The Wisdomgiftingby Tamarack Song |
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On occasion, an Object comes to us. |
Symbols, or power objects, take particular shape and form for each of us; we strive to accompany ourselves with voices that lend background harmony to our own. For me, these symbols include the offering pouch in my right pocket, the knife at my hip, and the pipe and medicine pouch who accompany me on my travels. In a broader sense, the pictures on my wall, the food in my kitchen and the people in my circle of friends are also symbols. I have consciously brought them into my hoop of relations to reinforce my intent to take my next step in the direction of the previous ones.
Our rational mind has the tendency to blur our path's direction. Symbols-those everpresent reminders of the Beauty Way which we incorporate into our dress, our dwellings, our everyday activities-help keep us in attunement. They are intrinsic to humanness. Whether walking the civilized way or the Old Way, we select companion objects who will catalyze and project our personal power. They may mark a rite of passage, and they often change to contemporize with the hoop of life world through which we are journeying.
These sacred power objects are people, having life and spirit just as we do. Their lives and spirits, as with ours, are comprised of those of their various components. And as with us, the wisdom of our power objects is the cumulative wisdom of the various paths their components have walked. Thus, power objects are also imbued with the life, spirit and wisdom of their makers.
After we meet and begin walking with our power objects, they still continue upon their personal paths. Their visions and journeys beg the same respect as we afford ours. As they are tools in the expression and focusing of our own personal power, so are we tools to them. By honoring and serving them in their quests, they in turn can serve us in the fullness of their power.
We are as strangers to our power objects when we first meet. No matter how we come together, it takes time to grow into the mutual trust and attunement of a power relationship. With each dream in which they appear, with each ceremony in which they participate, they become more empowered with the touch of our hearts and the fire of our spirits. And vice versa. In time we become to each other as mates, dwelling in the lodge of each others' regard, knowing each other as do petals of the same flower.
Civilized items of adornment such as clothing, jewelry and tattoos are to Native People expressions of essential self and personal gifts. For example, beadwork style and design or the type, color, size, number, trimming, and way and time in which feathers are worn can speak as specifically as a résumé and genealogy.
The displaying of banners, shields and the like is akin to a civilized professional hanging a sign to inform others of her trade and credentials. Although such symbols of honor and achievement are statements of the obvious to her people, they are not considered as prideful or boasting. She is letting her identity and whereabouts be known, as well as stating willingness and assuming responsibility to honor her lineage and help her people by sharing the blessings of her personal power.
We remain ever mindful that power objects are tools and extensions of self, lest we attribute or give over our power to them or use them to exploit the power of others.
Walking in balance with our power objects means that we can gift them to another or offer
them to fire at any time, knowing that the source of our power lies within.
Tamarack, who lives in the Wisconsin forest, is a Native-approach counselor and dream interpreter, instructs in primitive skills, guides quests and other rites of passage, and is author of the book, Journey to the Ancestral Self. Write to him at Medicine Lodge, Nishnazhida/Three Lakes, WI 54562-9333; (715)546-2944.