C O L O R - M E - B L A C K
September 2004

In the endless darkness of unfolding time, the modern human has finally reached a developmental stage that allows them the time to study and evaluate the objects and ideas that were at one time considered sacred. Since no one can escape the gradational pull, nor can they escape the blackness of pain as we experience the transforming and healing of our world. Life is the flash of light from a firefly in the blackness of the night. Feeling without awareness is "misery-awareness", without feeling is numb. Freedom compels humility; a simple pain of physical, emotional or mental can awaken the fruitfulness of humankind. As the tree experiences the birthing and rebirthing of seasons, so is the human. It seems our soul needs to endure our restlessness, created through our deepest yearnings to become one with the greatest mysteries of all, Wakan Tanka. A gentle reminder: A physical life can be destroyed, but not the energy that gave life to that physical body. A physical life can be destroyed, but not the energy that gave the body life.

Beginning one hundred thousand years ago with Neanderthal man, there are representations and records of rituals that were created for the specific purpose of gaining the favor of a superior force who offers the mortal with survival. Over the centuries, civilized human has adapted, designed and propagated many ideas to form doctrines and developmental laws by which our society could continue to function with its growing numbers. One religion in particular that seems to have the foundation of many religions included within its sacred beliefs is that of the Native American. It seems in our intense approach to all life, we can learn to follow the simple principles of honesty, honor, respect and generosity with deeper understanding which enriches our faith in the SUPREME BEING.

History Is Dark With Mystery

Although many books have been written about Native American religion, very few have any information that can be considered accurate. Since the educational level of most Native Americans is very low, according to the standards of society, the books that have been written to date have been formed from the words of a Native American authority as interpreted by a non-Native American writer.

The concept of the soul has been among many religions and each group claims to have originated the idea. Among the people of the Native American tribes, the soul has been recognized for as long as their oral records have existed. As quoted by Lame Deer, a Medicine Man, "We Sioux believe that there is something within us that controls us, something like a second person almost. We call it NAGI, what other people might call soul, spirit or essence". This idea of an outside force contained within us, has been part of the religion of native peoples for at least one thousand years.

Academic researchers have studied Native Americans for the past two hundred years, trying to associate their beliefs with those of other countries. Theory has it that the Native American people crossed over the area now known as the Bering Strait into Alaska and then south to the continent proper. This theory has never been accepted by the Native American people and within the last ten years evidence has begun to appear that disproves this theory.

In Baja, California, archeologists have unearthed dwellings that date back to 1500 years B.C., thus casting doubt on the Bering Strait theory which brings Native Americans to America in more recent times. A study of implements buried with the deceased in the Baja area provides evidence that the people of that time period had certain ceremonies for the dead and believed in an after-life.

Belief in an omnipotent force was established in all tribes of Native Americans long before the religions of the white man ever reached the shores of this continent. As one researcher of the Native American religions stated in The Mystic Warriors of the Plains, "The Indian frankly admitted they could only gain victory and be successful in their undertakings if they had the help of the force which ruled nature.

So literally, looking through nature up to nature's God, they appealed for divine assistance, and attempted to win the deity over to their side. Further, to show how much in earnest they were, they offered sacrifices of food, tobacco, ornaments, a small lock of hair, or even a piece of their flesh. And whenever they received specific success or good things from Wakan Tanka, they offered some part of this to Creator in thanksgiving."

Native American religion has contained in it, practically every story that is contained within the Christian Bible, the only differences seem to be the characters that were involved in the specific parable or story. The story of creation that is contained in the Book of Genesis is also contained in the traditional legends of the Hopi tribe. In the Book of the Hopi we find that the first world was Tokpela, Endless Space. But first, they say, there was only the Creator, Taiowa. All else was endless space. There was no beginning and no end, no time, no shape, no life. Just an immeasurable black void that had its beginning and end, its time, shape and life in the mind of Taiowa, the Creator.

If Black is the absence of light, then why do we use the color Black to open the deeper subconscious mind? The color black is sometimes used in healing rituals to remove evil from Mother Earth.

The underworld is represented by darkness, as well as the authority of churches, and the judicial system. We must use black ink to sign a document for it to be legal. Our lack of recognizing the power of the color black is usually fear based from our inner thoughts, exposed through anxiety, resentment, hatred, guilt, depression and the absence of hope. These extreme feelings also represent the many ways we are programmed to receive subliminal messages without our knowledge.

The darkness of night can be described in many ways. The closing of your eyes to the inner world, the power of black robes are worn in our judicial and our religious systems. Judges, priests and nuns wear Black robes. What about the Black Sunday, Italian black hand, the black market, black clouds, black forest, black sea, black ice, black sand, black pearl, blacksmith, black panthers, black beauty? Also note it is customary to dress in black for a funeral. Socially, the women are approved if they wear a little black dress with a simple string of pearls.

We as a people, live in a cycle of wholeness and destruction, free through love and broken cycles of life, always being dismantled to teach us our individual walk with the freedom of spirit spinning outward and returning to our center through the divine love of Wakan Tanka.

It is almost impossible to draw any conclusion as to the exact beginning of any religion, but it is also impossible to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that like the Native Americans themselves, their religion had its foundation anywhere but on this continent. The legends of the Native Americans have established guidelines to live by that have developed a moral and ethical advanced people.

Religion, like many other non-material existing factors of modern society, cannot be proved or disproved to the satisfaction of scientists and scholars. It is only supported by the faith of its members, and even that is often weakened by the advancements of science, which quash the once mysterious beliefs of the believers.

C.G. Jung, a noted psychologist, has explained religion as being part of the collective unconscious. As Jung stated in his Essays on a Science of Mythology, "Myths precede any type of culture, even the most primitive, though, of course, their verbal expressions are molded according to different cultural styles. In other words, religion is the expression of a Primordial psychic process that may even precede the advent of the human race."

Black Raven Magic

The black Raven has been the subject of legends and folklore for as far back as we can recount. The Bible talks of the Raven as one of the forbidden foods, and it was also one of the birds that Noah sent from the ark which did not return. In mythology, the Norse God Odin had two ravens as messengers. And in Tibetan religious traditions the Raven is considered the only messenger of the Supreme Being. Raven is a bird of paradoxes. Its jet black color symbolizes both creation and death. To certain indigenous people of Alaska, Raven is the Creator of the world, while in Europe; Christians were taught that wicked priests were reincarnated as Ravens. To many peoples, Raven can be compared to Coyote, both a trickster and a wise one.

In the Pacific Northwest, it is taught that nothing can exist without Raven since it brought forth life and order. Its color represents the night and the fear that goes with it, yet it stole the sunlight back from a being who wished to keep the world in darkness. For these reasons, Raven has been given a revered place in many of the totem poles of that area.

Raven is the largest member of the family Corvidae, which includes Crows and Magpies. In fact, the only significant physical difference between Black Raven and Crow is its size with Raven being the larger of the two birds. Raven will eat a variety of food. It has the ability to use most any object at hand as a tool to get at its food, i.e., cracking nuts open with a stone. It is especially fond of carrion and was known to feed on the corpses left to hang on gallows. Because of this behavior Raven was hated, feared and considered a terrible omen by the people. Raven is the largest songbird in America and is extremely adaptable, wary and quick to move. It is not intimidated by other animals, nor is it an easy prey.

Raven has the ability to mimic the sounds of other animals, and is closely identified with shape shifting and other forms of magic. It has been heard to mimic the sound of a waterfall, a music box, the bells on an ice cream truck and even the human voice. Raven enjoys becoming human and will often walk as much as it flies. It is closely associated with mystery, and therefore has a tie-in to Creator/Creatress, the Great Mystery.

If Raven enters your life, you can expect mysterious and unusual things to occur. Raven could also be telling you to travel deep into that darkness that is the mysterious part of your being, and bring forth the light. Making light from darkness is in fact creation, so the more light you can shed on the mysterious part of your soul; the more you will be creating something new within.

The Legend of Man and the Black Raven

There once was a man that enjoyed watching the black Ravens fly around, play, squawk, and chatter. He enjoyed them so much he would climb trees just to be closer to them. For many months the Ravens ignored the man, but after a while, one of the Ravens flew from a nearby tree and landed directly next to the man.

In utter amazement, the bird spoke to the man and asked, "You have been watching us for a long time. You have tried to get close to us. Why do you do this?" The man replied, "I mean no harm. I have become enchanted with you and all your relatives. I enjoy the play, the squawking, and I wish I could learn your language so I could understand more about you." Then the Raven responded, "We are honored that you want to know us, as long as you do not cause harm, we will teach you our language."

For many months the Ravens taught the man all about the language and how the Ravens lived from day to day. The man become so educated that he knew everything there was to know about the Ravens. Many of the Ravens saw the man and accepted him as a friend.

One day, an older Raven was flying far over the man, dropped a walnut perfectly on the man's head. It was done on purpose and all the Ravens almost fell off their branches laughing so hard the way they do. One Raven was flying and was laughing so hard he had to crash land right in front of the man.

The man was feeling bad and was hurt by being made fun of, so he asked the Raven in front of him, "Why are you all picking on me?" The Raven stopped laughing and became very serious. "We thought you understood us, but apparently you don't. If you did, you would know that we are not mocking you... well maybe a bit, but it is done in our way of having fun. We are 'playing' with you and that is all. It is not to be taken seriously. You should know us better."

The man took sometime to understand this and over time a few more practical jokes were played on the man and he in turn pulled a few "good ones" on the birds. A good time was had by all and the man became closer to the Ravens.

Then another event occurred. A young Raven swooped out of the sky and pecked the man on the head. Then another young Raven swooped down and did the same thing. The man ran across the field and into the woods but, the Ravens kept chasing him and very skillfully they flew at high speeds through the woods tormenting the man. Finally the two stopped and started to yell mean words, fighting words at the man. Again the man did not understand, but he knew the two Ravens were very mad at him, so he decided to leave and let the Ravens be. The man went away for many months.

As he did his duties in his tribal village, he told all the people about his adventures and what he learned about the Ravens. Some listened with intent; others just thought the man was a fool to study the Ravens. The villagers gave the man a new name of "Black Feather" because of his close relationship to the birds, but the man objected and said, "I am no longer close to the Raven people."

From above there was a squawking sound of a single Raven. Some of the people looked up and were surprised that they could understand the Raven, others just looked around because they could hear nothing but squawking. The Raven was speaking to the man and said, "It is true, you are closer to us than any Anishinabe (Human) has ever come. You are close, but you still don't understand us fully. I invite you to return to us, many miss you."

Black Feather started to follow the Raven but then stopped at the edge of the village. He looked around to make sure no other Anishinabe could hear then asked the Raven, "Why do you ask me back when the two Ravens were fighting with me and were mean."

