Arizona sweat – Taino Woman Comes Dancing in the spirit of Hatuey!

With the recent deaths occurring in an Arizona sweat lodge, three so far, many Indigenous Americans are rabidly repeating the mantras “That’s what you get when you mess with things you have no right to mess with”, “Non-natives have no right to participate, let alone conduct sacred native ceremonies” and “The spirits are clearly expressing their disapproval, when will non-natives learn?”

These are sad, angry and fear filled sentiments with which I do not agree. They weigh in my heart as I hear my relations repeat them at family events, powwows and even sacred gatherings. I have shared my feelings before pertaining to the separatist attitudes my relations have regarding our spirituality. Yet, further understanding compels me to revisit the issue and clarify, albeit to myself, this particular concern. Although I still do not agree with the segregationist views, I do believe my relations have some very good points and real reasons for concern. However, I suggest pause and deliberation lest our fears overcome and misguide us. By clarifying to ourselves exactly what it is that is really important, we can better express our concerns to others without sounding like rabid, bigoted hypocrites.

This is important because no one listens to rabid, bigoted hypocrites except other rabid, bigoted hypocrites and you end up preaching to the choir.

Continue reading “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?~ Segregation in Native American Spirituality”

Disclaimer

These writings are offered in recognition of the traditional responsibility of sharing experiences and learning for the consideration of those who may be doing their own work.

These are my thoughts at the time of their writing, based on experience, study, introspection and reflection. These are answers I found for myself, opinions that are true from my perspective.

My truths are mine.

They are offered here as gifts, not orders or commands. They are shared as possibilities, as a supplement to your own work- not to do the work for you.

At this time I will also apologize. I’m opinionated. And I don’t ask permission to have an opinion. That bothers some.

What’s more, my opinion is often not the popular sentiment. Some find that bothersome, too.

Added to this, the topics I choose to write on are controversial, and some truths are so ugly that just speaking of it can be offensive…

All this put together pushes some over the edge.

Feel free to disagree, but let’s discuss the topic. And please, make the time to read, listen and reflect. Disagreement is just noise if you don’t do your own research.

But I understand. Automatic reactions can be invisible. You may just run into that in my writing, too. I do edit and while I re-write, I may miss the mark. Bear with me and please know that while I may want to piss you off, disrespect is never intended.

At your service,

Nanu (TainoWoman)

“A good question is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place but a seed to be planted and to bear more seed toward the hope of greening the landscape of idea.” ~John Ciardi