THE PIPE

"With this you will send your prayers to the Creator" 

The white buffalo calf women gave the pipe to our people many years in the past. She also left instructions on how it should be cared for as it was something sacred that God had sent so our prayers would be carried up to him. It was to be kept only by those of good character and all the instructions she left should be adhered to. There are many pipes that have been fashioned after this one and our people still send prayers through them. The pipes are made from stone that comes from Piprstone, Minnesota. This red stone is only found in Minnesota in Sioux territory. Minnesota itself is a sioux word that means "all water" (minne=water, sota=all)Pipes can only be obtain in two ways as far as I know. You don't just buy them and start using them. Some are passed on through family with the oldest or most deserving person carrying them forward. The one most holy or the one walking in a holy manner would usually be given the pipe so that they may speak on behalf of that family. Sometimes the grandfathers would grant a pipe to those that showed good character. One other way that has happened is the pipes that appear in the sweatlodge ceremony. Those that carry the pipes live their prayers as it should be. You must set a good example by living a good life.  

MEDICINE WHEEL

The medicine wheel is one of the symbols that comes to mind when traditional symbols are discussed. It is used as a teaching tool by our people and many other nations. The teachings vary from person to person as well as nation to nation.

Many people will claim it as their own and sell it's teachings as if they alone posess the knowledge and the gift to see. Others will take what the elders shared and sell the gift as if it were one of their own teachings. The elders offer teachings in friendship to be shared as the need arises, but far to often our people and the new age people currupt the gift when they apply their own twist to it and sell it for profit.

This is a sacred symbol and it will reveal it's teachings to anyone that has the respect and the patience to attain the level of understanding required to really see what its about.

When you reach the level of understanding required to see the truth in all things. The medicine wheel will become a tool for you to pass on the knowledge gained. It is then that you'll see that this gift is not to be sold but shared with those that are seeking the truth.