The Raven landed at Black Feather's feet and said, "See how little you understand us. The two young Ravens did not fight with you because you are Anishinabe; it is because they accepted you as a member of the Raven people. You should know that we fight among ourselves too. It is a part of our way of life. Instead of sulking and leaving you should have fought back."

Black Feather stood in silence and said, "There is much about Ravens I don't understand. Maybe we are too different people to ever understand each other. I should stop and return to my people in the village."

The Raven again shook his head and told Black Feather, "That is your choice, but again I tell you that you have come closer to us Raven people than any other Anishinabe. Would you throw this all away just because you can't understand us yet?" Black feather responded, "It's useless, how can I ever understand you, I can't even fly!"

A thousand bursts of laughter was heard from all the surrounding trees and Black Feather knew that all the Raven People were there, hiding and listening. "Of course you can't fly. You are Anishinabe and we are Ravens. But we accept you as one of us. We play with you. We fight with you. We love you and want you back. We also recommend you don't try to fly in order to be like us, because then, you would not be Anishinabe nor a Raven but something else. We like you as an Anishinabe that understands us as Ravens. Join us or not the decision is yours."

Black Feather returned to the Anishinabe village and bid everyone farewell because he had decided to live with the Raven people. After all the farewells he started to leave the village. All the Anishinabe people were there to see him off, and high over head was a thousand Ravens. Then from high above one of the older Ravens dropped a walnut shell and again with remarkable aim, plunked Black Feather right on the head. All the Ravens started laughing hard and all the Anishinabe were laughing too. Black Feather laughed and looked up at the old Raven and said, "Good one."

All my Relations,
Mahinto

Excerpts from Chapter 8: Wind Wolf Woman by Mahinto

"Life can be a very lonely walk if you choose to surround yourself with dark clouds of confusion. It is you who must feel worthy of Creator's gifts and accept the happiness in being his child. Remember Meeko, life is simple; it's people who complicate it."

Although Meeko was apprehensive about training under Shadowhawk, he knew this man would demand strong principles and many responsibilities from him. Understanding where he was in life, Meeko asked, "Granbear you know I've always wanted a father in my life. Do you think it would be okay if I ask Shadowhawk to be my Hunka Ate', adopted father, during my boy training?"

"Do you think you are ready to become a Hunka Towa, adopted relative child?" "Yes, I'm ready to ask for the ceremony of making relatives and feel that Shadowhawk would be the right person to guide my manhood years."

"Well, Grandson, there is a way to do everything." Granbear gave Meeko a pipe then explained what he must do. "Go talk to the grandfathers and get their advice about how to earn the right to receive this ceremony."

Meeko went to speak to many of the elders about his situation and found an old Sundance leader who smoked the pipe with him then explained what a Hunka Towa ceremony would require from himself and Shadowhawk.

Following his instructions, Meeko chose three trustworthy men to become his advisors. After gathering more information from them, he was advised to take his pipe, sweet grass and sage to Granbear, and ask in a proper manner if he would be his medicine man for the Hunka ceremony.

After the pipe ceremony, Granbear advised Meeko to find two Hunkapila Kola's, relative friends, to speak on his behalf to Shadowhawk to see if he would consider becoming his Hunka Ate'. Taking his pipe again, Meeko chose two Dog Soldiers to speak for him. They sat with Meeko under a large shade tree listening.

"Kolas, friends, "I give you this filled pipe along with this willow bark and sweet grass to offer to Shadowhawk to become my Hunka Ate'. I know what I do is right. I know you both are Hunkas and I want to speak to you about the Hunka ceremony."

They spoke for some time about the loyalty and responsibilities to become a Hunka Towa, and then by late afternoon they agreed this was a good thing. When they left on their mission, Meeko wondered if he had been strong enough to impress Shadowhawk to accept his offer. That evening when Meeko saw the two men approaching he became nervous.

"We have done as you've asked, Little Brother. Shadowhawk has accepted your pipe. He will use it in prayer to see if the spirits wish for him to become your Hunka Ate'."

Meeko was happy to hear their words and yelled, "Hau, thank you."

Granbear heard and said, "Meeko, Shadowhawk makes decisions with great thought, for he is a warrior who carries Contrar medicine. What you've asked of him says you wish to be like him. It means you have to know the old ways backward and forward. A Contrar will say 'I hate you' but that could mean 'I love you.' They have the power to stick their hands in boiling water but tell everyone it's ice cold. They can bathe in icy water and scream that it's too hot. To follow these ways, you must be able to completely control your body, thoughts and actions without any fear of failure.

"If Shadowhawk refuses you as a Hunka, he can also refuse to guide you across the bridge between boyhood and manhood. Are you sure you want to try to accomplish these two ambitions at one time?"

"Granbear, I know I can do both, but I'll do whatever you advise."

"Well then, if this is what you want, it's time to get your advisors and meet with your desired Hunka Ate' in the proper manner."

Shadowhawk smiled as the four entered his house. Granbear spoke first. "I bring you my great-great-grandson. He wants you to become his Hunka Ate'."

Then each man stepped forward speaking in Meeko's behalf. Granbear stood up to go saying, "We all want the best for Meeko. So, I will say goodbye to the boy and soon let you introduce Meeko, the man, to the Bear Clan." Granbear winked in a knowing way at Shadowhawk and both agreed that this training would be beneficial for Meeko.

