Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Scheduling life

I have found that it is almost impossible to schedule life. I can schedule "me" as best I can , and make sure that schedule includes my husband's needs, but beyond that, I am basically helpless. That is a good thing. It allows time and space for the Universe to get done what it needs to get done.

We are here to learn lessons and scheduling up our day, doesn't help that much. I do make sure I schedule things that include friends. We frequently entertain at the house and invite friends to accompany us on our trips and travels, from day trips to beautiful treks to Sedona.

What is important is that you always consider family when scheduling. Some people have a problem putting their priorities in order, and others can handle it very easily. Then there are the boundaries. You MUST set boundaries. You can't just work, and you can't just play. You have to have a set of boundaries as to what time needs to be spent where and with whom, and only you can determine that. There will be limits to that of course, for instance, your boss may need you in every day at 8:30, or your business may need near to constant monitoring. Yet that still leaves a lot of free time, at least when you manage it well.

Make sure that you schedule well, don't miss out on new experiences by getting stuck in a rut. There is a wide world out there just waiting for you to experience it! Remember your boundaries and stick to them, and all will be well!

ENJOY!

Keep doing the right things for the right reasons!

Gina

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Pequot

My ancestors from Connecticut were a proud , brave and intelligent bunch. They lived and fought bravely and today are one of the wealthiest and most prospering Native American Nations. They have lived through a series of highs and lows and persevered through it all. Yet saying the name meets with some blank stares. Everyone has heard of the Apache, Navajo, Seminole, Mohawk. But the Pequot? They were so far back in  history, that it is hard to fit them in to the history of things, unless you are from the east coast, or an eastern woodlands tribe.

The Pequot War was an important part of early American history, it was the first major conflict in the US that involved the newcomers from Europe.The US wasn't even the US yet! The Pequot were dealing with Europeans before the USA was the USA. They have been around for at least 10,000 years.The war devastated them, but didn't kill them off. Today the tribe has a world famous casino, Foxwoods.

The tribe at once point was broken up and handed over as slaves to other tribes, such as the Narragansett. Many of us from this area have mixed heritage due to not only prisoner exchanges, but tribes meshing together out of necessity. There were several tribes all living within walking distance of each other. Unlike the Plains and some southwest tribes that had no one around them for miles, these groups intermingled, sometimes in a good way, and sometimes not, but many of those of NA blood from the area have several tribes in their bloodstream, having just one is very rare.

The Mashantucket Pequot were the ones handed over to the Mohegans after the war. The Pequot tribe was divided, and for all intents and purposes remains so. The tribe that numbered 8000 was reduced to about 500 buy the end of the Pequot War.

In the 1700's many moved to upper New York, then eventually the Wisconsin area, and joined a Christian movement there.In the 1970's a handful decided to fight for their land and asked others to return. It was a long battle, but they won back land and were awarded financial restitution. The tribe established several successful businesses, and grew. In 1993 there was a ground breaking ceremony for the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, which opened in 1998, a place I hope to visit very soon. It is on the grounds of the Pequot Reservation, one of the oldest , continually occupied reservations.

The history of the east coast is rich and varied. It is triumphs and defeats, but the Pequot story is about a people who never gave up. They didn't let the challenges they faced , which were great, overcome them. They   educated themselves, and fought for what was theirs, and won. Through hard work and dedication.

Knowing their history, there is never a doubt that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to. That goes for every one of us. The key is being smart, honest, brave, strong, and never giving up. It means doing the right thing, and picking oneself up when you fall down. It means being a person of action and hope. It means learning to use legal ways to fight, not guns and arrows. It means perseverance.

There is much written about the Pequot, give it a read, it is an interesting story!


Peshaui Wequashimese



(C) 2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission

Monday, August 29, 2011

Hopi Snake Dance.

The best answer came from Jim. Kudos Jim!!

People were amazed that the Hopi actually would dance with snakes , some of them rattle snakes, in their mouth. The Snake dance is still important in Hopi culture, but it is no longer open to the public. One of the central reasons for the dance is that the Hopi believe that the snakes (especially rattle snakes), will bring messages to the mountains and hence the kachinas, to bring rain. In August, when the dance is held, rain is a rare and much needed event in the desert southwest.

I saw the basic answers in the email I received, some had more info than others. Here are the basics:

It is called the Chu' tiva. This ceremony alternates with the Flute Ceremony , each are held bi-annually. The primary focus is to bring rain and crop maturity.

Each morning the Snake chiefs go to the antelope kiva to smoke and pray. These two societies are ones who orchestrate the snake dance.

The antelope chiefs make an elaborate altar of a four foot sand painting, it honors the four directions in depiction and colors. There is a "cloud mountain " at each corner, a mound of sand with a hawk feather stuck in the middle.There is much more to the set up of the altars, and I recommend the book "The Hopi"  by Frank Waters (who was told the ways by Oswald White Bear Fredericks), if you are interested in learning more. The snake chiefs go to the antelope kiva to do their smoking and praying. The antelope clan is more involved with the set up and preceding actions, where the snake priests then perform the ceremony.

The snakes are kept in large jars covered with buckskin that has holes punched in it, until it is time to use them in ceremony. They are fed pollen.

Sand is spread on the altar floor, all members of the snake clan seat themselves in a circle touching knee to knee. A man releases the snakes from the jars and the whole clan begins to sing soft and low. No one moves, and snakes frequently coil up and sleep next to the singing men. Women sprinkle corn meal on the snakes. When the singing is done, the snakes are returned to the jars.The antelope kiva is also going through ceremony for purification, and they are then brought a young snake maiden. The antelope clan provide a male for the ceremony. Their hair is washed in yucca root water. A wedding ceremony is performed and their wet hair is twisted together. Songs are sung and then the children's same sex god parents take them home. This is a ritual union of the two societies that will carry out the ceremony.

The fifteenth day there is a race of the antelope clan and the snake clan has theirs on the sixteenth day. The running is said the imitate the sound of thunder , asking for the storms that will make the crops mature.

The dance is in August or September, the phases of the moon are what dictate the day and the scheduling of other ceremony. Sometimes an event will be held in one village on one day and in another on a different day

The snakes go through various ceremony including having the clans sing to them in a kiva to dancing with them in the plaza. The snakes are treated very well as they are messengers to the powers that be. There are four days spent searching for snakes, the Hopi search in each of the cardinal directions, one direction per day.

The antelope society holds a dance on the next to last day of the ceremony, then the last event is the snake dance itself. There are two rows of twelve men each that enter the plaza, both antelope and snake. The snake chief directs the ceremony. There is a very strict way to dress, paint oneself, and everyone carries a knife. The clan chief carries a staff that resembles a snake. They circle the plaza four times. There is a succession of lining up, some ceremonial tasks and finally the snake chief stands up with a snake clasped gently in his teeth. He also holds the snake with his hands to support it. Each dancer picks up a snakes, one at a time, to dance with.They will continue until all the snakes are danced with, as each snake has made his way around the plaza, it is placed on the ground. A gatherer will pick it up and hand it to a singing antelope clan member. The women make a circle of cornmeal and the snakes are placed in the circle by the antelope clan. The snake clan scoop them up and bring them out into the desert and release them. The men then drink an emetic called nanayo ya, and retch over the edge of the cliff. The women clean the paint off of their bodies, and they go to the kiva for purification. This takes hours to be completed.

