Native American Philosophy and Spirituality

Comment by Joanne Matthew on December 16, 2011 at 10:21am

When I was very young, and there were no super highways to everywhere, my family would drive along what is known as the Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts every summer.  I was always drawn to the Native American items and culture, but I don’t have a drop of NA blood in me! 

Hot summer nights were spent with the family at the beach, where there was always a band playing, or some other family activity going on. The beach had a large arcade, mini golf, and archery range.  From buying the little bows and arrows at the Mohawk Trail, I took archery in high school.  I taught my younger brother to shoot during those nights at the beach—using a long bow.  It wasn’t until years later that he bought me a fancy compound bow, but my favorite was always the long bow!

I still live in our family home, which was always sort of country style and casual, but when my brother and I inherited the house years back, the style didn’t suit either one of us.  He was more modern and I was more traditional, and we didn’t know how we wanted to redecorate.  Well, one day, I talked him into going to a NA powwow with me, and it suddenly hit both of us—that is what we wanted and what we both liked.  The rest is history—NA art, crafts, photos of animals, nature, feathers everywhere, drums—you name it, I’ve got it.   Several of my tarot decks have native American themes, also, and even my first crystals were purchased at a powwow.  I fall asleep at night listening to the NA flute and drum music! I think I must have been connected to them somewhere in another lifetime. I feel a deep connection to their way of life, and to all of nature.

Each month, under the NA Zodiac page on this group, I will post the Native American Astrological sign and description for that time of the year, beginning this month with the goose (Dec. 22 through Jan. 19).

It is my hope that many of you will share in this group—your knowledge of Native American beliefs, lifestyle, history—whether you share a blood connection to the Native American Clans, or a spiritual connection, as I do.  

Comment by Maureen Flood on December 17, 2011 at 1:18pm

I'll be looking forward to this.

Thanks,

Maureen

Comment by Mimiraj on December 17, 2011 at 1:22pm

I find when I am really uptight the best relaxing music I can play is Native American flute music. When feeling down in the dumps the beat of the drum brings me back into what is important in life. I love the voice of my drum when she sings to me.

Blessings

Comment by Maggie Lukowski on December 17, 2011 at 2:54pm

I am looking forward to participating with everyone and reading the posts!   

Comment by Latifah Abdul'laah on December 17, 2011 at 5:50pm

I am really forward to thisand participating with everyone. What a great idea for a group!

Comment by Joanne Matthew on December 18, 2011 at 2:51pm

Quote for the week of 12/19/2011:

Day and night cannot dwell together. Your religion was written on tables of stone, ours was written on our hearts. (Chief Seattle (Seathl), Duwamish-Suquamish, 1785-1866)

Comment by Joanne Matthew on December 24, 2011 at 11:51am

A quote for the holiday. This is from Red Jacket (Seneca, 1752-1830):

"We also have a religion which was given to our forefathers, and has been handed down to us, their children.  It teaches us to be thankful, to be united, and to love one another! We never quarrel about religion."

 

May you all have peace and joy this holiday!

Comment by Joanne Matthew on January 2, 2012 at 6:00am

Quote for the first week of the New Year 2012:

What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.  It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset. (Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator, 1826-1890)

Comment by Maggie Lukowski on January 2, 2012 at 6:42am

Joanne, a great quote to start the New Year.

Comment by Joanne Matthew on January 2, 2012 at 2:43pm

Yes, thank you, Maggie--it is one of my favorites! A good way to think of our beautiful world all year long.

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