Mia Feroleto and Chief Henry Red Cloud Interviewed by Abby Martin

This is a disturbing but important post. Though difficult to fathom, some kind of karmic reckoning will take place one way or another. The more of us who recognize and shift these energies, the less need there will be for all of America to experience this level of occupation and destruction.

I can only say with a tearful and compassionate heart that I, for one, am deeply sorry for the actions of aggressors at the Wounded Knee massacre. We cannot change what happened in the past, but we can hold accountable the current Board Members at the Barre Museum. We can insist on the repatriation of human remains and sacred artifacts. “Just following orders” is no excuse. We must each face the demons in our own hearts and minds, and find the power to move forward in new ways, beyond the victim/abuser cycle.

You can find more information about the 130 year history of this struggle here.

Thank you to Mia and Chief Henry Red Cloud for continued activism, and thanks to Abby Martin for having the courage to conduct and air this interview. The Barre Museum has zero contact information available, and I’ve been shut down through ordinary means of finding a way to express public demand for change. For now, we can hold the situation in prayer and do whatever we each feel led to do behind the scenes. Prayer, Reiki and magic are often more powerful in these situations anyway.

Just know that we are in a VERY karmic time in the US right now. These kinds of issues matter more than most people realize. Whatever and however you feel led to do, please do. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.

Timothy Glenn ~ Heads Up, Keep Your Head Down

Many people privately have inquired what David and I are doing for the eclipse. Are we traveling to see it? Will we be doing something special? The simple answer is no, not really. We’re nowhere near the path of the eclipse, and David needs to work.

The longer, more accurate answer is that even if we were near the path of the eclipse and David had loads of vacation time left after our move, we still wouldn’t be traveling to watch the eclipse. It’s a potent portal, yes, and because it’s so potent, I intend to utilize those energies in the strongest, most focused way possible. For me, that doesn’t mean gathering in large crowds of uncertain, chaotic energy. It means spending time in nature  on that day and then during the actual eclipse window, going inside and doing a Reiki Healing Attunement for David and me, plus Reiki support for those who signed up for the August Special.

Timothy Glenn’s post today echoes this kind of quiet, indoor contemplation during the eclipse. He cites ancient Vedic texts, and I find it interesting, yet not surprising that these align with Native American Wisdom, as well. Yesterday,

A Beautiful Ceremony

Whatever happens with Standing Rock — whether the stay on DAPL construction remains halted or requires more resistance — this is a beautiful reconciliation, forgiveness and a return to the original sacred status of the Warrior. In addition to bringing veterans and natives together, Standing Rock has also united indigenous tribes from all over the world. More of this kind of powerful healing, please!

I was unable to embed the video of the ceremony, but you can watch it here. If you let it play, you’ll also see/hear Wesley Clark, Jr. ask for forgiveness from Leonard Crow. You can hear commentary immediately after the veterans’ forgiveness ceremony by clicking here.

For those who have not read my Water Prayer, I continue to intend this blessing and protection at Standing Rock and anywhere the Mighty Element of Water flows. May we hold strong in our love for Mother Earth and each other.

Blessed Be.

Native American Wisdom: “We breathe what the tree exhales; the tree breathes what we exhale. So we have a common destiny with the tree.”

Reposted from exopermaculture.

“We are all from the Earth. And when the Earth is corrupted, it will create its own reaction. Mother is reacting.

“When you say ‘resources’ you’re talking about our relatives, about family.

“The structure of the world itself is that it functions on a natural law, that is of a powerful, endless regenerative process — if everyone agrees to the law and follows the law. But if you challenge the law, and think you’re going to change the law, then you’re bound to failure. And in that failure will be a lot of pain. Because the natural law has no mercy. It is only the law.”

Respect!

Natural Law includes regeneration.

R. Teichmann ~ Learning From Indigenous Wisdom and Knowledge

For a long time, I’ve been getting the same message R. Teichmann shares in the article below. That’s why I spend so much time studying ancient Celtic and pre-Celt wisdom and am currently also reading The Original Instructions: Reflections of an Elder on the Teachings of the Elders, Adapting Ancient Wisdom to the Twenty-First Century by Manitonquat.

Thanks to Julian Rose for posting this on his site, as well.

Learning from indigenous wisdom and knowledge– To change society a cultural revolution in activism is needed.