The number of snakes is not exact, it depends on how many are caught over 4 days.

There are many little details to all of the ceremony, and way too many to write about here, but that is the basics of the snake dance.

May rain come when you need it


Peshaui Wequashimese


(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf , may not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.





Friday, August 26, 2011

It is Friday, must be homework day!

A few weekends ago, I was speaking to a Mohawk about the southwestern tribes and most notably the Hopi Snake Dance. The Snake Dance is still done today, and yes, with live snakes. It was so stunning to the world when they saw the dance, that many traveled hundreds of miles to Arizona to watch the dance. Imagine the Hopi who were out in the middle of nowhere, suddenly inundated with Non-Natives who came to watch the dance. They probably wondered what all the hoopla was about.

Roosevelt even traveled to Arizona to see the Snake Dance in 1913. The Snake Dance is no longer open to the public, but is still an important part of Hopi life.

So for Friday....let's research the Snake Dance.

The Snake Clan is of course one of the Hopi clans that participates in the Snake Dance. What other clan is involved?

When is the dance?

Why do they have the snake dance?

How many days do they search for snakes?

What kind of snakes are used?

What else can you find out about the Hopi Snake Dance.

We will discuss it on Monday!

Have a great weekend!



Peshaui Wequashimese



(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Here's your sign....

There is a comedian named Bill Engval who is famous for his punch line, "Here's your sign". Bill's point is that we just don't think. Many people wander around just doing dumb things. They are mostly harmless, yet there is a lack of even trying to think, that is scary. I worry about my clients, they are so often taken in by a line of BS and it ruins their lives for months, even years.

I had a client get taken for $2000.00 last night. She is so "in love" with a man that wants nothing to do with her, that a smart con artist picked up on that, and fleeced her. I have given her ways to try to get that money back, but I doubt she will ever see it again.

When I was a kid, it was still easy to pull all kinds of cons, and even set yourself up with a new name and start over. Now it should be much harder, but the thing is that people still don't think. Their actions range from sending money to Nigerian lotteries to collect their winnings (can you imagine!), to the "just about everyday" event of hearing promises and tales from people that they believe wholeheartedly. The letters I read in the paper show a lack of even basic understanding of politics and our legal system.

Sometimes the lack of thinking is harmless, sometimes it is extremely harmful (as in sending thousands to Nigeria, or wasting 10 years waiting for a man who is already married).

It is so extremely easy to check out facts and people these days. The internet is FULL of ways to do that, not to mention the old fashioned ways of calling, checking, visiting the library, or newspaper archives. People just don't . I don't know if it is laziness, the thrill of the drama, or a lack of wanting to really know the scary truth, but it happens all the time.

I do get the chance to lightheartedly say to some "here's your sign", we all make mistakes and can laugh about it....just like the silly remarks in the Bill Engval video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5ZkdHImCuQ&ob=av2e


...but in life, before acting on something, like sending in money or bringing a strange man from the internet into your home....Check it out! Take a moment and verify things are OK before making a mess that could cost you or another person.

Learn , research and grow.


Peshaui Wequashimese




Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Egos on the loose

There are two types of Ego. There is the Freudian ego, a necessary part of our psyche that is part of self preservation, and then there is ego, the part of people that is not only unnecessary , but varies anywhere from annoying to harmful. Great egos have tried to take over the world, they have names that are hated throughout history. Names like Hitler, Stalin, Hussein. Thankfully they are few, but they also are persuasive. They cause hate, destruction and all kinds of social ills.

There are people less dangerous and yet still harmful. What about the egotistical person who is in the lives of many. They berate, put down, or just spend the day telling you how wonderful they are. Some are people who leave a trail of broken hearts behind them, some are people who make their employees want to jump off the nearest bridge. They make people miserable every day.

They there are the folks that you just look at and say "are you kidding me?". They "jokingly" tell you how wonderful, beautiful, talented, awesome, and giving they are. I have found that the ones who talk most about their so called good deeds, actually do less of those deeds than the average person.You can tell that even though they act like they are joking, they are dead serious. Freud will tell you that many of them are insecure and use the egotistical actions to get praise. Sometimes they just actually love themselves that much.

These groups then include a sub group, the one most frustrating to me. The ones who claim to be spiritual or God fearing. There is absolutely no room for ego of any sort in spiritual people, none. Period. Look at the truly spiritual and religious people of the world. Do you see any ego in the Dali Lama? Mother Teresa? No, and there are many everyday folks that do more good in a quiet manner, than the ones that tell you how wonderful and giving they are. 

The first thing that was taught to me ever, by any of my metaphysical or spiritual teachers was to let go of ego. I didn't have a "crow" mentality to begin with, but to rid oneself of ego is a tenet in many belief systems. It is taught to us in Sunday school (Pride goeth before the fall), and in any true class on self improvement, metaphysics, or new ministries. One of the first things we needed to do before moving on to advanced studies at the IMM University was to release ego. There is no good that comes of ego.

When you release ego, not only do wonderful things happen to the world around you, but you open up more and more to other levels, vibrations, and messages. Things you would not even see, hear or know as you would be too busy concentrating on the here and now....how good you looked today, or how shiny your car was.

I see it all around me , and the funny part is that I see it in the most unsuspecting places. People who are out to "save the world" seem to have it, but I guess anyone who would take on something so huge and impossible would have to have a huge ego to even try. The problem is that their energy, if on a humbler and smaller scale would actually do some good.

Make sure that you remove all ego and egotistical words and deeds from your ways. They do not serve you well, nor do they serve you at all.

Do the right things for the right reasons.



Peshaui Wequashimese

(c) 2011 Dr. R M Wolf, may not be used , copied or reproduced without prior written permission.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Universal help

There are days when it all kind of piles up at your feet, and you realize the things that have been going sideways for quite some time. I have three close friends that need constant medical care or attention. I have one who's son is battling alcoholism, and the litany of "minor" ailments in friends and family that go on and on, to almost everyone I know. When did we becomes such a "sick" bunch?

Some have fought battles and won, and they serve as an inspiration to all who are not doing as well.

There are days when reiki is sent to individuals, prayers go out in many different ways and energy is sent to others who need it most. There are little things like people developing food allergies and sore muscles, then there are more serious things going on that will need medical attention.

Please take the time today to ask whatever resonates with you...God, Creator, the Universe, Allah, Buddha, to help bring physical healing to this world. We cannot do our best nor help others when we are physically not at our best. Make this part of your daily prayer, it has been in mine for quite some time now, and I am now being more specific, as I know the Universe loves specific.

Please keep the animals in mind also while you are doing this!

The world needs healing, but as with charity, it starts at home. Let's send healing to ourselves, our friends, neighbors, and the out in to the world.

Remember the meaning of Namaste.




Peshaui Wequashimese



Dr. R M Wolf, may not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission

Monday, August 22, 2011

Islam

I promised to write about the basics of Islam today. There are many Islamic extremists in the world, and they, unfortunately , get all the attention. It makes people have a concept that the Islamic religion is all about hate, killing, and destruction. It isn't.

This is just the basics, if you find it interesting, there are many resources for learning more.

The book of Islam is the Qur'an, it is considered to be the word of God, much like the Old Testament of the Bible. People who follow the Islamic religion are called Muslims, and believe that there life should be dedicated daily to worshiping God, they believe that worship is the main purpose for our lives.