As they were leaving, Granbear hesitated at the door, saying, "I'll be visiting some friends for a few days. They will drive me to the bus station to pick up Lizzie, and then bring us home. Meeko will stay and begin his duties to become a Hunka Towa." Turning to Meeko, he said, "Grandson, don't let your shortsightedness aggravate Shadowhawk while I'm gone."

Meeko felt intimidated with Granbear's words of warning, yet full of anticipation as he sat alone with Shadowhawk, a man he had feared since age three. He remembered Shadowhawk scowling at his Alo Wanpi, Sing Ceremony, when he cried getting his ear pierced. But now he felt somewhat more confident about facing Shadowhawk's challenges.

"My Grandson, you have always been strong in my heart. But are you sure you are ready to leave behind your childish thinking and become a good man? I know you have always missed having a father, and I can be that father. My question to you is, can you be a son? I have taken counsel with Granbear, my Hunka, and he has advised me to consider this matter carefully before I make you my Hunka Towa. I have chosen three elders to assist me before I give you my final decision.

"The Hunka ceremony is only given to a special few. You were taken away from the reservation very young and many of your thoughts are still too scattered. There will be many responsibilities demanded from both of us to build a strong Hunka relationship. We must ask Wakan Tanka if this ceremony should be granted.

"Before I can agree to become your Hunka Ate', I will explain the responsibilities so that you understand what it takes to be a Hunka Towa. As a Hunka Towa, you can never lie or deceive me. Nor can you question my decisions. Whatever I ask of you, you must do, even if you disagree. Your loyalty is to be given without question. If you are accepted into a Hunka family, you are related to all Hunka families. The honor of being a Hunka Towa goes far beyond any position of a birth son. A Hunka family is your first family, and you must always be generous and protect them. Not only will my children be your brothers and sisters, my wife will be your mother. And if I choose another woman, she too will be your mother.

"Once the ceremony is completed, we must always respect and never dishonor one another. Such loyalty is stronger than blood and you, like me, will honor the people and condemn every bad thing thrust upon them for all time," stated Shadowhawk, looking deep into Meeko's soul.

As Shadowhawk continued to probe the boy's mind, Meeko felt intimidated, his mind racing as if he was riding chaotic waves in a sea of flames. He knew deep inside that being Shadowhawk's Hunka Towa would bind him forever to this man, and this scared him.

"Meeko, in the old times I would have demanded a Hunka Towa to take many wives. Now I ask you to take one good wife. In the past I would also have demanded you to help me steal many horses as well as women. Now I ask you to never steal. I would have insisted you fight and kill my enemies and take many scalps. Now I ask you to not harm another. These are my rules and once we're bound together, it is for life. Know this bond can never be broken, nor can either of us withdraw from this relationship unless we both give our consent in front of council. It is they who give the last word."

He started to speak, but Shadowhawk put his hand up for silence. "Before you speak, I have things to say that must stay locked in your heart and never become spoken words. Do you understand?"

Meeko nodded obediently.

"Granbear is a most highly respected holy man. He is the only one left that can incite the magic voice in this ceremony. He knows the great Sun Chief, and when he enters that doorway, this powerful man of reverence knows how to ride with the above powers. Since I cannot teach these things, I insist you learn as much as you can before he leaves us.

"When Auntie Lizzie and I had your mother, Granbear became my Hunka Ate'. You are my grandson, and naturally I want you as my Hunka Towa. I have watched you closely, and I know you can become a good man. But I have also seen how you like the girls. Two of those young girls are my daughters. There will be no more looking at your sisters in a wrong way if you are to become part of my Hunka family."

Meeko gazed at the floor in shame, hoping Shadowhawk would accept his ignorance, wondering why he had never been told of these things before.

Shadowhawk knew he had touched Meeko's heart and dismissed him curtly. "Go pray to have the ceremony sanctioned by the Great Spirit. I will go to the hills for a Hanblecheyapi. When I come back, I will be ready to give you my answer."

Grateful for his instructions, Meeko spent the next four days praying and awaiting Shadowhawk's return. On the fifth day, Shadowhawk arrived with a broad smile on his face. "Start planning for the Hunka ceremony. Invite everyone to celebrate this great occasion."

Meeko was ecstatic that Wakan Tanka had sanctioned the ceremony and knew there was a great deal of work to do before the ceremony. It was Granbear's responsibility to find the mysterious sacred ear of corn then paint it in alternating red and blue stripes, leaving some rows in their natural color. He also supervised how to make the secret wands to send to certain guests.

On the day before the ceremony many people began to arrive and offered to help. Certain ones were chosen to help with the last-minute details, and by late afternoon the tipi held all the needed items.

When the sun went over down, Shadowhawk sent word for the participants to meet in the tipi for the night ceremony. Meeko arrived with willow bark, sweet grass, tobacco and his pipe. Everyone waited in silence as the fire burned down to hot coals. Shadowhawk and Meeko sat at the West Door of the tipi while Shadowhawk's advisors sat in the other three directions.

Then Meeko filled a special pipe and handed it to Shadowhawk who, in turn, sprinkled sweet grass over the coals and waved the pipe in a circular motion through the smoke. "Oh, Great Spirits of the West, North, East, and South, give us your warm and unselfish blessings for this ceremony." He then offered the pipe up to Wakan Tanka. "Oh, Tunka'shila, Grandfather, I humbly offer this smoke up to you. Oh, Spirit of the West, we appeal to you. Oh, Spirit of the North, we plead to you. Oh, Spirit of the East, we draw upon you. Oh, Spirit of the South, we urge you. Oh, sweet Spirit of Mother Earth, we ask much of you." Then with the pipe over his head, Shadowhawk stood and called upon Wakan Tanka to sanction the ceremony for all the people to witness.

