NAW

"I know you gave some explanations of why we are so attracted to the
Native American ways. What is it that rumbles the spirit when I see a
movie or read about them? Why is it that I feel I am right there with
them?"
Like I said before, it's a mystery why our spirits react like they do to many things. But it
is real. One thing that we can not control is our reaction and then turning it off when we
want to. Some may be attracted to customs of peoples but not as one with them. The
feeling you have and many others is different. If you think about it and feel it, you will
see that you are feeling what they do. You appreciate what they did, the honesty, the
freedom, the land, the beauty, the use of what God gave them; you feel a oneness with it
all. It's the way of life back then that you feel and the fellowship they had. Soon that
place will be here.

"It rips my heart out thinking that my people will never have what they
had before. I can't leave reservation life and go out to the white mans
world. There's no real spirit out there. I see a world out there that is
greedy, materialistic and sad. What is left to have faith?"
My good friend, many out here see and feel the same things that you do. The life we have
now has many changes from people conquering us to taking away our environment. No,
nothing stays the same. The good thing about that is that it makes us want a place where
we were and are free in our spirit and that place can't possibly be here and now on this
earth. Gods promise is that He will give us our desires if we follow Him. Jesus said that
we will have a place beyond what we could ever imagine. Many Chiefs and Holy men
such as Good Eagle, Black Elk, Flat-Iron and others were given a vision by the Father that
all of your desires and visions will be fulfilled in His kingdom. Just think life for ever the
way it was. Also my friend, life here is very short. Look forward to the promise to
come.

"Do you think animals talk to us and other things on earth send us messages
like the trees etc? Also do you think there are animals in heaven?"
Many people ask the same question. God made all things on earth to enhance and aid our
growth. God said He was well pleased with everything He made. Lets not forget that the
messages we get from what God made is going to be feelings. Can you imagine there
being no color on earth. They say we would not live long. Color enhances us and makes
our spirit thrive. So do the animals and all of creation. Respect is understanding each
eventually and keeping at the proper distance. Animals and the trees etc are there to
keep us whole, that is if the person takes their time to notice them and to sit with them.
God made everything for a purpose, for us. When asked where heaven was, Jesus said
"All around you". There are many mysteries but because of scripture and opinions yes,
many feel that animals will have their part in heaven. Lets us not worship anything
except God but use what He gave here to make us whole in our spirit. The Vision Quest is
to help us connect to this very thing.

"Why did the people of the states allow the way the government took land
that wasn't theirs and turn a people into slaves? My people, the Lakota?"
Actually, the people in the east were not affected by what was going on in the west and
when they read about it they were sympathetic towards the Native Americans and they
couldn't understand why our government was taking their land. Even many in the central
region were concerned. Bottom line, power lay's in the hands of government which is
military and law enforcers. When they are given orders they follow them out without
reason and thought. Once aggression starts, the aggressor always feels that they are
right and the others are wrong. Look at history; if it were up to the people of many
nations who have conquered, there would not have been war or a take over.

"When the whites took over the Native Americans land, they made them
take a Christian name. Did they really think that would change them? What
was wrong with their real names?"
The whites came in great numbers. They were really the savages as history shows. The
Native Americans (NA) gave great thanks to God for all that He provided for them from
the things on the earth. So, the NA took the names of what only they knew, like animal
names, or to describe who they were. That was the way they honored and gave thanks
to God. Christians started taking the names of people in the bible who were followers of
Jesus. Yes, I guess the whites thought the Christian name would tame them, when in fact
the whites should have lived up to there Christian names.

" I am always restless inside. I know I was a Lakota warrior before I came
back to earth. I wish I were back with my people in their spirit land. What
am I doing here when my spirit isn't in this time period?"
Why and however we were put in this time period with these restless feelings will always
be a mystery till we leave here. I can just tell you that you must use what you feel while
you're here. There's a reason we are here and your warrior ways will be put to good use
at the times God wants them for. Life is very short, you will be back there soon.

