LIBRARY OF ARTICLES
CHEROKEE MEDICINE WRITINGS
ON BECOMING A WOMAN
by Susan Bates
Before the coming of the White Race, Traditional Indigenous People valued their women highly, for it is she alone who has the ability to give life. Respecting women's power and incorporating her into all aspects of society kept everything in balance. And it was the constant strive for balance - the perfect tension between male and female - that kept our People strong.
From the time they were little girls, women were taught their importance to the clan, village, and tribe. When a young Cherokee girl had her first moon time, a special ceremony called an Ataniska, was held for her. Much thought and preparation went into this ceremony and it was a joyous occasion.
The girl was presented with a belt of white wampum which she was to wear around her hips until she got married. Her sisters and elders gathered around her and taught her what being a woman was all about. She was counselled that she should not give herself away too cheaply for she was a prize of great value to be won by the best man. And since she would one day bring children into this world, she should choose her husband with great care.
Cherokee women had great dignity born of self worth. Their moral standards were high and men and women respected each other and themselves. All that changed when the "superior race" stole the land. To do that, they had to destroy the culture of those that Creator had given it to.
I often think about how it was and how it is now. Sex is a valuable marketing tool used to sell everything from cars to hamburgers. Women are not respected and don't even respect themselves. In this "Flash and Trash" culture we've created, we've allowed ourselves to become little more than sex objects to be used and discarded when we're past our "prime."
Those of us who don't fit the ideals created by Hollywood, aren't deemed "worthy." Gray hair, once a symbol of wisdom, is handled with "Loving Care." A thousand magic potions are guaranteed to erase wrinkles. Young girls starve themselves to death to be one of the "beautiful people." But no matter how beautiful the package, if the spirit inside is shriveled and rancid, then there is nothing of value.
Traditional Peoples still honor the New Woman. Today it is more important than ever to do so, for when woman regains her rightful place in society, the balance will be restored. Cherokee call this the emergence of the fifth (5th) world. I urge all of you who are coming back together as tribal people to bring back your New Woman's Ceremonies. It is not the big things that will bring about the changes we're all waiting for, but the small basic understandings of who we are and how it was and will be again.
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Anorexia Bulimia Speaks From The Grave
A Poem by Marilou Awiakta
Young woman, listen to me -
I'm talkin' to you.
Don't come down here before your time.
It's dark and cold.
Nothin' doin' down here
but the Grandmothers sayin'
"Anorexia Bulimia!
Tell the young women this for us:
They bound our feet
and our toes busted out ---
to travel on, test new waters.
They bound our breasts ----
our nipples busted out,
infra - red eyes to take in
what the other two miss.
When they bound our middle
rib 'n hip busted the stays
took the waist with 'em ---
free as they were born.
But now, young woman - now...
They've got your soul in a bind,
wounded, wound up
in electronic wire and hard paper twine
that cut images into your brain,
unnatural images sayin'
'Starve yourself to suit us.
Starve your body.
Starve you power.
Starve your dream -
thinner and thinner -
until YOU vanish.'
They want you to do that
'cause if you was to take on weight
you might start throwing it around.
No way can They handle
a full - grown woman
with a full - grown dream. No way."
Listen young women,
the Grandmothers and Anorexia Bulimia
are talkin' to you -
Feed your body.
Feed your soul.
Feed your dream.
BUST OUT!!!
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You can contact me at susanbates@webtv.net or write me at HC 73 Box
159-1, Drury, MO 65638
 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
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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. |
