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| | (3 recommendations so far) | Message 1 of 20 in Discussion |
| From:  Annie-LL (Original Message) | Sent: 5/20/2004 10:03 PM |
The talking stick has been used for centuries by many American Indian tribes as a means of just and impartial hearing. The talking stick was commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. When matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold the talking stick and begin the discussion. When he finished what he had to say he would hold out the talking stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner the stick was passed from one individual to another until all who wished to speak had done so. The stick was then passed back to the leading elder for safe keeping.
Some tribes used a talking feather instead of a talking stick. Other tribes might have a peace pipe, a wampum belt, a sacred shell, or some other object by which they designate the right to speak. Whatever the object, it carries respect for free speech and assures the speaker he has the freedom and power to say what is in his heart without fear of reprisal or humiliation.
Whoever holds the talking stick has within his hands the sacred power of words. Only he can speak while he holds the stick; the other council members must remain silent. The eagle feather tied to the talking stick gives him the courage and wisdom to speak truthfully and wisely. The rabbit fur on the end of the stick reminds him that his words must come from his heart and that they must be soft and warm. The blue stone will remind him that the Great Spirit hears the message of his heart as well as the words he speaks. The shell, iridescent and ever changing, reminds him that all creation changes -- the days, the seasons, the years -- and people and situations change, too. The four colors of beads -- yellow for the sunrise (east), red for the sunset (west), white for the snow (north) and green for the earth (south) -- are symbolic of the powers of the universe he has in his hands at the moment to speak what is in his heart. Attached to the stick are strands of hair from the great buffalo. He who speaks may do so with the power and strength of this great animal.
The speaker should not forget that he carries within himself a sacred spark of the Great Spirit, and therefore he is also sacred. If he feels he cannot honor the talking stick with his words, he should refrain from speaking so he will not dishonor himself. When he is again in control of his words, the stick will be returned to him. |
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| | | From: mippy | Sent: 6/8/2004 11:07 PM |
I enjoy making talking sticks, and find that they are very useful and humbling. It is a joy to create one for 'give aways'. |
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Thank you Annie, This was very informative. I had heard of the feather but not of the Talking stick. I am so humbled by all the teachings that I have learned and will be passing them on to my children and grandchildren. Greyfeather |
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Osiyo annie, where can i get a Talking Stick ? i am not creative enough to make one, and the items i would need or foriegn-made with no idea of our culture.thank you for your time dear sister. may the Creator smile on you, |
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Thank you for the information on the talking stick...I'd like to know the length of the talking stick......also........is there any way to get an eagle feather?.......I ask this with the uttmost respect for all my relations.......thank you so very much |
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| | | From: Blah661 | Sent: 11/2/2004 2:50 AM |
Thankx for this info Annie, I first learned about the talking stick through a book, and was later informed of it by my grandma. Bear Spirit |
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| | | From: Blah661 | Sent: 11/2/2004 2:56 AM |
Ummm Well, I know that i have two on a dream catcher i bought, (for decor) but I am curious where one would go about finding one? Legally I mean, are Bald Eagles still on the endangered list, or....weren't they taken off in like 97? Just Wonderin, if anyone knows. Bear Spirit |
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| This message has been deleted by the manager or assistant manager. |
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Thank you Anniie for this, another step on my journey--A feather was made available to me in a very spiritual manner, as if it was meant to be for me, to assist me in my search for harmony within the circle. I read that a seeker wears one feather. This feather will be my walking stick, adorned with the beads, stones and shell. Again, thank you and thanks to the spirits for my guidance. |
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Sorry, crucial typo----talking stick |
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I love to read the histories and traditions of the peoples. It is very inspiring and educational. I encourage my grands to read these. My sister made me talking feathers before she passed. I cherish them. The talking stick or talking feather or whatever the tribes degsignated to use, is an intelligent and fair approach to allowing everyone to say their part. I think this way gave each a way to vent their opinions and prevented many problems as well as solving them. I think they call it brain storming, another thing Natives invented and were given no credit for. |
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Would you be willing to share some different ways you made the talking sticks? I too would like to make some to share--and would very much appreciate your thoughts and experience. Peace. Awianidv |
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You are so right. I had the privilege of being part of "circle training" a year ago as part of a restorative justice program. The training was conducted by a Native American from the Yukon Territory. This approach to conflict resolution is being used in many parts of the US and Canada these days. A staff member where I work made one for us to use at work. She made it from a stick about 18 inches long that she peeled and sanded. She painted the colors of the 4 Directions on it along with other artwork representative of the Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. She also carved a raven for the top and attached a stone.....a gorgeous piece of art. Talking sticks/objects can be as varied as the individual maker. Use your creativity, think about the group that will use it, and allow Creator to work through you. |
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I taught in the public schools here for many years. One of the many activities I did with my students was to have them make talking sticks for their families. The rule of thumb I used was for them to go on a walk and find a stick that was as long as their forearm from the tip of their first finger to their elbow. They were also to look for a stick that was unusual and that called to them. They were not to take any from a tree, they had to find one on the ground and were to leave a gift of cornmeal where they found it. ( I personally leave cornmeal and tobacco...but I didn't tell my students to do that!*chuckles*) They were also to look around for items to attach to the talking stick that had meaning to them and/or their families (with permission of course!)
I wish I had a digital camera, I could show you a picture of mine, but for those who think they cannot make one...you can! It is best to make your own because then it has meaning for *you* and not meaning put into it by someone else. Use yarn or leather shoelaces or twine to add feathers and beads and stones. I have an earring of my grandmother's on mine...so any objects that have meaning to you will work.
As a final note, my students had to take theirs home and give it to their mother or grandmother to honor the fact that many of the nations here in Ohio were matrilineal societies *chuckles*
well...time to hit the hay here...thank you all for the warm welcome here!
Blessings to all,
~phoenix |
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Thank you Annie for this peice of information. And to all who made comments. I too have only heard of the talking feather, so this has helped me alot. And for the teacher who gave info on how to make one I shall use your info to make my own. Lots of great comments from all, thanks. Hugs Jacquie |
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