a Spiritual Gathering in association with
The Spiritual Unity of Tribes
Comments and Rememberances:
Greetings;
I have been a junkie of these gatherings for many years. I totally believe in the concept of the vision of the Spiritual Unity of the The Tribes, plus I like the name, it means a lot. Most people think when I say that I am talking about my own tribe or the tribes that I have lived with and been associated with most of my Life. But thats not true.
The tribes I speak of and think of is the tribe of Human Kind. We are all from tribes of one kind or another, and I truly believe Tribes are being formed all the time. Tribalness is not a blood thing, it is more a Spiritual concept. spiritual and a common Goal, a common way of Life.
As we look around us at the state of this nation and the world in general. it is evermore apparent that we need to start taking a good hard look at this tribal way of life thing. In fact it may be past time to just look at it, we need to put the quirt to the pony and move ever faster toward living it.
I felt that going back to Naki Bito..Mexican Springs was a very positive step, It was great to see old friends and it was great to see how far we have all come down this good Red Road. I think maybe we may have touched on just how precious each one of us are to one another. And, just how important it is that we all get our butts in gear and try to exemplify the concept of Spiritual Unity.
It is an Understanding that we all try to reach with one another. Both Men and Women, it is a very mutual understanding of each others roles and talents. Within that sacred Ground that we walked upon for 4 days in a Sacred manner, we saw each other face to face, we walked side by side, we were once again together as family. What more could a person want.
I was honored to see each of you again. May your song carry on within the hearts and Souls of your Grandchildren.
Peace
JT
My wife and I are leaving Monday to go to our annual get together. It is known as the Gathering of Eagles. It is based on Native American Spirituality, but is open to all people and all races. Read about it's history and purpose below the fold.
I came to South Dakota from Austin, TX to attend the Gathering of Eagles in 1996. I met my wife there. We were married at the Gathering in 1998. So you can imagine how special it is to us. Normally the Gathering is held in the Black Hills. However, this year we are holding it in New Mexico on the Navaho Reservation. The Gatherings have from 300-500 people. We camp out for a week, build an arbor, and keep a sacred fire going in the center. I have the honor of being one of the head fire keepers. Although the protocols are centered around Traditional Native Spirituality, we include everything. We have had people from Lithuania, Tibet, Wales, Aztec dancers from Mexico, Bahai, Buddhist, you name it. Here is the blurb that we sent out some weeks ago:
If you haven't heard already, the Spiritual Unity of Tribes-Gathering of Eagles will not be held in the Black Hills this year(2006). Instead a Gathering will be held on Grandmother Helen's land a few miles from the sacred Chuska Mountain in the Mexican Springs area north of Gallup, New Mexico. Grandmother Helen Tahe was a guiding light and inspiration at our Gatherings in the Black Hills. She traveled north to be with us, even when her health started to fail. She knew and loved us all as "her children." She was also very active politically and socially within her own Dine' community. Grandmother Helen was well-known and respected within the Navajo Nation. She crossed into the spirit world November 1, 2002. It has been a dream of her family to honor her by holding a Gathering on her ancestral land. This year that dream will be realized. The dates are June 22 to 25, and we are welcome to stay overnight to Monday the 26th. Those who can arrive early to help get things ready are also welcome.
Women - note that the grandmothers are running things. They are from several races and nations. We even have some grandmothers here from Australia. Down under they are known as "aunties." Wish you all could be there with us. We will make prayers for each and every one of you around the sacred fire. This solstice do your own ceremony, even if you live in the city. Go outside and look up at the stars and the moon. Know that your ancestors are looking back at you. Also know that everyone's ancestors lived tribally, including the caucasians.
So Spiritual Unity of Tribes really does include the entire human race. We are all related. Joann Shenandoah, a wonderful traditional native singer from the six nations tribes in upstate New York has said for years that if you want to stop the wars and killings, put the grandmothers in charge.
dcu
