Did you know that if you have a child who gives offerings during prayer or before certain actions, they can use cornmeal instead of tobacco? We are Cherokee and my son keeps cornmeal in his medicine bag (since he wears it all the time). That way there is never an issue with the school's no tolerance policy. Cornmeal is the feminine to tobacco's masculine. It was just an FYI for you if you need it. We used it last night for our ritual. Geoffrey asked if he could join me and of course it was fine... sometimes I like to be alone when I drum, but he has his own drum - it's cool to do it together unless it's specifically for a healing. I was kind of wondering if anyone else has a large assortment of musical instruments? Seems I collect them even though my playing abilities are limited!

Last night while moving in the circle, I explained the Cherokee way and colors to him again. Ours is an oral tradition. (isn't everyone's? lol) We give our offering to each direction.

We enter the circle in the East where the color is red for beginnings It's the place of the fire and the direction for heart, for passion. It is the spiritual place of harmony, balance, and friends and family. Then we turn to the north, the place of the ancestors, where the color is blue and we give our thanks for the teachings and ways that have come down to us through the generations. This is the mental path, a quiet place. The place for learning and sharing and calming the spirit. Next we turn to the west - the color is black and it is a place for introspection. It is a physical path where we learn the rituals and ceremonies and dances of the people. The west holds my bear medicine, and it is also our clan (this is not the animal guardian of this direction). We are the earth keepers of the Cherokee people. We are the heart. We give our thanks. Then we turn to the South, the place of childhood and innocence. The color is white. We ask for guidance and direction for our lives. It is where we learn to touch the earth and learn about nature. We also acknowledge what is above, below and within before we turn back to the East and exit the circle. Each direction has a co-relation to a Cherokee Clan. We also cover that information when his attention is good. Last night, it wasn't, he wanted to drum! 

Many times I see others talk about the circle and the colors and what they say is presented without the understanding that was passed to me from my grandmother. We are a people who hold the balance for all other tribes. We move counterclockwise in circle. Balance is the core of all we are and all we strive to attain. We do not walk the red path, but the path of peace...the white path. Sometimes I wonder what information that tidbit is hiding - there is always something at the heart of the matter that is very simple...that's left for us to think about and discover on our own. We were crystal workers and understood the secrets of energy. We also understood that if we act outside the teachings of our Elders, we give our POWER away. It is shameful to give one's power away. This is why when my son gets angry, I tell him to calm down and think. By holding his focus he will hold his power and find his answer. We are very literal in this house. he understands so well...

Anyway. Since I was sharing with him and it was fresh on my mind this morning, I thought I'd share here as well. I know it's long. Forgive me for that. I have a couple of other things to share as well. I will break them up so no one is bored!

Blessings and peace to all...

~Amber