"KILLING OF THE CHILDREN"

by Clem Iron Wing, Randy Jones, Matthew Richter
copyright 1997

WATER AND A CLEARING AMONG BLACK PINES

Journey with Little Owl on his Vision Quest, learn of his heart and his love for you.

Leaving the path's edge Little Owl entered open silent forest. Earlier his feet had made their way through the paths that were worn near the camps and then became sparse as they continued on from the rest. The boy made his own path now, moving across matted pine needles and loose stones covered in dry blue green lichen.

His heart beat quickly and happily because he loved the deep green woods of his people. He was in Paha Sapa, the Black Hills. Everything was fresh and sparkling, even the air grabbed at the back of his throat as he breathed it deep into his lungs. This special place was very different from the thick dusty ravines he had looked over just yesterday in the badlands.

His grandfather, Fast Wolf, had given him his last words several hours ago in the camp they had made alone for the night among gigantic tumbled red rocks, and a nearby pool of water.

He remembered other camps and the many stories of the vision quests he had heard around the campfires. Each story was different, some were dramatic and some less significant, yet all who sought the vision returned with a sureness of their place in the Circle of Life. Each vision seeker was earning their part in moving their people forward in time with honor.

Little Owl remembered his grandfather's words about the place were he would seek his vision, "Think of the lone wolf. Look at how it moves through the forest looking for a place to rest. It will see a place and move creating a circle, observing all things outside of it's ring. The wolf knows within itself when it has found it's proper place."

Little Owl's feet moved without a thought as he approached another ridge. Topping the rise, Little Owl was upon an open place in the thick dark pines. The bubble of water called to him from a cold running stream. He moved toward the stream and saw how crystal clear the water was. Even the shadows cast from thick pine boughs overhead reflected from the top of stones buried below the surface of the rushing water. The singing water drew him down closer toward it. He saw again how crystal clear the water was and knew that many came to the banks of this pleasant place. He raised his head looking around the clearing and noticed animals, none of which feared him. It was because they accept his presence knowing that he belongs. Upstream an elk cow raised it's head and went back to drinking.

His eyes shifted their glance to the blue sky and he saw the tall dark pine tips sizzle and sway gently in a puff of mountain wind. Fast Wolf's words came to him, "If you listen closely to the wind as it blows softly thorough the pines, you will hear the whispers of your spirits."

While Little Owl walked easily around the clearing. He had a feeling that he has walked here before, there was something he recognized in the lay of the land and the living plants that made this small open space their home. With this thought in his mind he knelt down and took a drink from the ever changing water in the crystal clear stream.

He squinted at the sun light dancing along the surface between the reflections of the pines and gray and red rocks while it flowed into the distance.

He remembered Fast Wolf's words, "In each of us there is a stream that has carried the life of all the People. It flows from the Source of Life."

He knew within himself, that he has found the place to seek his vision.

Little Owl rose and looked around the break in the timber for a spot were he could sit in comfort close to the water. He realized that the spot were he now knelt would be the place to seek his vision. It offered all that he would need for the journey. It had water which was the life giving fluid that his body would need. He would sit here seven nights completing the cleansing of himself both physically and spiritually.

He remembered the old ones saying, "When you seek the vision the body must be as clean as possible, so that it is in harmony with the spirit that lives with in. The vision is a link between the physical and spiritual, the link can not be established by one who denies himself water and food. This would only lead to a weakened physical body which would defeat the vision seeker's quest. He would only bring his body to a point of death or have a hallucination of no meaning caused by a body out of harmony and balance. A vision occurs only in the man who has a sound body and spirits, so that the journey into the spiritual realm is a path in which the understanding comes to one who belongs to both worlds. The vision is for the people as well as the seeker."

He also knew that as his body slows down it would require less and less food and water, for he would be living more in the spiritual then the physical realm.

Little Owl had heard the old ones speak of the vision quest many times and in many ways throughout his life. He had heard them speak often of the meanings of the vision and how it carries the people into the future. He knew it is the vision which belongs to all People that makes it's way to the seeker on his quest.

Yes, this is were he would sit to look inside of himself, to find his truth, for when he found the truth inside of himself, then the spirits would come and the vision would begin.

 

THE EAGLE'S FLIGHT

Each morning he rose to face the east, to feel the warmth of Father Sun. He would hold the eagle feather high and sing out to the spirits, that lived within the Sacred Paha Sapa. His voice was high and strong carrying itself far.

 

"Hear me my spirits, for I have journeyed to your land,
That I may learn to be a true servant to our people.
I wish for your wisdom, so that I may bring peace to a troubled land.
I feel within my heart that this can only be accomplished

By bringing your knowledge to the children.
Help me to bring them closer to you, their true parents,
or I know that the parents that care for me
Now are also your children."

"They have been granted the honor
Of continuing the circle of life by my birth.
It is now my turn to honor them by completing the circle,
Which has lead my path to this moment."

 

He looked skyward over the Black Hills. The sun was sinking slowly and the west shone brilliantly with it's fire.

The eagle was circling high on gentle winds, when once again it spotted the boy. It spread it's large wings wide to glide in a path that would take it to the youth. The great bird stretched it's talon's before dark wings and came to light in a tree over-looking the boy. For the past six days it had come to see the boy standing wrapped in a warm blanket. Each day the boy would look up at Father Sun holding the eagle feather high in his hand while singing out to his spirits.

On this day as the boy stood again singing to his spirits when he saw the eagle returning to rest in the same tree. Little Owl turned to it holding his single feather forward and sang out:

 

"Hear me brother eagle.
You have been the messenger of my people.
You travel between the physical and spirit worlds
Carry my heart's thoughts to the spirits
and bridge the gap between the two worlds.
Tell my spirits that I seek the vision
In hopes of helping my people grow"

The snowy headed bird sat perched high in the tree, hearing the appeal of the child. The boy sang to the drum beat of his heart and the wind carried his voice through the pines that stood silent sentry. The eagle sat, making it's perch in the tree, hearing the appeal of the child. It has one eye to the earth the other to the great blue above. It knew this boy had come to it's home to find something. It sensed this boy had come home to find something special and it was about to happen, for this boy and this boy only.

Something that lived in it, old as instinct swept through the bird. It felt, the boy's wait was at an end. The youth would be no more, in his place would be the beginning of a man.

A voice filled the eagle's head, causing it to grip the branch tighter, "The childhood of any child is sacred, it is the time of ones beginning."

The wind began swirling, coming from all directions at once, picking up intensity. The eagle knew it was time to leave this place for the boy was soon to learn the Circle of Life is eternal. It spread it's great wings filling them on the wayward currents, mastering their surges and started its rise into the sky..

The eagle's sudden movement, drew Little Owl's eyes like a magnet. Pressing wings downward then reaching for more of the precious air, the big bird climbed higher. Climbing more with each beat of powerful wings the messenger rose ever higher and higher, it seemed to fade from the physical world and transcend to the spiritual world.

Little Owl sat lost in the wonder of the eagle, it seemed as time had lost all reference. He wondered if his appeal would be answered. He had not noticed the shadows that had drifted softly across the land, bringing the night. He wondered how the day had turned to night in what seemed like just moment. He heard the quick who, who, whoooo of an owl and looked toward the sound. The bird of the night made a dark silent shadow across the twilight as it took flight.

He watched the owl climb into the night sky, beating silent wings until it disappeared into the full moon. Before the boy could think, he saw the bird was replaced by a man and woman! They hung in the still night air locked in time, than slowly, ever so slowly drifted down toward him on a cushion of air.

They came to stand not more then ten feet in front of him. Little Owl sat staring at them his mouth open not daring to move. He felt to do so would cause them to disappear back into the moon. A thought came into his mind saying, "You are home", then it was gone.

