Manataka - Preserving The Past Today For Tomorrow
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Manataka American Indian Council Volume XII Issue 2 FEBRUARY 2008
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Manataka - Preserving The Past Today For Tomorrow
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WANNA BECOME A MEMBER OF MANATAKA?
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO JOIN!
UPCOMING EVENTS
I believe that being a medicine man, more than anything else, is a state of mind, a way of looking at and understanding this earth, a sense of what it is all about." -Lame Deer, Lakota
The Medicine Wheel explains different ways of looking at the world. The four directions are the East, the South, the West, and the North.In the East is the view of the eagle - the eagle flies high and sees the earth from that point of view. The South is the direction of the mouse. Moving on the earth, the mouse will not see what the eagle sees. Both the eagle and the mouse see the truth. The West is the direction of the bear - the bear will see different from the mouse and the eagle. From the North comes the point of view of the bison. To be a Medicine Man you must journey through all points of view and develop the mind to see the interconnectedness of all four directions. This takes time, patience and an open mind. Eventually, you understand there is only love.
JANUARY WEBSITE UPDATES
Manataka: Place of Peace
Myth or Reality?
By Linda Van Bibber
As
we hike the trails of Manataka Mountain today, we find no monuments to the
gentle people who were once the keepers of Manataka (Place of Peace). Only the
Grandfathers now tell the story of the Rainbow Woman who blessed and guarded the
Valley and the healing waters of
Nówâ-sa-lon,
the hot springs.
In fact, the only mention of Manataka or the Rainbow Woman is in the Parks Service historical display in the observation tower on Hot Springs Mountain where the stories of the Grandfathers are cited as ‘myth’. Even among many First Nations people there is barely a remembrance of the spiritual power the great Manataka gave to the people.
But the Grandfathers still tell of this sacred ground which held great meaning for all First Nations people; a place where pilgrimages were made to seek the favor of the Lady of the Rainbow. Here sacred leaders of all Nations gathered to pray and perform sacred ceremonies.
These stories are honored and preserved by the Manataka American Indian Council (MAIC). Each year MAIC offers several educational gatherings, free to the public. But MAIC is not allowed to obtain a religious gathering permit necessary to perform the sacred ceremonies that the Grandfathers once performed. And the National Parks Service seems intent on erasing this sacred history.
Will Manataka always be held captive by government bureaucrats, never to breathe again? Will the spirit of the First Nations people reawaken and its awesome strength give life and power back to the people of the land?
Today, there are many signs of such an awakening. The great resiliency of native cultures has preserved many of the traditions, stories and ceremonies of the Grandfathers. The sons and daughters of First Nations people are returning to the old ways in search of peace in their daily lives. Everywhere you look there is renewed interest in native culture. It was foretold that this would be so.
The people of the land are returning. The day when the tribes of many nations will journey to the sacred grounds of Manataka once again has come. They do not come as tourists looking for wondrous sights, but as brothers and sisters seeking healing and guidance; they show reverence and faith in the Great Spirit who dwells in this sacred place.
The
tribes of the First Nations people will come together, not to achieve some
political or economic purpose, but to learn from each other and share the
strengths of our cultures. Now is the time. Leaders from many Nations have
already joined hands in the Great Circle of Peace to give thanks to the
Creator. And as they do, the spirit of the Rainbow Woman is awakening.
The message of the Rainbow Woman is a message of peace; her spirit is a spirit of healing.
We are, each of us, the sacred Water given to us by the Creator of All That Is. We are born in Water and we are composed mostly of Water. Water is necessary to life. But, sometimes the Water comes in floods and washes away our homes and food. Waters of the flood take away our homes and often bring disease. We are sad after the flood waters leave.
We are the sacred Wind given to us by the Creator of All That Is. Every cell in our bodies contains the Wind. We must breathe the Wind in order to live. But, sometimes the Wind comes like a tornado and blows away our homes and kills our loved ones. We are sad after the tornado leaves.
The white European Judeo/Christian culture came like the wind and water. It flooded us with disease and greed and killed our Grandmothers and Grandfathers. It came like a senseless flood and washed away the homes and sacred places of our ancestors. It flooded our homes and took away our land.
It came to us like the tornado bringing the whirlwind stench of war and the shame of false ways. It is easy to hate these Europeans and their children who continue to violate our sacred Mother Earth, break our treaties and perpetuate terrible injustices upon us. It is easy to despise the government that came like a terrible tornado and killed our people and defiled our sacred places.
