Legend of the Spirit Stick
Native American spirit sticks symbolize the power once evoked by shamans during healing ceremonies and prayer sessions. Spirit sticks were typically used while dancing to banish impurities, beckon rain and ward off evil spirits. The sticks were originally made of wood and adorned with feathers and beads. There are several types as follows.....
TALKING STICK
Native American talking sticks were also used to communicate with the spirits. Tribal chiefs would use the sticks during important meetings with both their tribes and with visitors. During meetings, the chiefs would pass their sticks around the group to determine who would be heard. Native Americans believed the bear claw summoned the strength of the bear and a feather summoned the wisdom of the eagle. A strip of real or faux fur is to remind speakers to talk softly while holding the stick. Bead colors symbolize grass, snow, the sunrise (yellow) and the sunset (red).
DANCING STICK
Native Americans used tribal dancing sticks during many celebrations, often swinging them in the air while dancing around their bonfires. Different tribes used a variety of symbols and adornments on their celebration sticks.
MEDICINE STICK
Throughout history, Native American shamans, or medicine men, carried a spirit stick to use in their quest to evoke powerful, healing spirits. Also known as a medicine stick, or prayer stick, depictions of this religious implement and its associated rituals vary among Indian tribes.
Stength and Spirit
Some Native American prayer sticks are crafted from spiritually chosen wood. The wood from a tree that has been struck by lightning is revered because of its strength.
Symbolism
A Native American medicine man would perform a dance using the Indian spirit stick to banish any evil lurking within the camp. Feathers attached to the spirit stick symbolize the departure of the evil entities.
Different Tribal Uses of the Medicine Stick
Southwest Tribes: Prayer sticks of Southwestern Indian tribes, including Navajo, Hopi and Zuni, are planted in the ground near unsullied water and spiritual sites. Special feathers attached to grooved cedar or cottonwood sticks are chosen to unite with the wind, then carry prayers to the Creator and garner assurance from the spirits that water may always be found.
Tigua Indians: A Tigua Indian’s medicine stick and attached prayer feathers are covered in leather. Sage and cedar collected in the Native American tradition fill an affixed medicine bag, along with a wheel that represents Earth’s four sacred directions.
Sioux Tribe: The Sioux holy man wields his influential medicine stick to bless the tribe, and any animal prior to its use by the tribe. The holy man also uses the medicine stick to conjure spirits for the protection of warriors while hunting or during battle.