 

THE WARRIOR AND A YOUNG WOMAN

 

The man, Little Owl could see was without a doubt a warrior. He stood easily over six feet tall alert and comfortable. His smoothly muscled body spoke of strength and balance. His hair

was braided on one side, the other side hung loose with a lone eagle feather tied into it. The Warrior's face was solid as if carved from stone. He had a strong jaw line and firm mouth with a nose that fit his face just right. His high cheek bones set off his dark eyes making them look like they had been fashioned by a jeweler's hand and they could hold you away or draw you into the depths where you may not wish to go.

To a woman he would be handsome, but it was his eyes that gathered Little Owl. When he looked deep into them, Little Owl felt himself being drawn in and he knew that they would show all the emotions of hate, joy, sorrow, tenderness, and the true caring of love. He knew these eyes have seen all and some that Little Owl knew he could not understand yet. When Little Owl looked closer at this man's clothing he saw among the fringe of the leggings, a coup stick dangling from a rawhide strap tied around his wrist.

When Little Owl pulled his eyes away from the Warrior and looked at the Woman he saw

the man put his arm around her. She in turn looked up into the Warrior's face with a smile as her face lit with a beauty that radiated from within.

This Woman stood straight and proud, her head just topping the warriors shoulder. She was slim and gave the impression of a willow, strong yet moving softly in a gentle wind. She was clothed in a white buckskin dress and around her slender well-formed neck hung a necklace made of rawhide, braided to hold a medallion of porcupine quills. The quills were dyed the colors of the four creeds, red, black, white and yellow.

Her hair was a rusty brown, worn long and the braids lay over her shoulders onto the front of her white dress. Each braid was tied with a strip of leather, and hanging from those strips swung a small eagle feather. Her face was smooth and unblemished, with what could be described as a healthy tan, neither dark nor light. Her light colored eyes stood out and changed from gray to blue, as well as many shades of light brown. In them shone all the tenderness of a mother, yet the sparks that danced around the edges spoke of the passions of a woman.

Little Owl let his eyes drift down from her face to her waist where he saw cradled in her arm a pipe and hanging from her hand a tobacco pouch. This pipe was plainly carved and from it hung two eagle feathers. The tobacco pouch was made of buffalo hide and covered with a design of porcupine quills. Little Owl remembered the teachings of his grandmother and how this sacred pipe came to be.

Long ago when the anger of his people was high, because others would not let them live in peace, a beautiful young woman, such as this one, had come to one of his people in a vision. She gave the people a pipe of peace so that when angry, the people would talk of peace, as humans, rather than fight as animals.

His mind sought for the memories of that vision when a soft voice said, "There is time in the future to remember, but for now we have others for you to meet."

The boy looked at her and she smiled, raising her empty hand and holding it to her full red lips as if blowing him a kiss. She blew softly across her palm. Wondering the meaning of her gesture Little Owl looked to her eyes and he saw her gaze was directed at a spot to his right. To his surprise he saw a small twister. It appeared to him that she had created it with the kiss she had blown.

The small twister stirred the earth not more than twenty feet from him. While he watched it grow it built a dark cloud of dust trapped in it's own force. Suddenly the twister stopped and the dust slowly settled.

When the dust was gone two people had appeared there, an ancient man and woman, both with faces as old as time. The young Woman spoke again.

"They are the winds of time. The past is always the builder of the present, and on into the future."

 

 

GRANDMOTHER AND GRANDFATHER

 

While the young Woman spoke, Little Owl looked closely at the two who had come from the twister. The ancient woman's face, was lined with age and showed the beauty of time. Wrapped in a white buffalo robe she sat proudly, her eyes sparking with life. Her hair lay braided and long, matching the color of her buffalo robe, white like snow. She let the buffalo robe fall from her shoulders and Little Owl saw a most beautiful white buckskin dress. The yoke of her dress was covered with porcupine quills in many colored designs. On one shoulder lay the medicine wheel, on the other a pipe of red stone and wood. She turned away from Little Owl, to look at the old man and Little Owl saw there in a thousand quills on her back the image of brother eagle, wing tips out, touching each of her shoulders.

The old man who stood next to her leaned on a long staff and his wrinkled face showed the years of his age earned through endless time unbroken. He was an old man of average height, leaning on the traditional staff a wise elder. This staff was covered with buffalo hide and tied into the arch were seven eagle feathers. Each was dyed a unique color, one white, one red, another yellow, a fourth black. Below these were multicolored eagle feathers, one of black and yellow, another of red and white and a seventh of all these colors together in one. He relaxed for a moment meeting the gaze of Little Owl and as if to reveal himself lets his robe fall gently to the ground. It is pliable and makes a soft tumble downward to reveal the man is dressed simply in buckskin shirt, breech cloth and leggings. He holds in his hand the full wing of an eagle fan. As Little Owl looked at the lines on his face and imagined the many paths a man must journey down. Looking again into his eyes he sensed the history that lived with in this man.

The young Woman spoke again, "In the teachings of our spirits these are our grandparents, therefore making them yours. It is our way to honor them by calling them grandparents."

The old man looked at Little Owl and said, "You have come seeking your vision, so that you may find your path in life and help your people. You have heard of the vision from many, and each has a different way of telling what it is."

The old man raised his fan and reassured the boy, "I will tell you the true meaning so you may never doubt. All people have searched and found ways to communicate with their spirits. The vision is the way of the People. To our people it is the bridge that has been built with the unbreakable belief in their spirits. It is the way for the spirits to pass on the lessons of the circle of life. Then the people can live in harmony, questing to live as a true human being."

The wind stirred the deep green pines and Grandfather continued, "The vision is not granted to all who seek it, but is only granted in times of need for the people. The people who receive the vision must look at all children with the heart of a father or mother and the vision is only granted to those who care for all people. It will be given only to the ones who can experience the truth and speak of it."

Grandfather drew a long breath, "In the vision the rights and wrongs of the people are spoken to move the People ahead. Honor and shame must always be told with in the light of Father Sun, so that all people may grow. Spirits are always pulling the people towards the meaning of the human, always telling of the dangers of becoming like the animal. Those who live like the animal will remain on the outside of the circle of life. They are only able to see the physical world, never knowing the beauty of the spirit world."

The old man motioned toward the deep cover of the pines with his fan and went on, "The animals that I am speaking of Little Owl are not the animal that we share Mother Earth with and rely upon for our existence. The animals I speak of are the people who do not quest to be a human being. They take no responsibility for their actions and they have no honor for their family, culture or spirits. They have turned their back upon the spiritual teachings of the people and seek only the physical pleasures that bring hardships to the Circle of Life. These people destroy Mother Earth for their current needs, never thinking of the children who will inherit their legacy of waste."

Grandfather's voice quickened, "They forget their responsibilities to their children who deserve the understanding of the balance of the physical and spiritual which can only be provided by the energies of the mother and father. A child must have a balance within their Circle of Life, so their circle grows and they will have the chance to maintain this balance. It is balance which will provide the harmony needed for this child's growth as a human. For does not a child thrive when the father and mother are united in the love and responsibility of that child?"

Grandfather looked at his robe on the ground and then at the boy, "Little Owl we will speak more of this as the vision continues. So always remember this Little Owl, those who live like the animal will remain on the outside of the circle of life. They can only live in the world of man for in the world of the spirits they will have to stand on the outside of the Circle of Life until all the wrongs done by them have been put right."

Little Owl suddenly smelled the scent of dry pine needles on the forest floor as his Grandfather continued,

"In the vision, time has no meaning. All that has happened before has been told in a vision of the past. What is to come will be told in the present, so that the children may have a future. There is more to the vision and as you journey in yours, you will learn. You have come here as a child to share a moment in time with the ones who will stand before you. We are here to share our knowledge with you. Knowledge is like a seed that blows freely on the winds of the Four Directions as they move across the land. The seed of knowledge comes to rest on fertile ground and it grows into to it own uniqueness."

