 Understanding Native American Spirituality
There are many different forms of religion and spirituality spanning the globe and changing with the times. Every few years there seems to be a new type of spirituality forming. However there are many forms of spirituality that are deep rooted in culture, history, and tradition. Native American spirituality is one of these forms. Native American spirituality goes back thousands of years and yet is still practiced within the culture today.
Native American spirituality believes in a deep connection with everything around them. It is a belief that there is one single life-force behind every single being and thing in nature. This includes humans, animals, plants, and every grain of sand; we are all connected to each other. There are many stories passed down through the ages which describe the connections between nature and the life-force, otherwise known as "the Great Mystery."
Animals play a large role in Native American spirituality.
Animals are usually symbolic of individual tribes, with each tribe having an animal guide and this animal will be on the tribe's totem pole. The totem pole is part of the culture of Native Americans and is used to show the legend of the tribe, but it has little significance to Native American spirituality and is not a form of idol worship. It is similar to a coat of arms leaving behind the tribes' legacy. Animals in Native American spirituality are seen as symbols of the tribe, but also play large roles in guiding the tribe or individuals on their spiritual journey or spirit quests.
A spirit quest is an important part of Native American spirituality.
This is when a young boy becomes a man; it happens right around puberty. A young man leaves his family and goes alone into the wilderness. The spirit quest is much like a spiritual journey, but is much more of a traditional thing than a choice. The young man seeks out spiritual help and guidance and searches for the true meaning in his life. The main purpose is to receive help and guidance in the form of a vision.
Another part of Native American spirituality is the medicine wheel.
The medicine wheel varies depending on the tribe and the culture. It can have four or six sections, the most popular being four sections. The four sections represent the four directions, north, south, east, and west. The thought is to find balance in your life. Everything we do affects the four different sections of our lives. North is the physical side, south is the mental side, east is our emotional side, and west is our spiritual side. North is represented by white, south is red, east is yellow, and west is black. It is believed that we must reach each of these areas in order to have a perfect balance. Every problem and issue we face will affect each of these four areas of our lives and we have to fix the problem at each level in order to truly live a balanced life.
Native American spirituality is rich with culture and tradition. It is a well-rounded spirituality and its beliefs are grounded in a love and respect for all of nature.
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