"You had mentioned that the Warrior status is still being used among the
Native Americans, how would it be used today?"
Not only is it used in the nations but used to describe our soldiers who are fighting for or
country. The word and status of Warrior means more than physical fighting. It also
means having honor, respect, standards and being involved in a mission to help others.
Many diplomats achieve that status without the title Warrior. We all do to some extent in
our lives. Many tribal nations still use that title and actually award it to people and their
causes.

"Why is the Native Americans still fighting to get what they believe is
their land back?"
If you read and watch the cable channels you will see that the local, state and federal
governments are finding deeds that were filed by Native Americans in the seventeen and
eighteen hundreds for property that was taken from them. Many families, tribes and
nations have the rights to land that is now owned and developed by others. The
government will have a rough time trying to give reasons why it was OK to take
someone's land. Some have already been compensated for their property but others want
what is theirs. It will be interesting to see how the government will settle the legal issues
with land ownership. If they own it, I say go for it.

"Why drums in the Native American culture, why didn't they use other
instruments? Do the sounds all have different meanings?"
Like any culture, each has their own instruments. The Native American had drums,
flutes, bells and shells that they played. They wrote nothing down they just played and
taught by memory and sound. Yes in certain situations for communication the drums had
meanings and messages. But mostly the drum was the heart beat of the person. We all
listen to music and each instrument in that music causes a reaction in our spirit, that's
why we feel like moving around (dancing). What ever music or instrument we like it will
cause our feelings to deal with situations in our lives. Another mystery on why and how
environment effects our five senses then our spirit. Listen to the drums and fly in your
spirit.

"I have visions of a wolf. Sometimes the wolf is following me, sometimes
by my side. It depends on how I am feeling and what I am doing to where
the wolf is. Sometimes I feel he is friendly and other times I'm not sure.
What's going on?"
One thing we must always remember is that we control our destiny. We cause most of
our dreams and visions. Yes some visions are warnings and signs but most are a
condition that is waiting for us to correct or act upon so that our future visions will fit
our ways. Here is a good story about wolf visions: An old Native American is teaching
his grandson about wolf visions. A fight is going on in each of us, he told the boy. It is a
terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is angry, envy, sorrow,
regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, weakness, inferiority, lies, false
pride, fear, superiority and ego.
The other is good, he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness,
benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassionate, self-reliance, strength, and
faith.
The grandson thought about all his grandfather said and asked, "Which wolf will win?"
The grandfather said, "The one you feed."
So the dreams or visions we have are usually us, the way we feel at the time or what we
are going through. Do we feed the components of the evil wolf, or the good wolf? That's
what the wolf is waiting for when he is around. Make good decisions and look at your
self to see how you are at this time in your life so that the good wolf will be right by
your side. A lot of questions are asked about animals that seem to be at a distance
waiting, also 'The warrior in waiting' is a common one. They are waiting for you, to see
what decision you will make.

"When I am awake or sleeping I have the same vision most of the time. I
have searched for that picture of my vision and found one title, but not
much explanation. It's, The Warrior in Waiting. Do you have any meanings?
That title is used in many paintings where a warrior is on a horse in the middle of a
creek in the mountains. Or, alongside a tree line by a field. He seems to be waiting for
someone. He has one feather in his hair and sometimes a bow and arrow strapped to his
back or holding a spear. Some people come up with several meanings but the real
meaning is Feeling. Hardly any vision has one meaning. Many have similar visions but the
vision fits each person differently. Enjoy the feeling. Meanings of things come and go,
but feelings stay. All feelings lead to an area in all our journey. When it is your time, you
will see how you are being primed to further your journey.

"I have read much about the warrior, I see now that the warriors are here
today and always have been with us. My husband has a job, a way of life,
which he was born to do as we all have a position in life. Why is the
warrior not able to settle down sociably?
You just said it in your question, a way of life. Some people are born to fit a way that
calls for a certain structuring. Let's take the Native American warrior. He or she was
always alert and protective of the tribe. Their every wakened moment was a natural
instinct for what they were structured for. They then were more at ease and content in
that environment. Therefore, they were just not content to fit completely into other
social situations. Most warriors build their own structured existence around themselves
including a relationship with another. I'm sure that's what you feel or you wouldn't be
reading about it. It's like you and he exist in an area all your own, then at times you
venture out. It can work well as long as there is no physical and mental abusiveness that
the other domestic couples have. He will always seem like he is in waiting.

"I see my guide in my dreams and even while I am awake. He makes me
feel safe. He seems to relay a message in feeling and sometimes in words.
How long will he be near me?"
Once we start this journey of visions and change within ourselves, the guides sometimes
stay all our life on earth. Sometimes they stay in touch just long enough to plant seeds as
we walk the journey. They have the answers already for us, but they are assigned to us
till we finally feel what they are sent for, then, we are stable enough to wait for the next
vision or sign. It will change you, you will see and recognize more of Gods' beauty. God
seems to use even the people who have left us long ago. Studies show that people are led
in the right directions from our Native American brothers and sisters.

"I have many visions of scenery and animals, mostly birds in the sunset,
feathers, and fields of golden hay. I feel like I am looking at places that I
am comfortable in and maybe where I live in a different dimension. I know
its Native American orientated but I never see anyone. Why?"
Read the forums here and you will get many explanations of visions. Your visions could
have another reasoning that is common for yours. When people only see the natural
scenes of nature, it signifies truth. If you noticed there are no man made objects or any
indication of mans interference. God's creation has all the true feelings your spirit needs.
It's called truth. A knowing comes from within, and only from all that is natural. It's a
feeling that is not controlled by mans world. Let your spirit blend into what you see.
Visualize the visions while you are awake and in a place where there is no worldly
interference. This is why people go on vision quests, or retreats, to block out this world
and focus on another or their inner spirit.

"I have searched and read much about the Native Americans but can't find
the meanings of my dreams and visions, what am I doing wrong?"
Your answers may have nothing to do with the Native American culture. People assume
that if they have a dream or vision that has a NA figure or place then they will find the
meaning in that culture. Our dreams contain people at times but they are there only to
deliver the message. We should first look into the reasoning of the visions. Yes the
answers could lay in the culture we see. If you can find someone who studies the same
visions in other people then you may find a possible reason for the vision. Usually its not
answers you must seek but the awareness of the vision. They are views of your new
journey in life. Visions do give direction, a new interest, a sense of adventure, a
renewed look at our life. If you wish to look into the culture, which I recommend, you
first must find the nation/tribe that your spirit is drawn to. Most people seem to be
drawn to the central western tribes. Read about them, look at pictures, see the movies
and if possible travel there. You will definitely be drawn to the one for you, then study
them and their way of life will have many answers for you. A guide will also be able to
help you identify the nation/tribe that your visions are from.

"Why do I have visions of Native Americans? Why do I see what took place
years ago and see things and places that I can't find in history? I have
never studied about any of it and know nothing about Native American
culture."
There are many explanations why we have dreams and visions, we may never know why
till we meet God and see the reasoning. It's not unusual for a person to dream of a place,
circumstance or people when they have never been there or read about them. It's an
interesting journey finding out why and more about the life and culture of the Native
American. Some say if there were a past life then our ancestors are trying to send us
messages, or, God has given them a land that they wanted when they were here on
earth. Now they have that place and you have a window into their life. Glimpses of life
to come or another dimension keeps us from being totally controlled by the earthly
elements. Life throws pieces of puzzles to us constantly. Write these visions down and in
time these pieces will start to make a partial picture of a greater one that never ends.
We will never know why we see many things, but just enjoy and pursue and you will be
honored.

"I have met other people who have the same visions and dreams as I do. Do
the visions mean the same for each of us?"
No, each person is on their journey, different from the other person. Just like in life,
many people use the same tools but apply them to their goal and job. The only way to
find out what they mean for you is to see a guide and he or she will see where you are
and what type of journey you are on, then the visions, dreams and signs will have their
special meaning for you.