The old man reached out his empty hand toward the boy and opened it, palm up. His face softened and he nodded his head,

"What this means Little Owl is that I will stand here as your teacher along with others that will join us. The knowledge we will give you is to help you grow into a man, a man who has honor and knows that the truth that they may speak of is like a seed in full bloom within their hearts."

Grandfather knitted his brow pulling his hand back and spoke,

"The teacher must teach individuality from the beginning so others may grow knowing the child can never be the teacher but is a unique being. Your People have learned they are beyond the self importance of their teachers it is the individual who moves the People ahead. It is a sheep that believes it must be led and this in turn insults the teacher.

Grandfather bent over pulling his robe beneath him and sat on it. His mouth formed a smirk as he looked at Little Owl and said,

"When you leave this vision perhaps you will say 'My teacher taught me this, it is the way things are!'. Know, Little Owl, it is then that you become unworthy of the teacher. For only an insecure child will speak out loud saying, 'This is how I was taught!'. To do this denies your own individuality and shows instead a child who refuses to face life on their own by hiding behind their teacher. It is a true teacher who plants the seed of knowledge and walks away knowing the winds of time will blow across that seed enhancing or diminishing it. When the seed flourishes in it's time it must be relevant for others in that time and culture for it to grow in another heart. So remember that when you point to another to say what is in your heart, consider what you have learned not just what you have been told or you have insulted that teacher, for you are saying the teacher did not know that as your Circle of Life grows, the understanding will also change."

With that he became silent, and looked to the Warrior.

The warrior now moved to stand in front of Little Owl, gazing silently looking down at him,

in deep thought. He sat down in front of Little Owl and said,

"You have come seeking the vision. Everywhere you have looked, you have felt the suffering of our people. You wish to walk the path of a man, one which will enable you to help the ones who lost the understanding of how to live our spiritual and cultural ways. In the vision you will be given the knowledge to become the servant of the people so that they may journey back to the Circle of Life."

The Warrior's forehead stretched smooth in controlled tension and his nostrils drew a quick breath before he spoke, "The path you will walk is one filled with sadness and shame. You will see very little of honor or caring for those who have protected the knowledge of the old ways. What you will find is how the animal side of the human rules."

He paused as if to go on but rose to his feet and said,

"For now that is all I will say."

He then moved back to stand next to the beautiful Woman. Little Owl's eyes followed him as he returned to the others.

Little Owl wanted to say something, anything, but what, he did not know. If this was a vision of what the Grandfather and the Warrior spoke of, what should he say? Or, if this was just a dream, then if he spoke, it would be gone. He would wake up with only the wish for the vision. These thoughts raced through his mind.

They were stopped by the voice of the warrior,

"This is no dream Little Owl, this is the vision you have come searching for, with it you will find your life's path, if you choose. When you understand what Grandfather has said, then you will be able to show the ones who wish to learn and live in the Circle of Life, the way home. Always remember you can only show the path, you can not make anyone walk it."

"The ones before you now are the spirits who will be with you throughout your life on Mother Earth. They will be with you when it has ended and your spirit starts its journey down the Milky Way. There will be many more who seek you out as you learn, but for now it will be us, as you take your first step as a man. The grandparents are yours and will give you the vision of life lived and learned."

Little Owl looked to the Grandparents. Grandfather stood again this time holding the eagle wing fan toward the elderly woman. He looked at Little Owl,

"There is only one name for this woman who sits wrapped in this Sacred White Buffalo Robe she is called Grandmother. There are many with in your physical world who refer to her and the other Grandmothers as the one who will meet you at the start of the Milky Way when you cross to the spiritual world."

With that Grandfather turned and took his place by the old woman. He made himself comfortable then she took his hand and smiled at him knowingly. She then turned her attention to Little Owl and said,

"What Grandfather has said is true. I have waited for many people to cross over and start their journey down the Milky Way. I have stood there with the love of a Grandmother who waits for a grandchild returning from a journey. You have heard in the physical world that I stand there in judgment waiting to turn away my grandchildren who have stumbled, this is wrong. I am a woman of wisdom who has learned of life though time and hardships, I have experienced joy and sorrow and all the human emotions that flow on the winds of time. I do not condemn my grandchildren, but hold them within my arms and weep the tears of sorrow. I know the tears that flow in speaking the truth will be like the spring rain which will cause the streams to wash away the dirt and make all their paths clean once more. As a Grandmother I will show you your wrongs so that you may learn from them and move on in honor, but know that as your Grandmother I would never condemn you and turn you away."

With that she turned her attention to the Warrior and his wife, the young Woman, and became silent.

The Warrior placed his arm around the young Woman and spoke again to Little Owl,

"We will be as a Mother and Father, always standing by you with the caring of a parent. As a mother and father we would have given up our physical lives for your safety. As spirits that are indestructible we will share with you the knowledge of a parent, for we know that the path that you will walk in your physical life will contain many pit falls."

The Warrior's face shone with a gentle smile, "When you fall we will be there to help you. When your path is smooth and you bring honor to your people we will be honored. When you cross over to the spirit world to answer for your wrong, we will stand by you in your shame and we will talk of your honor. We have traveled in the physical world for a short time and we have journeyed in the spiritual world for an eternity.

The Warrior's strong face turned to the night sky and his arm extended upward while he spoke, "We have witnessed many different physical lives on our journey back to the Source and know that any path that a human walks contains both shame and honor."

He looked down at Little Owl, "Yet, we know that the most important lesson any person, who would be human, must learn is to turn their shame into honor. We know you have many things to ask us, but first let Grandfather introduce you to your brothers and sisters."

 

THE SEVEN CHILDREN APPEAR

 

Little Owl looked back to the Grandfather, now it was the old man who looked to the night sky. He raised his eagle fan, and pointed and spoke to Little Owl, as a teacher would to a student,

"Look to the stars and watch."

A bright star spread out with many colors through the sky. A crimson red radiated towards him, to stop and shimmer then become a boy. A boy unlike any boy Little Owl had ever seen. Everything about this boy, from his long shining braids, to his doe-skinned moccasins, were all the many shades of red, his body red as blood. As he looked at the boy's eyes, he saw they danced like the flame of a newly built fire. Little Owl saw the medicine wheel tied into one of the young boy's braids.

The Red child raised his small hand and pointed at a white star that sparkled like a diamond. A soft white light shot down from the point of the star, and in the next moment another young child appeared, this one a small girl. Her long hair and smooth skin were as white as newly fallen snow.

She was dressed in the custom of Little Owl's people, from long ago. She held a hoop made of willow, tied with rawhide. She knelt down and placed it gently on the ground, and stood once more. She reached out toward the Red child with her tiny, delicate hand as he did in return and she held the boy's hand tenderly.

As both hands met two words went through Little Owl's mind, flesh and blood, and then they were gone. His mind once more on the two children of color, he saw them both look to the sky again. Little Owl looked quickly up again along with them. Another star stood out from the rest. It started glowing bright yellow, as if a small piece of sun had escaped the daytime to enter the forbidden blackness of night. It descended on the group moving with the grace of an eagle and came to a resting place next to the other children. It's brightness softened to the color of deep gold and a form took shape. Another young boy had appeared next to the girl identical to the Red boy child, except his coloring was the yellow pellets of a wild sunflower, swaying softly on the open prairie.

Little Owl looked closer at this Yellow boy, he saw the carving of a turtle, hanging around his neck. The three children joined hands, with the girl in the middle, and they all looked skyward again. Little Owl eagerly set his gaze upwards. This time there was nothing, a total blackness took over the sky but he knew some thing was there, silent and moving like the owl in the night. A black swirling cloud appeared next to the other children. He shot a look once more at the darkness of the sky, the stars and moon had taken their forms once more.