But we are all connected. To heal, we cannot hate. We can only be sad and allow the sadness to wash through us. We cannot be angry at the sacred Waters and the Wind. They are made by the Creator. In the same way, the white Europeans and their government are also made by Creator.
At Manataka, we shed no more tears for the past. Our culture is not gone! It flourishes and grows stronger each year! Look around you. American Indian culture is spreading all over the world.
We do not cry for our ancestors because they are not gone. They are here with us now. Their spirits dwell within us. They are on our lips as we speak. They are upon our fingertips as we do the work to uphold our heritage. They are guiding us into a healing time. We do not cry for them. We honor them. We rejoice for them!
The Great Spirit allowed our circle to be broken so that it could be expanded for the healing of Mother Earth. It is for that reason we are here keeping the spirit alive at Manataka.
Together, we can awaken the great forces of all indigenous peoples by rekindling the fire in The Place of Peace. The hot springs are still here. The medicinal herbs, quartz crystal, precious stones, and beauty are still here. And the beautiful waters of Nówâ-sa-lon still flow abundantly.
The Spirit of the Rainbow Woman welcomes all who come in peace and healing.
Aho!
Manataka™ American Indian Council is a non-profit, 501(3C), tax-exempt, educational, multi-cultural and religious organization made up of American Indian and non-Indian people dedicated to sharing our understanding of the Spiritual way of Native peoples. Manataka also offers a variety of community services and sponsors several public educational events throughout the year. For more information on Manataka American Indian Council visit www.manataka.org.
Organic
Bees Are Thriving
While
commercial bee populations are plummeting
While bee populations in commercialized hives are declining by rates up to 80%, organic honey bees are thriving!
(EXCERPT) Over the past few weeks we have highlighted reports that suggest bee populations are declining at rates of up to 80% in areas of the U.S. and Europe. Experts are calling the worrying trend "colony collapse disorder" or CCD.
While no one can pin point the exact reason as to why bees are declining so rapidly it is interesting to note that no organic bee keepers are reporting losses.
A recent report at sci-tech website redicecreations.com cites a statement from longtime environmental activist and part-time organic beekeeper Sharon Labchuk from Prince Edward Island who states:
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Moon Changes
The
pale face of Grandmother Moon slips through the sky, as
night after night she watches over me while I sleep.
Her silver light makes silvery, lacey patterns on the wall, as she sends her beams through my window curtains. I watch as the delicate spider web pattern moves over the wall, and find myself spun into her magic.
I spend my mornings these days talking to the birds, which fly about my door. The two crows who come talking and share my bread keep me from being lonely. I see them perched on the branches of the old black walnut tree waiting to see what I will toss out to them for food. They scold me and talk of things that they see in the night while I sleep.
These brave feathered messengers of the spirit world, the two Crows come and greet me each morning. I now know that they are warrior brothers and come to protect and help me; sent by one who remembers.
Two years ago that same black walnut tree lost her mate to a wind storm. He lay down so gently trying not to damage any homes. I heard his death cry as he was sent crashing to the Earth Mother. I went to him when he passed and offered his spirit tobacco, giving also tobacco and corn meal to his life long mate. Soon the men came and took his strong body away and there was a big hole left in the earth. I took one small twig from his body that held the story of his life and place it on my Alter. I notice this winter that some of the old black walnut trees branches that once were locked in his branches are broken, they will in spring fall to the ground. Even if these branches that remember that touching fall, they will carry the memory and love of that soul mate forever.
When they fall I will ask to take one and create a talking stick so that the love will continue to be shared in circle.
Now the grass grows and covers the scare the walnut tree left in passing. Each year wild flowers and other plants come to cover the empty space making it less noticeable. Yet I remember where he stood so strong and tall in the moon light as it touched the two trees in passing. Locked in an embrace they stood against many storms and cast shadows across this old house from the time it was built. The remaining walnut tree still holds the memory of this land and the people who once lived and laughed here. At these times I still go out into the yard to stand in the pattern of those branches and sing to the trees that protect this home. Two great old maples still giving the sweetness of their bodies watch and listen in the light of the moon.
Grandmother Moon moves eternally in her path across the sky and in time her daughter Mother Earth comes between her and Grandfather Sun. They embrace their daughter and hold her between them for a few minutes during the eclipse of the moon as we call this moment. We Native people call it the reuniting of the Earth with her parents the Sun and the Moon. It is in this perfect moment of love that we here on this Earth feel the wonder of all creation. In these few hours the love that our Mother Earth feels from her parents is radiated into every living thing here on her earth body.
