A Healing Totem
Beside a lake in a forest not far from Ground Zero stands a 13-foot totem pole with the colors of red, black, white, and yellow. A gift from the Lummi Nation, a Native American Tribe from Washington State.
The pole stands within a bereavement camp for children, some who lost parents in the September 11th terrorist attacks. The colors of the pole represent the four races, all of which suffered losses in the tragedy. There is an eagle, the embodiment of male power; it is for the fathers lost that day. The bear mother represents females. And the bear cub is for the children,those that perished and those left behind. This totem holds a tremendous cultural, archaeological and spiritual importance for the Lummi people.
Native Americans share a history of grief and emphasize community healing Many possess knowledge they can share with others. A gift from the Lummi Nation who wanted to share this knowledge and healing with the totem.Lummi master carver Jewell James set out on a special healing journey with his totems.
Native Americans believe that a totem pole, as a repository of prayers and blessings, can help heal the bereaved.
This is a story that did not begin with 9/11, or end with the healing pole for the Pentagon.
The story is much older because images of terror, cultural divisions are part of life for those who grow up in Indian Country. What's remarkable is the vision from people like James and those who work with him, to try and heal the pain that surfaces from those memories."
Get the Story:
Mark Trahant: Can a symbol promote healing? (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 5/22)
Mark Trahant: Can a symbol promote healing? (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 5/22)
Totem pole will carry blessings to New York
By Lynda V. Mapes
http://www.medicineeagle.com/good_news.htm#Totem
By Lynda V. Mapes
http://www.medicineeagle.com/good_news.htm#Totem
What is a Power Totem Animal?
Native Americans believe that animals have much to teach us as they are messengers of Great Spirit
In Native American Culture a Power Totem Animal is an animal symbol that is there to guide them through their entire life
There are three other types of totems:
A Journey Totem that is with you for a period or phase of your life perhaps anywhere from a week to a year
A Visiting Totem who comes briefly with a message for the moment. It could be like a gentle nudge or a slap in the face calling us to awaken to a certain situation such a healing or blessing.
A Shadow Totem is an animal who intitialy you may fear. They represent the hidden side of yourself and will soon become your allies after certain initiations giving you the oppurtunity to overcome your fears.
Native Americans believe that animals have much to teach us as they are messengers of Great Spirit
In Native American Culture a Power Totem Animal is an animal symbol that is there to guide them through their entire life
There are three other types of totems:
A Journey Totem that is with you for a period or phase of your life perhaps anywhere from a week to a year
A Visiting Totem who comes briefly with a message for the moment. It could be like a gentle nudge or a slap in the face calling us to awaken to a certain situation such a healing or blessing.
A Shadow Totem is an animal who intitialy you may fear. They represent the hidden side of yourself and will soon become your allies after certain initiations giving you the oppurtunity to overcome your fears.
To learn what animal is your totem animal, click the link below.
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Comments: 10
Thank you to the Lummi Nation and you for posting this.
ideas.
Maybe you'd like my new article on the tribes of Native Americans in Mexico, along with the various dialects.
Keep writing.
And of course, a healing totem as well.