Little Owl looked back to the cloud and the children and as he expected another child had appeared along side of them. She was a carbon copy of the young girl of White, but her color was black, deep and rich as ebony wood. Like the other children, she held something of his People's heritage also. The coup stick of honor. She knelt and placed it on the ground and then took her place with the other children.

The four children held hands and formed a circle and a voice, singing, came from their midst.

Clear and strong, but with the softness of a child, it spoke to him,

 

"We are the children of your people.
The colors that make up all of Mother Earth's children
Come from us.
In us you will find the reason of the human being.
When life starts it is time to learn and grow."

"Pride is in the knowledge of caring.
Our honor speaks of the child that has been placed on the path of life.
Children grow by receiving the understandings
of the spiritual teaching that has built their culture.

They will know from where they have come,
They will never doubt where they belong.
This is the way in which the path home to their people is open and clear,
So they can complete the circle of life."

And the voice fell silent. With that the children stood in a half circle and the voice which seemed to come from all of them and spoke,

"We are the original children of the Medicine Wheel that has existed from the beginning of the people, but as you know the Circle of Life is growing continuously and yet the animal refuses to acknowledge all the children that live within the Medicine Wheel. Let us bring forth your other brothers and sisters."

With that the Red child and White child moved away from the others, embraced and looked to the night sky. Little Owl also followed their eyes to look at the stars. He saw two stars collide setting off a display of red and white colors that shot a stream down to the earth landing in blaze of sparks next to the two unblinking children who looked up. In the blink of an eye another child stood there displaying the colors of red and white.

In appearance he was similar to the Red child, but also had the many shades of White moving through his body as well. Little Owl looked closer and wondered if it was the color of red or white that moved about his body.

Then the voice of the Grandfather entered his mind, "The spirit must have a home when it enters the physical. The red and white that flow through this youth's body represents the flesh and blood of two people coming together in unity. The love of two cultures have created a home for the spirit to enter the physical plane. Now look to the youth and see another symbol."

When Little Owl looked upon the Red and White boy he saw the youth was dressed in the old tradition as the other boys were but this boy had a Medicine Bag hanging around his waist on the left side.

The Red and White boy suddenly looked directly at Little Owl with great intensity and spoke,

"There is a meaning to the Medicine Bag that I will explain to you in the proper time, but for now look to the other children."

Little Owl looked to the Black Child and the Yellow Child they joined hands. They turned slowly in a circle, as he watched. They moved faster and faster again turning more quickly each time until it was like the cycles of day and night repeating itself at a rapid pace.

Once again a voice entered Little Owl's head. This time it was Grandmother saying,

"The human needs the day to observe and grow in the light of Father Sun, yet it is only half of the human needs, for the other half is the understanding of the Moon Maiden. She invokes in all humans the restfulness of the night. It is the Moon Maiden who pulls upon the oceans creating the tide that washes against the body of the Mother Earth, so does she also pull on the emotions of the woman in love. She creates the cycles of the cleansing of a woman preparing her for the cycle of motherhood."

Grandmother's voice continued, "She draws from each individual the emotions that are essential to all who live in the circle of life. She equally pulls on the man enhancing his dreams of the young woman that lives within his heart, the young woman whom he hopes to make his wife. When those dreams become reality then the cycle of life starts."

The grandmother's voice paused then directed Little Owl, "Now watch the unity of these two children and observe their gift of life."

The Black Child and the Yellow Child stood together embracing melting into each other so that no longer were they separate, but now a single child. As Little Owl looked at this new child he understood that this little girl incorporated the night and day of the human race. She was like the others dressed in the traditional custom of Little Owl's people. In her small hand she held a drum that she was beating softly in time to a heart beat. Little Owl's eyes followed her when she walked to the other children and he was surprised to see that the Black and Yellow children stood there also.

Little Owl looked at the six children while they formed a circle and a single new voice came from their midst,

"Before you stand the four creeds of the past and the two creeds of the present, so look

to the stars and see what the future will become!"

Little Owl looked to the night sky he saw six shooting stars unlike any that he had ever seen all coming from different directions to collide not in an explosion, but in a unity to become one. Then there was a flash of blinding white light that cause him to close his eyes and when he opened them he saw the light had softened. He saw in it's center standing a lovely young girl.

She had within her the four colors of the original creeds, the White, the Yellow, the Red and the Black. The way the colors flow throughout her body and her dress they enhanced her beauty, creating a design of the Medicine Wheel, the sacred symbol of the Sioux.

Little Owl watched her as she knelt down extended both hands and picked up a headdress of eagle feathers. She held it out and upward as if she was making an appeal to the Great Spirit.

Her voice strong and vibrant spoke out,

"When a leader of the people has earned the honor to posses an eagle feather though his knowledge of the physical and spiritual worlds, then and only then will he have the opportunity to earn each one of the eagle feathers that make up the head dress. The headdress is a symbol of the balance of spiritual and physical, the man who wears this must address all issues as a father. He is the father of all creeds who walks the path of a spiritual man and the path of a leader. Knowing of both these is the essence of the human. Both must be in harmony for the individual to let their creative nature show with the sureness of one's belonging."

The child of four colors held the headdress high over her head for a moment then lowered it to her chest with an embrace looking at all the children present.

She spoke again, "With this understanding one will know that the unity of the creeds is essential for mankind to thrive in the womb of Mother Earth, for with this knowledge of all belonging is important to the people. It will in return create new wombs throughout the universe. For in the future we will find new worlds in the heavens. Some will bear life, some will wait for new life but if we do not know how to earn the honor that the eagle feather represents the meaning of the headdress is lost to us."

She stopped and held the magnificent headdress gently forward, "What awaits us in the universe are the past wrongs done on Mother Earth to her children. This is why the true meaning of the headdress must be kept sacred."

The child fell silent and the old woman held out her hand to the children and said, "Come sit with me."

The children each in their turn along with Little Owl moved to her and sat around her as Grandmother looked at Little Owl and said,

"You have come seeking your vision so that you may find your path in life. One that you may follow to help your people. You have heard of the vision from many, and each has a different way of telling what it is. I will tell you the true meaning so you may never doubt."

Grandmother settled into her place before the children and began to speak,

"All people have searched and found ways to communicate with their spirits. The vision is the way of the People. To our people it is the bridge that has been built with the unbreakable belief in their spirits. It is the way to pass the lessons of the Circle of Life. Then the people can learn and live always moving forward in their quest to live as a true human being."

Her eyes turned to the vision seeker and she asked him, " Little Owl do you understand what a true human being is?"

Little Owl startled that with all he had seen was now being asked as an equal among these amazing children. Even such as it was he responded,

"My Grandmother told me that for any person to become a true human they must understand the spiritual teaching of the people, while never forgetting their physical needs. A human will learn to bring harmony to both aspects of their being."

Grandmother said, "Very good Little Owl your family has shown their honor by placing before you the spiritual teachings of your culture. Whereas the animal no longer understands the spiritual teachings but has denied each child as being accepted whole by our people. In you lives the true way of our people. The false ones when abandoning the teachings abandon part of the child yet when doing this they want to lay claim to living within the circle of life something they are no longer able to do. Because the animal could never understand as you do that Future will belong whole to our people just as the original child belonged to our people."

The old woman smiled at the boy who sat with the others before her and said, "Now hear the words of Grandfather."

Grandfather moved into the circle to stand in front of Little Owl. He stood silently looking down at him as if lost in deep thought. Then he sat down and said,

"You have come seeking the vision. Everywhere you have looked, you have felt the suffering of our people. You wish to walk the path of a man, one which will enable you to help the ones who have lost the understanding to live our spiritual and cultural way. You wish to help your people, so they may learn the meaning of a human being, that they may journey back to the Circle of Life."