As Granbear entered carrying the counting sticks and one fire stick, his helpers placed a painted Buffalo skull on the altar. While Granbear chanted an ancient song, Meeko's advisors brought in two Hunka wands decorated with horsehair and two eagle feathers swaying from each end. They also carried two rattles and the sacred corn adorned with two white eagle plumes hanging from the end. When the song was finished, Granbear lit his pipe and prayed as he walked in a sunwise manner around the tipi. A helper followed him, holding both wands in one hand and the skin of a mallard duck in the other, calling to Okaga while offering the corn up to Father Sky. Granbear called out, "May this sacred corn represent our Ate', Wi, and Maka Ina."

Granbear took the mysterious ear of sacred corn. "Give this family plenty of food, Tunka'shila, and take this dried meat to please Tatanka. Let these gifts, along with our prayers; reach to the spirit of the animals so they may always take care of the people." Taking the painted tail feathers of a young eagle, he waved them above Meeko's head, shouting, "May the spirit of Wanbli Gle'ska ride in this tail. Let these feathers make a brave man who will bring peace and happiness to all who know him."

Granbear took the wands, and waving them over Meeko's head, shouted, "Oh, fire of the light, see these four quills. I offer this gift from Wanbli Gle'ska. Let them hang as a sacred fan always, so this young man can speak to the spirits of the Sun Chief and Tatanka." Again Granbear waved the wands over Meeko. "May you always have plenty to share with your Hunka Ate'."

The old medicine man took two buffalo scrotum rattles which were painted red with blue stripes, and again called out, "Oh, Tunka'shila, Grandfather, we offer up these two rattles to please the good spirits and to drive the bad ones away. We call upon the Two times Two, the day and the night powers. Let them give us two good blue days and two good red days."

Granbear brought out a mysterious pipe that was seldom used and lit it. Offering it up to the spirits, he softly prayed, "Oh, Great Spirit who lives in the Buffalo skull, tell the animals and the plant people to please take care of the children." He then burned sweet grass to summon all the spirits to join in the ceremony and lit sage to drive away the bad spirits as he sang songs recounting the history of all the Hunkas.

When Granbear had finished, Shadowhawk handed Meeko a large Bear medicine bag, saying, "You will stand like Bear, and you will never sleep with Coyote."

Granbear shouted out to Meeko, "My moccasins are old. I have none to take their place. Take off your moccasins and give them to me." Meeko obeyed.

"I am cold and hungry. I have nothing to wear. Take off your clothes and give them to me," demanded Granbear in a forceful voice. Meeko handed him food and stripped down to his loincloth.

Granbear smiled, and then yelled out, "You have proven you are a Hunka. See everyone; he has given up everything for a Hunka in need." He painted the right side of Meeko's face with a red stripe from his forehead to his chin. "This is so no one will ever forget who you are. I now place such a stripe on your Hunka Ate'." With steady hands Granbear painted an identical stripe on Shadowhawk's face. Thunderous drumming rang throughout the tipi, driving the Hunka members to their feet while they lifted their voices as one in a Hunka honoring song.

Shadowhawk shouted, "Hunkas are willing to die for each other! Look everyone! There is an enemy in the camp! Who will help me capture him?"

Meeko bolted to his side, and together they crouched down into the stance of stalkers. Moving silently around the outside of the tipi, they slashed at all that was near, and when they re-entered the tipi, everyone let out the Hunka warrior's cry then burst into their victory song.

Meeko was offered the place of honor next to Shadowhawk who said, "I take this young man as my Hunka Towa."

When the advisors heard this they rushed at them, wrestling both to the ground, binding their arms and legs together. Shadowhawk and Meeko were stood up on their feet as Granbear waved the Hunka wands over them. "You are bound as one for life. What you have will be his. What he has will be yours. If anyone tries to harm your Hunka, you will seek revenge. I bless this joining."

It was sunrise before the ceremony was completed, and everyone shared in a special feast to celebrate this sacred ceremony. And for the first time, Meeko was moved by the commitment of such a ceremony and proud he had participated in this ancient custom.

Time passed as the hot summer winds blew steadily. Every afternoon rainstorms swept over the land, making Meeko more aware of the cycles of life caused by water. His knowledge grew as he observed every aspect of nature. In the evening the old people would sit listening to the night sounds, often speaking softly to Meeko to help him understand his own life dance.

When Summer Solstice arrived, Granbear, Shadowhawk and other Sundance leaders began preparing for the sacred Sun Dance. Meeko wished he could participate in this sacred ceremony, and spent days walking into the interior of the reservation thinking about his desire. He walked to a high point overlooking the vastness of the hills and valleys to listen to the messages of the winds, praying the spirits would embrace his needs. Trying to absorb nature's innermost secrets, he remembered Granbear's words, "First know yourself, then you can connect to the spirit that moves in all things. Only then will the Great Spirit assist you in placing one foot in front of the other without ever leaving a bad mark on the land."

