A Comparison of Native American Thought anf Witchcraft

A detailed Summary of A Comparison of Native American Thought anf Witchcraft

Native American religions and witchcraft are alike in many ways. First of all, both are nature religions, meaning they both hold nature sacred and many of the symbols and ideas come from nature. Starhawk says that The Old Religion, as we call it, is closer in spirit to Native American traditions.@ Both religions teach its followers the importance of understanding and action. Through reading Starhawk and Black Elk essays in the textbook, it easy to see the meaning of understanding and action. Each of these elements are crucial to the beliefs of the follower.

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 la

The Lakota believe that nature is sacred, everything in the universe is connected. As Black Elk puts it, "a sacred relationship." All living things are relatives. His people have a great reverence for nature. This belief originates with Inyan and Skan. In the beginning there was primeval stone (Inyan) and primeval motion (Skan). Everywhere Inyan was, there was Skan moving. They are personified as Grandmother Earth and Grandfather Sky. They represent all living beings. By sharing the sacred pipe in a circle, each person is taking the universe within himself or herself, experiencing the sacred relationship. 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. Wakan-Tanka translates into not only another word for grandfather but great mystery. The great mystery is an unanswerable question, where did motion come from? Wakan-Tanka is present everywhere always. Lakota people are constantly aware of this. The Great Spirit is always there, be conscience of this in every action, every moment.

Black Elk presents the spiritual beliefs of his people. 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. The spiritual beliefs of Witchcraft are similar to that of the Lakota. Both Starhawk and Black Elk emphasize the importance of an understanding before practice.

Black Elk discusses the unity of nature and man, just as Starhawk does. Both belief systems portray a sincere appreciation for their environment and nature because everything in the cosmos is one. Everything is relative, part o

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Approximate Word count = 1179
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion