by force, stripped and banned, exiled and persecuted...so
many hardships put upon them but as in all situations where
a people (Native or other culture) are put upon the spirit of
the people, their deep and abiding beliefs are untouched or
somehow made even stronger. We can't touch or control what's
in the heart of anyone, just the physical aspects of their life,
but we can't stop their hearts and spirits. Some may be broken
but even those have the ability to mend. As a people I believe
respect is finally slowly returning. I'd like to think I'm emphatically
correct on that. I know those who pass through here demonstrate
that, and my clients too in most cases.
Little by
little respect will be continuing to return as more people embrace
the rights of others. We've swung wide to the negative side
and today there are so many more in number who strive to swing
the other way. As the Native teachings are shared it is opening
the eyes of those outside that culture to see the beauty and
Oneness and the spiritual way of living.
We may not
go about that in exactly the same terms but I feel it's contributing
to the betterment of the world in general as more embrace these
teachings. That's just MHO but whether it's Native spirituality
or another tradition/culture, when we embrace the spirit within
us we begin connecting
to Spirit and Mother through that and once the connection is
made things start to change for the better...we open and we
do become that Hollow Bone. With all you've been through and
the touch it's had upon your life to explore these ways just
look at how you've expanded your perceptions. Beautifully too
I might add, and always with the higher good in mind. Thank
you for BE-ing a part of our community.
I hope this finds you well and the
family too.
Earthwalker:
http://www.manataka.org/page999.html
I found this link about warriors and thought it worth sharing.
Cinnamon,
Yes, I have been blessed in so many ways
My family and I are well. Michael
had grown stronger after the parathyroid surgery and my daughter's
ankle has healed (seven months later she is walking). I chose
to take an early retirement severance resulting in a move away
from corporate America. Therein, I have been working on my home
to get it ready to put on the market. I am about two weeks out
from having it ready to show. The driveway for the cabin I hope
to build next year is going in in two weeks. It’s been
an extremely busy time as these changes are embraced. Working
on my home yields time to think and I certainly hold thoughts
about what’s next even as I embrace the changes occurring.
The presentation of the warrior aspect of our being I feel is
somehow important.
As I searched some of Jimmy 's suggestions,
on a Cheyenne site I saw a picture of clothing given to and
worn by the seven assistants to the leader of the warrior societies
and recognized its design as similar to the grandfather's attire.
This reinforced a continued search and found this above link
which I find special. I particularly like the very end poem.
As I look forward with great anticipation towards the unknown
future the warrior aspect of my personality and maybe each of
ours I believe needs to be considered. I think is important
to understand this spiritual /warrior interface of our earthwalk.
We have chosen to walk this earth during difficult albeit exciting
times and I wonder what the next step is? Nevertheless, I am
grateful for the guidance that seems to be provided. The synchronicities
still amaze me.
CinnamonMoon:
Earthwalker~ I loved reading the
page you linked, thank you so much for sharing it. The truths
are there. I felt them move through me and I hope it has answered
some of your questions we may have left hanging in the air.
It's good
to hear your family is well, that your daughter is walking on
her own and that Michael has grown stronger. Blessings to you
all. You'd mentioned considering the early retirement, it seems
the timing was good for you to do so and has freed you to make
the preparations to move now. I trust it will be a good one
for you and not hard to leave your home. I remember the pictures
you sent me and the beauty there, so to leave that behind I
can only imagine you've found
greater beauty elsewhere. The land will miss you, as will the
home your touch has been a good one. I can still see the ferns
and woodland, you sitting on the front steps with the porch
behind you. *Soft smile* I've held that picture of you always
in mind. Ha!
I'll bet looking forward is exciting
for you too in many ways, building the home you want, living
green off the grid, yes, it suits you well. Is Michael excited
about all this? I'm sure your daughter is looking forward to
having you living closer to her too. Blessings go with you as
you take your steps away from the corporate world. I remember
when I walked away from it, what a relief that was! Things change
and we learn to change with them, you've been heading in this
direction for a long time, it's good to see it manifesting for
you.