Slowly Meeko began to merge with all life around him like an invisible being with no thought, breath or sound. Meeko heard his inner voice whisper. "Let the animals, plants and trees guide you to the pathway of a good heart." Suddenly in a terrifying voice that penetrated to the core of his soul, the winds warned, "Run, Meeko, Run." Feeling unsettled, Meeko sat that evening with the elders, listening to Granbear speak about their days of collecting old bones in the Badlands and the deep significance of this one hundred and twenty square miles of barren land that held the history of First Creation.

He felt the presence of these old spirits, just as he had while listening to Granbear's campfire stories about all the aspects of the Medicine Wheel. But this time he experienced a revelation the world had new meaning and everything had a purpose when he saw that everything was connected to spirit. Thinking of how Red Cloud and Crazy Horse had fought to save their way of life, he wished the land was once again filled with buffalo and tipis. Yearning for more knowledge about his people, Meeko went to Granbear. "Why do we place our dead underground instead of above ground, like long ago?"

"Some people do place the dead above the ground, but most do like the white man and bury their dead. I do not believe in that way. The soul must be given the time to find its way back to the spirit world. The Keeping and Releasing of the Soul is the first rite on the pipe. To be a strong pipe carrier, we do as the pipe tells us."

"Meeko, many things are considered when learning to track the beast that lives inside. The Sun Dance teaches us to track ourselves and return with all knowledge of our soul's existence. A good Sundancer tracks himself without disturbing another's world, just as Shadowhawk tracks animals without disturbing the land. Each of us finds our own way."

That night Meeko lay awake reflecting on the potential growth that might await him if he became a Sundancer. Long before dawn the next morning, he joined Shadowhawk to help gather firewood for a sweat. "The Inipi reminds us to always give thanks to Wakan Tanka for all life and pray for spiritual guidance in all that we do," said Shadowhawk.

"Shadowhawk, I wonder if I could Sundance this year?"

"Have you discussed this with Granbear? You know you must pledge one year before participating in the Sun Dance. Did you do this?"

"No," confessed Meeko. "But I would like to dance while Granbear is still alive."

"That would be a good thing. We'll pray over this in tonight's Inipi."

Three weeks before the Sun Dance, Meeko helped set up security, placing a long pole across the road to control the entrance. As he did so, Shadowhawk outlined the rest of his duties. "You must know everyone who enters, and no matter who it is, search every vehicle for alcohol, drugs, or cameras before putting a red cloth on the antenna."

Coming home from a hard day's work, Meeko was surprised when Granbear handed him his piercing ropes. Knowing this meant he had been sanctioned to Sundance, Meeko thanked Granbear profusely and hurried off to ask an old grandmother to make him a Sundance skirt.

The night before the Sun Dance, the grounds were filled with many new tipis and tents. Very early the next morning, forty men went to get the sacred cottonwood tree that had been selected the year before. Shadowhawk motioned two men to climb up and place ropes among its branches to keep the tree from touching the ground as it fell. As the men carried the sacred tree on their shoulders back to the Sundance circle amidst much singing, an old Sundancer invited Meeko to join them. Thrilled to be one of the new pledgers, he sang proudly along with the group. When they entered the sacred circle, Shadowhawk invited Meeko to walk by his side to the front of the tree.

Granbear met them with his Staff of Life and placed the tobacco, buffalo meat and water into the hole that had been dug for the sacred tree. The people lined up to give flesh offerings as they prayed. Many prayer flags and tobacco ties were placed in the tree's branches, while Shadowhawk hung the handmade leather images of a bull buffalo and a man. He then placed four Chokecherry branches into the tree to symbolize abundance for the world, while the Sundancers fastened their piercing ropes to the tree. Following Granbear's signal, the men stood the sacred tree in the hole. As the wind slowly began to dance with the colorful prayer flags, Meeko stood next to Granbear and felt a power growing from the joyous faces of the people.

Later as Meeko wandered through the campgrounds, the grandmother presented him with a beautiful blue Sundance skirt on which was painted a bear face with many ribbon streamers. Granbear joined them, admiring her work, then handed Meeko his piercing sticks along with an eagle fan and an eagle bone whistle.

Meeko entered the Sundancers' lodge and began to twist pieces of sage into wreaths wrapping them carefully with blue material. He made one for his head, two for his wrists, and two more for his ankles.

"My name is Crow. Is this your first year to dance?" a stranger asked.

Feeling insecure, as he noticed the many scars on the man's chest, legs and back, Meeko said softly, "Yes."

"You'll do fine," encouraged Crow.

Following the sweat the next morning, Meeko silently went with the others to the Sundance tipi and dressed for his first day in a Sundance circle. Crow smiled and placed a Golden Eagle feather on each side of Meeko's head, saying, "These eagle feathers will help you be strong through your first Sun Dance."

When Meeko walked into the Sundance circle, skirts of many colors came alive with the rising sun. The symbols of Eagle, Bear, Buffalo and Lightning Man moved on the garments as the drums called to the dancers. The high-pitched sounds of their eagle bone whistles connected the dancers as they raised their eyes toward the sun. Meeko blew his eagle bone whistle with every step, letting his feet glide to the rhythm of the drum's beat. At the end of the first endurance, Meeko left the circle to go and rest under the arbor where Granbear quietly acknowledged that he was doing well.

