This is a quick project I had been working on and hope that the information can be useful.
I was told at the begining of my reconnection to indigenous culture travels that you practice what you are taught and what makes the most sense to you.
Here are my teachings:
Tobacco:
Tobacco plants have large green leaves that need to be dried and shredded before use. Traditional fried leaf tobacco is most common but organic tobacco and Kinnikinnick (which is a mixture of bear berry, tobacco, and red willow bark) are often used. Tobacco has been used in a sacred way by indigenous peoples for a very long time. Just like sweetgrass, sage and cedar, traditional tobacco is to be burned during prayers and ceremonies in small amounts. Of all traditional indigenous medicines’ tobacco is considered the most powerful. In the past, treaty deals were sealed with tobacco because once a tobacco offering is accepted it must be honoured. Tobacco is also offered to the earth when removing or borrowing something from Mother Nature. When seeking advice or help it is important to offer tobacco. Tobacco has both honor and purpose but when used improperly has no connection to indigenous spirituality.
Sweetgrass:
Sweetgrass is tall, natural wild grass with a sweet scent that grows across north America. It is dried and braided like hair into three strands which represent mind, body, and soul. Sweetgrass is used in smudging, healing, and talking circles because of its positive and renewing effects. It is important to remove all jewelry before smudging with sweetgrass. Unlike sage or cedar which is used to drive away negative energies, sweetgrass is burned to attract positive energies.
Sage:
Sage is a green-grey herb, with velvety leaves. Once Harvested, it is best to store it in a cool, dry place. Sage is often dried and bundled together. These bundles are called smudging sticks. Sage is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out negative spirits, feelings, or influences. Sage smoke is believed to keep bad spirits from entering an area. There are many ceremonies where sage plays an important roll. For example, in a purifying ceremony it is wrapped around an object to purify it. Sage wreaths are places around head and wrists of a Sundancer before the Sundance begins. Sage candles and teas are very popular for their warm, woody scent and flavour.
Cedar: Cedar leaves are flat, dark green with a clear crisp odor. Once the cedar is picked and dried, the leaves (not the branches or bark) are burned in smudging. Burning Cedar drives out negative energy and cleanses objects and areas. Cedar is a very positive medicine and sprawled alone floor in a sweat lodge before a ceremony. During the sweat the cedar helps to drive away negative feelings and energies within you and around you. Cedar Branches can be boiled to make tea that detoxify the body. The cedar spirit is considered wise and ancient. Cedar trees are honored with offerings and prayers after they are cut down.
Water: Fresh clean water is one medicine that we often take advantage of, this cleansing helps the spirit, mind, emotion and body. We often forget to the importance of water as a medicine, however if can be used very often. Water can be heated or cooled, eaten/drunk or used on the skin. When used with the right frame of mind water is a positive medicine that brings cleanliness as well as overall health. It is one of the most cherished gifts that Creator gave the earth.
Cougar/ Mountain Lion:
Juliana Dutrisac’s Personal Medicine Wheel
Animals - these animals reveiled themselves to me in a vision and told me where they belonged
Cougar/ mountain lion
The Cougar represents the East of the medicine wheel. This spirit reminds us to be courageous and be aware of who and where we are. It is a time to learn to take responsibility and to continue to learn. It is a time to connect to the tipi pole teachings, and learn from the community.
Leadership, loyalty, courage, taking responsibility, foresight, sensing danger, awareness.
Calf (cow):
The calf represents the South of the medicine wheel. The calf reminds us what home is, and helps to strengthen our draw to it. The calf and cows remind us of the community that is needed to provide safe and stable environment for our children to thrive. By working together as a group, our lives are safer and communities function better. This family member teaches us to take joy in simple things and love those around us. Be patient with yourself as you are still growing and learning. Take time to connect with the fresh earth, and the budding plants.
Love of home, community, contentment, joy, easy going, patience, grounded.
Black Bear:
The Bear represents the West of the medicine wheel. The Bear has come to realize the potential and power it holds, this kin Teaches us to listen to our instincts and to learn and try new things. The bear teaches us many lessons such as teaching us to be resourceful and aware of our surroundings. This is the time we often get drawn to our callings, helping/ healing our communities, helping the world work together. This spirit helps to guide youth to a path that will aid them in becoming the best that they can, it is an important time to learn from others by watching the consequences (positive and negative) that come from taking paths.
Industrious, instinctive, healing, power, sovereignty, guardian of the world, watcher, courage, will power, self-preservation, introspection, and great strength.
Eagle: The eagle is a powerful spirit, close to the creator. The eagle represents the North of the medicine wheel. The Eagle reminds us of the gifts given from the creator (such as children). The eagle helps to guide us to knowledge and greater connection to our spiritual self. By strengthening our relationship with Creator and by speaking with the Eagle spirit we continue to heal, and begin to feel the freedom that lays ahead of us. Divine spirit, sacrifice, connection to creator, intelligence, renewal, courage, illumination of spirit, healing, creation, freedom, and risk-taker.
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