Song of Life

[Guest guest]

Song of Life

By Takatoka

 

 

It is said by the

Elders that every person has a song. A

Song of Life. This is a story about a

long forgotten custom among our people that begs to be revived.

 

Noquisi was a young

and beautiful Indian woman who was married during a fall gathering of the

nations by the waters of Nowasalon at the sacred of mountain of Manataka. After returning to her home lands, winter

came and past as Noquisi happily informed Grandmother Wilnota and other women

of the tribe that she was heavy with her first child.

 

The women and everyone

in the tribe were joyous and began to make gifts and other preparations for the

baby. Grandmother Wilnota announced one

day that it was time for the women to go into the forest to find a Song.

 

The next morning all

the women gathered at the edge of the village and began a journey deep into the

wilderness. As they arrived at a stream

near a waterfall, they made camp and a sacred circle in the clearing. The women then prepared special foods and placed

them in baskets around the circle. At last, Grandmother called shy Noquisi to

come forward and sit in the middle of the circle. The women gathered around as Grandmother announced the purpose of

their meeting.

 

" We gather here

to learn the Song of Life for the baby inside Noquisi. We shall pray to the Great Mystery, the

Creator of all things and listen carefully to Mother Earth to learn the

Song. We know every soul has a special

vibration that knows its purpose and bears the unique character of its

ancestors. Let us begin. "

 

As everyone's eyes

were closed deep in meditation and prayer, a small brown chipmunk sitting on a

nearby stump smelled the wonderful food and slowly crept to one of the baskets

nearest Grandmother. Nervously looking from side to side the Little Chipmunk

carefully slid into the basket and began to eat to his hearts content. Noquisis

saw the little chipmunk climb into the basket but was afraid to say anything

during the prayer ceremony.

 

After many hours of

prayer and silent visions, a strong wind began to blow across the camp. The women became attuned to the unique

vibrations and light surrounding Noquisi. Grandmother Wilnota then called for

Noquisi to stand and hear her baby's Song of Life.

 

The women began to

loudly sing in one voice, one song of life for the unborn baby. As Noquisi

stood in the middle of the sacred circle, she could feel the Song of Life

coming into her, giving strength and joy.

 

Loud voices outside

the basket startled the sleepy little brown chipmunk but he was afraid to move.

Peaking out the top of the basket, Little Chipmunk decided he must escape

before he was discovered. But, it was too late, Grandmother reached into the basket as she announced it was time

for everyone to eat.

 

Grabbing a small round

ball of fur, Grandmother exclaimed, " Ah ho, what do we have here? It looks like we have a little thief in our

basket! " With a smile, she placed

her hand to the ground and let Little Chipmunk scamper away.

 

During the course of

many weeks to follow, Noquisi quietly sat alone in her lodge or walked in the

forest as she sang the Song of Life to the unborn child.

 

Many weeks later when

Noquisi's baby was born, the entire community gathered and sang the Song of

Life to the new baby boy. At the time of the full moon, the entire village

again gathered to sing the baby's Song of Life during his naming ceremony. The

boy was named Uwetsi Ganolvvsgv (Wind Song), but not surprisingly, The boy was

given another name, Giyuga Usti (Little Chipmunk).

 

Years later, the boy grew and after

successfully completing his first hunting trip, the tribe again gathered in the

circle around Little Chipmunk and chanted his Song of Life. After he passed all the necessary requirements

to enter adulthood, the people once again gathered to sing his Song of Life.

 

At the time of his

marriage, Little Chipmunk heard his Wind Song, his Song of Life sung during

ceremonies. Finally, when his soul was about to pass from this world, all the

people gathered around his bed to sing his Song of Life.

 

Each of us know we

have a song. A beautiful vibration within as a reminder of our eternal purpose.

Those we love must sing that Song to us throughout our lives. We all yearn to

be loved, acknowledged and accepted for the person we are.

 

There is another event

when the tribe gathers to sing the Song of Life to an individual. Whenever a

crime or a serious anti-social offense is committed, the person is called to

the center of the circle and expected to admit to the transgression. Then, the

village sings their Song of Life to the child within the person.

 

In this way, poor

behavior was corrected by reminding the individual of who their real self in

the Creator's eyes. After the Song of Life is sung by ones family, friends and

neighbors, there was no desire to do anything to disrupt the wonderful blessing

given by the Song.

 

Our people did not

have jails, prisons and insane asylums because there was not a need. Punishment

was the extension of love in remembrance of the true identity within the

person.

 

A friend and those who

love you know your song and sing it when you have forgotten its vibration. People who love you do not care about the

dark and ugly things you sometimes become. They hear the beauty of your song,

they remember your light and know the sweetness within you.

 

If your mother was not

given a special Song of Life before your birth, then you must begin to search

for it now. Do not wait for the

milestones of life to pass without this special recognition. Walking the good

Red Road means knowing your Song. You

can no longer be confused, lost, alone and depressed. You must give your Song of Life a strong voice.

 

When you know your

Song of Life, you have two obligations:

The first is to find people who have a similar song, similar vibrations,

and sing it to each other. The second

is to pass this wonderful custom down to the next generation. In this way we support our brothers and

sister in their walk and we provide future generations with peace and

happiness.

 

Aho!

 

 

Radiating UNCONDITIONAL LOVE & Truth

To ALL who share our circle – our universe, our love, our

trust.

May I always be found worthy.

aSoaringHawk

In Gratitude for All of Us!

 

Look at everything as

though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on

earth will be filled with joy & glory.

 

 

Thank you for YOU!