August/September 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)
What of these old ways? The sacred circle, the wisdom of the four winds, the power of the Canupa (Sacred Pipe), the healing gift of the Inipi (sweat lodge) ceremony.... Can they change the world? Can a quiet Lakota song, shared in the darkness of the Inipi heal the planet? Can the silent prayers of a young Indian boy in the sacred circle bring back the balance we have lost? Can a small prayer tie given in confidence, or hung in a special place that few will ever see, move the hearts of the masses? Can a little dream catcher, made with care by a boy with deep hurt, bring about a new vision for the future of humanity? Or are all of these things too small an effort for too large a task? Here is what I know.... I have seen a man go into the Inipi wounded, and come out healed. I have seen people changed forever by one touch of the Canupa. I have witnessed the smoke of sage restore purpose to a lost soul. I have watched the making of a small dream catcher replace despair with hope. And I have watched a troubled boy find deep meaning in a humble little prayer tie. I have seen lives transformed by the wisdom of these old ways. And so it is that I have to say yes, I believe there is no need too large for the power of a small prayer. There is no hurt too deep for the healing touch of compassion. There is no struggle too difficult for wisdom to overcome. And there is no crisis too overwhelming for Wakantanka to resolve. A quiet song, a silent prayer, a humble prayer tie and a small dream catcher.... all carry the power to heal the world. Just as the mustard seed carries the power to move a mountain. All that is required of us, is to believe....

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

Autumn is in the air. What a magical season. It always brings me back to the innocence of my childhood, to school girl days and football games. The last hurrah before winter silence.
We will be on the road a lot these next few months, two Retreats coming up in Northwest Arkansas. Five concerts… St. Louis MO, Eureka Springs AR, Oklahoma, Mississippi, please check the Schedule for details.

The new John Two-Hawks Signature Flute hit the website last week, “Earth~Fire~Water~Wind” and they are absolutely incredible. They look and sound awesome! Only 28 of this 2010 flute will ever be made, so get yours ordered now.

The Summer Special has been replaced by the Fall Special. We are offering 3 of the best selling JTH CDs “Elk Dreamer” “Honor” and “Come to the Fire” for an incredible price of only $30.. that saves you $18 off of the retail price. Get this special at: http://www.johntwohawks.com

Make sure you take time to visit the Circle Studios Records You Tube Channel and say hello!

Blessings to you all, enjoy the beauty of this season and magic of every new day!
see ya all around,
peace,
Peggy
Native Circle
John Two-Hawks


WEST - Wiyohpeyata - Black or Blue (We are STILL Here!)
The west is the place of storms. The west wind comes to push against us, that we can be freed of our dead limbs. As those dead limbs tumble to the ground, so do the seeds of change. Often, we do not see it during the storm, but those seeds for tomorrow are planted by the winds of struggle. The storms shake us up and force us to find our inner strength. They teach us the gift of perseverance and determination. The west winds bring transformation. So when the storms come rolling into your life, bend with the strong winds as the trees do. And know that when the storms pass, what will remain are seeds of hope for what is to come. As I have always said, there is one thing in this life that we can consistently count on.... Change. Accept it with humility, courage and honor, and the sun will rise on a new day, and Spirit will show us the way....


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

Hope is a choice....

The world needs more ‘we’ and less ‘me’....

Do not live today as if you are guaranteed tomorrow....

The things that mean the most, are the things that take time....


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)!