It is not blood that makes an Native American...
It is the soul....
Too many... with fire of Native blood... walk ignored.
Do not say I am Apache or Kickapoo..
Do not say I am Sioux or Cherokee.
Say.... I am of the Mother Tribe...
This is the pain of our children...
To return from the stars without a home or community...
A tribe lost returns... scattered in the wind.
Those who hear must unite and reap the seed of this return.
ONE tribe...ONE Earth...ONE Heart...ONE People.
Those with ears must build a fire and give thanks this night.
Be united with ONE soul.
Oh, my Children come home...
Teachers step forward without fear...
You are real.
(Author Unknown)
Thank you for inviting me to participate in this lovely group!
Having somehow found myself born into the "wrong" culture I am especially grateful to have found a gathering of people who share my core values and priorities rather than despising me for them.
Thank you Cindy! I'm half German (Dad is Jewish) and half Indian (Mom is Catholic)...Haha, talk about having to pick a culture! Somehow we learned to blend everything together while I was growing up...Ah well, so my kids have a few "strange" traditions. Welcome to the group!
LadyHawk
Thanks Rev...hope you had a good birthday,and you are so right the path becomes sacred as we realize the importance of our lives here on Mother Earth...and the circle grows,and we see the lovely people here,whose spirits rise day by day...take care,love you all...
Its the land it is our wisdom,
Its the land that shines us through
Its the land that feeds our children
its the land you cannot own the land
The land owns you!
Rev,you always share deep words with us all,and I for one,acknowledge the true spirit of your heart,and your soul always motivates me...have a good Tuesday,and may your path on the Red Road reap many benefits and happiness...
Traditional Religious Beliefs of the Cherokee A-ne-jo-di, or
Stickball, is a very rough game played by not only the Cherokee,
but many other Southeastern Woodland tribes including
the Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, and others.
The game resembles the modern European game of LaCrosse, using ball sticks which are handmade from hickory. A small ball, made of deer hair and hide, is tossed into the air by the medicine man. The male players use a pair of the sticks, and female players use the bare hands. In earlier times, only the men with the greatest athletic ability played the game. The game was oftentimes played to settle disputes, and the conjurer for each team often became as important to the team as the players themselves.
Seven points are scored when the ball strikes a wooden fish on the top of a pole approximately 25 feet in height, and two points are
awarded when the ball strikes the pole.
In earlier days, there would be a dance before the ballgame. The ballplayers were the participants of the dance, along with seven women dancers. Each woman represented one of the clans. Throughout the dance, the women would step on black beads which represented the players of the opposing team. The conjurer had placed these black beads on a large flat rock. Today, stickball is an important part of the days activities at ceremonial Stomp Grounds, being necessary to play before the Stomp Dance can ever begin. It is also a recreational sport at other times between community teams. There are also intertribal teams made up of players from Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Yuchi, Natchez, and other area communities.
Word List
English Word
Bases
Cherokee Phonetic
Di la di
"Hear me, four quarters of the world--a relative I am! Give me the strength to walk the soft earth, a relative to all that is! Give me the eyes to see and the strength to understand, that I may be like you. With your power only can I face the winds. Great Spirit, Great Spirit, my Grandfather, all over the earth the faces of living things are all alike. With tenderness have these come up out of the ground. Look upon these faces of children without number and with children in their arms, that they may face the wind and walk the good road to the day of quiet. This is my prayer; hear me!" - Black Elk's Prayer for All Life
Lone Man [Isna la-wica] (late 19th century) of the Teton Sioux said, "I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself."
"We as men should not fear our mates; we should listen to their counsel."
--Oren R. Lyons, Spokesman, Traditional Circle of Elders
The Elders say the men should look at women in a sacred way. The men should never put women down or shame them in any way. When we have problems, we should seek their counsel. We should share with them openly. A woman has intuitive thought. She has access to another system of knowledge that few men develop. She can help us understand. We must treat her in a good way.
Great Spirit, let me look upon the woman in a good way.
The Red Road speaks to us all,and we long for its clear and concise path,but along the way we must learn from others like yourselves and realize that each step is important and we must listen,not just see...
Today! The Cherokee People are celebrating our Mid-Winter Feast.