‘Learning from indigenous wisdom and knowledge – To change society a cultural revolution in activism is needed.’ This absorbing, original and moving article is a guest post by Rudi Teichmann of http://www.news-beacon-ireland.info I believe it confirms the feelings that many of us share. – Julian Rose

About 30 years ago I met a young woman during a train ride and we began talking. During the conversation I asked her what she was doing and she replied that she was studying indigenous civilisations within her anthropology course. When I asked her why she was interested in this subject she replied (the exact words I do not remember after such a long time but I remember the essence): “We will need their knowledge to sort out the problems we’re faced with.”

by R. Teichmann

contributed by the author

Foreword

About 30 years ago I met a young woman during a train ride and we began talking. During the conversation I asked her what she was doing and she replied that she was studying indigenous civilisations within her anthropology course. When I asked her why she was interested in this subject she replied (the exact words I do not remember after such a long time but I remember the essence): “We will need their knowledge to sort out the problems we’re faced with.” I did not understand then what she was saying; or better I dismissed it, because what could it possibly be that these cultures (now barely existing and still under threat from genocide) could contribute to the solving of modern day problems?

I recently attended a workshop with an Elder of the Wampanoag Nation, Manitonquat (Medicine Story). This article is my personal “digestion” of that weekend. I dedicate this to all fellow men and women who hold a vision for a better future and are working towards reaching that goal and especially to Manitonquat and his partner Ellika.

What is the issue?

Ever since I was a teenager, I realised that something was not right with the way we live and the longing to put things right has never left me. I have been active in quite a few movements and political organisations during my lifetime, trying to make the world a better place. I witnessed sectarianism, splits, infighting, movements getting hi-jacked to serve a certain agenda or co-opted to advance something they were originally opposed to, persons with big egos rising to the top to become “leaders”.

In that respect the best example I can think of was the rise of Joschka Fischer to the top of the German Green Party. As such he became Foreign Minister of a coalition government, composed of Social Democrats and Greens, and denounced everything the Greens and he himself previously stood for when he advocated waging war on an independent state, the then Yugoslavia, “on humanitarian grounds of course” without UN Mandate and contrary to international law and the German constitution. It was then that all my hopes to change something by engaging in that party faded and I left it in protest and disgust.

Many parties and movements and even “alternative” communities seem to be ending in the dustbin of history without ever achieving their initial goals – leaving behind many disillusioned good people; people who invested time, work and money to achieve a better world and tackle the problems we are all faced with. And if they are successful they end up establishing their (or rather their leaders’) way and oppressing and dominating the remainder of society. Why is it that way?

Fear and Isolation

Most of us agree that the current way society works (referred to throughout this article as ‘the system’) is not only unfit for purpose – i.e. ensuring that the needs of people, plants, animals and everything else surrounding us in the broadest sense are met – but is also based on isolation and fear.

The fear of not passing the test in school is where it begins. The fear of not getting a job comes next. Then the fear of losing that job. The fear of not being able to provide for your family. The fear of not being able to pay the next mortgage rate and losing the roof over your head. The fear of not being taken care of in sickness or old age. And then there is the fear of the unknown. That is why people shy away from consciously acknowledging that the system is unfit for purpose and begin to think about how it can be changed and what they can do, even though deep inside they are aware of this fact.

Any movement aiming to replace the failing system with something better must create an environment where people can lose their fear. How can that be done?

Since humanity replaced tribes with ever larger entities of social organisation, comprising more and more humans, the isolation of the individual human has increased. Instead of living in a society where you knew all members of your tribe on a very personal level, where decisions affecting the community were made together and swiftly implemented, we now live in towns and cities or even hubs where you hardly know your neighbours, let alone on a very personal level.

Our direct interactions with nature, to provide us with what we need to survive, are replaced by factory farms and visits to the supermarket. Group creativity has been replaced with hours in front of that square screen in our living rooms or with spending hours shaking to synthetic music or with finding thrill in consuming “recreational” drugs. Even in the midst of thousands of other people around us, we have become more isolated than ever before.

