Native Beliefs and Traditions
The Way of Harmony More
Inspiration Solutions ~
In our search for meaning and in guidance for living our lives
in more
balanced ways, many of us turn to the wisdom of Native Americans.
This beautiful Cherokee philosophy tells us about the purpose of
life,
our place in the sacred circle, and more.
Simple Solution:
Native Americans believe that every life is a gift to be treated
with
gratitude and respect. What has been referred to as the Harmony
Ethic
guides much of Native American living. For the Cherokee this
encompasses
the conscious avoidance of interpersonal conflict in an attempt to
maintain
reciprocally harmonious relations with all members of the tribe.
The Harmony Ethic is a system based upon caring for fellow human
beings
through the expression of deep respect. This is the way to achieve
harmonious
survival. It also involves the presence of individual choice. To the
Cherokee,
a person has just as much choice in creating harmony as in creating
disharmony.
Within Native American traditions, it is widely believed that every
person has
a purpose to fulfill during his or her lifetime. Every person, like
every
animal, tree, plant, and mineral, possesses some unique quality or
talent to
be discovered through a variety of experiences in this world.
Harmony is the
key to meaningful life experiences in which all learning contributes
to over
all life purpose. This purpose is manifested by a striving for the
wisdom and
generosity exemplified by the Native American elder who has
accumulated a
lifetime’s worth of experience in the world. Native American elders
have
learned the inner secrets to a harmonious existence and are the
keepers of
this wisdom.
Traditional wisdom tells us that it is our purpose to face the world
with
courage in our hearts. This courage signifies a deep respect for the
gift
that we have been given through the ability to live, as well as a
respect
for all life. Courage transcends any circumstance, and ultimately
comes from
a harmony within oneself and between oneself and one’s universe--an
inner
strength derived from the unity of body, mind, nature, and spirit.
There is
an old saying: All that moves is sacred--only by understanding this
can you
realize the rhythm of Mother Earth, and thereby know how to place your
feet.
Bear:
The bear is usually
seen as a symbol of strength, dreaming, and protector/healer/
Beaver:
The beaver is usually characterized as a builder.
Buffalo: The buffalo is seen
as a provider of all things for living and healing.
Coyote:
The coyote is seen as a playful
trickster ( not unlike Kokopelli), playful, and humorous.
Deer:
Usually symbolize gentleness,
kindness, and sometimes protection.
Eagle:
The eagle is one of
the more recognized symbols that characterize the spiritual
connection,
and is the protector.
Elk:
The elk symbolize power.
Feather: The feather is a
universal symbol of spirit and flight.
Fox:
The fox is a symbol of intelligence.
Horse: The horse is a symbol
of strength and power, both physical and spiritual.
Moose: The moose is a symbol
of being headstrong, value and integrity.
Owl:
The owl characterizes bad omens as well
as being a death messenger,
although it is also meant to symbolize truth and wisdom.
Pheasant:
The
pheasant is a symbol of warning.
Rabbit:
The rabbit is a symbol of fear and
overcoming limiting beliefs.
Snake:
The snake has meaning as
transformation (life cycles), as indicating life, death,
and rebirth- because of the shedding of the skin. Sometimes it
symbolizes a "life force."
Spider: Creative.
Spider-woman is a Pueblo goddess.
Wolf:
Symbolizes teacher of wisdom and new ideas.