This is the cleaning time from the North so we can prepare for the new life coming to us in the Spring from the East.
This is one of our traditional feasts that we celebrate every year at the time the Non Indigenous people call the Winter Solstice.
I would also like to wish the Non-traditional people on here a Happy Holiday season and the best for your New Year. Our Ahni Gaduwa (Cherokee) people celebrate our New Year the first two weeks of October.
(Thank you and until we meet again,)
Sgi, ale donadagahv'i,
Mashu and David Son of Lone Wolf
I watched her in the woods circling a red cedar not much taller than she was. It was her gift back to the woods that had given her so much peace and comfort - even when life outside the woods could be trying. She laid garlands of popcorn and cranberries over the sturdy limbs along with burr acorns and suet in mesh bags. Scattered beneath the tree were sunflower seeds and millet that cardinals and would attract unusual guests - miniature marshmallows were scattered in and around the tree, a sweet touch for woodland friends. A sweet touch, the best part of the gift. She gave, and peace would be given back to her.
~ Sometimes we prayed in silence; sometimes each one prayed aloud; sometimes an aged person prayed for all of us. ~
GERONIMO - APACHE
Elder's Meditation of the Day - December 18
"Parents have to demonstrate the value of trust, respect and honor."
Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders
Children learn more by watching than by listening. If we want our children to understand and value trust, they know it by watching how adults live their lives! If we want the children to be respectful, they will observe what the adults do and say to each other. We need to walk our talk. We need to remember the children are watching.
Grandfather, help me learn these important values: Trust, Respect and Honor.
These are the End times and the people must know the truth, share what we have taught you.
There can be no more secrets now if we are to survive as a thinking species through these times."
"This," they say, "must be done because the dream of humanity can only be preserved through the combined efforts of all peoples, and the joining and merging of all cultures into a oneness."
statement of the Traditional Hopi Elders
as told to Cho Qosh Auh Ho Oh,
a Chumash/ Yaqui/ Maya Indian
"These ( sacred ) ceremonies do not belong to Indians alone, they can be done by all who have the right attitude....and who are honest and sincere about their beliefs in Wakan Tanka ( Great Spirit ) and follow the rules" "Survival of the world depends on our sharing what we have, and working together. If we don't, the whole world will die. First the planet, and next the people" ~Fools Crow~
Oh Great Spirit,~ keep me awake today.
Let me hear the voices of our ancestors...
let me hear the voices of the Grandfathers.
Because everybody is doing it doesn't make
things right.
Let me hear the truth today and become a
coyote for the people.
Give me the courage to be willing to be different.
Let me walk straight on the Red Road.
This is why we call the sun, Father Sun. Father Sun shines life on Mother Earth and from this Father and Mother all life forms exist and continue to reproduce. The Sun shines on all; it is not selective. We should not allow anything to block the Sun from shining on the Earth. We must not pollute the air because the pollutants block the light of life to the Earth. If the Earth cannot receive this light, then life will start to be affected. We must live in harmony with the Sun and Earth. Otherwise, we are harming ourselves.
My Creator, give me the wisdom to live in harmony with all things.
In beauty may I walk;
With beauty before me, may I walk;
With beauty above me, may I walk;
With beauty below me, may I walk;
With beauty all around me, may I walk;
In beauty, may my walk be finished;
In beauty, may my walk be finished.
To Soar on Noble Wings To Move on Whispering Winds
Of Great Spirit’s Voice
We Touch the Roof of the World
The Home where Sacred Spirit Dwells
Where Father Sky
May tell a Funny Story or Two
And Make us Laugh
And then
With Good Medicine
May we fill the Empty Basket
Of our Hearts
Returning
To Share with Mother Earth
This War is Over
The Next has Not Begun
In Between exists Much Love
Next Time
May we Remember All The Love
In the Basket of our Hearts
Where No One Wins or Loses
For we are One Tribe, One Spirit, Many Reflections
Whenever we walk on the Earth, we should pay attention to what is going on. Too often our minds are somewhere else, thinking about the past or thinking about the future. When we do this, we are missing important lessons. The Earth is a constant flow of lessons and teachings, which also include a constant flow of positive feelings. If we are aware as we walk, we will gather words for our lives, the lessons to help our children; we will gather feelings of interconnectedness and calmness. When we experience this, we should say or think thoughts of gratitude. When we do this, the next person to walk on the sacred path will benefit even more.