I know you're busy but it's all in
the right frame of things, I'm happy for you. I think many of
us are holding thoughts of what's next, I'm going through some
changes too and we may be moving as well. Not far but moving
all the same. If so it will come before the end of the year
and we'll begin the spring where Spirit guides us to land. In
many ways that's exciting to experience but there are many unknowns
yet and where we will land remains a mystery for a bit. We'll
see what happens as the weeks unfold now. It's close to making
that decision and the embrace it calls for. (I thought I was
too old to move yet again! LOL) Once it is certain I'm sure,
like you, I'll be doing some thinking of my own as I pack and
clean. Yes, change often calls forth the warrior within us to
accept it and take action appropriately.
I hope those synchronicities always
amaze you, there's nothing wrong with finding the awe and beauty
in life. I enjoyed the poem, it was beautiful.
Earthwalker:
Cinnamon, You are not too
old to move and I hope you find the place of your dreams.
I do love the home I am currently
in and love the land. It's a special place as was the other
homes I have lived in. I have found that each place is special.
The beauty I think may come from the interface between human
energy with that of the spirit of the land. We therein become
protectors of the land and they us, for a defined period of
time. The area I will move to has equal beauty. It's mountainous,
wooded with ferns and wild flowers. It is also is wilder; shared
with bear, moose and hawk. I am not in a real rush to move and
will sell when the time is right but as each of us must do,
I have to look at reality.
As I look to the future, I recognize
I won't be earning as much as I had in the past and eventually
will be like all seniors on a fixed income. The taxes on my
current house are relatively high as compared to other areas.
In addition, there will probably be a devaluation of the dollar
at least in the US in the coming years. This will yield higher
utilities, food, and living costs; this is evidenced even now.
As I look at the economic future, I feel for me that becoming
more self-sufficient and lowering costs important to my future.
Additionally, I have a handicapped son which is loved by all
of my family. Moving closer to my daughter, while still respecting
each other independence (separate cabin), would permits a sharing
of resources and a minimization of costs. The closeness is also
important in terms of care for Michael as well as for any children
that my daughter may have.
An additional piece is whether the future will support my son
a current levels is questionable? I am not sure. So again I
choose to more of a self-sufficient lifestyle.
I saw this new land in a dream 20
year ago and self-sufficiency has always been a dream; therein
these changes are not radical but just a natural direction I
have always been drawn towards. I have been asked about the
wisdom of moving into this rugged place at my age. Internally
I questioned and responded. Am I too old to follow a dream?
No way; I am just entering the final 3rd of my life and I want
it to be surrounded by nature. The land has shown acceptance
and there are many special micro environments with it readily
shares. It is time to bring the dream into reality. I will not
live in fear, nor do I choose to just survive. So for me the
choice is clear. I hope you each follow your dreams. In acknowledgement,
looking at future economics is something we often wish would
just go away and it is notable that change is hard. Both make
us make choices and change our current expectations. Nevertheless,
there can be freedom in choice. I wish each of you well as future
choices are made. I am sure that if asked, Spirit will guide
us through the challenges.
I would ask what do each of you
want to create or bring forth.
CinnamonMoon:
Hi Earthwalker, “You
are not too old to move and I hope you find the place of your
dreams.”
Thank you! It looks like we may well
do that now...and we're looking for a more rural, peaceful setting
by water if possible. We're going looking for it anyway and
that hunt will begin this week. As for being too old to do it,
no I'm not but my body sure feels like it. It's a daunting task
and I had promised myself I would hire movers...I may well be
breaking that promise here. Either way it's being done in optimism
and positive energies employed that's for sure.
“I do love the home I am currently
in and love the land. It's a special place as was the other
homes I have lived in. I have found that each place is special.
The beauty I think may come from the interface between human
energy with that of the spirit of the land. We therein become
protectors of the land and they us, for a defined period of
time. The area I will move to has equal beauty. It's mountainous,
wooded with ferns and wild flowers. It is also is wilder; shared
with bear, moose and hawk. I am not in a real rush to move and
will sell when the time is right but as each of us must do,
I have to look at reality.”