Hand in hand with this development came the concentration of power in fewer and fewer hands. Instead of being involved directly in decision making and implementing we now have a vote. A vote that changes nothing. Many begin to realize this as the ever less participation in elections indicates. The real power people once had has migrated to career politicians who are lobbied and sometimes financed by big corporations, which are financed by “too big to fail” banks, which are financed by central banks, which are controlled by a tiny elite who make all the vital decisions behind closed doors.

We may feel connected through the Internet, the so-called social media, but these connections are artificial, virtual. We are living virtual lives instead of real ones. The deep personal connection between humans and between humans and nature has been replaced with the illusion of it. Instead of talking to each other face-to-face and heart to heart we now send twitter messages, smileys and hit “Like” buttons. Instead of actually interacting with nature, we watch “Nature programs” on TV.

Isolation equals disempowerment. Humans feel helpless when isolated. People do not engage to replace the failing system with something better because they feel powerless or perceive the powers that shouldn’t be as being the normal state of affairs that cannot be altered. Resulting from the isolation from nature and fellow human, instead of developing their intrinsic individual spirituality and respect and understanding for everything that is, people follow various religions, look for gurus and ideologies to fulfill their need of spiritual community. This is exploited by those who want control and domination or, even worse, it is used to turn humans against each other.

Any movement aiming to replace the failing system with something better must create an environment where people can connect with one another on a deep personal level as well as with nature, which they are a part of. How can that be done?

Fear and isolation are the necessary ingredients that allow the current system to linger on, to manipulate most of society, to prevent development and implementation of solutions to most problems and to allow domination, control and destruction on a massive scale.

The creation of an environment where fear and isolation are absent and that encourages direct contact with nature is a prerequisite for any attempt to effect meaningful and lasting change for the better for all of life on this planet. How can we create it?

What do political parties, groups and movements look like at present?

The origins of most political parties, groups and movements stem from the desire to come together with like-minded individuals for a specific purpose.

In the case of a political party, this usually is to get a majority or enough votes to get into government to implement the policies of the party program. Political parties are structured mirroring the society as it is. There are one or several leaders, a “steering committee” or something similar, the “parliamentary party” (those party members elected to parliament) and then there are the ordinary party members. There are conventions giving the illusion that the individual party members have the power, whereas in reality the topics are decided beforehand by smaller groups and committees. The structure is hierarchical. The purpose is not the empowerment of the party members but getting into and staying in power. The so-called party whip is the expression of that. People disagreeing face expulsion and loss of party membership if they do not stick to the party line. In most cases, once in power, the original goals become less important, staying in power becomes the goal. Very often the leaders get co-opted and corrupted. Political parties are necessary in the current system to make it function. They give the illusion that people have a say. Parties are used to split society along party lines the same as religions and ideologies are used to split society along belief lines. The traditional political parties and their structures are as unfit for the purpose to solve problems as the system within which they exist.

Then there are other groups like initiatives against this or that or to save this or that. As admirable as their goals may be, they focus on a single issue and do not address the array of other problems that are present. If they are lucky, they reach their goal- let’s say to prevent the construction of a motorway. Then their purpose is fulfilled and they disappear. If they do not reach their goal they disappear out of frustration of the people involved.

Then we have movements that try to change society by stepping outside the system and living in communities of their own, like Eco villages, trying to lead the way by giving an example of how things can be done differently. But even these movements sometimes fail. These movements have rightly identified the community as the basis for change but many lack the wisdom and knowledge and, in the long run, encounter the same problems.

Indigenous wisdom and knowledge – A game changer

The tribe – the holistic form of human life

For long periods of time indigenous cultures have successfully lived in tribes in harmony with their fellow humans and in balance with nature. The tribe is the only form of organisation I can think of that could take care of all of our needs, physical (food), emotional (closeness to other human beings) and spiritual (knowing that the entire tribe depends on nature and thus the tribe is embedded in the wholeness of everything there is).

The limited number of people living in a tribe enabled a deep knowledge of your fellow human and an appreciation of his/her personality, virtues and traits. Due to this fact it was almost impossible for one person to dominate. Leadership was not permanent but emerged naturally to solve a certain situation and dissolved again when the situation or crisis was dealt with. Like a family, the tribe was based on mutual respect and even love. It was an environment where fear, isolation and domination were absent. No government, police, judges and prisons were needed.

The various tribes interacted with each other on the basis of mutual benefit. Conflict among them was very rare. Mostly it was young men exploring their strength and courage. It was more similar to a sporting event than a conflict.