Drum Quote
“Every culture holds the energy of the heartbeat that lives in the drum, giving all people this ability to share in the language of the universe, the sound of life. The drum beat is a form of expression that allows our spirits to speak to each other’s heart. It is a way to connect to all life. Every living thing has a vibration, a heartbeat. This vibration has the power to heal, transform and raise consciousness to our minds, heal our hearts, activate our bodies and feed our spirit.”
On the good red road "The Good Red Road" is a phrase used by many different Native American tribal communities to represent one who is walking the road of balance, living right and following the rules of the Creator.
One may be of any race or of almost any religion and walk the Red Road. The Good Red Road is a path, a way of living. It's full meaning is the way one acts, the methods one uses, and what directs one's doing. There is more to the Red Road than spoken word or written words on paper. It is behavior, attitude, a way of living, a way of "doing" with reverence - of walking strong yet softly, so as not to harm or disturb other life. The Red Road is a pathway to truth, peace and harmony.
Walking in balance is more than just the physical action, it also incompases the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. In experiencing the Good Red Road, one learns the lessons of physical life, or of being human. This road runs South to North in the circle of the medicine wheel. After the graduation experience of death, one enters the Blue or Black Road, that is the world of the grandfathers and grandmothers. In spirit, one will continue to learn by counseling those remaining on the Good Red Road. The Blue Road of the spirit runs East to West.
We must speak in one united voice to awaken the people of the world to the catastrophic consequences we face if we don't change the way we relate to each other and our Mother Earth.
Out of the Indian approach to life there came a great freedom, an intense and absorbing respect for life, enriching faith in a Supreme Power, and principles of truth, honesty, generosity, equity, and brotherhood as a guide to mundane relations.
There are certain times in our lives when a voice whispers to us. The voice doesn't always talk. Usually we hear it best when we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Inside every person is the knowledge that a Supreme Being exists. Sometimes a restlessness occurs and it makes me feel I need to be doing something or I need to be going somewhere or maybe I start wondering who am I? Often when this happens, I feel lost. Inside of everyone is the natural, built-in desire to be walking the Red Road, or to be seeking a relationship with the Creator. No one can force us to make this journey. We must make this journey because we want to. This journey is not on the outside. The path is inside of ourselves. It is inside that we must begin our search.
Change To change is indeed a state of mind. When one resists the healing of change they perpetuate confusion of the soul. The soul only knows change. If we accept the souls needs as our own we see the imperfections of ourselves and others as acceptable and even look forward to the opportunity! When we embrace those imperfections, when we show love for those imperfections, we have stepped up one rung on the ladder of evolution.
Seek not to be perfect, seek not those that are perfect for therein lies no growth. Rather seek out your imperfections and embrace those of others and walk together the road to perfection. When you are truly on that path shall you see the beauty of imperfection as a manifestation of your own perfection.
Therein lies your happiness!!!
Waatowa Pistoto, Two Feathers - Kainaiwa - Blackfoot Nation
Change To change is indeed a state of mind. When one resists the healing of change they perpetuate confusion of the soul. The soul only knows change. If we accept the souls needs as our own we see the imperfections of ourselves and others as acceptable and even look forward to the opportunity! When we embrace those imperfections, when we show love for those imperfections, we have stepped up one rung on the ladder of evolution.
Seek not to be perfect, seek not those that are perfect for therein lies no growth. Rather seek out your imperfections and embrace those of others and walk together the road to perfection. When you are truly on that path shall you see the beauty of imperfection as a manifestation of your own perfection.
Therein lies your happiness!!!
Waatowa Pistoto, Two Feathers - Kainaiwa - Blackfoot Nation
LadyHawkღ
It is the soul....
Too many... with fire of Native blood... walk ignored.
Do not say I am Apache or Kickapoo..
Do not say I am Sioux or Cherokee.
Say.... I am of the Mother Tribe...
This is the pain of our children...
To return from the stars without a home or community...
A tribe lost returns... scattered in the wind.
Those who hear must unite and reap the seed of this return.