Little Owl nodded his head and Grandfather continued, "Long ago we were always known as the people. As a people we are only one of the many, as displayed by the Medicine Wheel, that inhabit Mother Earth."

Holding his staff in one hand Grandfather gestured toward the boy with the eagle fan, "Little Owl when you look at the colors of the Medicine Wheel know that they represent the Four Creeds of the human race. For in your day all people will find belonging and honor in one of those colors."

"The path you will walk is one filled with sadness and shame. In the Old Way any culture would be honored by having those from another race seeking to learn the lessons of their ways. They would honor

those people with their teaching. When those people have learned, then they would be one of

that creed. No one would let the color on the outside blind them to the true essence of that person, who now is apart of them. In your time even the children of our people are only claimed for that part of them that is of Sioux Blood, the other left with no belonging. This can also be said of all other creeds. This is the greatest shame of any people claiming to be human."

Grandfathers voice grew louder as he continued,

"You will also see the shame of a people that forget to honor or care for their elderly. They

shamefully waste the knowledge and experience of the Elders. They would rather listen to the

babbling of a self important person who posses a diploma, but lacks the dignity of knowledge gained though experience."

The old man paused and then said, "But Little Owl, let us save these subjects for the council. Now you will hear from your Spirit Father."

The Warrior rose from his seat and turned to Little Owl, he spoke in strong sure tones,

"Little Owl, this is the vision you have come searching for. It will show to you the path to

walk in your life, if you choose. When you understand what Grandfather has said, then you will

be able to show the ones who wish to learn and live in the circle of life, the way home. Always remember you can only show the path, you can not make some one else walk it."

The Warrior pointed with his chin to the circle of children, the elders and the Woman,

"The ones before you now are the spirits who will be with you throughout your life on Mother

Earth. They will be with you when it has ended and your spirit starts its journey down the path that Father Sun marks so well. There will be many more who seek you out as you learn, but for now it will be us, as you take your first step as a man. The children are your brothers and sisters, who will ask of you their protection. The grandparents are yours and will give you the vision of life lived and learned."

The Woman in white buckskins stood and moved to his side, he placed his arm around her and continued to speak,

"We will be as Mother and Father, always standing by you with caring. We know you have many things to ask us."

He smiled and went on. "We also know that you will ask us things as you learn, things that will not have even entered your mind yet. So, let us start the path that as a man you will walk."

 

LITTLE OWL RECEIVES THE NAME OF A MAN

The Woman broke in hurriedly, "He cannot walk the path of a man if he does not have the name of a man."

The warrior looked at her and said, "As always, you know when I hurry too much and you are right. He has earned the right to be known as a man. What would you call him?"

The Woman looked at Little Owl and said, "He must have a name of a warrior, and of a father, one which will show his strength and caring."

Then she looked at the children and asked, "What would you name this man, for you already know his path in life?"

As with any small group of children, they giggled and showed their excitement at being given

the honor of naming Little Owl. Then they grew silent, and talked a while amongst themselves.

The Red child broke from the group and spoke,

"We have decided to let Snow give him the name of a man, for she is gifted in choosing names that show the meaning of a person."

With that, the White child, the one they called Snow, moved to stand before Little Owl and said,

"Your name has both a spiritual and physical meaning. In the physical world, when you walk the path of a man, you will stand alone. You must be strong, yet bend with the wind in the storms of love and hate. You must show the protection of one who cares, to shelter others who face the same."

The White child placed both hands one each on either side of the hoop she carried, "In the spiritual world the lone tree represents the cycle of life. A spirit enters into the physical world as water would enter into the roots of a tree, crossing from the source to the physical plane. When the child is born and the cord is cut the spirit enters into the physical world. The spirit travels through the body of the human in life like the water in a tree. The roots are deep within the Great Spirit and grow from this source of nurturing.

She continued, "The trunk extends outward into the physical world. The branches that extend from the trunk of the tree are the many paths that an individual will walk on his quest to seek his unique understanding of life. When the cycle of life is completed the water will again return to the source. This is the same as with the spirit as it leaves the body and returns home to the Great

Spirit. The spirit is like a son or daughter, who brings home to their parents a gift of their uniqueness. They now posses a matchless life experience, that is like no other, therefore enhancing the Great Mystery. Like any mother or father is enhanced by a child who returns from a long journey, they bring with them the knowledge and maturity of new experiences. So make all your decisions and judgments with honor for in the spiritual world all will be waiting to hear of your journey."

Snow, the fair child showing the many shades of white spoke again after a pause, "Your name as a man will be Lone Tree. You will feel the sorrow, the hurt and many other emotions that will try to break you. But, in those times, always think of a tree standing alone in the middle of the Badlands, and know that its roots are deep in Mother Earth as your spirit is deep within your people. Know that the light of Father Sun is always showing you the way home."

She was then silent, looking at him with innocence and trust as only a child can. After a few moments silence in which she looked carefully at the young man, she spoke again,

"Yes, as a lone tree in the Badlands I would seek your protection in the storms of life and

know safety."

With these words she turned and went back to the others. Lone Tree's mind turned over and again what Snow had said. He was a man with a man's name and one of meaning, one which he would fashion his life after, just as this White child said. Yes, it was a name of honor.

They all sat in silence thinking, like Lone Tree, of what had been said.

The silence was broken by Grandfather, "Lone Tree is a name to be proud of, but the honor must be in you. As you grow you will learn how to earn honor."

Snow said, "The tree represents strength, yet within the storm it must bend in the strong winds in order to survive. By bending the tree will be able to stand again strong and proud."

"Remember, when you feel that you can not continue or when time burdens your spirit you must bend in order to survive. The other part of your name is to help you in your trying times when you will feel so alone. You must be like the solitary tree that stands in the Bad Lands, drawing your strength from your roots that run deep within the spirits.

The White child released one hand from the hoop and it swung easily from the other to her side. She continued to speak to Lone Tree,

"When your vision is complete and you return to the people, the old ones will meet you with many questions so that they may translate your experience to the people. Tell the old ones the meaning of your name and they will perform your naming ceremony for you. In this way your spiritual name will also be your physical name. The people will understand that you are a servant of the people, for being a servant is the only way for a human earn the honor. When you have learned you will understand that a "human" knows that the only true honor is not what others may think of you, but only the honor that you feel inside. For this is where the spirit lives and your spirit will carry this for eternity."

With these words Snow turned and walked to sit near Grandmother. While she moved away from Lone Tree, Grandfather had gotten to his feet, his loose hair moved slowly. He steadied his weight between two feet and the staff he used to rise from his seated place.

The Grandfather raised his free hand palm up and swept it gently in a circle acknowledging all present in the movement, "We are here as your family, we see no difference between the physical and spiritual world in reference to family. Your family extends from you all the way back to the Source. Just like the tree, your family tree branches off in many directions, but all return to the sources from which life has started. This is why our people, the Sioux, find so much pride in

greeting others by saying the 'We Are All Related'. We all come from the Great Spirit, so how

can we not be related?"

"We are here with you as family, no better or worse than you. We share a common quest with

you, the caring and safety of our children. We share your desire to give the knowledge to the

children, so that they may live as true human beings. Each will gain the understanding of life in

their own individual way. They can live within the circle of life and allow their circle to grow to it's full potential, whether it be on your side in the physical world or in the spirit world in which we live."

All eyes moved back and forth between Lone Tree as he listened and to Grandfather as he spoke, "A vision is only a link between us that has been built from the beginning of time. For the people have understood that death was not an ending, but only a release from the physical to the spiritual. The old ones knew that life continues on within the spiritual world and that each family member that has left this world was starting on a journey that would take them to the Milky Way and beyond."

"In the vision and in our world time has a different meaning. So we will tell you things of past, present, and from that you will see what is to come. We are here to hold council with you, as is the way of our people. To tell you about our honor and pride, but also our shame."