We must conclude that tribal life is far superior to any other form of societal organisation in human history, be it feudalism, dictatorship, absolutism, kingdoms, empires, or even the present so called democracies. Especially when we take into account that indigenous tribes still exist today and originated millennia before “civilisation” emerged.

Tribal life centered around the circle. Decision making as well as dancing, singing and celebrations of all sorts were conducted in a circle. A circle where everyone was equally important. There was recognition that Elders held wisdom due to the simple fact that they had more life experience. So they were highly regarded and well cared for. The tribe as a whole cared lovingly for the children as they were joy, inspiration and presented the future. For decision making the members of the tribe met in a circle, recognizing and respecting their individuality and arrived at decisions beneficial to all and future generations (the native American Indians had the tradition of taking into account what effect their decisions would have for 7 generations to come).

I argue that our ancestors really became human when they first started to form circles, sitting together to find out how best to survive and develop. Our natural state of being as a human means living in a tribe and meeting other humans in a circle of equals.

Summarizing we can say that tribal life

– Takes care of the food supply

– Provides shelter and security

– Takes care of the elderly, sick and young

– Enables deep knowledge of and love for all members of the tribe (closeness)

– Recognizes the multitude of different personalities and the freedom of the individual

– Is based on mutual respect, co-operation and love

– Creates an environment without fear, isolation and domination

– Enables a permanent balance with nature and all other life on this planet for very long periods of time

– Enables spritual development through direct and co-operative interaction with nature

One may argue that tribal life is now almost extinct because it ultimately could not deal with the onslaught of modern civilisation and thus cannot be a superior form of societal organisation. Those arguing this have not reflected on the dire situation humanity finds itself in at present. Our civilisation has led us to a situation where we are slowly poisoned, where there is the possibility of complete annihilation of the entire human race by all kinds of weapons, where there is permanent war, where many go hungry and die, where food security is destroyed by depleting soils, herbicides and GMOs and the contamination of the planet’s water to a degree where it becomes undrinkable. We must face up to the fact that the history of civilisation has led into a blind alley towards a cliff in spite of all technological advances. If we do not find another way we may well be approaching a dead end, literally.

A cultural revolution – Embracing a holistic approach

Throughout written history it has been a minority that sees the necessity for a change in direction and acts accordingly. The desire to change things for the better leads us to organize ourselves in a multitude of organisations.

Which brings us back to the question:

What should an organisation look like that can effect meaningful change?
For me the answer has become clear. It should look and function like a tribe.

When we strive to avoid sectarianism, splits, domination, co-option within our organisations we have to embrace a holistic approach. This means that the organisation must reflect the society we want to create and not the system as it is at present. We must live what we preach. We must progress from issue-centered organisations to holistic organisations. We must transform our organisations into communities that provide everything a tribe does. Ideally this means living together in a community of like-minded people, a modern tribe, interacting with the world around it on the basis of mutual benefit. That is easier said than done but we can make a start by

– Respecting our fellow man / woman in their entirety

– Recognizing that everyone is equally important

– Respecting that every opinion is a valid one

– Giving an equal amount of time to everyone to express themselves

– Listening carefully to what others say

– Not allowing ourselves or others to dominate

– Creating mechanisms whereby we support each other in all life situations (sickness, bereavement, loss of job, becoming homeless)

– Trying to care for the wellbeing of all

– Making decisions in a circle of equals taking into account the longterm effect of our decisions

– Beginning all meetings in a circle, welcoming each other and appreciating each others’ presence

– Organising meetings for celebrations and enjoyment

– Trying to grow as much of the food we need in a co-operative way to again connect to nature and our spiritual selves

If we do that we will transform ourselves, fear and isolation will disappear and a tribal spirit will emerge. Our organisation will evolve into a stable community where we can take care of each other instead of being taken care of. Where we decide instead of being led like a flock of sheep. Where we can become increasingly independent from the unfit old system until it is no longer needed.

If our organisations can evolve this way it will be much easier to network with other organisations or communites that have developed along similar lines.

If we adopt the same principles in our dealings with institutions and individuals in general we will grow a new society from the present system – a synthesis of modern technologies and solutions, ancient knowledge and wisdom, modern science and intrinsic human spirituality and bring together the suffering people in the industrialised world and the developing world.