The Moon who is the mother of all things watches us during the long nights and holds our dreams in her power. She controls the water here on Earth the tides come and go according to her cycle. The plants that we place in the ground are all done on the phases of the moon.
The weather is also affected by the Moon so are the tides of our emotions and our reproduction cycles. It is in the full moon that many women gave birth, or they would have their moon cycles during the full moon. Many ceremonies and celebrations were held during the full moon, the cycles and phases of the moon affect everything here on our Mother the Earth. We sing songs to Grandmother Moon, and even call the first phase of marriage the Honey Moon.
Our children when they are born were held up on the full moon and introduced as human beings to the sky world.
We tell time and seasons by the times Grandmother Moon waxes and wanes. From time beyond this has been a constant cycle of the Earth and the seasons.
We human beings look to the sky and are always amazed at the changes and wonders of this gathering of the planets and stars that surrounds us with love.
As long as Grandmother Moon watches over me I am safe. In time she will help us all to know and understand the Great Mystery of the Universe and the original creation of life.
Celebrate life and all of its sweetness, for that is the true love and peace we all seek. It surrounds us with the blessing of life and love eternal forever and ever.
Love and Blessings.
Waynonaha
Copywrite © 2008 by Waynonaha Two Worlds All publication rights reserved
No offense intended for any individuals or tribes.
Archaeological Finds
After having dug to a depth of 50 feet
last year, Mexican scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years
and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network
more than 100 years ago.
Not to be outdone by the Mexicans, in the weeks that followed, Texans scientists
dug to a depth of 75 feet, and shortly after, headlines in the Houston
newspapers read:
"Texas archaeologists have found traces of 200 year old copper wire and have
concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications
network a hundred years earlier than the Mexicans."
One week later, the "Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council", in its Reservation
newsletter reported the following:
"After digging as deep as 90 feet in wash beds near Bear Soldier District,
Casper One Horse, a self taught archeologist, reported that he found absolutely
nothing.
One Horse has therefore concluded that 300 years ago Natives had already gone
wireless."
Ayyyyyyyyeeeeeeeee.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT Americans eat far too much 'dead food' -- all that highly processed, bleached, and chemically-saturated, stuff that comes in brightly colored boxes, cans and packages -- that money-greedy, mega-corporate advertisers have the audacity to call 'food'. Creator and nature intends that all animals, including humans to eat fresh 'live' food. Vegetables, fruit, nuts, grains, and meat have become old-fashioned to many Americans. Humans do not "catch" cancer. Cancer does not appear out of nowhere. We eat, breath and absorb cancer-causing substances -- ugly chemicals found in our environment. Change your eating habits or die an ugly death. --Editor |
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Apples Protects your heart Prevents constipation Blocks diarrhea Improves lung capacity Cushions joints
Aids digestion Lowers cholesterol Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Guards against liver disease |
Apricots Combats cancer Controls blood pressure Saves your eyesight Shields against Alzheimer's Slows aging process
Avocados Battles diabetes Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Controls blood pressure Smoothes skin |
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Bananas Protects your heart Quiets a cough Strengthens bones Controls blood pressure Blocks diarrhea
Beans Prevents constipation Helps hemorrhoids Lowers cholesterol Combats cancerStabilizes blood sugar |
Beets Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Strengthens bones Protects your heart Aids weight loss
Blueberries Combats cancer Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Boosts memory Prevents constipation |
Broccoli Strengthens bones Saves eyesight Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure
Combats cancer Prevents constipation Promotes weight loss Protects your heart Helps hemorrhoids |
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THE EAGLES CAME
By Carol Spirit Dove Henderson
He was an old elder of the Onion Lake Reservation, of the Plains Cree First Nation. He was known as Antoine Little Wolf. As a young warrior he endured many things at the hands of others. He learned to be patient. He taught he's sons hard lessons. He was known to have a sharp tongue in his younger years. He loved to dance the dances of the Fathers. Antoine Little Wolf learned the way of the spirits and had many visions. He was an Elder always giving counsel to who ever wanted it (and sometimes to those who did not want it).
The story of his retuning to the Fathers will be remembered by all who came to his burial. It starts many months before. Little Wolf felt it was time, to share that which he saw with his adopted son and dear friend. For several years, before his old body could no longer do for itself, he sat with his adopted son, talking about many things; told him of sacred places; taught him the ways of the peace pipe; told him of his visions. Mother Earth whispered many things to Little Wolf. Little Wolf wanted to make sure he had done his restitution, wanted to leave behind the old ways which he only knew too well. He wanted to make sure that these things could be taught to his sons, when his sons were ready to receive them. For his sons walked other roads at this time looking at other Gods and not to the Creator. Many nights now Little Wolf talked to the ancestors that came to give him direction and to the Fathers that told him it was soon time for him to come home. Then came Brother Bear.
