The beliefs and rituals of the Native American people are fascinating and full of deep meaning.
The lore of the Native American Indians is rich with symbolism and mysticism. They were the first people to inhabit this country and lived in harmony for many years without distraction or discord. Their deep respect for nature shaped their culture, faith, and morals. The beliefs and rituals of the Native American people are fascinating and full of deep meaning.
The Native American Connection to Nature
Native American Indians believe that all things contain a power within them. This power is not limited to human beings alone. It resides in animals, trees, rocks, mountains, and even the air and clouds. Called different things by different tribes, “Wakanda,” “orenda,” and “manitou,” this internal power is the key concept in understanding how Native American mysticism works.
Native Americans consider all animals magical, and each type is believed to manifest a different kind of magic. For example, eagles are considered a highly sacred animal by all tribes. They are thought to have healing properties, and their wing and tail feathers yield powerful magic that can only be used by Medicine Men and Women. Wolves are seen as symbols of leadership and protection. They were prayed to in times of hunting and revered as courageous and loyal.
The traditional worship practices of the Native American Indians include rhythmic song, drum beating, and dance. References to nature and animals are woven throughout the rituals that the tribes perform. The underlying principle in all Native American rituals is connection—the connection of people to animals, of animals to nature, and of all things to the Great Spirit.
Honoring The Great Spirit
Considered the creator of all things, the Great Spirit is the supreme deity of the Native American Indians. Like the ‘God’ referred to by many Western religions, the Great Spirit is seen as the all-powerful ruler of the universe. Native American tribes believe deeply in the importance of worship, the sanctity of the Great Spirit, and his power.
When praying to the Great Spirit and all things he reins over, members of the tribe would light candles, smudge sticks, and repeat a prayer similar to this...
Great Spirit gave me special wings, calling me to soar above; He adorned my heart and gave me earth......so I can simply love.Great Spirit gave me friends and family, calling to my heart, He showered my life and showed me love,......so I will never part.Great Spirit gave me compassion and patience, calling me to be, He covered my eyes with loving kindness,......so I can always see.
Great Spirit gave me special wings, calling me to soar above, Earth is such a special place that I dearly loved.Great Spirit says my time is done, soul calling to his light, Do not fret and cry those tears, I am with you all the time.I will always love you, my earthly being gone; I live within the hearts of all my loved ones.
Great Spirit gave me special wings, calling me to soar above, my transformed body now complete,......I fly on the wings of love.
Native American Shamans and Medicine Men
Native American Indians sought spiritual advice and healing from the Medicine Men or Women of their tribe. These spiritual healers had a deeply sacred connection to all of nature's elements. They were seen as mystics, prophets, and teachers.
Highly respected by all their tribesmen, Medicine Men and Women performed chants, smudging, and symbolic dance rituals. These rituals were used to resolve any imbalance between good and evil within the tribe at a given time. The Native Americans believed strongly that evil spirits were the cause of sickness, death, and discourse within their people.
Medicine Men would turn to their medicine bag and its contents to treat whatever was ailing a member of their tribe. Items found in this sacred bag are still used today in rituals and spiritual ceremonies.
Sweetgrass braids, witch hazel bark, white sage, echinacea, and incense were all integral parts of the healing rituals performed by the Medicine Men and Women.
Within the Native American Indian culture, some healers could also induce visions. These people were known as shamans. The most skilled of all healers, the tribal shaman, was able to enter a deep trance that connected them to the underworld in search of healing. These vivid and intense dreams brought the shaman to a higher state of reality.
It was believed that the barrier between humans and animals was blurred in this heightened state, and they could not communicate. Shamans' spiritual journeys were thought to connect them to spiritual guides who offered them knowledge and insight into the needs of their tribesmen. Each shaman would have a spirit animal they connected to, which protected them on their voyage through consciousness.
Native American Indians have a deep-rooted belief in nature and spirituality that is both beautiful and profound. Their connection to all things - living and non-living, big and small—is inspiring and honorable. If you are curious about or interested in performing the rituals of the Native American people, the products we sell can help you on your journey.
Reference: Original Botanica
Comments