Indigenous knowledge and wisdom show a possible way how it could be achieved. Let us embrace it – it could prove to be a game changer.

I’d like to end this with the lyrics of “Imagine” by John Lennon (murdered by the powers that do not need to be because he was on to something):

Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today…

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace…

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world…

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one

About the author:
R. Teichmann is an activist living in West Cork (Ireland) and the editor of http://www.news-beacon-ireland.info.

The author authorises the publication of this article anywhere provided no alterations are made, links remain intact and proper credit is given.

Indigenous Elders and Medicine Peoples Council Statement on Fukushima

Thank you, Ann, for posting this. I have wondered when the Indigenous Elders and Medicine People would start sounding louder alarms about Fukushima. Privately, I’ve been telling friends, “We are at ‘evolve or die’ time.” The first person who taught me Runes had many friends among Native American Elders, and he was fond of their saying, “The Law is the Law.” I hear echoes of that in the Council Statement below about “Original Instructions.” In context of reports of a strange comet-planet, Fukushima, the BP Oil “Spill” and all the other environmental atrocities that have just become everyday life, par for the course, this statement reminds me again of the Blue and Red Star Kachina Prophecies that those who return to the Old Ways and honor the Earth will be spared the cleanse.

Something’s gotta give. Contrary to most people’s comfortable belief: Earth does not require humanity for her own transmutation. May the Shift Hit The Fan. And soon.

Indigenous Elders and Medicine Peoples Council Statement on Fukushima

View the original statement with signatures here (PDF): COUNCIL_FUKUSHIMA_STATEMENT_OCT_2013.

Council Statement

This statement reflects the wisdom of the Spiritual People of the Earth, of North and South America, working in unity to restore peace, harmony and balance for our collective future and for all living beings. This statement is written in black and white with a foreign language that is not our own and does not convey the full depth of our concerns.

The Creator created the People of the Earth into the Land at the beginning of
Creation and gave us a way of life. This way of life has been passed down
generation-to-generation since the beginning. We have not honored this way of
life through our own actions and we must live these original instructions in order
to restore universal balance and harmony. We are a part of Creation;
thus, if we break the Laws of Creation, we destroy ourselves.

We, the Original Caretakers of Mother Earth, have no choice but to follow and uphold
the Original Instructions, which sustains the continuity of Life. We recognize our
umbilical connection to Mother Earth and understand that she is the source of life, not a
resource to be exploited. We speak on behalf of all Creation today, to communicate an
urgent message that man has gone too far, placing us in the state of survival. We warned
that one day you would not be able to control what you have created. That day is here.
Not heeding warnings from both Nature and the People of the Earth keeps us on the path
of self destruction. This self destructive path has led to the Fukushima nuclear crisis, Gulf
oil spill, tar sands devastation, pipeline failures, impacts of carbon dioxide emissions and
the destruction of ground water through hydraulic fracking, just to name a few. In
addition, these activities and development continue to cause the deterioration and
destruction of sacred places and sacred waters that are vital for Life.

Powerful technologies are out of control and are threatening the future of all life

The Fukushima nuclear crisis alone is a threat to the future of humanity. Yet, our concern
goes far beyond this single threat. Our concern is with the cumulative and
compounding devastation that is being wrought by the actions of human beings around
the world. It is the combination of resource extraction, genetically modified organisms,
moral failures, pollution, introduction of invasive species and much much more that are
threatening the future of life on Earth. The compounding of bad decisions and their
corresponding actions are extremely short-sighted. They do not consider the future
generations and they do not respect or honor the Creator’s Natural Law. We strongly
urge for the governmental authorities to respond with an open invitation to work and
consult with us to solve the world’s problems, without war. We must stop waging war
against Mother Earth, and ourselves.

We acknowledge that all of these devastating actions originated in human beings who are
living without regard for the Earth as the source of life. They have strayed from the
Original Instructions by casting aside the Creator’s Natural Law. It is now critical for
humanity to acknowledge that we have created a path to self destruction. We must restore
the Original Instructions in our lives to halt this devastation.