ONE tribe...ONE Earth...ONE Heart...ONE People.
Those with ears must build a fire and give thanks this night.
Be united with ONE soul.
Oh, my Children come home...
Teachers step forward without fear...
You are real.
(Author Unknown)
Nov 6, 2010
Cindy Partipilo
Having somehow found myself born into the "wrong" culture I am especially grateful to have found a gathering of people who share my core values and priorities rather than despising me for them.
(So, what I'm trying to say is, "You guys Rock!")
Nov 6, 2010
LadyHawkღ
LadyHawk
Nov 6, 2010
Cindy Partipilo
I bet you have some great stories to tell!
Nov 6, 2010
Richard Marquez
Nov 6, 2010
LadyHawkღ
LadyHawk
Nov 15, 2010
michael Beck McQuilkan
Its the land that shines us through
Its the land that feeds our children
its the land you cannot own the land
The land owns you!
O-Mitakuye-O-Yasin we are one (family)
many blessings
michael
Nov 15, 2010
LadyHawkღ
Hugs,
LadyHawk
Nov 15, 2010
Richard Marquez
Nov 15, 2010
Richard Marquez
Nov 15, 2010
Richard Marquez
Nov 18, 2010
David White Hawk Administrator
Traditional Religious Beliefs of the Cherokee A-ne-jo-di, or
Stickball, is a very rough game played by not only the Cherokee,
but many other Southeastern Woodland tribes including
the Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, and others.
The game resembles the modern European game of LaCrosse, using ball sticks which are handmade from hickory. A small ball, made of deer hair and hide, is tossed into the air by the medicine man. The male players use a pair of the sticks, and female players use the bare hands. In earlier times, only the men with the greatest athletic ability played the game. The game was oftentimes played to settle disputes, and the conjurer for each team often became as important to the team as the players themselves.
Seven points are scored when the ball strikes a wooden fish on the top of a pole approximately 25 feet in height, and two points are
awarded when the ball strikes the pole.
In earlier days, there would be a dance before the ballgame. The ballplayers were the participants of the dance, along with seven women dancers. Each woman represented one of the clans. Throughout the dance, the women would step on black beads which represented the players of the opposing team. The conjurer had placed these black beads on a large flat rock. Today, stickball is an important part of the days activities at ceremonial Stomp Grounds, being necessary to play before the Stomp Dance can ever begin. It is also a recreational sport at other times between community teams. There are also intertribal teams made up of players from Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Yuchi, Natchez, and other area communities.
Word List
English Word
Bases
Cherokee Phonetic
Di la di
Nov 19, 2010
Richard Marquez
Nov 19, 2010
David White Hawk Administrator
Nov 19, 2010
LadyHawkღ
Dec 8, 2010
LadyHawkღ
Dec 8, 2010
David White Hawk Administrator
"We as men should not fear our mates; we should listen to their counsel."
--Oren R. Lyons, Spokesman, Traditional Circle of Elders
The Elders say the men should look at women in a sacred way. The men should never put women down or shame them in any way. When we have problems, we should seek their counsel. We should share with them openly. A woman has intuitive thought. She has access to another system of knowledge that few men develop. She can help us understand. We must treat her in a good way.
Great Spirit, let me look upon the woman in a good way.
Dec 8, 2010
Richard Marquez
Dec 8, 2010
Richard Marquez
Humor and pointed wisdom is an important part of the Red Road...thanks...
Dec 9, 2010
LadyHawkღ
Dec 10, 2010
Richard Marquez
Thanks for the sharing,the knowledge,the prayers the wisdom of the ages...The Red Road has become one with us all,and it shows us the way...
Dec 10, 2010
David White Hawk Administrator
Today! The Cherokee People are celebrating our Mid-Winter Feast.
This is the cleaning time from the North so we can prepare for the new life coming to us in the Spring from the East.
This is one of our traditional feasts that we celebrate every year at the time the Non Indigenous people call the Winter Solstice.
I would also like to wish the Non-traditional people on here a Happy Holiday season and the best for your New Year. Our Ahni Gaduwa (Cherokee) people celebrate our New Year the first two weeks of October.
