People are the victims of fate only they do not understand how to react to the "pattern" in the things happening around them.
The ability to
understand what is happening and to act in a way that changes the future course
of events entails power.
Nobody has the right
to challenge the authenticity of another's spiritual experiences.
Taking another
world-view seriously means that we do not regard it as consisting merely of
interesting beliefs.
"The Great
Spirit has helpers like Fire, Thunder, Wind, and Water. They are the elements -- the
Grandfathers". Russell Willier
"If you use a
plant and ask that plant spirit to get help from the Great Spirit, the power
will come through". Russell Willier
Because of their
wrongdoing, people are less worthy than a blade of grass to talk to the Great
Spirit directly.
Every living
creature is a tangible expression of the spirit for that species.
Fasting and prayer
may be required for deep communication with the spirit world, but even simple
purification rites such as burning sweetgrass or a fungus from the diamond
willow will allow one to perceive the presence of spirits.
Burning incense is
like opening a curtain. When the curtain
has been pulled back one can see and communicate directly with the spirits.
Spirits can assist
the shaman not only in foretelling but in changing the future.
It is dangerous to
take part in ceremonies conducted by incompetent people, but it is even more
dangerous not to do the ceremonies at all.
"All the plants
and trees and animals have got something that they can give to help cure
different sicknesses." Russell Willier
That night he
dreamed about the incident. In his
vision a little man about four feet tall came to him. He was the spirit of the herb Russell had
been looking for.
The animal spirits
reside in their namesakes. Thus, the
Buffalo Spirit dwells in every buffalo.
When the spirits
arrive it feels as if your stomach suddenly leaves you.