Practices are called the Five Pillars of Islam, they are:  following the creed, daily prayer, fasting during the holy Days of Ramadan , giving alms (charity), and traveling to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. many resonate with its' tenets in their true form.

They believe there is God's Law and Man's law and there is a place where each should be used in daily life, much like Jewish tradition. The laws are followed strictly, and are used when deciding any disagreement.
The Islamic religion is very much abut helping others, which is contrary to the way of the extremists. Remember, every religion has extremists.

There are basically two denominations of Islam, the Suni and the Shia. The Suni far outnumber the Shia. Muslins live in just about every place on this earth, mostly in South Asia (and you thought it was the Middle East!), they also have large numbers in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Sub Sahara Africa. There are also large populations in areas of Europe, China and Russia. Islam is the second largest religion in the world.

Muslims also believe things like: Prophets are not divine, but humans; we will be judged on our deeds at the end of our lives or the end of time; God has full control over everything that happens to us, yet allows us free will; ritual prayer; it is a religious obligation to help those who need help.

There is nothing in the Islamic texts about bombing people or harming in any way. The true Muslims are actually people who strongly believe in community and helping those who are their neighbors, not harming them. The Muslim religion is an example of "a few bad apples".

Always research, and never hate a group of people because of their religion , color, or birthplace.

Research , learn and grow


Peshaui Wequashimese



(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Homework!

OK, I am again being asked for homework. Who would have thought as a youngster that we would actually request homework later in life? I love research, so I get it, but I am sure many people still do not want to do their homework!

I have noticed that there are still many people that think that the Islamic religion is a bad thing. We have so many violent and crazy people in this world, and because they make the news, people think that their views are the views of Islamics everywhere. They are not . Just like when the Irish Protestants and Catholics were bombing each other in Northern Ireland, it isn't a tenet of those Christian religions to kill people. It isn't a tenet of the Islam religion to kill people either.

Take a look at Islamic religion. Not extremest viewpoints. If you are feeling lazy this weekend, wait til Monday and I will write about it here. But don't be lazy, see what your research finds and what mine finds and compare, and explore. Those tendrils may lead you to other things that you find even MORE interesting . you may embark on a whole new path altogether. Meanwhile if this little foray teaches folks that just because you are Islamic, that doesn't mean you are a terrorist, then we can shed just a little more light and positive energy into the world.

This weekend may include a trip to a pow wow, or better yet, a pauwau. So I won't spend the whole weekend with my nose in a book or on a webpage.

Enjoy!!



Peshaui Wequashimese.


(C)2011 Dr. RM Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Drum info....a reprise

I sent out the drum blogs to some folks yesterday and thought...let me repost them. I have a ton to do today and it makes life easier for me, and it gets the information back out there again. They were also amoung the most popular blogs....so here goes:

My goodness, I sure got a lot of drum questions, ones I knew, some I had an idea, then there was the mystery question. The one I said, "Huh?" when it was asked. It took some research, official tribal pages, and talking to some people that I will call "experts". Yet, it was FUN, I learned a lot, was referred  to some awesome places for information.

The question that came was if I knew anything about a gourd dance/song/drumming. I said, "No, but I will find out". The answer is, it is a Kiowa dance that began in the 1940's, so as dances go, it is new. The drumming for the dance is high energy with double beats and a lively dance accompanies it. The only people who are to do this drumming/dance are the Kiowa or a tribe they have gifted the dance to. The dance is supposed to only be performed before Grand Entry when it is in a pow wow setting and is for the dancers. It is sometimes used to honor a tribal member.

Here is an example of a Kiowa Gourd Dance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKbPFuq8Fxg

Traditional or original songs are to be gifted to drums, tribal groups, etc. In other words, it isn't OK for someone to take a ceremonial song and perform it without the permission of the person they learned it from. Some other songs, not ceremonial are the same way. Social songs are usually different, but if they are original, you still need permission. Think of it this way, you cannot perform a Beatles song because the copyrights will be infringed upon. Songs are for sharing, but in a certain way. The only way you should be singing a song that is NA, is when someone allows you , by teaching it to you and gifting it to you. When you want to learn a song, ask in the proper way. The answer may be "no", and that is OK! Now, traditional inter-tribal songs...songs everyone and anyone in an area knows, you can sing...sort of like not needing permission to sing "Row row row your boat."

I really like the gourd dance, but it isn't one I will ever see in person , unless I do some traveling.Certainly one I will never drum or sing.

The other major question was, what was the difference between a northern drum and a southern drum. I found that there is a lot of confusion about that , even in the NA community. Some thought if you were from the south, you were a southern drum. That would make sense, but it isn't that simple. Many NA groups moved from one place to another, they brought their ways with them, and sometimes melted into the groups they came in contact with. The northern/southern drum is an example of that. It doesn't matter where your original tribe lived, or where you live now. It is a style. You can live in Alabama and be a northern drum.

So, style not location. What does the style mean? This wasn't easy. I found that many groups are a mixture or don't even know there are "styles", the "big dogs" in the drum world know though, people like the Black Lodge Singers , and Bear Claw who do national pow wows.

Northern style is sung in a higher voice or pitch. It is loud and proud. The beats are a bit faster and livelier. The songs are louder and sung to get the dancers moving. There are women allowed to sit at the drum, but tribal differences apply here. Some tribes will not allow women at the drum ever, or if they are on their moon. Northern drums will be outside the sacred circle, but next to it, with the host drum (there can be several drums at a pow wow) in the best position.

Here is an example from Black Lodge Singers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bArhAQ9oOr4

Southern style is sung lower and slower. They use honor beats frequently, although northern drums sometimes use honor beats, especially when doing southern songs. No women can sit at the drum, however they may sit behind the drum and sing harmonies, but never on the first two push ups (or rounds). Southern style drums have four posts, each representing and facing the cardinal directions.

 Here is a southern drum example, the voices are much lower, and lots of honor beats in the song. A great example of a southern drum by Bear Claw Singers. You can hear the women in the background, but will not see them seated at the drum. They stand to honor the song, while the men are seated at the drum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8nj2LoxrD0&NR=1

First I want to say THANK YOU to the folks who sent in these great questions! It made me think, research, and find some knowledgeable resources that will always be good to have.

Remember, you cannot just take a song and sing it in most cases.

                              Some other drum stuff from questions sent in......

No, a woman should not touch a drum, or any other sacred object like a pipe, when she is on her moon .More on that point. No woman on her moon should be in the same room as the drum, under the arbor with the drum, in the dance arena, nor any other area where there are sacred objects!

Drums traditionally have seven to eight people surrounding the drum. A little fact I found while researching this, is that the average drum is 26" wide.

In Oklahoma the drum is in the center of the dance ring.

Traditionally each song has 4 rounds or push ups, they can increase if there is a request by a dancer (who may fan, whistle or wave a staff over the drum), to continue so they can dance more. Quotes from dancers, from those who enter contests, to those who dance for fun and to honor their traditions all say the louder, more energetic, more enthusiastic the drumming, the more they want to dance and dance well. It gets the energy flowing. One dancer said"..all slow drumming does is make me want to take a long nap until the pow wow is over. I will dance as it is respectful, but you most likely will not see my best dancing."

Drums should not sing in only one language. A pow wow for instance,  is a gathering, and all groups should be honored. Ceremonial drumming may take on one language reflecting the ceremony's origin.

