Infinite Souls

In the tipi with friends, receiving shamanic rites, we each painted our faces with something that resonated with our individual souls and the ancient indigenous culture we embraced.

I painted waves with an infinite blue ocean behind them. That’s what I see, infinite souls behind individual physical façades.

In the Lakota tradition, we passed the pipe, not with tobacco, but using the traditional inner bark of the red willow plant. We honored the principles of the medicine wheel, moving always in the seventh cardinal direction—beyond north, east, south, west, up, or down—to see ourselves in the center and to go within.

Johnny Blackbird hand-crafted my hatband. He knew I was a doctor and he incorporated appropriate symbols and traditions from his culture.

“I hope it brings you happiness and those who see it feel the medicine it holds,” he told me in a handwritten note.

“The medicine turtle on the front, with strong medicine on his shell, is a young adult turtle on a journey toward the stars, going to the east with an eager desire to learn and become confident on its path. The turtle is walking on its yellow path, the color of the youthful searcher seeking balance and learning lessons. The next block is the red road traveling within the river of life. The peaceful white illusion contains the sun and earth (yellow and green). The energy star that lives inside the great Mystery sends its strength out, giving spirit to all it touches, including our turtle, so its steps will be happy and peaceful. The blocks are linked together just like the elements of life. The medicine sun star lives on one side and the medicine moon on the other. Their energy, with that of the Mystery, keeps the medicine turtle moving inside the circle.”

Johnny concluded, “When the band is closed on your hat, medicine also forms in the back.”

There is learning and wisdom in all cultures. I’m grateful for those who share their sacred knowledge and traditions with me.