A Comparison of Native American Thought anf Witchcraft1

Black Elk was a holy man of the Lakota people of the Sioux tribe. He writes of rituals and beliefs of his people in his book The Sacred Pipe. The sacred pipe is very important symbol to his people. It symbolizes the medicine wheel, all four directions living in the same space. Pinches of tobacco are placed in the pipe along with grains and seeds for all relatives and the pipe takes on new meaning. It also symbolizes how everything in the universe is unified. The pipe is very important in the lamenting process, which is discussed in Black Elk’s writings. He goes into great detail about lamenting. It is looked at as a quest for healing,

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Everywhere Inyan was, there was Skan moving. Women who had freckles or moles were accused of being witches because these marks were said to be of the devil. For example, Starhawk says that meditation is considered a spiritual act just as picking up garbage or marching in protest for something you belief in.

Black Elk discusses the unity of nature and man, just as Starhawk does. Starhawk also discusses the ethics of stealing. Act upon your beliefs, but only if you have a complete understanding of them. He focuses on the strong belief that everything is relative and how one must have an understanding of this sacred relationship and how this can be achieved through the lamenting process.

Modern Witchcraft’s ideals began approximately 35,000 years ago. At the end of the lamenting process, those involved give thanks to Wankan-Tanka, Grandfather, for his gift of understanding and the relationship he gave to them. They have been one of the most misunderstood and unjustly persecuted spiritual groups. Wakan-Tanka translates into not only another word for grandfather but great mystery. Sexuality, for example, is “a direct expression of the life force”; it must be appreciated and held sacred. Both belief systems portray a sincere appreciation for their environment and nature because everything in the cosmos is one.

Common topics in this essay:
Black Elk, According Starhawk, Witchcraft Goddess, Goddess Starhawk, Sacred Pipe, Spiral Dance, Native American, Black Elks, Grandfather Sky, Modern Witchcrafts, black elk, sacred relationship, sacred pipe, lamenting process, starhawk black elk, importance understanding, understanding action, nature starhawk, goddess separate, inyan skan, beliefs people,

Approximate Word count = 1175
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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