May 2010

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)
You cannot see the wind. Yet it is there, mighty and mysterious in its power. Wanbli, the eagle, trusts that unseen power to carry it to the highest altitudes, where perspective is gained. And yet, that flight is not without unexpected twists and turns. It takes practice to learn the unseen wind currents of the Great Mystery, and faith to lean into them as we are guided on our way through this life. Sometimes they take you to places you would never expect - some good, some bad. And yet, both can be part of the greater plan for our life. Often, the greatest gifts are found just on the other side of a seemingly bad experience. Many times, the road to our sacred path goes right through a patch of thorns. It is important to remember that the patch of thorns often holds the key we need to take the next step on our journey. So keep your eye out for it. Our life is like the flight of the eagle - a journey of faith. We ride the unseen winds of the sacred path of our lives, sustained by our faith, held up by the Spirit, and taken to new heights by our willingness to dream. So do not let fear overcome you. Hold out the wings of your spirit, leap into the unseen journey ahead, trust the Great Mystery to lift you up, and you will rise like the eagle to the places where visions become your guide, and dreams become a reality....


SOUTH - Itokagata - Red (Red Earth)
Please have a look at our Summer Special... it’s a great deal. Thanks!

A word from Peggy....
I have a lot of housework to do this morning. That is probably why I chose to write. I’m not the most organized person, so papers seem to pile up. Dust and dirty windows have their way with me too. But forget all that, life is short, writing newsletters is more important. Anymore rationalizations? No, I think that is enough. We are only days away from hitting the road to Ohio. The Flute Discovery Retreat will be held outside of Dayton Ohio in Yellow Spring. You still have time to sign up. From Ohio we will be heading to Ireland. We will be having an evening of music and spirit with our friend Seamus. For more information about that keep your eye on the schedule...

What is New!
John Two-Hawks Signature Tea by Nuwati. Absolutely wonderful! Even John says he would rather have a cup of this tea then a Mountain Dew…. NOT!
But take my word for it is very tasty. And John loves it too.
We are going to be taking to the road. Watch our website schedule page closely. And if you have some suggestions for great camping places or festivals to play in your area let us know. We are gonna be free wheeling it for the summer, bringing the music back to the people.

Enjoy the sunshine and the rain!
see you all soon
Check out my blog at: http://wingsandthings-peggy.blogspot.com
Check out our youtube videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/CircleStudiosRecords

Peace,
Peggy
Native Circle
John Two-Hawks


WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
Earth ~ Fire ~ Water ~ Wind.... We cannot live without you. Speak to us once more, that we may hear the voice of ancestral knowledge, and return to our place in the Sacred Circle....

Oil in the gulf.... The struggling economy.... Earthquakes and volcanoes.... Wars and terrorism.... Hate and greed.... Now is the time for the mending of the sacred hoop. Now is the time for humanity to return to the source of the sacred four elements, to regain humility and move forward with wisdom into a new day. Now is the time for the sacred songs to be shared, and heard. This is the moment when we must reach out with whatever gifts we’ve been given and do what we can to make the world a better place. Now is the time for the music of ancient wisdom to sing a new vision for the future of our world into the hearts of humankind. Now is the moment when we must do what we can, however small, to help heal the broken strands in the web of life. The wisdom of indigenous, earth-based, ancestral knowledge must finally be heard, and listened to. This is the time when the humble, quiet, trembling voice of a lone wooden flute will prove to be more powerful than guns, and stronger than hate or fear. The time has come for us to gather at the sacred fires of ancient truth, close to the earth, and close to each other.... to heal our broken-ness, and to find once again, our place in the web of life. So do what you can, and offer your prayers for the rest. Do your best to be happy. Be kind to others. Be patient with yourself and with those you meet along the way. Be at peace. Know love. There is a lot of good in this world. Look for it. And when you find it, celebrate it. Together, with humility, one heart at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time, we can, and we will, mend the sacred hoop....


NORTH - Waziyata - White (Words of Wisdom)
Some thoughts from my contemplations....

The things that matter in this life are not made of matter....

In the end, material possessions are really immaterial....

It is always better to be kind, than to be right....

Love is the door through which peace enters....



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)!