A helper approached each dancer offering them burning cedar. Meeko inhaled deeply to feel the smoke's power touch his soul. When the dancers returned to continue the Sun Dance, Crow walked over to the Tree of Life and lay down on a bed of sage. Shadowhawk knelt over him and pierced Crow on the right and left side of his chest, placing his hanging sticks through each slit. After his ropes were hooked over these sticks, he stretched his arms outward as they hoisted him up into the tree. There he hung for the rest of the day. Slowly Anpetu, the red that shines at twilight, painted its colors across the evening sky signaling for the serene glowing Crow to be lowered to the ground.

As Meeko tried to sleep that night many pictures danced on the back of his eyelids. He saw people of long ago being pierced at the tree, many dragging behind them as many as twelve Buffalo skulls hooked to their backs. He cried with joy, knowing that he was gathering power in the same way as his ancient ancestors had done long ago.

On the second day, Meeko danced in view of Crow, who was once again hanging in the sacred Tree of Life with outstretched arms looking directly into the sun. That evening as Meeko listened to other dancers complain of hunger, thirst, exhaustion and sunburned bodies, he was thankful that Granbear and Shadowhawk had prepared him well.

On the third day prayers were said for the fallen dancers who were either taken to the tree to rest or left to sit with their heads bowed in shame. Granbear or Shadowhawk spoke for a long time with the dancers as they left the circle. Meeko was exhausted and worried if he could continue.

Crow, reading his thoughts, encouraged him, saying, "Once I too, was afraid of piercing, but I wanted to dance for the people. I found that Father Sun offers his rays to climb upon. After they paint the red piercing circles on your chest, go to the powers of Wakan Tanka, and when you are pierced you won't feel anything."

On the fourth day, Meeko entered the Sundance circle with two red circles painted on his chest which indicated to the Sundance leader where he wished to be pierced. Mid-afternoon he noticed an eagle flying overhead and remembered his first call from Eagle. 'How high can you fly, Meeko? How high do you dare fly?' He felt a strength beyond his knowing surge through him as he glanced toward the tree to see Crow break free from the ropes. Crow dropped to the ground and landed on his feet with a peaceful face that reflected spiritual beauty. In the traditional way, Crow ran clockwise four times around the circle then returned to the line of dancers. Meeko, inspired by Crow who looked at him with spirit eyes, left the line to be pierced.

As Meeko lay down on the bed of sage, the appointed grandmother caressed his forehead and spoke to him encouragingly. Granbear placed a bundle of sage in his mouth as Shadowhawk pinched his skin, lifted it from his chest and slipped a knife into it. Shadowhawk helped Meeko to his feet and carefully hooked the ropes to the sticks now protruding from his chest.

The ropes pulled against his flesh, causing a burning sensation. Meeko stood still until his body adjusted to the pain, then danced toward the tree, placing both hands on it in prayer. The tree came alive, its bark felt like soft skin and its movements like human breath. Meeko blew his eagle bone whistle as the beat of the drums drove his pounding feet. Four times he danced to and from the sacred Tree of Life, causing the ropes to stretch his skin outward from his chest as he filled his heart with the strength of Great Spirit.

The last time Meeko danced away, he held his head high and faced the sun, staring unflinchingly as he rode its rays. He danced backwards until his skin stood out four inches from his chest and yet he felt no pain. All of a sudden his skin tore free and the piercing sticks flew into the air as his spirit soared. Meeko ran at breakneck speed four times around the circle, with many friends and family following behind to honor him.

When he returned and stood at the sacred Tree of Life, Granbear smiled proudly and handed Meeko the pieces of his flesh wrapped in a square of red cloth. Shadowhawk took special herbs and mixed them with tobacco to fill Meeko's open wounds. After resting for a moment at the tree, Meeko returned to the line of Sundancers, moving stronger than ever.

Although many pledgers had participated in the Sun Dance, Meeko was proud that he was among those who had completed his Sun Dance ritual.

At the end of the Sun Dance ceremony the participants, now considered holy, lined up and lay their hands on the heads of those who wished to be healed. Once this healing ceremony was accomplished, the Sundance leader called the dancers together for their final sweat. This completed another yearly Sun Dance ceremony.

Once dressed, Meeko looked for Crow, but could not find him. After inquiring about his whereabouts, he thought it strange that no one knew of his presence. Puzzled Meeko went to Granbear and asked, "Where is the man called Crow who hung from the Tree of Life for four days?"

Granbear smiled in a knowing way. "Ah Grandson, many have seen this man called Crow, but few have spoken with him. The old ones say he's a spirit who comes each year to Sundance, and they call him the Man Who Carries Many Scars." Chills ran through Meeko's body when he realized he had danced alongside a Great Spirit warrior.

For a week, Meeko's mind was engrossed with images of Crow. Once all the people had left Meeko went to sit alone in the Sundance circle to relive the days of the Sun Dance. He was astonished to see Crow again hanging from the tree as he spoke to Meeko of his future. "Today's world demands you learn to use many new weapons in battling for the freedom of humankind's soul. The young ones that are being born today will help free a fear-controlled society. In time you will experience this limitation and understand how the human race has suffered from the ruling peoples of the world." Now certain of his calling, Meeko never spoke of Crow again, yet he never forgot this powerful encounter.

The next day Shadowhawk spent many hours teaching Meeko the history of their people. "We come from the stars and we were chosen to take care of Mother Earth. She holds the bones of our ancestors and we should never sell the land. It was these old ones and nature who taught us that we are one with the land. To become a good warrior and hunter, you must know your place in the tribe. I'm teaching you this history so you too can walk like the invisible trackers of old and never leave a mark upon your path unless you choose to do so. Now, go and learn from the coming season."