"There are many sayings in the Native American Culture and I appreciate
all your emails explaining ones that I can't find an answer to. Here is
another: "The Great Spirit has made us as part of the earth, the animals,
the trees and the air. He has fashioned us around all things. He has
promised us a place of the same light when we leave this world. This I
believe and so do my people."
The Native American was content with all that God had given them. As the saying says
above, they understood that they were apart of the earth. They got everything they
needed from the earth the air and the animals. They had no greed beyond that. They had
no desire for the white mans inventions. If we could find a time machine and go back to
the 1800's and bring with us a car, computer, games and all the other distractions of this
world today, they would destroy it all. They had true happiness in all that God gave them.
They saw Gods creation, not mans. Today we are lost in mans creations and many have
lost sight of Gods gifts. They believed that what they saw is what they will get in Gods
kingdom, but in a different dimension. When Jesus was asked "where is heaven" Jesus
said "All around you."

"I have been reading about Shamans in the Native American culture. It
doesn't tell you how to become one. I would like to study and be a
Shaman; can you tell me where to start?"
If you read more you will find out how the Shaman is recognized in the tribe. The
Shaman is also called Medicine man, Holy man, Spirit Walker, Ghost Walker and many
other names that the tribe or people see in a person with an ability to guide, council,
and with gifts of healing or visions. The Shaman is a Warrior, Healer, Teacher and
Visionary. He or she is all four. You should read all you can about these four gifts. Other
cultures around the world also use the name Shaman; of course their ways are different.
To answer your question, no one can study and become a Shaman. Studying is a
necessary part of becoming anything but, it is what and who you become. You must be
those four elements above. It usually takes many years of working with people. The last
is the final and needed part of the transition to Shaman, that people recognize you as
one. They make the decision not you. Just like a Holy man of God. He doesn't walk
around saying he is a Holy man, people see him as one. Read all you can on what other
Shaman say, like Black Elk and many others, not that you must follow their way but you
must have your own way of being. They will give you an insight of the kind of person
they have become and when there, you can't change, but will see it as your destiny as a
gift from God.

"How did Christianity originate in the Native American culture?"
There were many Christians that came to America that taught the Gospel. But in many
circles it has been said that Jesus never made it to America that He only stayed where
He could walk or a short distance by boat. Also well before outsiders came here a story
was already told about a man wearing a white robe who was here and talked to many
about life after death and a kingdom that the Great Spirit had for them. The man said He
was the Son of the Great Spirit. This man healed many but most of all He gave hope and
visions to many that listened to Him. We must remember that the Native American never
wrote anything down, they told and taught everything verbally. Our history books are
only from the white mans account of what happened and what they could get from the
Native American.

Comment:
Many have asked about how to run a Vision Quest, Sweat Lodge, how to perform certain
dances, how to make certain items, clothing, etc. I have referred them to books that
will show how. There will soon be a page on certain items that would be difficult to
find. The meaning and reasoning for the Native American items are found in the books
recommended on the Book Page. Some of your questions focus on the Eastern Tribes. I
will do my best to answer them but the main focus here is on the western tribes.

"I have heard the words Warrior and Braves mentioned about the Native
American life and also related to people in positions in a church. What
exactly do they mean?"
In life we train for positions in a job or after we get enough experience in a position we
can advance. The early years or a young boy growing up in a tribe learns to hunt, use
weapons and learns from the elders. While in these stages of growing the boys are called
braves. They will stay a brave until they are faced with the challenges of life or what
they have been preparing for. In many cases it was battle or being a brave hunter for the
tribe. You become a warrior when faced with the challenges of your life, or after your
first battle. Even our troops today are called warriors after seeing battle. Some churches
use those words to inspire the growth from within, learning then facing the challenge of
applying.

"The medicine men of the tribes, did they mainly practice medicine? What
about Wovoka, he led many to their death because of his visions."
Depending on what nation and tribes you read about they used the names Shaman,
Medicine Man and Holy Man all being interchangeable. Other regions of tribes used other
wording for their Holy Men. Some did use herbs and ways to heal sickness but they were
the only ways that were available in those times. Mostly they were men of vision, no
different than the men and women who are called by God to serve in our churches
today. The people in the tribes went to them for advice, no different than today. Wovoka
was one of the last Holy Men nearing the end of the wars. He was born around 1856 and
died in 1932. He started the Ghost Dance that gave many warriors strength to carry out
their cause. His visions were that the Native Americans would have their land back and
that nothing would harm them in battle. Yes, they were slaughtered at Wounded Knee but
later in the years it was said that Wovoka did have the right vision but it applied to the
life here after with the ancestors. There is much to be said on visions, even today. Jesus
talked about life that God has provided for all who worship Him. Wovoka saw that life
and knew that he should give them hope for it. Not hope for earthly battles. He was mis-
understood as many were, as Jesus was. It is the kingdom to come that all Holy People
focus on.