With that grandfather took his fan and drew it across his body in an arc. A small campfire appeared in a flat clearing not far away. The others rose, walked to it and sat in a circle around it.

Grandfather said to Lone Tree, "Let us join them."

 

WHEN THE SEVEN CREEDS ARE UNITED
THE CHILDREN HAVE MEANING

 

When Lone Tree rose, he saw the Woman who stood next to the warrior had not moved, she was still standing where she had during his naming. The young man looked questioningly at Grandfather.

The old man spoke, "Let us sit with the others, and you will understand."

After they were all seated, Grandfather spoke, "We all know your name Lone Tree and it's meaning, and you know Snow's name. Let me introduce the others, your Grandmother's name is of course, Grandmother. It is a name of honor.

"Grandmother, is a name that can only be earned by being a true mother, caring for all the needs of a child then continuing on with that same caring to the children of her children feeling all the emotions of a true mother for as long as the circle of life grows. Even now, her family grows. We will talk more of this name of honor, and how it is being used by the people of the animal, bringing shame to such a great name."

Grandfather gestured and continued speaking, "The black child on her right is known as Night Wind. Her color is as important as the other colors of the other children, for without her we would not have night to rest and to feel at peace. She is all the tenderness of the ones who speak softly of love in the shadows of night. She holds within her the many shades of black flowing through her body acknowledging the honor of all black races. As with all children who sleep in the light of the Maiden's Moon, there is a time to rest and a time to dream of a world in harmony. Her name means this:"

"She holds the Coup Stick of Honor that only a warrior can posses for it shows that in the heat of battle when the animal of destruction is high within our being there was a warrior whose understanding of the human being overrode the evil of the animal."

Grandfather opened his mouth and began to sing gently,

 

"The night wind blows gently across the land and
Brings with it the tenderness of mother and father.
On the winds flow the whispering voices
A child's Spirits speaking of the People's ways,
growing in harmony and acceptance of all."

As Grandfather began the song all the children smiled and looked at each other nodding their approval of Grandfather's introduction of Night Wind.

The old man's voice finished the last note and trailed spiraling downward. Then he spoke, "Next to her is Little Sun. His name is for the preciousness of the child in which all things can grow. His name is always a reminder of Father Sun and Mother Earth existing in harmony. All the yellow races that thrive under the warmth of Father Sun can be seen living within the glowing appearance of this boy. He stands within the light of Father Sun creating harmony within all races of humans, signifying that knowledge will grow."

"He is wearing the turtle which explains time and the journey back to the Great Source through time endless. When we cross over we will wish to travel this path home as the turtle travels in the physical world, slowly savoring each experience so we may learn."

Again Grandfather's voice lifted into the night sky and each in the circle rode on it's beautiful truth.

"A child allowed to grow in the light of Father Sun
with knowledge of his culture, his religion and spiritual ways
will flourish like the flowers on the prairie.
He will have the ability to bring growth and harmony to all races."

 

Grandfather spoke again, "You have heard from Snow and her name you know. She holds a hoop made of willow, tied with rawhide representing the Circle of Life. Like the snowflake each circle of life is unique and must be accepted for this. She represents all the shades of white, in this way she represent the honor of the white races. All these shades of white flow through her body with the vibrancy of life."

"Like snow fallen from the sky, a child will melt in your caring and something beautiful is allowed to grow, misused it can turn to ice, and be broken. Then her beauty is lost because the animal does not understand the true spirit of the child."

Grandfather sang out into the fresh night air, the Sioux meaning of Snow's name,

 

"Each snowflake is unique and only one of a kind.
Landing in harmony with the earth,
It melts and something beautiful will grow.
The snow flake like a child, if misused, will turn to ice

Destroying the beauty and individuality of the child.
We have all seen the blizzards of the Northern storms.
Some only view the blizzard as something harsh and cruel, something to fight.

But to the Sioux the blizzard in a learning place.
It confines you to the Teepee.
It allows you time to think.
The Sioux have learned to look into the blizzard

To see the uniqueness of the snowflakes.
With this understanding we have learned that the blizzard,
When it melts in the care of Father Sun,
Will provide the nourishment of Mother Earth to grow."

Grandfather turned at the ending of his song to look at Little Owl,

"Young Blood, the Red child, represents the blood that flows through all life. When the lessons of the spirits are learned the blood is strong and life is enjoyed. When the lessons of the spirits are lost the animal rules with no understanding of the consequences of what their actions may bring. When this happens the body and mind becomes weak allowing disease to enter into the blood. When health is lost their blood is weak and the people die. If one does not balance life with the understanding of the physical and spiritual, then the harmony of life can never be experienced."

"Young Blood is a boy that represents the honor of all the Red races. The medicine wheel hanging around his neck shows the honor of all races and represents how all equally belong to the circle of life and that we are all related."

Once again Grandfather's voice rose singing to fill the circle before him,

 

"When the spiritual, religious and cultural ways of the people are known
then the blood of the people is strong.
The human moves toward the future in a balanced manner."

 

"Next to him you will see Breeds. He carries the ability to know and represent the honor of both Red and White creeds. All humans are made of flesh and blood, both are equally essential for survival of a human. A child who has a mother and father of different races, must be given the opportunities to know and learn of their quest to live as a human in order to grow and live in balance. This balance enables the uniqueness of the child to flourish."

The old man leaned firmly on his staff as he spoke,

"Breeds must be able to share in the struggle of learning. He must know of their success and of their shame done in destruction. He must learn of these creeds by their honor and by their glory as each is dealt by those of that race. For to acknowledge the meaning of a race you must learn and accept the good and bad as making that race whole."

"Both Red and White creeds have committed in one time or another atrocities against each other. He has the opportunity to learn is these events of the past are experiences that are part of the creeds that make up the People. To view them in the honesty of their experience he has the opportunity to support the Circle of Life by preventing these wrongs from happening again to both races. He can bring forth the uniqueness that is essential to the benefit of both races."

"He is wearing around his waist the pouch of medicine. It signifies the life long learning of the medicine man who lays prejudice aside and has learned from all races how to heal the sick of all."

Grandfather broke from his speaking into the song of Breeds,

 

"The child living in honor
Experiencing the uniqueness of two cultures,
Bridging two races creating, knowledge, love
and understanding where before each stood alone."

 

"Next to Breeds sits Belongs. She appears with many shades of black and yellow circulating in her essence. These colors signify night and day and cannot be taken away from each other, both are needed if the human is to survive. In the light of Father Sun the child will soar like the eagle growing in the knowledge and way of her people. In the light of the Maiden's Moon the child's spirit will soar on the night wind seeking the love and tenderness of her ancestors who live among the stars."

Grandfather sang with out hesitation,

 

"No race of humans on Mother Earth
would deny a child's right to belong to them.
All races would be honored to claim a child
when that child comes with the knowledge of another culture.

In this child's unique knowledge
Is the growth of a race.
For any race that does not accept new ways,
Will cease to grow and cause the eventual death of their circle."

 

"Belongs, is holding in her hand a small drum which is the heart beat of the people. When the acceptance of this child as whole is acknowledged by the people, then the heart beat is strong. When only a part of her is accepted then the heart beat of the People becomes weak, they sicken and die."

Grandfather tilted his staff toward the seventh child sitting in the circle, "Next to Belongs sits Future. She sits among you with the all the numerous shades of the Red, the White, the Yellow, and the Black races flowing equally through her body. Any human who truly knows this child is provided the knowledge of all races living within her."

"The Vision Seeker knows that the human can walk among the stars with the understanding and acceptance of all races. Future is not only what the human will be, but also the essence of our beginning, for do not we all flow from one same source?"