There is more, of course, and some of it was already written about in the blog, but I found out some interesting things.

That was a fun journey, and I am sure that it is only beginning. Keep the questions coming on any topic!

Peshaui Wequashimese.

*******************************************************8

About a week or so ago, someone asked me some drum questions. Some I knew the answer to , and some I did not. I researched, and then wrote on other things, so for a Friday, end of the week blog...back to drums.

The first question was to ask, if it were necessary to have a "real" drum. Well that depends on what you are doing. When you want to use that drum in ceremony, from sweat lodge to pow wow, YES you need a real drum. You can use synthetic for personal use, but anyone who has experienced a beautiful, natural, pow wow drum that was prayed over while it was being made, will never go back to a synthetic drum again. The energy is vastly different. Remember , there is a spirit in that object whether it is a drum, flute, rattle, or bells. The quality of the energy and power of the spirit is very different from something made in a factory by a person who just had a fight with his wife, hates his job or had a flat tire going to work that day, from a drum that is made with love, prayer, and positive thoughts, while Creator guides the maker's hands.

You can journey with a synthetic drum, but you can do a million times better with a natural drum. You also can journey, and some Nations do, with a flute. I remember someone saying once that the flute took away from their journeying time, they needed a drum. The flute is also a journeying instrument.A traditional Native American tool. We aren't in South America or Alaska, so we aren't Shaman, and we don't need a drum to journey. People are so misinformed and misled sometimes.

The synthetic drums put out a lot of noise, but that is what it sounds like after a while to me. They are big vibrations, but so is an earthquake. They seem to scatter the energy, rather than meld it.
All of the "Remo" drum owners are now mad at me, but that is OK. The fact is there is a vast difference. I have seen , and been the victim of "harm" with a synthetic drum, but never with a natural one. Pow wow drums are large and loud sometimes, especially when you have many participants drumming on one, and loud honor beats (we will get to that shortly), making the drum shout. The loudness never makes you want to step away, feel badly, or need a break. It is because it is quality, natural , SPIRITUAL sound.

Another question was about Native American Drums. Native American drums are made by Native Americans. Period. Drums made in the same style by non Natives are Native American Style Drums. It is illegal to call any item or event "Native American" (from drums to flutes to gatherings to jewelry), that was not actually made by, or run by a Native American. Even if it was made exactly like a Native American would have done 200 years ago, you still cannot call it Native American.

A third question was what those really hard drum beats are during a song. They are honor beats. They are meant to put emphasis on a particular word or phrase that is being sung. Sometimes that word  is the word for "Creator" (which will differ of course depending on the Nation's language the song is being sung in). One drummer will do the honor beats, and no it does not hurt the drum. That tough hide can take just about anything. There are ceremonial songs that go with just about everything in NA ceremony. There is a song for everything and the song is an integral and important part of the ceremony. The ceremony should not be done without the proper song, or sometimes even , the proper drum.

The last question asked was, "how difficult is it to make a drum?". It isn't easy, that is for sure, and depending on the type, style and size of the drum, it can be downright difficult. Hollowed out tree branches or logs are easier than beveling sides for a drum, but none of it is easy. It took quite a while to make our drum, and the final lacing of it was filled with prayer and ritual.

Another person who was reading on drums said that it always says in articles, "men drumming". Women drum, don't they?
Yes they do, but traditionally they did not. They kept the drums and the songs in most NA societies, but were not allowed to drum. Women were not allowed to touch sacred items , and this is a blog for a whole other day.

Some pow wows and celebrations will not allow women on drums to this day. Some dancers will not dance if there is a woman on the drum. This is tradition, in many NA nations, but that doesn't mean that women can't drum. Larger traditional pow wows and rituals will not ever have women drummers, keeping that tradition alive. Women did sing however, at least in most societies, but never in the lead. Today there are all women drums, and they are seen at pow wows and ceremony. It just depends on how traditional the event is.Remember that not every NA nation disallowed women drummers.

Many NA cultures believe that a woman brought the drum to the people, and that the spirit in the drum is a woman. The drum must then be treated with the respect and honor you would give a lady, more specifically, a Grandmother.

Same person, different question is "aren't they (natural drums) hard to take care of? Well, yes and no. Anyone who has a natural drum, will most likely treat it as a drum should be treated. It is kept covered , in a space that is reserved for it. It is not tossed in your car trunk. Remember, this is a ceremonial item with a spirit living inside of it. Would you toss Grandma out in the garage after a celebration? Well, maybe some of you would...but the drum is treated reverently. Therefore there are no worries about making sure it always sounds good. The hides will be looser in cool , damp weather, and tighter is sunny , warm weather. When you keep your drum away from humidity, and cold, it will be fine, but you should be doing that anyway. There is nothing else you need to do.
Well made drums do not need to be tightened, or adjusted in any way. They last forever.

The other part of this question was what was the drum made of. Well, wood, and many times that wood is cedar, but not always. Drum makers had their favorites and of course the trees available where the tribe was located dictated the wood type. The same goes for the hides. They are usually elk, deer, and buffalo. Sometimes people use cow, but that is not as popular. Think again, do you want the spirit of a bear in your drum or a cow???

The last question was about group drumming and Native American tradition. No, the Native Americans did not have drum circle night. They didn't sit around and drum for intentions, that is all New Age. Not a bad thing, but not Native American. Also the idea of Shamanic drumming (steady beat with no singing, used for healing or journeying), is NOT a tradition of the US Native Americans. South America, yes, anywhere on US soil besides Alaska and Hawaii, no.  Shamanism is not a belief of the lower 48, there were sometimes medicine men and women, but no shaman. That is a term that has been used generically, but the lower 48 Nations didn't practice Shamanism.
There is also a genre "Neo-Shamanism", that again is New Age, and is a blend of other cultures Shamanistic beliefs, and other New Age practices thrown in, it is FAR from Native American.

There are many types of drum circles out there, but there are no native American ones, there is no such thing. Want to hear NA drumming? Go to a pow wow. Check out pow wow protocol before going. There are also many drum circles that are high energy and have nothing to do with any kind of ritual or tradition, it is just drumming for the absolute fun, thrill, and high energy of it. Matt and I run a circle that combines journeying, and just plain fun. Sometimes we teach songs, and we include flutes, rattles and bells. The other side of things is the pow wow drum , which is a whole other way of doing things.

Treat any pow wow drum that you "meet" with respect. It is a respected family member of the drummers, and holds a powerful. Do not touch the drum unless invited to do so. Do not take pictures of a drum unless you first ask the drum keeper. Do not "party" in any way around the drum, swear, argue, or act up in any way. Treat it with respect and honor. Ask questions of the drum keeper when they are not otherwise occupied and they will answer your questions.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Ghosties and such

I get some short interesting questions from time to time....and here are the short and sometimes interesting answers:

Not all ghosts are evil spirits or anything of that nature. They keep the personalities they had in life, so if they were a jerk in life, they will be a jerk in death until the cross over completely.

No they cannot control your mind or thoughts.

That which throws things and such, is most likely a poltergeist, not a "regular" ghost.

Poltergeists are usually found in households where there are pre pubescent females, and most usually ones with some type of internal struggle, anger or frustration.

Yes, some of them actually do not know that they are dead.

