The Abenaki, the People of Dawnland, live in the Maritime Provinces of Canada and Northern New England of the United States. To the Abenaki, everything is alive, and people show their respect. The sun is greeted every morning. A prayer of thanks is said over the first drink of water. The earth is called “Our Mother.” When people need to know kinds of healing, they ask the plants, animals, and rocks.
When a person received a vision or dream from one of the Rock People (Plant, Animal), they have been called to be a healer. The Rock People will guide the person how to heal with rocks. In addition, the person is guided and taught by an Abenaki Elder.
The common point of view of outsiders is that Native Americans believe in the “Great Spirit”. What the Abenaki believe is that there are things that people do not know, nor should they know. Hence, the “Great Spirit” is really the Great Mystery. Elie Joubert, Native Abenaki speaker, explains the Abenaki sense of the world. He says wlidbiwi (wlidbobta) conveys the concept that there is two spirits in everyone. Hence, the balance and harmony of the land is what grounds the people. Kichi Niwaskw is the Great Combination of Two Living Things, the Abenaki concept of God.
The man-god, Gluscab came to the shores of Dawnland in a stone canoe. He pushed earth round and removed boulders to make the islands and mountains. After he came, Gluscab drove out the Giants of Ice and Snow and tamed the winds. He petted the animals to calm them, and taught the Abenaki how to hunt.
When they and the animals stopped listening to him, Gluscab became very sad. After Loon told him about the coming of the White People, he left. Riding Whale, Gluscab went east into the sunrise. Then disaster and sadness came to the Abenaki. Today, they long for his return.
Good and evil is in every person. Everyone is never totally bad, and can be redeemed. Dogs, who are the representatives of the Great Mystery, decide who will go to the Land of the Dead and who falls into the Abyss. A good man will cross over the Abyss on the backs of his dogs. A bad man will be allowed to fall into the Abyss.
Abenaki beliefs are communal and shared only within the tribe. Outsiders are not allowed to participate, but outside beliefs are allowed. Many Abenaki practice their traditional religion and Christianity.
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Wisdom from the Native American Path includes Sacred Path Cards by Jamie Sams.
Or Choose Tarot based on Plains Indian Teachings: The Star That Never Walks Around
Ma'heo'o Reiki. This Native American based Reiki system is grounded in the four elements as well as Father Sky and Mother Earth
Va. Carper
February 3, 2008