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Way of the Pipe

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earthwalker

Way of the Pipe

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Spirit Keeper

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Oct 30 04 1:19 PM

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If appropriate to ask, could any of you expand on the term "the Way of the Pipe"?

What does this mean to each of you? I have read the article on the Sacred Pipe but am still confused as to it meaning in my journeys. In the cave. I saw the pipe floating in the center of a circle of stones. Then there was the native american dressed in white and wearing the same single white feather. I am thinking they are one in the same and different representations of the same? or the spirit contained within? or both?

Could anyone of you share some thoughts / experiences you have on the Way of the Pipe, where and as appropriate? I do understand this is an area where great respect is needed. Still there is also such beauty to share.

Walk in Peace and Love, earthwalker

Edited 2 times by CinnamonMoon Mar 25 09 3:22 PM.

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TerraMoon

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Posts: 538

Oct 30 04 6:31 PM

Greetings earthwalker!

This a beautiful path. I would like to guide you to some books. "The Sacred Pipe, Black Elk's account of the Seven Rites Of The Oglala Sioux" recordedand edited by Hoseph Epes Brown isbn 0-8061-2124-6 (this book is found in the libary system of Nother America)
"Breathe of the Invisible, the Way of the Pipe" John Redtail Freesoul isbn 0-8356-0611-2 (this one might be out of print)

I don't have any links on the net.

Love and Light Terra

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earthwalker

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Oct 30 04 6:50 PM

Terrra,

Thank you, I will read these books as well as work with the guide. I know the first book I have seen. and will try to order the second. Thanks again.

Walk in Peace, earthwalker

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Sister Cyber

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Spirit Keeper

Posts: 997

Oct 30 04 7:33 PM

Honored Senior Member

Quote:
I n the Lakota traditon it was the White Buffalo Calf Woman who brought the sacred pipe to the people and taught them to pray. The bowl of the pipe was the receptical that held tobacco, an herb with male and female medicine. The stem of the pipe representing the male entering the female, and seeding life. In the coming together of male and female, the connection to the divine energy of the Great Spirit was made. As the pipe was loaded with tobacco, every family in nature was asked to enter into the pipe and share its medicine as prayer and praise to the heavens. The smoke was considered to be visual prayer, and was very sacred and cleansing.

There is much more information on this in the Buffalo Medicine thread in the Totem Library for more information.

Walk in Peace, earthwalkerg. :dove

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Cinnamon Moon 1

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Oct 30 04 8:43 PM

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Earthwalker,

Since this Sacred Pipe hovers in the air and points in different directions when you have your visions; and because this Spirit Guide appears with it, it may just be symbolic of guidance to you. You have not be handed the pipe as if you are to be a Pipe Carrier, but it does guide you. The Pipe represents many things, the balance of the feminine and masculine energies, the Seven Sacred Directions, communication with Spirit, and truth. All this would be held when it is shown to you. So it could be your Guide's way of telling you that what you are about to be shown is the truth or an answer to something you're looking for. Perhaps even clues as to the path you are to walk in some way. That's the feeling I get from reading your posts on it. Hope that helps a little, if not that's okay too. :wv

To Be A Feather In Spirit's Wing.

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earthwalker

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Oct 30 04 9:15 PM

Cinnamon,

Its not the same as before, the energy is much stronger. The association is stronger. It was about being shown something but there is still more. I am really interested in the energy of the pipe and association of the spirit guide with that of the pipe.

Walk in Peace, earthwalker

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Cinnamon Moon 1

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Oct 30 04 9:19 PM

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Earthwalker ~

The most concrete answers will come from that Guide. Ask him why the Pipe is being presented to you and what the energy means to your growth as well as the path ahead of you. I know our Guides can be painfully elusive at times with their answers, they will show us things but not do the work for us, but when we are confused, if we ask to be clarified on something they are very good about that.

To Be A Feather In Spirit's Wing.

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earthwalker

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Oct 31 04 8:38 PM

CInnamon,

Is it acceptable to discuss the Spotted Eagle? It certainly has peircing but beautiful eyes.

Walk in Peace, earthwalker

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Cinnamon Moon 1

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Oct 31 04 9:40 PM

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I don't see why not. :nod

To Be A Feather In Spirit's Wing.

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earthwalker

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Nov 1 04 1:14 AM

Cinnamon,

At your sugestion I went back (popped back) to the cave where the Sacred Pipe and the guide was encountered. The guide always sit in darkness (dark blue to black environment) but seems embraced in either starlight or moonlight, his clothes are white. I asked to understand more? I followed and then went in trust and alone, deep into the darkness of the cave. I then came to lightness and encountered a huge Eagle /Hawk which was as few inches from my face. It looked into me through my eyes for what seemed a long period of time. It certainly made one feel miniscule by comparison to its intensity. But nevertheless with that acknowledged one moved through that thought and was captured within its eyes. It had the most beautiful intense eyes; one could not help but feel the magnificence of this predator. It was brown with patches of white on its wings/ wing tips and breast. His / her gaze was similar to that of a protector but much more intense and soul searching. I simply let him / her look. After a few seconds the guide rejoined me from somewhere and placed the bird on my upper right arm. We turned (the guide, I with the bird on my arm) and walked into a natural environment of hills and valleys heading West / Northwest and the journey ended.

Terra had suggested that I read Black Elk's book on the Sacred Pipe and I went back and read through the first ceremony (Keeping of the Soul). The footnotes explaining the symbology helped alot in my understanding of this journey and I have a better understanding then I did originally especially when coupled to a different journey which I haven't gone into. I still need this type of understanding to pull together what is being shown and want to clearly indicate that that is the reason for my questions. I am thankful Black Elk choose to write about these sacred ceremonies and explain the symbolism. I also think it not inconsequential that I saw in prayers the other moring an Elk head in the North. I purchased some christmas cards and they are of Elk and then I learned that Black Elk learned and was taught by the sage Elk Head. If anyone has anything on this sage, I would love to read about him.

I then went and looked up pictures of this Hawk/ Eagle and found that which I had seen was most likely a Spotted Eagle. Therein, I am curious about the Spotted Eagle as compared to other type of Eagles and in conjunction with the Sacred Pipe since that was the setting he/she was presented in. To me the White Eagle is representative of balance, the golden Eagle is of hunting and the Spotted Eagle seems to be more of intense travel. All seem serious in nature but also have a warmth and a knowing deep within. I hope I will be allowed get to know the depths of that which is within. If anyone has some thoughts on the Spotted Eagle I'd appreciate it; if they could be shared. Please note; I mean no disrespect here but this is the only media I have to further understand since I don't have the cultural base that many of you have. Thank you for your understanding.

Walk in Peace and Love, earthwalker

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Cinnamon Moon 1

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Nov 1 04 1:37 AM

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Earthwalker ~

I do not know anything about anyone named Elk Head, however you may find Black Elk's book (by Joseph Epes Brown): "The Sacred Pipe" quite helpful. It covers the seven ceremonies of the Sioux. I can't remember if you have this one or not.

As for the Spotted Eagle, I've looke to see what I can find for you on that, so far I have nothing on that species per se other than generalities of Eagle itself. My Hammond's Nature Atlas covers only the Bald and Golden Eagle. It may well be that you'd need to do a web search for them under either totems or search on it specifically. Sorry I can't be of more help to you there.

As for your comment: "To me the White Eagle is representative of balance, the golden Eagle is of hunting and the Spotted Eagle once seem to be more of intense travel."

This must be a personal interpretation because of your own symbology as they pertain to what is shown to you. All Eagles are the same basic essence, what changes is only slight variations in their nature, hunting, and habitat traits. For instance the Harpy Eagle is one of, if not the largest of them all. It takes its prey in its talons, capable of lifting off with prey as large as a deer, and soar high dropping it to the ground. Then it will dive down to feed. They use that method to kill, it's swift and sure. Others tend to rip and tear. So understanding the intimacies of their natures tells you the method of their actions and helps you better understand them so you can apply the method to your own needs on some level.

To be examined through the eyes as you were the Eagle staring at you was searching deep into your spirit to see your intent and need. With what it saw it would correlate what was shown to you. I open to Spirit that way each time I enter into my work, I hold nothing back and if I need an adjustment I give permission to be adjusted in the appropriate manner. Sometimes that willingness to be molded is very helpful to your progress. It goes deeper than just wanting to grow and evolve spiritually into a total surrender of self and it requires total trust to do it but it's a beautiful experience if you are ready for it.

Symbolically the White Eagle is going to be very sacred, above the others, and a direct messenger from, or Spirit Keeper for, Spirit. All white creatures are seen in this light. I hope this has helped you and that others here may have more information on the Spotted Eagle for you.

To Be A Feather In Spirit's Wing.

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earthwalker

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Nov 1 04 3:14 AM

Thanks Cinnamon, I too have been doing searches but haven't found what I am looking for yet. I do have Black Elks book and am finding it very helpful. In particular when reading the footnotes aong with the text. I'll keep reading there.

Walk in Peace, earthwalker

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Cinnamon Moon 1

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Nov 1 04 6:37 AM

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Okay and if I can find anything more I'll let you know. Good luck!

To Be A Feather In Spirit's Wing.

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TerraMoon

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Nov 1 04 6:20 PM

Greetings!

I didn't get here yesterday, it was my son's Birthday. He's my spook baby :z10

Wow! Letting Eagle look so deeply into you, good going. That must have been an intensive feeling. Thanks for sharing your vision.

