12/17/2023 0 Comments Black elk speaks circle of lifeThe concept of the sacred hoop of the Lakotas and other American Indian nations was often expressed as a circle containing the equal lines of a cross, and it can be seen to be closely related to the outline of the zodiac wheel with its horizontal and vertical cross-lines which is discussed in many previous posts, including here and here. In addition to the number six, he also describes the importance of the number four, and relates it to the four stations of the sacred hoop which sustains all life on earth, and which he associates at some points in his narrative with the earth. Related to this concept is the concept of the sacred shapes which he discusses, and their meanings, especially the shapes of the circle and the square.Īs an example of the importance of sacred number, Black Elk often discusses the number six as it relates to all the directions of the world: the four directions in horizontal space (which we might say relate to an X-axis and a Y-axis, as well as to the four cardinal directions of East, South, West and North), plus the two vertical directions of above and below, or up and down (and which we might also describe as including the Z-axis, and thus providing all the necessary referents for any point in space). One very important thread running through the words of Black Elk as recorded by John Neihardt concerns the sacred numbers of his people, which often appear in his visions, and which he often explains at the appropriate point in his narrative. Other aspects of his message have been explored in previous discussions (see especially here). Many, many more things are there to return to on another day. This particular essay will examine only one small aspect of his message. Neihardt, first published in 1932, have many profound messages of great importance to individuals and society today.īlack Elk's message and his words should be pondered deeply. The Four Directions can also represent the four seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter the four elements of water, air, earth and fire the four life stages of birth, childhood, adulthood and elder and so on.Īdapted from Black Elk Speaks by John G.The sayings of Black Elk, who walked on this earth between the years that we call 18, preserved in the book Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux as told through John G. Joseph’s Native American Studies curriculum follows the outline that North is red, East is yellow, South is white and West is Black. Each of the Four Directions (west, north, east and south) are typically represented by a distinctive color, usually black, red, yellow, and white. The Four DirectionsĪccording to “Native Voices” as a part of the National Library of Medicine, different tribes interpret the Medicine Wheel differently in terms of direction and color association. Typically, when someone is presented with a Medicine Wheel with an attached eagle feather, it is to signify a great accomplishment, such as a graduation ceremony or another momentous life event. When included in the Medicine Wheel, the eagle feather is a sign of Wakȟáŋ Tȟáŋka’s - the Great Spirit’s - power over all. The crossing of the two lines in the middle of the circle indicates the center of the Earth. The Linesīoth the horizontal and vertical lines represent the sun’s and man’s sacred paths. The circle plays a role in many Native American beliefs and traditions. Its circular shape represents the continuous pattern of life and death, the path of the sun and moon, the shape of a family home (the tipi), the shape of the drum, and other significant pieces of Lakota culture. The circle of the Medicine Wheel represents the sacred outer boundary of the Earth, often called the Sun Dance Circle or the Sacred Hoop. The Medicine Wheel is a symbol of hope - a movement toward healing for those who seek it. The Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol used by the indigenous Plains tribes to represent all knowledge of the universe. Yes, its shape is that of a circle however, the accompanying lines, the feather and the wheel’s Four Directions combine to mean so much more. For the Great Sioux Nation, the Medicine Wheel holds a much deeper meaning. To the untrained eye, the Medicine Wheel might seem like a simple circle. Donate Now to help preserve the Lakota culture!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |