December 2007

Hau kola na tiyospaye (Hello friends & extended family),

Welcome to all new Circle members! Each section of the Circle of Nations newsletter is written 'facing' one of the four sacred winds, beginning with the east, then the south, west and finally the north. This is to honor the old ways. It is to teach and to help us to focus and find the center. I have designed the Native Circle website in the same spirit. I welcome you all to the Circle....

EAST - Wiyohinyanpata - Yellow (Four Winds)
Hello to all.... I only want to offer a few words here in the closing minutes of 2007. As the dawn of a new year begins, remember that, in the end, regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, culture, nationality or religion, it is love that matters most. Nothing we do or say means anything without love. So put love into the world in 2008. Be kind to others. Be good. Try to make your circle of the world a better place. Do all of this and more, in love. May we all strive to be a healing and loving balm to those we know, and those we do not. Give love to all, with humility and kindness this next year. In return, may you find that you are richly blessed by that which comes back to you in 2008. Happy, humble and sacred New Year my friends and family....


SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
A word from Peggy....

Hello friends,
As I sit here at my computer, I am aware that we are only days away from 2008. I for one always love new beginnings. I love starting on a new project, so a new year is a welcome sight.
Last night John and I sat with friends and played guitar and sang old favorite songs. I really enjoyed that, but one line from one song, my favorite Iris Dement song, keeps running through my mind: "My life, it’s tangled in wishes, of so many things, that just never turned out right." I think everyone can relate to those words. So as 2007 ends I know that wonderful things took place... and many things just didn't turn out right. I expect that 2008 will be the same, but I hope that I will grow spiritually and be able to accept more and more the joys and pains of life. I hope I will create, laugh, hold my grandchildren, see the ocean, touch the spirit, become wiser and bring healing into my small part of the world in 2008. I hope that you will experience all that brings you joy, and be able to accept those things that just never turn out right.
Blessings,
Peace,
love ya,
Peggy
Red Earth
(Check out the updates and new stuff at John’s Official Website!)


WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
In 2008, inevitably, there will be struggles, storms and even adversaries sometimes. When they come, face them with the strength of love. Love is not weak. Love is strong, and sees clearly. Look at your world, your struggles, your storms, and your adversaries through the clear eyes of love. Do this, and you and your circle of the world will be better for it. After all, love, never fails....


NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)

To speak wisely, one must listen humbly

When we think we know, we usually know nothing

Love is so powerful it can even forgive hate


May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with faith to believe, hope for the future, and love for all....

As always, in the spirit of mending the sacred hoop of the nations of the world
Your Oglala Lakota friend and brother,
John Two-Hawks
http://www.nativecircle.com
http://www.johntwohawks.com
Reprinting of this Circle of Nations newsletter is encouraged! All I ask is that it be printed in its entirety, with no changes, and that I be given proper credit, unless I have otherwise okayed it. Wopila (great thanks)!