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Glo_psih
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DESCRIPTION: Medicine Woman shakes her medicine rattle. Her eyes gaze inward, into the Spirit realm. Seated on a bulrush mat, she prays and burns herbal incense. A six-pointed star (Wapeno, the Morning Star) decorates her necklace, rattle, shield, and personal drum. The white feathers on her shield symbolize pure power. The falcon image forming over her shoulder is a spirit guardian (similar to the Egyptian falcon-deity, Horus). Bear claws hang from her necklace. The bear, guardian of the north, is patron of her clan and the medicine people.
Her lodge is cluttered with ritual and practical items. A human face (spirit) forms the handle of her bowl (a common Native American motif). It is filled with water as a gift to the spirits (neither water nor tobacco exist in the Otherworld of the spirits). Next to her incense bowl is a pile of colored stones, commonly placed in the four directions as a protective measure. A small container and cover are representative of Menominee quill work; the cover is worked into the design of an eight-pointed star. Drum and drumstick lie within reach on the bulrush mat. A wreath of sweet grass rests against a basket filled with wild grapes. Sweet grass was used as incense; it balanced a circle and was called "the hair of Mother Earth" when braided.
MEANINGS: Mastery of one's life and environment. Maturity brings wisdom and the responsibility to share one's wisdom with others. Reaping the fruits of life's experiences. Savoring the blessings bestowed by age. The appearance of a mentor, role model, or teacher in one's life. In a less exalted sense, the image points out the dangers of hero-worship, dependency upon doctrine, or unworthy gurus. Can indicate immaturity, seeking eternal youth, valuing the superficial aspects of life.| : |