Listen, Lone Tree, to Future sing the meaning of her name, for the spirits understand it well but do the people who claim to come from the Great Spirit understand?"

Future's voice lifted from a space beyond the circle of spirits, it made it's way floating above the listeners to land within the circle, gentle and uplifting to each who heard it,

 

I am a child
I am whole
this is what I am
if you wish to claim me whole
then I have meaning.

If you wish to claim only the part of me that you wish
then know that I am not whole,
for the other part will be without meaning."

 

Grandfather's voice spoke as Future's song finished, "She holds the headdress of the leader of the People. Just as she is of all the colors so the headdress is the essence of all in the spiritual and physical. With it stands the honor of what it is to be human."

"There is more to the meaning of these children's names that you will learn, but the most

important is unity. When that unity is broken. the animal rules, bringing death and destruction. When all the children are united, the human rules, giving life to the circle."

"The Warrior to you is Father, but in his time on Mother Earth he was known by another name, Counts Coup. It was a name that showed the honor of the human, but for now he will be called Father. Later we will tell you the story of how he earned that name."

 

MOTHER OF LIFE'S GIFT

 

Then grandfather became silent. Lone Tree watched him, and the look on his face. He saw a sadness in this old man, as he looked to the others wondering.

Grandfather said, "We have said we are here to hold council with you, but a council can not be if we do not accept the pipe of peace and honor."

"We have chosen to introduce Mother of Life, to you last, for in your time, many dishonor her."

Lone Tree turned to look at the Woman while, she walked to the center of the circle. Grandfather went on, "Her name in the physical world is White Buffalo Calf Woman. Many use her name without the knowledge of what her name truly means, thus dishonoring it. Now hear her words, so she may tell you the meaning of her name. The one she received while she lived in your world and one received after she came to a man who sought a vision of peace."

The Woman stood next to the fire, its light highlighting her beauty even more. She spoke in a soft rich voice, "Our people have honored me with the name, Mother of Life."

"When I was just a few years older than you. There was a time when a young child fell into a raging river, I was the only one close enough to rescue her. When I pulled her from the cold water, her body was without life. I rolled her over onto a large rock and pushed on her back forcing the water from her body and she began to breathe.

That year a naming ceremony was held in my honor for I had become a woman. At that ceremony the name I was given was Mother of Life. To me it held so much meaning I have followed it through my path in life as I even do now."

Mother of Life continued, "There was a time when long after I have left your physical world, that our people were in

grave danger of being destroyed through wars among the native people. This brought the people

upon bad times. In the spiritual world we could see the people of Mother Earth and how the creeds would multiply and migrate moving closely together creating tension and conflict. Even in the world of the spirits, my heart cried out. I felt I had to do some thing, not only for our people but for all people.

So, with the feeling of a mother who had seen her children die so senselessly in the anger and hate of war. I let my heart cry out with all the pain, of a mother who has lost her child. I fell to my knees, cradling in my arms a child dying and felt all the pain and hopelessness that no words can describe."

"I cried, letting my tears flow over the child, thinking there could be no end to this

sorrow. I then heard a voice through the sorrow and it said,

'The animal will always look for ways to kill what it does not understand, but a human will find a way to ensure life'. Let your tears flow in sorrow, but learn from that sorrow as a human. Use your tears like a spring rain in which new life is born once more.'

Mother of Life continued, "As I looked at the child I cradled in my arms, it changed, so that I was no longer holding a child but a pipe and tobacco pouch. Then the voice said,

"Find one who feels your pain, that walks Mother Earth in the physical world and give him this pipe, so that he may share the love that is in your heart for the people."

"So I looked and found a man whose' sorrow was so great at the death he saw around him that he wished only for death himself. To him I felt that I must appear with a message of hope that he could give to the people. To the Sioux the Buffalo was the essence of life, so with this understanding I appeared to him with the Sacred White Buffalo Calf, for it was that time of year when the great herds were calving. It was a time to be thankful for life after enduring a harsh winter. It was a time to remember that each life brought into the world was sacred and belongs." "Yet all that existed around this man was anger and destruction. This man cried out to the spirits for help. I gave the pipe of peace. I told him, that this pipe was for the people and as a servant of the people he must return to them giving them the pipe with which they will have the opportunity to earn the respect of others and therefore earn their honor."

The Mother of Life looked at Lone Tree and saw that he understood her,

"The pipe has no meaning for it is only a stone and a piece of wood, but in the hands of a man who has earned the right to carry the pipe, it is the symbol of his honor and that of his people. The one who would offer his pipe in a time of conflict, with the spirit inside of him crying out for peace, would show that he desired to be a human over all things."

"Lone Tree, tell the people only a human can give the pipe honor by being willing to sit in council with their enemies. Hear them speak their truth of what bothers them and be willing to bend with dignity, so that harmony can be restored to the people. The people are the spirit and body which is the essence of the human the pipe represents. They can then understand the consequence of their actions. If they choose hostility, as humans know, it always leads to the death and destruction of others. Then they become the reason why the child, is lying in the sand with it's life essence flowing from it's body. With this choice of destruction they must also accept the consequences of a child forced to grow without it's mother or father. Or if they choose the way of the pipe, then they have a chance to watch their children grow and dream of their futures. This is a choice that only a human can make, the animal does not understand the consequences of it's actions."

"Also in his vision I was accompanied by a White Buffalo Calf for it was that time of year when the young ones enter into the physical plane. I told this man to look at the White Buffalo

Calf and teach that each individual child born is unique and should be held as sacred as this calf. The people must learn that the child is a path into the future of all the humans, for as I have journeyed to you in this vision, you will journey forward in time with your children's children."

"If the people do not learn from their mistakes, then their journey will be one of sorrow until they have learned. It is the only way that we can journey among the stars to view all the uniqueness that await us. The pipe is one of the symbols that our people have to show and extend the unity of all to others and by this, building the bridge to the Milky Way for all people, of all generations."

Mother of Life continued, "When Grandfather introduced me he said there are many who insult me and every mother in the spiritual and physical plane. They tell a lie of how the pipe came to two animals. I will not call them men because all that lived in their hearts was the hate and death of each other. Think, Lone Tree, would a true mother seek out two like this or would a mother seek the kind of man I have described? He must be one in whom I may place my hopes of peace for the people. There are many other stories but let common sense be your guide. When you hear them always remember that the pipe was given so that the people may have peace and honor. This would create the harmony in which a child would grow. But enough for now. As we journey in your vision I will talk more of the White Buffalo Calf and it's meaning to our people."

Then she became silent. While Lone Tree sat looking at her waiting for her to continue, it was grandmother who spoke,

"Lone Tree, there is so much more to be said about the pipe of honor. You will learn much as we journey though your vision. The important thing to know now is that the pipe was given by a human mother, one who stands with the strength of a mother's love for her children. There is no greater strength or honor than earning the right to be a Mother. So when you think of the pipe of peace and honor, remember the mother first. For she is the one who gave you the gift of life, as with the one who uses the pipe with honor can bring peace and life."

Lone Tree looked at Mother of Life, she walked over to Grandfather and handed him the pipe and tobacco pouch.

She said, "This is a gift in the spirit of all mothers to our people, so the children will have a chance at life." She then returned to the warrior's side and sat next to him.

Grandfather sat holding the pipe as one would hold the most precious thing in the world. Lone Tree looked at his Grandfather, who was staring into the fire, he could see the old man's eyes fill with sadness and then tears. Lone Tree's mind raced with all that he had seen and heard since the vision had started. He tried to comprehend all that was happening, but all that came through was wave after wave of emotion. Pressing against all others was the feeling of sorrow that he shared with Grandfather, although he did not understand it.

