Dragonfly

Dragonfly…

I will attempt to explain the Medicine Wheel today along with my role in one. If you have not read my post “Early On – Life Lessons” you need to first. You can find it here: http://t.co/xXbbB8n6uP

My name is Graywolf and my totem is the Dragonfly. In the Indian world these are very powerful symbols.

The Wolf is a powerful totem when you are feeling lost and do not know where to go… he guides you, he will be your protector as you make your journey on a new unexplored path, as you gain inner sight, wisdom, experience and confidence you will bond with Wolf becoming one of the pack, or he one of yours. But to venture into the forest means that you must be willing to face your own deepest fears. Wolf must venture deep into the forest to find what he requires for sustenance and growth, long ago he cast away his fear of the unknown. He has faced and conquered his deepest fears and now he walks the forest at night with supreme confidence, this trait bears powerful symbolic meaning if you choose to call upon the Wolf totem.

The Dragonfly totem reveals how to get beyond illusions, dragonfly totem teaches the magic of shifting vibrations with the use of color and shows us the path to new worlds as she dances in and out of mystical portals. The Dragonfly totem leads you through the mists of change to the land of magic where you find your true power and your hear the wisdom of your soul. The Dragonfly spirit animal is a very powerful messenger of the delights of Magic! Dragonfly’s are full of mysticism, and powers of illusion and have a very deep insight on the true meaning of life.

The Medicine Wheel, sometimes known as the Sacred Hoop, has been used by generations for health and healing. It embodies the Four Directions, as well as Father Sky, Mother Earth, and Spirit Tree—all of which symbolize dimensions of health and the cycles of life.

All movement in the Medicine Wheel in ceremonies is circular, and typically in a clockwise, or “sun-wise” direction. This helps to align with the forces of Nature, such as gravity and the rising and setting of the Sun.

Each of the Four Directions (East, South, West, and North) is typically represented by a distinctive color, such as black, red, yellow, and white, which for some stands for the human races. The Directions can also represent stages of life: birth, youth, adult (or elder), death, seasons of the year: spring, summer, winter, fall, aspects of life: spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical and elements of nature: fire (or sun), air, water, and earth. Animals: Eagle, Bear, Wolf, Buffalo and many others can be represented along with ceremonial plants: tobacco, sweet grass, sage, cedar

Grandfather explained that our totems mix with the spirit world and teach us the healing ways and since my totems, the Wolf and the Dragonfly are fused within my life, I have a calming nature with a true insight on the spiritual meaning of life. I am a quick study with a uncanny gift of memory. As a child I never really gave it any thought, it was an interesting story, however as I grew up I found his words were very true. I can mix the spiritual world with the earthly world and see the deeper meaning as the result. He said I was to treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect. Remain close to the Great Spirit. Show great respect for my fellow beings. Work together for the benefit of all Mankind. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.

Do what you know to be right. Look after the well being of mind and body. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good. Be truthful and honest at all times. Take full responsibility for your actions.

As a healer, I pray for the healing of Mother Earth and for guidance in direction when dealing with the wants and needs of the people.

Great Spirit, give us hearts to understand; never to take from creation’s beauty more than we give; never to destroy want only for the furtherance of greed; never to deny to give our hands for the building of earth’s beauty; never to take from her what we cannot use.

Give us hearts to understand that to destroy earth’s music is to create confusion; that to wreck her appearance is to blind us to beauty; that to callously pollute her fragrance is to make a house of stench; that as we care for her she will care for us.

We have forgotten who we are.
We have sought only our own security.
We have exploited simply for our own ends.
We have distorted our knowledge.
We have abused our power.

Great Spirit, whose dry lands thirst, help us to find the way to refresh your lands.

Great Spirit, whose waters are choked with debris and pollution, help us to find the way to cleanse your waters.

Great Spirit, whose beautiful earth grows ugly with misuse,help us to find the way to restore beauty to your handiwork.

Great Spirit, whose creatures are being destroyed, help us to find a way to replenish them.

Great Spirit, whose gifts to us are being lost in selfishness and corruption, help us to find the way to restore our humanity.

As you can see, life on a reservation is, for lack of a better word, interesting. My education from both the AYOP school and my Grandfather has given me a very diverse life. I can say, as I reflect back on my early years, they have formed my life much deeper than I realized. I am, by the grace of God, very blessed. I hope this gives you some insight to the why’s and where for’s of my being.

As before, I am always happy to answer your questions so please feel free to ask them.

Respectfully,

Ed