Black Shadow people and ghosts are usually two very different types of energies.

Orbs are not angels, nor anything of that nature. Many things people think are orbs, are dust, pollen and water vapor.

People who find demons are always people who in some way or another seek them out, they aren't anything to worry about if you are not dabbling in the black arts, going to somewhere you know they exist, or an alcoholic/drug addict who is frequently incoherent.

Don't "befriend" a ghost, it can then try to take over your home, and will be difficult to get rid of.

Sage does not remove ghosts, it removes NEGATIVE energy. So if you are being haunted by your kindly Aunt Edna, sage won't do a thing.

Sometimes you see them, but more frequently you hear them or even smell them. A smell of cigarette smoke in a closed up house where no one smokes, is usually the sign of an unseen visitor.

There are many levels to the other side, it isn't just a fast trip to the place we call "heaven". You can stay in between worlds or go to different levels of the other dimension. Lower levels , like a one star hotel , are there for the people who did not live a good life, the 5 star hotel is there for the Mother Teresas of the world.

Keep those ghostie questions coming!!


Peshaui Wequashimese




(C) 2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission



Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Ask, observe, research.

I realize that much of what I have learned in the past few years came from asking. Just asking a question. Much also came from quiet observance. That is where many people stop. They get one person's opinion or tradition, and go no further, thinking that is gospel.They see people do things that are not correct and emulate them. The key is to make sure that you immerse yourself in the experience more than once. Then there is the all important final step. The one many do not get to, or do not do correctly. The dreaded word "research". 

I say that people do not do it correctly as people tend to search on what they want to hear. For example, a person was around a few years ago, in the spotlight, who was a sham. They wrote a book, so they must be smart right? Wrong. Remember the saying about Shakespeare and monkeys? You can easily publish a book on your own today, saying whatever you want to. I had heard quite the opposite on this person so I entered their name with other words like "fake" and Voila! A ton of information that was valuable and clear. These weren't just people throwing stones, they were scholars showing how his information was totally incorrect. It was footnoted, proved as false, and was there if you looked.

I did the research, that means looking at all possibilities for and against your argument, and then weighing the difference.

I had to go back to a mentor last night and ask a question I already knew the answer to. I received a very strong and well explained answer, and now I have work to do that was unexpected. It isn't hard or will take a lot of time, but it is still something that should not have had to be done. I am learning. I am learning that I have to be vocal about my teachings. I have also learned that I have awesome resources to help me along the way. I don't mind learning something new, and never have a problem being told that I am not doing something right (IF I am being told my a reliable source). I always want to do things correctly, especially spiritual endeavors. I do not want to passively teach the wrong thing by making mistakes. When I make them, I correct them , and let others know.

We can go through life half way doing things, or adjusting things the way we want, or we can do the right thing for the right reasons.....the second way always turns out the best.

Do the right things for the right reasons!

Peshaui Wequashimese


(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf, May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.


Monday, August 15, 2011

Spotting fakery

I had a client call the other day to :just check" , she had been to a local psychic where she lived , and this woman told her that her love life was blocked due to black energy around her. How many times have I heard THAT before...not that I have a dark cloud , but that a client did.  Said dark clouds can be easily removed however with the influx of cash, and as much of it as you can possibly give.

Sometimes I wonder if there is a "Gypsy fortune teller book of sayings"(please don't email me and defend gypsy fortune tellers), it is a saying right up there with, "there is a tall, dark handsome man..."

A client asked how you can spot a fake BEFORE setting down cash. That is a harder thing to do than waiting for the "dark cloud" sell, but there are some things that you need to watch out for. First, don't use anyone who claims to be 100% accurate. NO ONE is, the Universe keeps secrets first of all, so there are things you will not ever be allowed to know. This does not happen frequently , but it happens. Another reason for this is there are things that if we knew them, we would be living in fear for a period of time, that is not necessary to live in. What if I told you that no matter what you do tomorrow, you will contract a deadly disease that will be the end of you? Does that do you any good? Of course not. Statements like that are usually followed by..."but I can try to prevent it for you for a small fee."

Readers are also interpreters, and have to interpret signs, symbols, pictures, and sounds. Being human we can make mistakes, throw into that mix the readers who are either overly emotional or dramatic, or even new at readings who allow their current/past drama/trauma to color the readings. Then there is the fact that the Universe does many times change things. All is not cast in stone. Add to that free will, and you are now far from 100% accuracy. The average person who is good at listening to their intuition is about 80% accurate in predicting their future, a good psychic is 85-90%, a great psychic 91-96%...now people know why I tell them to just trust their intuition. That being said, many have a hard time getting in touch with their intuition, or listening to it when it tells them something they do not want to hear.

Another way is when they ask a bunch of questions before making your appointment, or as they meet you. I know one totally fake lady who asks her clients "What type of situation are you seeking information about and what is this person's name and birthdate? First of all, she should know what type of situation, she doesn't, so she has a "Schtick" , ie. script, for each particular situation. . The birthday allows her to pick at astrological information and get some hits that way. So be wary of people who ask more questions than you do. You can give information, and it is helpful in an unusual situation, just to help the reader understand the symbols she is getting.

Watch out for all the pomp and circumstance, like costumes,crystal balls, dark drapery, and symbols against evil, the most evil thing in the room will most likely be the reader.

If they try to sell you something beyond the reading, say no and never go back, and no they won't put a curse on you.

I also hate to say this, but the worst , are the women. I don't know what it is, but it is true. They are full of drama, upset, and can scare you into parting with your bank account.

Once you find authentic, you will know exactly what it is like. It isn't all secrecy. Many fakes will tell you not to tell anyone what was said in your reading. Bullcrap. What they don't want is people seeing you 1) being set up for the fleecing , 2) seeing that nothing the lady said is coming true and telling you to stop going there, 3) they give the exact same reading to other people and when you compare, you will realize you have been duped.

Be careful and you will be able to find a good reader who is authentic. Readers will be able to give you readings over the phone, and by email, they will not need to sit with you. There are some folks that use psychometry, but that is not used for future predictions so much as past. They would need you there with the object (or if you felt comfortable enough you could send it).

Always seek out quality. Make sure that you do not lower your guard or your standards. Make sure that you have high expectations, but reasonable ones. Make sure that you are really ready for a reading...do you just want to hear what you want to hear, or really hear the truth?? Have a friend recommend someone if you can, and make sure that you go with an open mind and a closed wallet.


Peshaui Wequashimese


(C) 2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Pow wow's, origins, meaning, and celebration

A lady from Europe wrote to me. She was "surprised that there are still Indians in the US". There are many actually. Some of us have been part of the melting pot, and some have been able to  remain true to their original bloodlines. We live in every state of the US,  and in other areas of North America as well!


She asked where the word Pow wow came from, as it looks like a made up word, not an original word. Yes and no. It is an original word, but it had a different meaning. It is an Algonquin word (the language of my ancestors), so I am familiar with it. It was spelled differently and pronounced differently, but the Europeans had a tough time pronouncing it, so it came out "pow wow". The original word was pauwau or pauau, and it was a word for the person leading a spiritual ceremony (most usually a medicine man). The word for medicine man and the ceremony seem to have been the same word. People will say pow wow began in Omaha, but that is where pow wows as we know them today began, not the original "pow wows" (which is pretty easy to figure out since they don't speak Algonquin languages in Nebraska).

A group of settlers saw a Medicine man who was most likely Narragansett, dancing as part of a ceremony. Their communication with the local tribes was difficult, and when told the Medicine Man was a "pauau", they took it to mean the dancing and gathering was a "pow wow". The tribes of the Algonquin region are many. They lived right on top of each other, and frequently either worked together or killed each other. They most certainly did gather together for certain ceremony. You had Pequot, Mohegan, Schaghticoke, Narragansett, Niantic, Massachuset, Wampanoag, and others all within walking distance of each other.

There were times when the tribes would gather, and ceremony was one of those times. That ceremonial gathering is what has been transformed into today's pow wow. Some think pow wow's were invented to entertain the Europeans, the last thing the Native Americans of this continent were doing was entertaining the Europeans....but then , that is part of what it turned out to be.

Pow wow is still held as a combination of sacred ceremony and family reunion in most of the country. In some places there are events that are not called a "pow wow" that have loser guidelines and are not as strict as a real pow wow. They are called things like "Native American Days".

A pow wow is a sacred gathering. There are many do's and don'ts that the common person won't know. There is a Master of Ceremony who will spell things out for folks, things like when and when not to take pictures, when to stand and where to sit. There usually isn't an opportunity to make a mistake (all large pow wows have areas designated for dancers only, and most rope of the dance ring). When you make a mistake, just simply say "I am sorry, thank you for teaching me", and move on. When an elder tells you you are doing something wrong, make sure that you listen and correct it, not argue. When you feel that the elder is wrong (and step carefully there), make sure that you have an airtight case to present to them.

There is a protocol to pow wows and I have included it in the past. 

This is one of the best and easiest articles on pow wow protocol:

http://www.visitmariposa.net/powwow/protocol.html

There are many others. The easiest thing to do is to watch others and see what is being done.
The best idea is to err on the side of making no mistake rather than thinking...well someone will say something. It is best NOT to get an elder upset on many levels, from tradition to respect.

Pow wow became the word for gatherings from Grass Dance societies of the Plains to the Omaha dance societies (who ere actually warriors, not "dancers"). Today, pow wows are a gathering to dance, eat, tell stories, trade, sell, and just have fun seeing friends, the public is usually welcomed, although there are some rare pow wows where they are not.

That being said, pow wows are fun, and are a great learning experience. Most people at a pow wow will be happy to answer well intentioned questions. Make sure that you are following the pow wow guidelines so that not only do you have a good time, but everyone else will too!

So yes, there are still MANY Indians in the US, and the total probably outnumbers some small countries, and certainly many cities! If you ever come to the US, plan a pow wow as part of your trip, you won't be sorry!

Have fun...learn , teach and grow!

Peshaui Wequashimese
Feel free to share this with folks who you know will be attending pow wows, but click on the link provided and print out the pow wow guidelines for first timers! Thank you Shadow Wolf for one of the easiest to read and understand guidelines out there!

(C) 2011 Dr. R M Wolf, please share with credit. Thank You!

Some other "pow wow" pages:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/powwow

http://www.powwow-power.com/powwowhistory.html




Thursday, August 11, 2011

The other 10 commandments

A friend recently asked if I knew of the 10 Native American commandments. She was trying to remember all of them and could not, luckily I was able to fill in the gaps, but had forgotten ones she knew. She is studying her background and has just discovered that she is part Monhegan. The commandments are simple, they are basically:

Respect the planet earth ( not only keep from harming her, but help her...plant, clean up, be fuel efficient)

Remain close to the Great Spirit (be mindful and truly spiritual)

Show respect for others. (As I have written here before, sometimes that means tough love, or telling someone they are doing things incorrectly)

Work together for mankind

Give help when needed

Do the right thing

Take care of yourself (body , mind and spirit. Do not abuse yourself in anyway, abuse others, or allow abuse)

Be truthful and honest

Take responsibility for your actions.

There is another one that is frequently mentioned, although I don't think it was part of the original ten, I believe it is part of a guide for living the NA way, and it is to be humble. I would add that to the original ten and make it number eleven.

These are a great start for a person that is getting involved in Native American spirituality, but it is also a great way for EVERYONE to live their lives. The commandments are nothing but good , healthy direction for you, the world, and the planet. They are new, they are not an old tradition in this form, but they are tenets that the elders followed every day.

...and one last one from me, Do the right things FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.

Don't give to charity to get recognized, applauded, or to make yourself feel better about wrongs you have done. Don't be nice to someone to see what you can get out of them.

In other words........Don't have ulterior motives!

Following these guidelines is simple. Like the Christian 10 commandments, they are rules for life, but unlike the Christian ones, they do not have the legal system to back them up. We know that if we kill someone we are committing a sin, but we also go to jail. You won't go to jail for not following the 10 listed above, but you will create good in the world and in yourself. You will need to police yourself, the civil authorities and priests will not do it for you.

These guidelines are easy, and the "11th" , although not as easy for most folks, is just as important.

Congratulations Sharri for finding your ancestors!


Peshaui Wequashimese




(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf . May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.








Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Guilty by association

A reader wrote and said that people need to remember that we are frequently "guilty by association". Now that may not go to the extreme where a person is considered "just as bad" as a culprit, however they are colored with the same brush. The reasons are many. They range from "why aren't you teaching the culprit better actions" to "why do you want to hang around with someone who does those things, you must condone them or do them too". The reader said that when he sees a person socializing with someone he knows is a problem in the spiritual community, he is very careful what he says and does around that person.

The Universe is in the process of sorting out groups, but don't wait for the Universe to do it. You may miss out on a good and valuable relationship because people are assuming you are like a person that you are seen with. Sometimes we are not aware that our associates are not such great people, however when we find out, it is time to fade out or run away, depending on the state of what is going on.

I recently had someone say they trusted a person's words, as the person was 100% Native American.......First of all, Native American's are humans, just like any human, most can be trusted and some cannot. Secondly, this person has a very small amount of NA in them. It doesn't matter what your blood is, it matters where your soul is.

Another friend chimed in with "He/she is an apple". That was a new one on me. I said "HUH?" They told me," an apple, meaning red on the outside and white on the inside". (I love it!) They then went on to say, I prefer people, no matter what color that are truly red on the inside.

Be careful of assumptions, and check out what people say and do. Appearances can fool you in both ways, good and bad. Make sure that you are not being mislead or in "Bad company". Make sure you are not "guilty by association".





Peshaui Wequashimese




(C) 2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Set an example

We had a couple of little side discussions yesterday about the Dedication blog.

The hot topic that came up related to that is to set a good example. When you dedicate yourself to something and are frequently observed being or doing something diametrically opposed to your "dedication", your so called dedication looks false.

 In other words, if you proclaim to be a practicing Catholic, participate and assist in all church activities and religious functions, and then are seen at the local abortion clinic with Pro choice signs......

That is an extreme example and most likely wouldn't happen, although I have seen stranger things. The idea is to uphold the reputation of the group. To not tarnish it in any way. To be truly dedicated to it. When you are part of a group, your actions are seen as approved by the group. You may not care what people think about you, but you need to care about how that reflects on the group. Think about all the senators out there who have been literally caught with their pants down. They are forced to resign.


When you are dedicated, set an example to let others see what that dedication entails. When there is an example of blatant disregard for the group's goals, mission and reputation, you will eventually find yourself on the outside of that group. You can't be dedicated to one thing, and also dedicated to something that is totally opposite in nature.