(Thank you and until we meet again,)
Sgi, ale donadagahv'i,Mashu and David Son of Lone Wolf
I watched her in the woods circling a red cedar not much taller than she was. It was her gift back to the woods that had given her so much peace and comfort - even when life outside the woods could be trying. She laid garlands of popcorn and cranberries over the sturdy limbs along with burr acorns and suet in mesh bags. Scattered beneath the tree were sunflower seeds and millet that cardinals and would attract unusual guests - miniature marshmallows were scattered in and around the tree, a sweet touch for woodland friends. A sweet touch, the best part of the gift. She gave, and peace would be given back to her.
~ Sometimes we prayed in silence; sometimes each one prayed aloud; sometimes an aged person prayed for all of us. ~
GERONIMO - APACHE
Elder's Meditation of the Day - December 18
"Parents have to demonstrate the value of trust, respect and honor."
Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders
Children learn more by watching than by listening. If we want our children to understand and value trust, they know it by watching how adults live their lives! If we want the children to be respectful, they will observe what the adults do and say to each other. We need to walk our talk. We need to remember the children are watching.
Grandfather, help me learn these important values: Trust, Respect and Honor.
Dec 18, 2010
michael Beck McQuilkan
O-si-yo To-Hi-Tsu,
U-Li-he-Li-S-Di Da-Ni-S-Da-Yo-Hi-Hvi
hope I got it right
many blessings
michael
Dec 18, 2010
LadyHawkღ
David Son Of Lone Wolf...thank you for posting some of the customs of the Cherokee people.
Thank you Michael and Rev Joseph for your Blessings.
LadyHawk
Dec 19, 2010
LadyHawkღ
There can be no more secrets now if we are to survive as a thinking species through these times."
"This," they say, "must be done because the dream of humanity can only be preserved through the combined efforts of all peoples, and the joining and merging of all cultures into a oneness."
statement of the Traditional Hopi Elders
as told to Cho Qosh Auh Ho Oh,
a Chumash/ Yaqui/ Maya Indian
Mar 12, 2011
LadyHawkღ
Mar 12, 2011
LadyHawkღ
Let me hear the voices of our ancestors...
let me hear the voices of the Grandfathers.
Because everybody is doing it doesn't make
things right.
Let me hear the truth today and become a
coyote for the people.
Give me the courage to be willing to be different.
Let me walk straight on the Red Road.
By: Don Coyhis
May 19, 2011
LadyHawkღ
My Creator, give me the wisdom to live in harmony with all things.
By Don Coyhis
May 19, 2011
LadyHawkღ
Hugs
Jun 5, 2011
LadyHawkღ
In beauty may I walk;
With beauty before me, may I walk;
With beauty above me, may I walk;
With beauty below me, may I walk;
With beauty all around me, may I walk;
In beauty, may my walk be finished;
In beauty, may my walk be finished.
Jun 5, 2011
LadyHawkღ
Jun 5, 2011
LadyHawkღ
To Soar on Noble Wings To Move on Whispering Winds Of Great Spirit’s Voice
We Touch the Roof of the World
The Home where Sacred Spirit Dwells
Where Father Sky
May tell a Funny Story or Two
And Make us Laugh
And then
With Good Medicine
May we fill the Empty Basket
Of our Hearts
Returning
To Share with Mother Earth
This War is Over
The Next has Not Begun
In Between exists Much Love
Next Time
May we Remember All The Love
In the Basket of our Hearts
Where No One Wins or Loses
For we are One Tribe, One Spirit, Many Reflections
Anupama Deanne Kallman
Stories
Jun 5, 2011
LadyHawkღ
Jun 19, 2011
Selene
luv,
selene
Jul 17, 2011
Kind
Jul 18, 2011
Lady Cherokee Angel (aka linda)
Jul 31, 2011
LadyHawkღ
Aug 10, 2011
LadyHawkღ
“Every culture holds the energy of the heartbeat that lives in the drum, giving all people this ability to share in the language of the universe, the sound of life. The drum beat is a form of expression that allows our spirits to speak to each other’s heart. It is a way to connect to all life. Every living thing has a vibration, a heartbeat. This vibration has the power to heal, transform and raise consciousness to our minds, heal our hearts, activate our bodies and feed our spirit.”