Then his spirit father, the warrior, arose and moved to stand in front of Grandfather. He

bent down, gently taking the pipe from his hands. He turned and faced Lone Tree, eyes filled

with rage, as he said,

"Grandfather sheds the tears of sorrow at what the human animals, who

live outside the Circle of Life, have done to the meaning of the pipe. They have dishonored

it's meaning and will answer to the warriors of the people, when they have left your world."

With the strength of the rage inside of him, the Warrior threw the pipe to the ground, shattering it into a hundred pieces. He looked at Lone Tree with a face now void of emotion and turned to sit once more in the circle.

Shock hit Lone Tree, so cold and numbing, he sat there, as if locked in time, until Grandmother's voice broke through his daze.

She said, "I see by the shock on your face that you do not fully understand the true meaning of the pipe. Lone Tree, look to your Grandfather, as he did he was surprised to see that the old one still held the pipe of honor."

Then Grandmother continued, "Lone Tree, always remember that our people are not dumb like the animal that lives among us has tried to show. Use your common sense in all things that

you hear and see. Our people have sought the good of all, the meaning of the seven children

has been in our culture since its beginning. Never would we give only one pipe. Respect and honor do not come from just one source but live in the individual, growing and building the Circle of Life."

"This is your vision, but the knowledge is to be shared by all people so all may have a chance to learn. This vision is not to make you important, but to make you a true servant of the people. Stand and say what is in your heart, never laying claim to right or wrong. In this way the human will listen and find the truth. The animal will cry in only one tongue, never understanding the vision and its hope for the future. They are unable to move the people ahead in time by keeping the child whole, thereby insuring the growth of the Circle of Life."

Grandmother finishing her words, reached over and accepted the pipe from Grandfather and held it out to Lone Tree. She said,

"Take this pipe and destroy it."

He took the pipe, unmoving while holding the stem and stone bowl. Doubt flooded his mind.

Then Father spoke to him in a voice that left no doubt, "DO IT!".

Lone Tree stood and hurled the pipe as his Spirit Father had done. He watched it break into a dozen pieces and it was gone.

Grandfather asked, "Did you destroy the wish for peace and honor inside of you?"

Lone Tree looked up from the ground where the pipe had shattered straight into the eyes of his Grandfather and understood what had happened.

"No."

With what had happened he knew the ones before him were now urging him toward something that was lifetimes in the making and timeless in the quest. He wanted them to know his heart so he continued to speak,

"As my Grandmother has taught me, the spirit cannot be destroyed, only the body. The body, like the stone, will wear away and wood will rot, but the spirit is forever. As long as a human stands with the spirit inside crying out for peace, a pipe can be a symbol of that spirit and a way for men to speak of honor. This is why the spirit's teachings are so important."

Then he fell silent. He look to Grandfather to see if the words he had spoken were the right ones, but all Grandfather said was "Good".

Grandfather looked to Young Blood and nodded. Young Blood turned to Lone Tree and said,

"There is not one pipe, but many. You have already heard from Mother of Life you know how the pipe came to the people and why. This was the first pipe. You have also heard that it is the individual that brings the honor to the piece of wood and stone, thus making it sacred. This is the only way a pipe can become sacred. You must always protect the sacredness of the pipe by demanding that the one who holds the pipe out to you, is one that has earned the honor to do so." "Lone Tree, you can not take the word of others, for many speak with 'forked tongue'. The only way for you to know if an individual possess the honor to hold the pipe, is to let that one earn your respect as you seek to earn his. Then you will know in your heart that the pipe he holds is sacred."

Young Blood continued, "Always remember, Lone Tree, that a Pipe Carrier is only a servant of the people. A true servant will always seek to earn your honor. That is all I have to say to you for now."

Turning to the circle of children around him Young Blood addressed the Yellow boy, "Little Sun, do you have some words for our brother?"

Little Sun looked at Lone Tree, "I represent the Yellow Races and to those people honor is more precious then life. There are many in your world that have only the honor of others to live off, they are like the dog living off the human. As you learn you will understand the meaning of this. The only honor that belongs to individual is that which they have earned. Even among our people many are trying to live off their relatives honor, rather then earn their own."

"They will answer, as your Warrior Father has said, when they cross over into the world of the spirits. Always remember, no human that comes from the spirits would say they hold the only sacred pipe. In truth they hold one of many for all people have the ability to make the pipe they hold sacred. Think of this and look in your heart. Now hear Belongs speak on this matter."

Lone Tree turned to pulsing Black and Yellow child as she said, "Imagine that there were two tribes who were about to fight and many would die. Among those people there were those who's hearts cried out for peace. Would it be just to deny these people peace, because they was only one true sacred pipe and the animal who claims to hold the sacred pipe could not or would not bring it to them? Or, do the spirits give all people the ability make a pipe sacred as Mother of Life has said? Think on this and you will see the lie of the animals."

With these words Belongs was silent. Lone Tree looked around the circle. All were looking at Grandfather.

Grandfather spoke once more. "Our people have always believed in the individualism of all. This has been taught by the spirits from the beginning. The people have always given the children their own name, never did they pass on their name to their children. They knew that the child would walk a path through life that would be different from theirs. The child would build their own honor or shame, never claiming honor or shame of another. To do so would deny their own individualism."

"This is one of the reasons the pipe is made of stone and wood.. If it were only meant for a few and not for the people, it would have been made of gold and jewels. By being made of simple materials all who have earned honor may possess it and use it for the good of the people."

"Lone Tree, remember to always use the common sense that lives with in you, for this is how your spirits speak to you."

With that another pipe appeared in Grandfather's hand. The old man lay his fan to the side and opened the tobacco pouch. He began filling the pipe and spoke once more,

"Long ago our people sat around a fire just like this to hold council. In this council they would talk about the old ways and new ideas. They talked so that they could move the people through time in a manner befitting the teachings of the spirits. They always quested to live as a human being and were wary of being led astray by the way of the animal. The animal, unlike the human, does not think of the future and the consequences an action will have upon it's offspring. The human dreams of the future and the legacy it will leave it's children. When they held council like this they would pass the pipe of peace and honor. All people who sat in the council would know that all who smoked the pipe would only speak the truth of what lived within their heart. They would also listen to all with a open heart and mind. They would be willing to bend in their belief and accept that which benefited all people. To do otherwise after sharing the pipe in the council would be to dishonor themselves and their spirits who they will all have to answer to when they cross over. A council can be held between individuals or groups, but the honor for the pipe must always be the same."

"Let us begin the council", Grandfather said as he leaned forward and took a small burning stick from the fire.

Grandfather continued, "I light this pipe in honor of all Mothers. For in the womb of a Mother a child's beginnings, are in peace and harmony. So long as we respect all Mothers the children will grow within the Circle of Life, and therefore our people will grow as well."

He took a long drag on the pipe and blew the smoke towards the stars.

"I blow the smoke to show that I have a spirit and that someday that spirit will leave my body, as the smoke leaves my body now. I do this to show you that I understand that my spirits are also in this council. What is to be talked of in this council is being witness by them. The way of the spiritual teachings is the way of our life, so that all humans may be individuals and live in harmony."

He passed the pipe, and after each had made they offering as individuals, it was handed to

Lone Tree.

The warrior said to him, "Only use it if your spirit is for the good of all people."

Lone Tree took the pipe and held the pipe to the sky.

He said, "Hear me Great Spirit for I will carry the memory of my mother in my heart, and it will mean honor and life."

Then he looked at the children and went on, "I will care for all children, as individuals, whole and unique, for they can be nothing less."

He then took a drag off the pipe as the others had and held it out to Grandfather.

The old one said, "It is yours. It will be sacred as long as the spirit inside of you is held sacred.

It is something to be used and shared, for if it is hidden from others then it's meaning will be

lost."

After Lone Tree had put the pipe aside, the old man said, "Let us talk as humans, so we

may learn the path home."

With that, he looked around the circle and said, "Who would speak first?"

 

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