A fellow reader gave the example of being someone who calls themselves a lightworker, and then tells clients that they have a darkness around them that needs to be removed...for a tidy sum. There are some that not only do this, but firmly believe they are doing the right thing. Can they find some bad energy in places, sure,but there is not a curse on every person that is having a bad day.

Do things the right way and you will NEVER come up against anything bigger than you. You won't have a life filled with issues and obstacles. You won't have to answer for actions that were ill advised.

When people do serious disservice to me, or try to harm me in any way....they no longer exist. I have found that trying to be all smiles and huggy to people who were doing you wrong, only resulted in more wrongs done (you would think I could have figured that out). By shutting out the rare individual who has so blatantly and repeatedly stepped over the line, I have had more positive and wonderful people come to me. Once that harmful person and their energy is removed, people with positive energy are more comfortable coming in. Like will attracts like, and will bring more and more valuable, people to you. Sometimes there are less people , but the high quality of people around you will keep you out of drama and in good company.

Do the right things for the right reasons.


Peshaui Wequashimese





(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf, may not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.




Monday, August 8, 2011

Dedication. Do you have it?

What are you dedicated to?? Dedication can be in the form of responsibility or even a hobby. It can cover all aspects of life. It is something that is important in certain areas of life, and yet we cannot be totally dedicated in everything we do, as we wouldn't have the time or energy.

Most people are dedicated to their families, and some their jobs. They may be dedicated to our country, a group, or an endeavor. Dedication is what gets things done,done well,  and in a timely manner.

People who are dedicated, are generally admired and respected, people who do things haphazardly, usually are not. When you are in charge of a group, a business or an endeavor, you WANT dedicated people as part of the whole. People who show up, show up on time, do not complain, take on extra tasks and put out fires, stay til the job is done, and who know what they are doing. They learn more and ask to learn more, they don't let little things get in their way.

When you say that you are going to do something, do it,unless of course you end up in the hospital or jail. Don't let little issues or discomforts stop you. I don't know how many times I have done things I promised to do, when I was tired, sore, achy, freezing, sweating my butt off, or missing out on some fun things I wanted to do. Remember that others are counting on you, or rearranging their day for you. They may have even spent money based on the fact you would do something or be somewhere. They may have turned others down to make room for you.

It is OK to join a group and say something like "I will be here when I can, I have a busy schedule at work", but if you are going to say that you will dedicate yourself to something, that is what you need to do. Dedicate yourself. You make that one thing a top priority, and remember that others are depending on you. This way the people who are organizing things know if they need to put you on the "maybe" list or to count on you. When they have you on the "maybe" list, they know that they need to find more bodies to fill that gap that will be left open from time to time.

I have seen some amazing dedication in people, and I have seen people who seem to use any little excuse to NOT do what they should, just like the old joke, they constantly complain that "the sun was in their eyes".

When I am going to do something and promise to do it, I do it. When I promise to try, I try. When I cannot promise to DO, then I am clear that I will try. I work 7 days a week, 15 hours a day. I have the luxury of being my own boss and can get time off, but time off equals $0.  I manage to dedicate myself to my business, have a life, and dedicate myself to certain other things. The thing that is taking up most of my dedication right now is the drum , learning new songs, and being ready for anything (there was already a rumor we were doing a pow wow this weekend, it was meant to be malicious , and I hope the person wasn't too disappointed the drum wasn't where they said it would be so they could continue their maliciousness).

When I am dedicated, I am pretty strict about things. I am a "by the rules" kind of person. I am fair though, and expect no more than I would give, but no less either.....I thought I was tough, but I know tougher folks (and no they aren't from NJ), and they get the job done and in an awesome manner.That said, I don't waste anyone's time, time is precious. When it is time to get down to business, that is what time it is.

When you say you are going to dedicate yourself to something, make sure that you mean it. When you speak those words, people count on you, they have a high level of expectation form you, and once you disappoint others, you are rarely counted on again. We frequently hear the words, but do not always see the action!

Dedicate yourself to something important, the rewards are amazing and many. Don't try to dedicate yourself to too many things at once, you won't be able to handle it and will end up not being dedicated to much of it.

I am dedicated to my family, my business, my friends and the drum. My plate is full.

Dedication brings excellent results. Every time. Doing things half way brings so-so results, every time. Be truly dedicated and watch wonderful things happen.

....and with that keep in mind, "Do the right things for the right reasons".

Oh, and if you find a folded print out of this in your mailbox, car, desk...someone is trying to tell you something like "Your lack of dedication is showing...."

Peshaui Wequashimese



(C) 2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission

Friday, August 5, 2011

Pastoral counseling

When I obtained my ministerial degree in pastoral counseling, I did it for several reasons, but one of the important reasons as to why I chose the organization that I did, is that it was about learning about religion in general and how to help people through meditation, and other spiritual endeavors.

It wasn't about being anything in particular, like Catholic or Protestant. It wasn't about anyone's dogma, or anyone's traditions. Although we learned about these in order to communicate with others more easily, we weren't instructed to tell people how to be a Good Jew, or a good Catholic. That dogma is usually what makes an issue in he first place.

I have a hard time with organized religion, it seems more a political, social or money making entity, rather than being in the business of spiritually helping people. How many people sit and listen to the preacher and then learn from it, change their ways, and are better people on Monday? Not many, some may make it until Tuesday.

Your "goodness" or "badness" is in you, it is who you are, and who you will be. Going to a building and listening to someone talk isn't going to save a soul. It may wake a few people up, but I think the ones who need the wake up calls don't get them from a church , but life, Karma, the Universe.

I don't remember anywhere in any good book, of  a godlike entity saying he would hide out in a building and people would have to come and see him on Sunday (or Friday or Saturday depending on your religion). He (or she) said they were everywhere. I see more of a spiritual hand in a sunset, a hawk soaring through the air, the red desert of the southwest, the color of the leaves turning in fall, than any religious structure.

This weekend, get out and see the world, see the wonder in it, see the amazing things that are rainbows, baby animals, rain running down in rivulets, clouds and sun, and wind moving the trees. It is much more entertaining, enlightening, and awe inspiring...and it is free, you don't have to get up early, and spend gas money....and it will be OK if you fall asleep and snore.

Enjoy !



Peshaui Wequashimese



(c)2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Many saying they want to retreat

Many are saying that they want to retreat from certain groups, events, things, that used to interest them. They think that something is wrong with them. There is not.

I have written before about how people are separating and reforming into other groups of more like minded people. People who are on the same path and have the same goals will be bonded together, where people who are not, will not. You may find yourself drifting away from established connections, and then reestablishing other new connections with new people.

The Universe gave us years to make choices that were wise, and to get on a good path, when we don't , we get put into a sea of people with constant issues, or a group that is running headlong into huge problems. You may have seen some groups getting smaller and wondered why, it is the Universe taking people away, and even in negative groups, adding people who fit in. We had a chance to back out of those negative situations and into better ones. When we didn't shuffle ourselves in the correct manner, we were shuffled.

The sorting is still ongoing, although it is reaching an end, and has about a year left to it before groups will be solidified. When the Universe pushes you towards, or away from a group, go with it. You are being nudged where you need to be, and the shove that will come later is much more difficult than the nudge.