"I would like to learn about the Native American ceremonies, rituals,
symbols and healing ways. Could you recommend a good book?"
There are many books on the cultures and ways. There are and were thousands of tribes.
What you will have to do is study the different tribes first to see what one or ones you
are attracted to. To start I would recommend looking at the eastern or western nations,
see which one you are drawn to. You will find that symbols are some what the same for
most nations but, they may have slightly different meanings. One thing to remember is
that most every nation used their practices as a way to worship their belief. The words
ritual and ceremony are ways to worship what you believe in. Every church has their
rituals and ceremonies to worship God, the Native American used all that God made to
worship Him and give thanks to the Great Spirit.

"I am attracted to Native American Ways, I can't seem to get close enough
to their culture to feel why I am attracted. Does the attraction mean that
some day we should start living and dressing like them to see why?"
There are two main attractions towards any culture. One is the style and dress. Some
can dress and act like it but not have the honor or respect. The other is what that
culture stood for. What attracts most people about the Native American is their honor,
word, and the way they used, felt, and appreciated everything that God gave them. So,
no, you don't have to go live and dress up like them even though many like that to, but
you have to study their ways. Everything that God put on this earth has a message and
feeling about it, and that is how the Native American lived.

"I have been having the same dream of a woman with dark hair wearing a
white or light brown dress and sometimes naked. She is standing in a cloud
with her arms outstretched and a bird with its wings out either on her
shoulder or flying near. I know she is Native American, why do I dream
about her?"
You have a very common dream. That dream has been told for hundreds of years. The
Native American had several reasons for it. Sometimes that woman is called, White
Buffalo Calf Woman, Otto Woman, and Buffalo Woman. Or any of those names in any
order. There are many visions and dreams that really do not have an exact meaning but
they do exist. Here is the most common story about that one: Two warriors were
hunting when they came upon a woman standing by a pond. She appeared naked at first.
One warrior ran over to her to assault her. She touched him and he fell immediately to
the ground dead. This scared the other warrior but he stayed his distance and listened to
her. She then appeared dressed and told the warrior to go tell the Chiefs that she will be
with them in three days to bring peace. In three days they were waiting at the village
when a White Buffalo appeared in front of them. Then the Buffalo changed into the
woman. She had in her hand a pipe. She told them to smoke it as they made talk. This
would bring reason to their concerns.
The story goes on about the pipe but the story shows that at first the woman, a symbol
of weak strength, got the attention of the one warrior. The White Buffalo got their
attention and then the woman had power in her words and reasoning in the pipe she
brought. Also a woman dressed the same way has brought messages through dreams and
visions to many people in their life in different situations. The birds around her are
symbols of Gods messages on wings as a spirit from Him.
Women who have these dreams have already started on their spiritual journey. They are
being groomed for there walk in life as messengers.
All through the bible Gods people/messengers had visions they couldn't understand till it
was their time.

"Why is it that I dream of Native Americans? I also see someone who I feel
is my spirit guide. My family knows I like to collect N.A. items and read up
on them, but I would never tell them about my visions. They wouldn't
understand. I have to talk to someone."
Don't feel alone. There are so many people who experience the same thing. Remember,
family members are still individual people. They will shun you just as another would. Over
the years I have literally had people walk into the health center for no reason and found
out that they were led there to talk about the very same thing you experience. Not only
there but where ever I have taught or lectured there are always a few that approach me
wanting to talk about the same things that they have kept secret all their lives.
Remember, when you experience things in life that others can't reason out or detect
with their five senses, they usually won't support you and may feel you need some kind of
help. Also look on the internet, but mostly find spiritual groups and classes to take. In
those situations you will find many who journey in the sixth sense. That is also where
God is.