The sanctity of the Original Instructions has been violated. As a result, the Spiritual
People of the Earth were called ceremonially to come together at the home of the Sacred
White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle. These Spiritual Leaders and those that carry great
responsibility for their people from both North and South America came together with the
sacred fire for four days at the end of September 2013 to fulfill their sacred
responsibilities. During this time it was revealed that the spirit of destruction gained its’
strength by our spiritually disconnected actions. We are all responsible in varying
degrees for calling forth this spirit of destruction, thus we are all bound to begin
restoring what we have damaged by helping one another recover our sacred
responsibility to the Earth. We, the Original Caretakers of Mother Earth, offer our
spiritual insight, wisdom and vision to the global community to help guide the actions
needed to overcome the current threats to all life.

We only have to look at our own bodies to recognize the sacred purpose
of water on Mother Earth. We respect and honor our spiritual relationship
with the lifeblood of Mother Earth. One does not sell or contaminate their
mother’s blood. These capitalistic actions must stop and we must recover
our sacred relationship with the Spirit of Water.

The People of the Earth understand that the Fukushima nuclear crisis continues to
threaten the future of all life. We understand the full implications of this crisis even with
the suppression of information and the filtering of truth by the corporate owned media
and Nation States. We strongly urge the media, corporations and Nation States to
acknowledge and convey the true facts that threaten us, so that the international
community may work together to resolve this crisis, based on the foundation of Truth.
We urge the international community, government of Japan and TEPCO to unify efforts
to stabilize and re-mediate the nuclear threat posed at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear
power plant. To ensure that the Japanese government and TEPCO are supported with
qualified personnel and information, we urge the inclusion of today’s nuclear experts
from around the world to collaborate, advise and provide technical assistance to prevent
further radioactive contamination or worse, a nuclear explosion that may have
apocalyptic consequences.

The foundation for peace will be strengthened by restoring the Original Instructions in ourselves

Prophecies have been shared and sacred instructions were given. We, the People of the
Earth, were instructed that the original wisdom must be shared again when imbalance
and disharmony are upon Mother Earth. In 1994 the sacred white buffalo, the giver of
the sacred pipe, returned to the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people bringing forth the
sacred message that the winds of change are here. Since that time many more
messengers in the form of white animals have come, telling us to wake up my children. It
is time. So listen for the sacred instruction.

All Life is sacred. We come into Life as sacred beings. When we abuse the
sacredness of Life we affect all Creation.

We urge all Nations and human beings around the world to work with us, the Original
Caretakers of Mother Earth, to restore the Original Instructions and uphold the
Creator’s Natural Law as a foundation for all decision making, from this point forward.
Our collective future as human beings is in our hands, we must address the Fukushima
nuclear crisis and all actions that may violate the Creator’s Natural Law. We have
reached the crossroads of life and the end of our existence. We will avert this potentially
catastrophic nuclear disaster by coming together with good minds and prayer as a global
community of all faiths.

We are the People of the Earth united under the Creator’s Law with a sacred covenant to
protect and a responsibility to extend Life for all future generations. We are expressing
deep concern for our shared future and urge everyone to awaken spiritually. We must
work in unity to help Mother Earth heal so that she can bring back balance and harmony
for all her children.

Representatives of the Council

Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe
Spiritual Leader
The Great Sioux Nation

Bobby C. Billie
Clan Leader and Spiritual Leader
Council of the Original Miccosukee
Simanolee Nation Aboriginal Peoples

Faith Spotted Eagle, Tunkan Inajin Win
Brave Heart Society Grandmother/Headswoman & Ihanktonwan Treaty Council
Ihanktonwan Dakota from the Oceti Sakowin

7 Council Fires
– ADDITIONAL SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW –

Seven Fires Prophecy

I’m reading nine books right now, so when I found myself awake during last night’s windstorm, I hunkered down on the BioMat with the nearest book at hand: A Complete Guide to Fairies & Magical Beings, by Cassandra Eason. How this book came into my hands would require its own funny telling, but the part I read last night suggested learning the legends of your local land in order to help locate power centers or ley line crossings. I’ve experienced ley lines in other areas, but I haven’t exactly run across any faery mounds in flat old Indiana. An iPhone search for local legends didn’t turn up much, so I expanded my search to research Native American tribes in Northern Indiana.