Yes, I know just what you mean.
“As I look to the future, I recognize
I won't be earning as much as I had in the past and eventually
will be like all seniors on a fixed income. The taxes on my
current house are relatively high as compared to other areas.
In addition, there will probably be a devaluation of the dollar
at least in the US in the coming years. This will yield higher
utilities, food, and living costs; this is evidenced even now.
As I look at the economic future, I feel for me that becoming
more self-ufficient and lowering costs important to my future.”
I agree, that's something we all need
to consider.
“Additionally, I have a handicapped
son which is loved by all of my family. Moving closer to my
daughter, while still respecting each other independence (separate
cabin), would permits a sharing of resources and a minimization
of costs. The closeness is also important in terms of care for
Michael as well as for any children that my daughter may have.
An additional piece is whether the future will support my son
a current levels is questionable? I am not sure. So again I
choose to more of a self-sufficient lifestyle.”
I understand that too. You know I've
always been one to favor extended family living anyway. I grew
up that way and there's nothing like it. The bonds and the support
it brings are so beautiful. Maybe these times are about bringing
that family unit back instead of this nuclear family that's
spread thin and wide. There's a lot to be said about living
with multiple generations and having the benefit of our Elders
around us as well as the young that keep those Elders lively.”
“I saw this new land in a dream
20 year ago and self-sufficiency has always been a dream; therein
these changes are not radical but just a natural direction I
have always been drawn towards. I have been asked about the
wisdom of moving into this rugged place at my age. Internally
I questioned and responded. Am I too old to follow a dream?
No way; I am just entering the final 3rd of my life and I want
it to be surrounded by nature. The land has shown acceptance
and there are many special micro environments with it readily
shares. It is time to bring the dream into reality. I will not
live in fear, nor do I choose to just survive. So for me the
choice is clear.”
Well said! And an inspiration to us
all I might add. The dream, whenever it manifests, does so when
the time is right. I feel like I'm entering that same phase
myself and there is an element of excitement to it that re-energizes
us too. I'll likely be sharing more about my changes as they
unfold right now I'm stepping into the great unknown with things,
I have an idea of what is coming into being through its essence
and the visions I've been shown. But how it will manifest or
where has continually been 'enlightening' for me. I'm not holding
expectations, just flowing with anticipation these days. It's
an adventure we're starting out on and we're bound to enjoy
as much of it as we can with room for the unexpected along the
way. Hopefully not much kicking and screaming. I am good at
that too at times. I wish you all the best with your move, and
I feel it will be good for Michael as well as yourself and your
daughter's family too. We're always guided through our visions
to what's best for us and this sounds like a lovely adventure
amid all the hard work it will call for. I'm happy for you.
MonSnoLeeDra:
This may not really pertain to this
but it occurred to me a bit ago. In the thread about walking
in shadow one thing occurred to me, the warrior society and
their beliefs and difference from soldier and Merc maybe a component
that allowed them to walk in that shadow and find their way
out again. With the prayers, dancers, cleaning's and honoring
they build up shields and wards against the darkness of the
shadow zone they will enter called war. They gain a different
vantage point before they have entered.
Wynsong:
I know nothing of warrior societies,
except what I get to read about in my paper around land claims
and the warriors that come here from NY to protect the grandmothers...
However, in the tradition that I was trained in...they don't
differentiate between good and bad, so much as they call medicine
either right hand or left hand. Left hand will do damage, and
there are times when that is the right thing to do, apparently...
No judgement. Munay
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Libraries
are on this row
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INDEX
Page 3
(Main Section, Medicine Wheel, Native Languages &
Nations, Symbology)
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INDEX
Page 5
(Sacred Feminine & Masculine, Stones & Minerals)
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©
Copyright: Cinnamon Moon & River WildFire Moon (Founders.)
2000-date
All rights reserved.
Site
constructed by Dragonfly
Dezignz 1998-date
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