During the next three months, Meeko came to understand the reality behind the changes of the seasons and how it takes time for all things to adjust to change.

Meeko was sad to see summer waning and fall approaching. The leaves were slowly turning red and yellow and fell to the ground in brown brittleness, a signal to certain birds it was time to fly south. Meeko felt the anger of winter, knowing Yata was killing everything in his path in order to lay his blanket of winter snow across the land.

Soon winter arrived and Shadowhawk began to teach Meeko new hunting skills, pointing out the importance of the signs left by the animals and the characteristics of plants and trees. While they were tracking one morning, Shadowhawk said, "Everything has its own language. Learn to observe and understand how to speak without the use of words. Learn to feel a presence, then look for the obvious. There are always signs if you are aware of nature's rules. Study each mark left on Mother Earth's floor and know whose footsteps are walking the same trail. Know that the winged ones live above and below and when there is a disturbance on the earth's floor, something is out of balance. Eagle looks for these things and considers them as food, a gift from Creator.

"Sounds are another way to understand nature's laws. Listen to everything and know each message the voice gives you. Study the trees, bushes, stones and animals for the answers you seek. If you become worthy of nature's knowledge, you will understand the lessons that Wakan Tanka has provided for all beings." Shadowhawk shared his excitement as he spoke of nature's laws, giving Meeko a deeper understanding of the skill of observation.

"Remember when I sent you to watch the beavers build their summer home?" questioned Shadowhawk. "Did you see why the young must learn to follow the rules of the elders? Beaver teaches her young to grow strong and independent. When she is finished training, she chases them from the home something human parents could learn. Beaver may teach a harsh lesson, but it is for survival. Pay attention and you will live. Break a rule and you die. Everything in nature is willing to share its teachings, but it takes a wise student to benefit from them.

"Meeko, I tell you these things so you do not become a foolish hunter. Taking a life is done for survival. It's only common sense never to hunt alone. In old times someone who hunted alone was seen as breaking a tribal rule because they would scare away the game needed by others. If this happened, the people would tear up the hunter's tipi and take away his food, or they would demand a public beating.

"In the past a man's words and deeds gave him honor among his people. Sharing and caring was Wakan Tanka's way of teaching the people to love one another. This is why we teach our boys to become good, caring men and expect them to pass these values on to the next generation. You must know of all these things, or Wakan Tanka's creations will not speak to you."

Arriving home in late afternoon, Meeko and Shadowhawk stripped, gutted, cleaned and distributed two freshly killed deer. The women filled the drying racks and the old men prepared the antlers to be used for carrying the sacred stones into the Inipi.

Once the work was completed, Shadowhawk presented a beautifully hand-carved ash bow with arrows to Meeko, who felt honored. Granbear placed the bow stave across Meeko's chest, then down his right side, making sure it was properly sized, stating, "In my day, the bow was our most powerful tool. It kept us from exposing ourselves to the white man's rifles in battle. We would stay well hidden until we were close enough to send our arrows to the target, sometimes as far away as fifty yards. A good warrior knew his weapon and made his arrows deadly. As he rode his war pony, he could shoot faster than a pistol. During battle our men sent arrows to the enemy like a swarm of mad hornets."

At dawn the following morning, Shadowhawk gave Meeko his first lesson with the bow. "Become one with the bow. Feel what the bow is saying to you, and let the arrow be an extension of you," said Shadowhawk as he painted a round target on a tree stump. In time Meeko developed the strength to pull fast and release quickly, hitting the target three out of five tries.

One day Shadowhawk demonstrated his own skill. Meeko watched as his arrow shot high above their heads, then downward, right where he was standing. As Meeko jumped out of the way, Shadowhawk chuckled, saying, "Handle the bow more gently and become one with it before you break its spine. Feel the power in its body and listen to what the bow is telling you."

Meeko was awed by Shadowhawk's skill. Shadowhawk continued the lesson, saying, "Long ago, the tribes tortured enemies' souls by shooting their bellies full of arrows. This practice ensured their children would be born deformed throughout eternity. Our warriors knew their enemies could never take revenge until we released their souls."

Week after week Meeko tried to shoot his arrows into the target. When he could finally plant every arrow precisely, Shadowhawk challenged him further with a rolling hoop, and in a short time his arrows landed in the center of the moving object.

Granbear then added another challenge. He put a small stone between a split stick and had Meeko spin around and shoot, telling him, "When you learn to feel its presence, just turn and release." For weeks Meeko missed because he could not understand how to feel its presence without seeing it. Then one day he felt a surge down his arm, and as he shot the arrow, he split the stone and understood what Granbear had been saying.

Meeko bragged until Shadowhawk took his bow and arrows from him, saying, "Now let's see if you can throw a spear." Shadowhawk heaved forth a heavy spear, and hit the center of his target, then asked, "Did you watch the motion of my body?" Meeko just shrugged, so Shadowhawk demanded he stand by the tree. Shadowhawk arched his back and threw once again. Meeko froze as the singing spear landed between his feet. Horrified, and vowing to get even, he began to practice with the spear until he was sure he could place it between Shadowhawk's legs. When the opportunity came, he aimed it carefully at Shadowhawk's legs and threw, but Shadowhawk caught it in midair and hurled it back between Meeko's legs, saying, "A little more to the right." Stunned and feeling powerless, Meeko knew he would pay dearly for his challenge.

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