"Why did the Native American cut themselves when someone died?"
Actually many people in many cultures did that. It was a symbol to some to show their
love or honor for that person. Mostly it was to equalize the emotional internal pain they
feel over the death of their friend, husband, wife etc. Some women would cut one of
their fingers off when their husband, son or daughter died. We all look for a way to
equalize the pain we feel. We may run, or punch a hole in the wall till we feel physical
pain that may help take our attention off our inner pain. It's called venting also.

"How will I know my Native American name?"
This question is a feeling of belonging. We will never know why we are so attracted to
other cultures, races, places etc. We either take our fathers last name or mothers. But
with some people there is an inner pull towards what appears to be another existence.
Why do we like certain movies, hobbies, places, animals and peoples? It is fun to
investigate and be in the presence of. If you study how and why Native Americans get
their names it will help you feel yours. The word feel is so important in many answers to
our questions and for contentment. Also a guide who has experience putting together
your uncontrollable existing feelings will help you finally know your name. A true name is
not a tag for the body you are in but a feeling. You are what your spirit is, not the
factory where your body came out of.

Spirit Animals or Animal Guides
Many ask what animal their spirit is connected to. You may like all animals but there is
one that reads you well and that you must learn to respect. We just don't take the time
or know how to read the signs from that animal. Once we find our particular animal we
will see that it can warn us of coming troubles, save us from an auto accident, or a
house fire.
Just like someone who is close to horses, that owner/trainer can read the horses
movements and signals. The horse also reads the trainers movements and actions, and
there's a bond and understanding between them. Many women "run with the wolves" as
their animal spirit. The male wolf has a great instinct and is very protective of their
family and females. In time you will begin to see how your character and instinct is
similar to that of your animal friend. It does take time and a guide to find that special
friend that reads and protects us just as a good human friend will.

We cannot find ourselves in life until we learn to center and meditate, and that is only
done well in God's creation, not near any manmade objects. That is when we will learn
to fly in the spirit. Only at that point do we start to see what God has set before us. As
Jesus said, "We must be born again and we must not be part of the earth, for I am not
part of the earth."
We must escape the earthly elements as we pray and meditate. Only then will we see the
signs, the animals that we can relate to and become one with.

White Buffalo
The white buffalo or visions of them have meant different things to different tribes over
the years.The white buffalo symbolizes many ways we can face our enemies and
problems. All animals have their own strengths that we can match to fight off Satan. The
buffalo has more strengths than most animals. His head represents a shield with his horns
as swords, his body represents a physical strength against our enemies, one eye is for
seeing what is in front of us, the injustice and the just, and the other eye is for seeing
the spirit world of the Great Spirit, to be His warrior and to perform in a way to please
Him. What we must watch is that we do not turn something into an idol. Throughout the
Bible God mentions animals, such as the eagle, that we may fly as high as one and have
the strength as one.

Visions
All visions have their own meanings and signs. A common one is the Buffalo vision which
may be telling a warrior that he or she must see that they are a warrior and will in time
have the qualities that the White Buffalo has.

Another common vision is that of a woman with long dark hair and out stretched arms,
wearing a light colored rawhide dress. Near her may be any animal but most common is
a hawk or some kind of a bird. It could represent a strength and support from your
ancestors or earthly family and not to give up but go forward.

Another common one is dreaming that bears are chasing you. Sometimes when we have
fears while we are awake, we will dream of the most ultimate thing we can think of that
would be at the top of our fear list depending on the amount of fear we have towards
the situation we are facing in life at the time.

We often see animals or birds in our dreams because if you think about it, how could
God guide you by showing you a human being who was a great leader if you are not
familiar with that person. We are familiar with most animals but not with individual
human beings.

A good way for anyone to get help about their concerns in life or to get help
understanding why they are having these dreams or visions is to work with a guide as
they will be able to help you see how and where you are in life. Usually all dreams and
visions are related to the present circumstances of an individual and the guide will be
able to help interpret them.
Many dreams and visions are just pieces of a puzzle that we should write down so that
later on we can see how they fit together to complete a bigger picture of understanding.