"Remembering Traditions in Changing Times"

Written by Daniel Baxley, reprinted by THOTH June 2011

Our indigenous people believe that everything is alive and all should be honored for its contribution to the great cycle of life. Rituals are observed for the sun, the moon, the water, the soil, and the air. The solstices and equinoxes are recognized in ceremony and are connected with the seasons within our own being, as well as the environment. Marriage, Birth, Rites of Passage into Adulthood, Special Festivals, Death, and many other transitional times are special times of ceremony within the community. All within the community are given a voice with decisions and opinions during a council process. A ceremonially talking piece is passed to each member within the circle who can speak his or her hearts uninterrupted. The elders are revered and esteemed as holders of great wisdom and teachings. They are taken care of, nurtured, and loved by all of the community.

We as a people in a time of unprecedented evolution in our lives can learn these lessons from our indigenous relatives. For we are all indigenous people, as we are all children of this earth. Our world has become smaller and we have become a global village with the ability to communicate with our fellow villagers around the world instantaneously.It is my belief that we as global villagers survival is dependent on re - membering our own indigenous traditions and learning from our native peoples, by bringing earth honoring traditions into our hearts and our experience everyday. We can all find ways to bring ceremony into our lives and our community in our own unique ways. We can learn from our indigenous teachers and elders. We can respect the land and our fellow travelers on this earth walk with peace, brotherhood, and integrity. We can speak our truth clearly and honestly. We can walk with an open heart and a love for all life on our planet. For we truly are all one. We can be the change we want to be in the world.

On a personal level I connect with indigenous traditions in today’s world as a Pachakuti Mesa Carrier, an earth honoring tradition in Peruvian Shamanic Teachings. My mentor don Oscar Miro – Quesada has a saving I a feel is very powerful for us today. “ Right Action Born of Compassionate Spiritual Wisdom Unites. “

It is my belief that practicing traditions that honor our beautiful earth in a heartfelt selfless manner is the wisdom that is required for uniting our global village and walking peacefully in a changing world.

Author: Daniel Baxley, THOTH Endorsed Teacher of the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition, an excerpt from an article in "Evolving Magazine"