We have lots of “Indian” names here — Mishawaka, Shipshewana, Elkhart, not to mention the state itself — but unlike many places I’ve lived, I have yet to encounter any Native Americans here. The reason for that involves some truly shameful aggression of the U.S. government during the 1800’s, although various native tribes are resettling in Indiana again. Apparently, I just haven’t run into anyone yet. In any case, I learned that the Potawatomi tribe lived in what are now Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, and I felt led to see if they had any relevant prophecies for this time when “regular” Americans may start feeling what the natives felt two hundred years ago. (Hint: Are you a “non-violent paper terrorist?” Watch your back! Er, the drone-filled skies.) The millenia old prophecy I found is beautiful and included below.

What stuck me most was its similarity to the 12 centuries old Shambhala Warrior Prophecy as told by Joanna Macy, as well as the Hopi Prophecy. I’ve also posted videos of Native American Prophecy and the Occupy Movement, as well as Indigenous prophecies and Starknowledge. I find it comforting when so many prophecies converge. In any case, here’s a particularly beautiful prophecy from very close to home:

Seven Fires Prophecy

The 7 Fires Prophecy is an oral story/history that has been told over millennia. It describes a turbulent time when the Neshnabek [Potawatomi, Odawa and Ojibwe] were visited by 7 prophets. Each prophet spoke of a Fire, prophecy or era that the Neshnabek would have to face and ultimately endure, forever changing their way of life. The prophecies have been interpreted and shaped over the years to help Neshnabek people know who they were in the past, are in the present and will be in the future.

In the time of the 1st Fire, the Neshnabek must leave their home on the East Coast and follow the sacred Megis shell of the Midewewin Lodge. The sacred Megis will lead them on a journey to the chosen ground and their new home. The Neshnabek are to look for a turtle shaped island and they will find such an island at the beginning and end of their journey. The journey will consist of seven stopping places along the way. They will know their journey has ended when they come to a land where food grows on water. If they do not make this journey they will be destroyed by a powerful force coming over the water.

Interpretation:

In hearing and understanding the prophecy, the Neshnabek began their mass migration inland, away from the Atlantic Coast. The 1st stop was known as Moniyak [Montreal, Quebec]. Led by the sacred megis shell of the Midewewin Lodge, the people found a turtle-shaped island. Settling at or around the island, the Neshnabek population grew. Outgrowing their current location, the Neshnabek continued their journey, again following the megis to the 2nd stop known as Kche Nisajewen [Niagara Falls]. It was here that the people segmented into three groups. Confederated through their spirituality, each group established duties to serve the Neshnabek as a whole. The first group [Ojibwe] migrated north and around Lake Superior. They were the Keepers of the Medicine, providing spiritual guidance and protection for the Neshnabek. The second group [Odawa] also migrated north, yet established villages north of Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron. They were the Keepers of the Trade, providing goods and supplies for the Neshnabek. The third group [Potawatomi] migrated south to the Coasts of Lake Michigan. They were the Keepers of the Fire, providing protection for the sacred fire and its coals along the trek.

In the time of the 2nd Fire, the Neshnabek will be camped by a large body of water. In this time the direction of the sacred Megis will be lost and the Midewewin will diminish in strength. To regain this strength a boy will be born to point the way back to the traditional ways.

Interpretation:

Oral tradition states that the Second Fire was realized at the 3rd turtle-shaped island [Detroit River]. As the group continued and camped near a large body of water [Lake Michigan], the direction of the megis was lost. Struggling to locate the correct path, the Neshnabek again settled and grew in population. As numbers grew, spiritualism and the teachings of the Midewewin became secondary to survival.

As it was prophesized, a boy was born who led the Neshnabek to the spiritual and physical stepping stones to the future. Continuing north on their migration along the eastern coast of Michigan, the Neshnabek discovered a chain of islands. The largest of these was the fourth stop and turtle-shaped island [Manitoulin Island]. Here the Midewewin Lodge grew and resumed its strength.

In the time of the 3rd Fire, the Neshnabek will find the path to their chosen ground. This is a land to the west, where they must move to find the food that grows on water.

Interpretation:

Energized from their cultural and spiritual revival, the Neshnabek where again led by the sacred megis to their 5th stop known as Senajewen [Sault St. Marie]. Here the people flourished. Kshamnedo (The Great Spirit) provided an abundance of food, motivating the Neshnabek to settle and continue the regeneration of their ceremonies and songs.