Sep 28, 2011
WILLA NYOKA (ADMIN)
Oct 12, 2011
LadyHawkღ
On the good red road
"The Good Red Road" is a phrase used by many different Native American tribal communities to represent one who is walking the road of balance, living right and following the rules of the Creator.
One may be of any race or of almost any religion and walk the Red Road. The Good Red Road is a path, a way of living. It's full meaning is the way one acts, the methods one uses, and what directs one's doing. There is more to the Red Road than spoken word or written words on paper. It is behavior, attitude, a way of living, a way of "doing" with reverence - of walking strong yet softly, so as not to harm or disturb other life. The Red Road is a pathway to truth, peace and harmony.
Walking in balance is more than just the physical action, it also incompases the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. In experiencing the Good Red Road, one learns the lessons of physical life, or of being human. This road runs South to North in the circle of the medicine wheel. After the graduation experience of death, one enters the Blue or Black Road, that is the world of the grandfathers and grandmothers. In spirit, one will continue to learn by counseling those remaining on the Good Red Road. The Blue Road of the spirit runs East to West.
We must speak in one united voice to awaken the people of the world to the catastrophic consequences we face if we don't change the way we relate to each other and our Mother Earth.
Feb 1, 2012
LadyHawkღ
Out of the Indian approach to life there came a great freedom, an intense and absorbing respect for life, enriching faith in a Supreme Power, and principles of truth, honesty, generosity, equity, and brotherhood as a guide to mundane relations.
Feb 1, 2012
LadyHawkღ
*Strenght to walk our path*
From Канал пользователя alexsandercaksi
Mar 22, 2012
David White Hawk Administrator
Mar 22, 2012
LadyHawkღ
That's beautiful David White Hawk! Thank you for posting it.
Mar 22, 2012
David White Hawk Administrator
Thank You and your welcome sorry I haven't been posting that much I will get better....
Mar 22, 2012
Richard Marquez
Hope you feel better Many Flower's...ugghhh,taxes...and I agree that is a great background on this page...peace and blessings to everyone...
Apr 4, 2012
LadyHawkღ
There are certain times in our lives when a voice whispers to us. The voice doesn't always talk. Usually we hear it best when we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Inside every person is the knowledge that a Supreme Being exists. Sometimes a restlessness occurs and it makes me feel I need to be doing something or I need to be going somewhere or maybe I start wondering who am I? Often when this happens, I feel lost. Inside of everyone is the natural, built-in desire to be walking the Red Road, or to be seeking a relationship with the Creator. No one can force us to make this journey. We must make this journey because we want to. This journey is not on the outside. The path is inside of ourselves. It is inside that we must begin our search.
Jun 16, 2012
LadyHawkღ
Change
To change is indeed a state of mind. When one resists the healing of change they perpetuate confusion of the soul. The soul only knows change. If we accept the souls needs as our own we see the imperfections of ourselves and others as acceptable and even look forward to the opportunity! When we embrace those imperfections, when we show love for those imperfections, we have stepped up one rung on the ladder of evolution.
Seek not to be perfect, seek not those that are perfect for therein lies no growth. Rather seek out your imperfections and embrace those of others and walk together the road to perfection. When you are truly on that path shall you see the beauty of imperfection as a manifestation of your own perfection.
Therein lies your happiness!!!
Waatowa Pistoto,
Two Feathers - Kainaiwa - Blackfoot Nation
Jul 16, 2012
Wakoyantanke (andrew hamilton)
"iv just found out that my name means Restless Hairy Rope"lol great name tho
Aug 11, 2012
LadyHawkღ
Change
To change is indeed a state of mind. When one resists the healing of change they perpetuate confusion of the soul. The soul only knows change. If we accept the souls needs as our own we see the imperfections of ourselves and others as acceptable and even look forward to the opportunity! When we embrace those imperfections, when we show love for those imperfections, we have stepped up one rung on the ladder of evolution.
Seek not to be perfect, seek not those that are perfect for therein lies no growth. Rather seek out your imperfections and embrace those of others and walk together the road to perfection. When you are truly on that path shall you see the beauty of imperfection as a manifestation of your own perfection.
Therein lies your happiness!!!
Waatowa Pistoto,
Two Feathers - Kainaiwa - Blackfoot Nation
Nov 18, 2012