People are left behind because they are meant to be left behind. Read the signals. When being with a group makes you feel uncomfortable, even head achy or ill, then that is a signal from the Universe to move on. When you start to ask "Why am I here?" , it is time to move on. When you just don't have the energy to do it anymore, it is time to move on.When you aren't invited, or cannot make a big event, it is time to move on. When Mother Nature intervenes, it is time to move on in a big way!

Trying to hold on to old alliances will not help. It will just make the transition more difficult. It will be difficult for some, as they are pulled from people they have liked and partnered with a long time. Not all the transitions will be difficult however, some will just happen naturally and you will realize you have not been around a certain person or group in a long time...and don't really miss it. That is OK, keeping moving forward.

Just because you do not want to be around certain people or feel that you need alone time, does not mean anything is wrong. It means that everything is right, the Universe is working to bring you to the best place you can be.

DO the right thing for the right reasons....


Peshaui Wequashimese

(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf, may not be used, copied or reproduced, without prior written permission

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

People forget....

I think people forget what I do for a living. They come up with all kinds of things, they shouldn't do or say, and little alarm bells go off. I do not always know the immediate full answer as to the alarm bells, but they do put me on notice.

I had someone try to pull a little scam on me this morning...alarm bells....and I looked into this person , which was easy, and found all kinds of reasons for the alarm bells. I turned her information over to the people who can handle the situation.

This happens a lot. Matt usually smiles and says...they forget what you do for a living. I do not keep an open channel. It would be overwhelming, and I have no desire to "spy" on people's daily lives...nor should I! I closed that door a bit a long, long time ago. But when someone is up to something, I know.

Life is easy, it really is, when I always say "Do the right things for the right reasons", that is all you ever need to know. When you use that all the time, you will never make the wrong decisions.
When you aren't doing something you shouldn't be, my little alarm bells won't go off!

Just do the right things for the right reasons!


Peshaui Wequashimese


(C)2011 Dr. R m Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Question of the day (sweat lodge)

I was emailed a question yesterday and it was a really good one. The question is what is the purpose of participating in a sweat lodge? Different nations will have a little bit different spin on the answer, but here goes....

First of all, please be aware that not all Nations have sweats. It isn't a Native American thing, but a tribal tradition. It is also carried out in other countries by other cultures, so it really isn't Native American per se.

The basic premise of a sweat lodge (and this will be general as different tribes will have specifics, and that is a lot of information) is to pray and be "reborn". The sweat lodge is usually looked at  as a womb , a place of heat and darkness. The time spent in the lodge is for prayer, contemplation, messages and a new beginning. It is NOT a social event, for fun, to cleanse away your sins, or a test of strength.

Most tribes would not have just a sweat alone, in would be in conjunction with something else. Preparing for a ceremony, ritual, or to help obtain visions. The sweat lodge is part of a whole , not the whole. It was sometimes used on solstices, and other events that marked seasons, times, harvests, etc.

There are different kinds of sweats. Some are dry, some are "cool" sweats, but they are generally all the same. That sameness is usually four rounds, sitting on the earth, in darkness, and focusing. It can include songs and drumming also. Traditionally lodges are entered naked. The men also traditionally sweat separately from the women. Someone will be a fire keeper and another person will be pouring the sweat. These are people who are trained, and given permission to run a sweat, not just anyone in the tribe can run a sweat whenever they feel like it. Usually they would petition the medicine man if they needed it for a ceremony. Generally the medicine man would run and announce when sweats were to be done.

Today women usually wear long skirts into the lodge. It is entered on your knees after moving clockwise around the fire (remember again this is general, some tribes may have a different spin on things). Some allow for water breaks between rounds where you can leave the lodge, then re-enter.The whole tribe usually didn't sweat, and I cannot find any verification of a whole tribe ever participating in a sweat.

Warnings are rife these days after James Ray's lodge ended in the death and illness of several people. Do not go into a lodge that was not built properly by a person who has the authority to do so. It isn't a game or for fun. No one with any disease that effects the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, etc. should enter a lodge. No one with high blood pressure, diabetes, dizzy spells, and of course heat related issues, should ever enter a lodge.Also, don't do a dumb thing a friend of mine did, have a metal clasp on your bathing suit top...guess how hot that got, and yes, it left a scar.

So, should the average American have any reason to enter a sweat. No, not at all. The average Native American, yes.

The person who emailed this question also asked if anyone (besides James Ray's group), had ever had issues in a lodge. Was that just a fluke because he didn't know what he was doing, or has there been issues in Native lodges. First of all Ray had people become ill before, it may have been people who had health issues and should not have been there is the first place. Also my husband has seen a woman who has a scar from an exploding rock on her face. I also know of a man who lost vision in one eye from an exploding rock in a lodge. It happens.

Sweat lodges are serious rituals for serious reasons, to be done by serious, dedicated, trained , authentic people. The Native American community has been very upset recently about sweat lodges being run by non Natives, and there is even a satire written about it. Part of it said maybe they should have used the sweat lodges in the past 200 years to rid the invaders. It is written tongue in cheek, but it is true that the NA community frowns upon others taking their sacred rites, rituals and ceremonies and playing at them.

This person asked if they should seek out a lodge. I asked why,  and the answer was they needed a cleansing. There are MANY ways to be cleansed, the sweat lodge is cleansing yes, but for a specific reason in conjunction with another NA ceremony, rite or ritual. Just teh average person who needs a cleansing, can obtain it in many other ways.After hearing of the rocks exploding, they are wisely choosing another path for cleansing.

There is much more to this and to really obtain good information, ask a traditional Native American person to explain their tribe's ways are. different tribes will give you different answers. My tribe did sweats , but it was not a big deal or integral part of who they are.

A few weeks ago another person emailed me that heard of a sweat at the home of a person near them. This person is not NA, nor was anyone there NA. A woman did become sick from the heat and had to go to the hospital. This person's comment was..."didn't this woman think for a moment? If I were to need to be hospitalized for illness or injury on her property, I would sue her for all my medical bills."
An interesting twist, and I would say that after the James Ray mess, they would win!

Again, don't confuse one tribe's ways with being Native American in general. 

Do the right thing for the right reasons!


Peshaui Wequashimese




(C) 2011 Dr. R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission

Monday, August 1, 2011

Making responsible choices

To make a responsible choice, emotion and ego need to be removed from the decision. It is hard to remove emotion for many and ego for some, and that is why we need to have trusted friends (not "yes" people), around us. We need to be ready to hear the answers so that when we ask a question, we get the real answer, not the one the person will give in order to need to cover their heads from thrown objects after they answer honestly.


When people's egos are hurt they becomes viscous. Some of what people think are the nicest people, sprout horns and pointed tails in an instant. I do not allow that to happen more than once. People don't think when emotion and ego are involved. The brain shuts down.

I have said this before , and I will say it again, FIND OUT BOTH SIDES OF A STORY BEFORE PARTICIPATING, and if it does not DIRECTLY affect YOU, STAY OUT OF IT.

When you speak, speak from DIRECT knowledge and research.
Otherwise, you are liable to have one or more parties out on a headhunt, with you being the prize!

Choose quality friends over quantity acquaintances!
Do the right thing for the right reasons!

...and make responsible choices!


Peshaui Wequashimese





(C)2011 Dr. R M Wolf, May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission