AmerIndian Blessings
Enclosed are three essentials of the indigenous peoples of North and South America. They are used in their spiritual and philosophical practices. Each serves a different purpose.
Sage
The North American Plains Tribes, such as the Arapaho, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Kiowa, Lakota and Apache, use Sage as a cleanser and purifier that energizes protection and the removal of negativity. It keeps ‘evil spirits’ and ‘ill winds’ at bay.
Cedar
The Tribes of the North American Pacific & West Coast, such as the Nez Perce, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Kwakiutl, Bella Coola, Nootka, Coast Salish, and Chinook, use Cedar to welcome kind spirits and call forth positive forces. It invites ‘blessings’ and ‘good fortune’.
Palo Santo ('Holy Wood' in Spanish)
The Indigenous peoples of South America, such as the Ipueblos Indígenas, Pueblos Nativos, Pueblos Aborígenes, Mestizos, Zambos and Amazons, use Palo Santo to calm the mind, heal the body, inspire creativity and bring love. It welcomes the ‘like-minded, kind hearted, open-handed’ into your circle.
An example of how each might be used is the blessing offered at the front door of your dwelling. Sage prays the door will protect those inside from any evil, illness or worldly troubles. Cedar prays the door will open itself to the gifts, favors and positive offerings of the outside world. Palo Santo prays that all those who pass through this door will bring and find peace, attention, comfort and compassion.
The ‘prayers’ are more a matter of thought than words. Sincerity of feeling and genuine intention is at the heart of these ‘AmerIndian Blessings’.