Brother Bear came in the brightness of the afternoon sun and peered into the small kitchen window looking to talk to his brother. Little Wolf could not see him for his aging eyes were not able to see much of this physical earth any more, but his beloved wife did. Little Wolf could hear his wife shooing away something at the window. He inquired to his beloved wife what was going on and was told about Brother Bear at the window. He asked her if Brother Bear had brought a message from the Fathers for him. She did not know for she had forgotten to ask. It was then that Little Wolf knew it was time.
Little Wolf, because he knew time was of the essence now, started his sacred chants and prayers. It was time to get ready for the ancestor that was going to come and take his spirit home. He talked increasingly more with the Fathers. He talked increasingly more with the ancestors. He saw many visions night and day. His heart was softened, he could no longer see much and his physical body was failing him. But his spirit, oh the spirit of one who does the will of the Fathers, becomes stronger and mightier as they strive to do the will of the Creator. He continued his prayers. His adopted son and friend continued to visit and learn and they talked much, Little Wolf doing most of the talking. They would fall asleep as they sat together and talked of sacred things.
Then at last Antoine Little Wolf was taken to the white man's hospital. His friend now became the white boy that fed him, for he no longer could make out who was there, for now also his hearing was gone. He continued his prayers. His prayers now changed and now the prayers were only to the Creator to send the mighty eagle for his spirit when it was time. He no longer could hear, and maybe wished not to hear, that which was said around him. His concentration was on his spirit and the Creator. For 3 weeks he prayed and chanted and concentrated on what would happen to his spirit. Many things he said to his sons for he wanted to leave this earth knowing he said all and sorted out all that he could for the past mistakes he had made in his life.
He finally let this life come to an end. We all mourned for our elder, our friend, father and grandfather. He taught us much. Helping us grow with much understanding. As we had our wake for him, he was seen many times dancing to the beat of the drummers. He was heard to say .."Pick up the pace boys, pick up the pace." The grave was dug, the casket placed inside. The family in front ready to pick their footsteps around the grave, it was then when it happened. "Look! Look up there!" was the cry with someone pointing to the sky. All came to an immediate stopped in their tracks, how someone dare disturb the solitude, the mourning. But all who heard looked up.
From the east they came. A sight that none in these parts had ever seen before. They were only about 100 feet up in the sky. You could almost reach up and touch the two of them. They were magnificent and grand beyond description. The eagles had come for Little Wolf. Just as he knew they would. There were two of them and they came from the east. They were so close you could hear the swoosh of their wings, so close you could see their piercing eyes, so close you could feel of their spirit. As they came closer circling on the air currents they came to the gravesite and circled around it three times. In awe we all watched as we sensed that they picked up Antoine Little Wolf's spirit and took it with them to the west. It left us awestruck and a feeling of total rejoicing came over everyone.
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Magdala Rameriz Maya Priestess |
Unlocking the Secrets of the Ancient Maya
March 14-23, 2008 - Yucatan Pilgrimage
Journey with Magdala Ramirez, Maya
Priestess
You are invited on a beautiful
journey within your self. This is an initiation that has
been prepared since the beginning of time, just for you, an
initiation that will unravel different ways to perceive reality,
a world inside of a world inside of a world, all inside of you.
Join us into the journey of the
ancient pyramids’ messages, into a knowledge that awakens and
uncovers the true DNA. Join us to embrace, understand, dance,
study, and make ceremonies in the ancient pyramids of the Maya.
Discover a world of virtual reality that is full of light and
ancient knowledge. This initiation will reveal the secrets of
you as the true human being.
We will visit many pyramids, for this is a peregrination, and
in each one much wisdom both inside and outside of the self will
be revealed. This is a Journey that you have been waiting for a
very long time, for it is a life changing experience, to see the
world through the ancestors’ eyes, to see yourself the way the
ancestors did, so beautiful … so perfect…so divine.
We will hold seminars and ceremonies in the ancient Sacred
Places at a very Sacred Time. Call Diane at 800.622.5041 or
visit
http://www.almajourneys.com for more information or to
register.
Upcoming Events:
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Moon Temple Harrison, AR |
Special Healing Sessions |
Magdala Rameriz |
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January 26 |
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