From Senajewen, the Neshnabek continued moving west in search of the presaged land where food grows on the water. In their pursuit, the people again split at a large body of water [Lake Superior]. One group went north around the water and the other south. After many years, the two groups converged at the western end of the lake. Here the sacred shell rose from the waters revealing the 6th turtle-shaped island [Spirit Island]. They had found the food that grows on water, Menomen [wild rice].

Realizing that their migration was concluding, the Neshnabek sought out the prophesized 7th and final turtle-shaped island. Remembering such a place on their long journey, the people returned to an island [Madeline Island] off the coast of Wisconsin. Placing tobacco on its shores, the megis again rose from the water proclaiming the peoples’ coveted destination.

In the time of the 4th Fire, the Neshnabek were addressed by two prophets who spoke of the coming of a light-skinned race.

The first prophet said, “You will know the future of our people by the face the light-skinned race wears. If they come wearing the face of brotherhood then there will come a time of wonderful change for generations to come. They will bring new knowledge that can be combined with the knowledge and traditions of this country. By doing this, two nations will join to make one mighty people. This new nation will be joined by two more so that four will form the mightiest nation of all. You will know the face of brotherhood if the light-skinned race comes carrying no weapons, bearing only their knowledge and a hand shake.”

The second prophet said, “Beware if the light-skinned race comes wearing the face of death. You must be careful because the face of brotherhood and the face of death look very much alike. If they come in suffering or carrying a weapon, beware. Their hearts may be filled with greed for the riches of this land. If they are indeed your brothers, let them prove it. Do not accept them in total trust. You shall know that the face they wear is one of death if the rivers run with poison and the fish become unfit to eat. You shall know them by these many things.”

Interpretation:

It is said that while the Neshnabek settled at Senajewen contact with the light-skinned race [French] was established. With the lucrative trade of fur and goods, and enhanced military force cemented through both a corporate and kindred bond the French were deemed allies of the Neshnabek, the implicit nation of brotherhood.

However, as North American dominance fell to Britain and subsequently the Americans the 4th Fire came to light. The Neshnabek and other Native nations were being displaced by white settlements, creating tension and means for war. Terrestrial disputes ultimately ushered in the American treaty era, initiating the acculturation of North America and igniting the 5th Fire.

In the time of the 5th Fire, the Neshnabek were told of a time of great struggle that would grip the lives of all Native people. Within the 5th Fire, they are told of one who holds a promise of great joy and salvation. If the people accept this promise and abandon the old teachings, then the struggle of the 5th Fire will scorch the people for many generations. The promise that comes will prove to be a false promise. All those who accept this promise will cause the near destruction of the people.

Interpretation:

The 5th Fire is interpreted as the introduction of Christianity to the Neshnabek and other native peoples of Turtle Island [North America]. Jesuit missionaries, among numerous encroaching denominations, convinced the people to abandon their spiritual convictions and ceremonies, and profess that biblical scriptures and teachings were the true path to a peaceful future for the warring native and European nations.

In the time of the 6th Fire, the Neshnabek will know that the promise of the 5th Fire was false. Those deceived by this promise will take their children away from the traditional teachings of the elders, turning the children against their elders. The elders will lose their reason for living and their purpose in life. Within this Fire, a sickness will plague the people, disturbing their natural balance and nearly destroying their way of life.

Interpretation:

Introduced as a means to alleviate the pressures of assimilation, religious and government leaders enticed native people to warrant Anglo-centric manual labor and boarding schools. Whether enrolled by discretion or duress, children were stripped of their native identities critically affecting native languages, cultures and spirituality for future generations.

The prophet who delivered the message of the 7th Fire was said to be different than all others. He was younger than the rest and described as having a strange light in his eyes. He revealed a time when a new people would emerge; who would retrace the path of their elders collecting what had been left behind. Staying strong and using what had been bestowed upon them, the new people would rekindle old embers and ignite the sacred fire of the Neshnabek.

Today we are in the 7th Fire, a revival of traditional culture, language and teachings. To fulfill this prophecy, we must embrace the knowledge, experience and mutual past of our Neshnabek brothers. It is through us that our heritage lives on.

Link to original article and the CPN Cultural Heritage Center