Clanology

Continued from last week.

The next morning the old Bear Clan woman woke to find the old man in severe pain. The Bear Clan woman felt so sorry for the old man and asked what she could do to help him be more comfortable. He told the old woman that in the forest where the hardwood trees grow there are patches of medicine plants. He described exactly what they looked like and gave the old lady sacred tobacco to offer to the leader of the medicine patch. He told her how to wash the medicine, how many roots, how much water to use, how long and how hot to cook the medicine. The old Bear Clan woman did exactly as she was told, and the old man drank the medicine. In just a short while the old man was well and happy. Soon the old Bear Clan woman was sewing new moccasins and an entire outfit for the old man, The people of the village would gather at her house to sing for the old man’s entertainment.

The next morning, when the old woman got up the old man again was very sick. Again, the old man told the Bear Clan woman where to go to find the proper medicinal plant and exactly how to prepare it. The old man drank the medicine and the sickness went away. Everyday the old man became ill with every possible sickness. Each time this happened the Bear Clan woman was told what medicine plant or plants to prepare. Every single time the old man would become well.

Now on this particular day the old man told the Bear Clan woman he has taught her and her people all the knowledge of medicine as a special gift. The Bear Clan people never forgot the ways and teaching of our Creator. From that point on the Bear Clan people would be knowledgeable of medicine for their people. For those, regardless of clan, who embrace the teachings of our Creator will be acknowledged by our Creator with a special gift.

Now on the last day of Sonkwaiatison’s visit this is what happened…Again the Bear Clan woman woke up to find the old man in severe pain and very sick. She asked what she might do to help the old man. The old man for the last time instructed her where she will find the medicine. When to old woman returned close to her house she noticed that a huge flame was shining through the cracks and openings of her house. The Bear Clan woman thought that her house was on fire and rushed to save the old man. Just as she turned the corner of her house she saw the old man transform himself into a handsome young man and then into a huge ball of flames. Stunned with awe she watched as the great ball of flames shot up into the sky and then disappeared into the sun.

So it was that the people of the Bear Clan received from the Creator their knowledge of medicine.

Lessons learned from Sonkwaiatison’s Visit:

Never ridicule or make fun of someone, for this person may be the Creator.

When someone visits your home or community always welcome them.

When someone visits your home, don’t ask if they are hungry. Share whatever food you have with them. Give them something to drink.

Don’t ask if they have a place to sleep or stay. Fix a bed where they may rest.

Always know what the teachings of the Creator are.

Continued next week.