the Native Americans. I will also include the creation myth of the Osage

Indians and the afterlife beliefs of the Lakota Sioux. Although there are many

points of contrast, the beliefs of Native Americans are distinguished by some

common characteristics (p.54 Nigosian). Some of these characteristics are

that they all seem to believe in the existence of a high god or vital force along

(http://www.creighton.edu/~amd/afterlife.html). The Native Americans were

tribe to tribe. Interestingly, the Native Americans did not have a concept of

good and evil forces (p.64 Nigosian). The following is a basic gist of the

Peyote, a hallucinogenic plant that is commonly used as a recreational drug, has a much greater meaning for members of the peyote religion. By examining the effects of peyote along with its role in the rituals and beliefs of the Native American Church it becomes apparent why it is such an integral part of the religion. The trade and knowledge of this sacred plant was already well defined in regions of Mexico well before European conquest and its ceremonial use was already underway in the tribes of the area in which it grew. This religious use eventually spread through North American regions. Along with its migration, the basic rituals and ceremonies changed along the way. The organization of religion involving peyote and the principle rituals had become commonly practiced among the Comanche and Kiowa tribes by the mid-eighteen hundreds. The Native American Church formed in 1921, beginning in Oklahoma. Soon after this initial formation, state and local incorporation followed in!

it, while the Hawk Feather Fan is a symbol of understanding. All of the materials used during the ceremony are considered to be sacred and symbolic of something the Indians consider important. These materials help in the communication with the Great Spirit, which is the ultimate goal of the meeting. Peyotism is, indeed, a unique religion. The members of the Native American Church take this ?powerful medicine? in order to communicate directly with the Great Spirit. They follow a strict ethical code and believe that peyote will help them understand their lives more fully. I greatly admire the idea of reflecting on one?s own situation in order to live a tranquil, honest life. The religion was formed as a way of unifying Native Americans and helping them accept and deal with the situation they are faced with. Peyotism has proven largely successful in achieving these goals, making it a wonderful thing for the indigenous people of this country.

father. Then she told them to go settle on the earth. When they came to the

Wanting to know their origin, they went to the sun. The sun told them that

?antihero,? or better known as the trickster. Another common feature of

idea of this religion in that other aspects of the four souls are invested into

Some common words found in the essay are:
Native Americans, American Church, United Peyote, Osage Indians, Tacanku Southward, David Aberle, Aberle5 Containing, Native American, Peyote Road, Fire Chief, native americans, native american, native american church, american church, feather fan, peyote meetings, crow dog, lakota sioux, p62 nigosian, ethical code, peyote religion, nigosian native americans, mary crow dog, native americans believed, feeling personal significance,
Approximate Word count = 2988
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)