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CHEROKEE MEDICINE WRITINGS
THE SYMBOLISM OF THE GOURD DANCE
by Susan Bates
Recently, I attended the Clear Creek Powwow and got to watch the Gourd Dancers. The Gourd Dance is an honor dance for warriors and had it's beginnings with the Kiowa people. It is seperate from other dances and is done before the Grand Entry.
The symbolism of the gourd dance moves me more every time I see it. It causes me to pause and remember to appreciate the men who fought to protect us and who vow to always protect us no matter who the enemy is.
While I was watching these brave men, two young men passed behind me, laughing and having a good time. I heard one of them say, "That isn't dancing. I could show them how to dance." So like the brashness of youth to want to show the "old guys" how to do things.
There are many styles and kinds of dances - as many as there are Nations of people... But to the Cherokee, dance is sacred ritual - the balancing of thought, prayer and "Nuwati," the Sacred Medicine that unites all things. The sound of the Earth is pulsing within us. We can align that pulsing through our sacred dance and chants.
Traditional people, those who haven't been brainwashed by European thinking, understand that all of creation is fluid, forever in a state of flux. Each of us has the power and the duty to use that power to return the Mother and her children to a state of right relationship. Europeans and their descendants have long cultivated knowledge over wisdom - the atom over the seed of corn. They no longer have the ability to think with their hearts and can't understand the great simplicity inherent in the Sacred Circle of Life.
Do you want to do something to make the world a better place for your children? Go back to the ancient wisdom. There is more power in the dances, chants and prayers of our people than in all the weapons of mass destruction in the world. Use it.
"When The Earth Becomes An It"
by Marilou Awiakta
When the people call Earth "Mother,"
they take with love
and with love give back
so that all may live.
When people call Earth "it,"
they use her
consume her strength.
Then the people die.
Already the sun is hot
out of season.
Our Mother's breast
is going dry.
She is taking all green
into her heart
and will not turn back
until we call her
by her name.
Send me your news, powwow and meeting notices at susanbates@webtv.net or write me at HC 73 Box 159-1, Drury, MO 65638.
Susan Bates
Hill & Holler Column
October 3, 2002
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Bates. Visit Susan's website, Native American Journal, dedicated to helping people rediscover their heritage. She has helped thousands of people reconnect with their beloved ancestors and features insider tribal news. The Native American Journal is a truth-seeking, truth-telling website honoring everyone's path and preparing all for the Great Earth Changes. The Native American Journal supports Leonard Peltier, the Dineh, and Mother Earth.
E-Mail: susanbates@webtv.net
Website: http://members.tripod.com/-susanbates/nativeamericanjrnl-index.html
(We are all related)
WORDS FROM 'TWEEN
We are very grateful to know Susan as our friend, and now we have the opportunity to share her words of wisdom and messages from the ancestors, with you, Dear Reader. Please join us in welcoming Susan to 'tween, stop by her website or send her an email. |