My search on Spotted Eagle didn't give me any new chartistics (sp) But I did conclude that the colors did. The darker portions representing the void and the white Spirit. An actual spotted eagle feather is brown and white, not black. But since this coloring is so vivid on this pictular bird it is the common type eagle feather used, easy to reconige, for art. With the Bald eagle commonly used if the whole bird can be seen. A spotted eagles feathers color more white with age, personal experience, and it is the under feathers and tail feather that get some white. From the top a Spotted Eagle looks like a Golden Eagle. These two birds also share regions, like Nothern Mid west North America. Where the Bald Eagle likes fish and is found closer to large water areas like Oregon and Washington state. (although we have a few bald eagles in the desert also :sun

where ever there is food. )

I don't remember where you are from, earthwalker, may I ask? Your reference to not having a cultural base to observe caught my attention :wv

Hope some of this helps. Love and Light Terra

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earthwalker

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Nov 2 04 3:14 AM

Cinnamon,
Thank you for the article on assimilation it greatly enhanced my understanding. I would have to say that it wasn’t an “aha” moment but more like “duh”. I honestly have to say while I like looking at things from every perspective I don’t necessarily like experiencing them from every possible direction. Nevertheless, the application to the family was the reminder and brought the understanding. The Spotted Eagle walks with each of us and is the messenger to carry our requests to Spirit. The difficult part for me is to remember to ask and not to hold on to a particular outcome. Culturally, this is different that what I was taught. I was taught that God never gives you more than you can handle; the self being capable of getting through a situation. The perspective being presented here is different.

To me the Sacred Pipe is the coming together of the worlds; the center where all intersects and is in balance (dark and light, male and female, the guide in the mundane world and on the male side, the Spotted Eagle on the right side are some examples provided in this journey, as well as the elements the mental the physical the emotional and the spiritual). I think the Guide someone to ask in this world or to the Underworld and the Spotted Eagle the messenger to Spirit in the world of Spirit, the Upperworld. The lesson to remember is that universal knowledge can be tapped into at this interface but one must request access to it, have intent that is acceptable, and allow the energy of Spirit to appropriately balance the outcomes. I have been shown this many times during the past few months but again I needed to experience it from a different perspective to learn. Thank you for the assimilation article it refocused the point I needed to remember. The application is in the mundane; I was overlooking that piece. I kept forgetting about the totality of the directions.

Walk in Peace, earthwalker

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earthwalker

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Nov 2 04 3:26 AM

Terra,
Thanks for sharing your knowledge of Eagles. I live in south central Vermont, near the Connecticut river which is on the border between Vermont and NH. I have only seen one eagle and that was a Golden Eagle which dropped from cliffs of Mt Ascutney one day while I was driving home. I didn't even know what it was until i got home and looked it up. It was magnificent. In this journey, the feather of the Spotted Eagle appeared brownish black with white patches; the brown howevee was darker that the golden eagle (possibly more gray tones). Still it was far different and lighter in coloring that the black of Harris Hawk. Each of these predators are so beautiful in their own ways; it certanily leads one to appreciate diversity.

Walk in peace, earthwalker

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Cinnamon Moon 1

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Nov 2 04 4:03 AM

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Earthwalker ~

I'm so pleased the article was of help to you. It seems a lot of things began to click for you. Thank you for letting me know it served your need. We really do need to see that it's through us these gifts manifest and our ability to bring them into the world and *use* them is part of the co-creative process with Spirit. So often we stop with the spiritual aspect, draw a line and divide it from the physical reality, but the essence of life flows through us and it's up to us to dissolve that line and bring union of these worlds together.

Simple...eh? :doh

I have those moments *all* the time! It's simple once you get it, until then you can easily go bald. :lagh

To Be A Feather In Spirit's Wing.

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earthwalker

Re: Way of the Pipe

#17

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Spirit Keeper

Posts: 2752

Nov 2 04 2:08 PM

Cinnamon

It never ceases to amazes me how blind I can be at times. Not bald but definately gray. Thanks for the help, I won't comment further here since the forward path being somewhat defined is private at least for now. :hug

Walk in Peace and Love, earthwalker

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Cinnamon Moon 1

Re: Way of the Pipe

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Nov 2 04 8:54 PM

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As it should be and you'll know when it's time to discuss it again. Best of luck to you my friend! :luv

To Be A Feather In Spirit's Wing.

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Cinnamon Moon 1

Spotted Eagle...

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Nov 3 04 9:49 PM

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Hi Earthwalker,

Doing a google search I found this link for you:

www.birdlife.net/datazone/search/species_search.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3531&m=0

To Be A Feather In Spirit's Wing.

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earthwalker

Re: Spotted Eagle...

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Nov 4 04 3:50 AM

Thanks Cinnamon,
I did an image google search of Spotted eagle and this is the Bird I saw. I will try to attach it. I cannot attach it butif anyone looks for it she is stiining of tree with bluish sky behind. She has white patches on her wings.

Walk in peace, earthwalker

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