Native Native Powwow

Anxiety is as contagious as measles. Even when we are calm and secure, listening to what could happen - what likely will happen - can drag us into deep anxiety. Be on guard against the spread of rumors and what "could" happen. Sure, things can happen and most likely will if we start listening to the sensational reports that the whole population could be wiped out by overeating. We could also be bruised by running into the bones of skinny people - but neither is apt to happen. Use some common sense, refuse to be roped into thinking every report is gospel. And give yourself credit for using your head in hearing anxious reports. ~ We preferred our own way of living. ~

THE SONG CATCHER, 1916. Musicologist Frances Densmore posed with (Frank) Mountain Chief, a Piegan Blackfeet Native of Montana. His bow and arrows were in view, tools Mountain Chief had decades earlier used to kill buffalo.

For 50 years, Frances Densmore recorded Native American music. The Edison recording machine/player, which used no electricity, recorded on wax cylinders. In 1925, sound greatly improved with recording systems that used electronic microphones. Click photo to better see details. Commentary and digital sharpening of image by Gary Coffrin

"The Three Spirits of the Storm"

In a time when the world was young and wild, storms were more than weather — they were alive, guardians of nature's balance. Among them roamed three sacred horses, each marked by powerful colors and ancient symbols. They were called The Spirits of the Storm.

The first was Korran, the Black Horse of Fury. His mane cracked like lightning, his hooves summoned thunder. Korran carried the spirit of raw power, reminding the world that destruction, though feared, clears the way for new beginnings.

The second was Veya, the White Horse of Clarity. She moved like the winds after the rain, graceful and pure. Veya whispered to the rivers and forests, teaching that peace follows every tempest, and stillness is just as mighty as rage.

The third was Rhaelo, the Painted Horse of Balance. Marked with swirling patterns of red and black, Rhaelo held the sacred duty of weaving Korran and Veya’s opposing forces together. He was neither chaos nor calm, but the bridge between — the symbol that harmony comes only when opposites respect each other.

When storms raged across mountains and darkened the skies, the people would pray to the Three Spirits. It is said that if they rode in unity, the storm would pass gently, feeding the earth without tearing it apart.

One night, a young shaman asked the spirits in his dream,
"Which of you is the greatest?"

The horses answered together in a voice of wind and rain:
"None alone. Fury teaches respect. Peace offers healing. Balance carries both. Together, we are whole."

To this day, when thunder rolls and lightning dances above, the wise know the Three Spirits are riding once more —
"Not to bring fear, but to remind the world that strength, peace, and balance must always run together."