The Sacred Black Hills of the Lakota Nation

by Robert Wilkinson

As most of my readers know, I usually post astrological and metaphysical articles I believe will bring forth a greater astrological understanding and sense of "spiritual connectedness." I tend not to post on other things here, since I found most political debates too strident with a lot of "sound and fury signifying nothing." That said, I found something I believe to be of utmost importance for all of us to be aware of, since it does involve our spiritual connectedness with the land and "all our relations."

A brief note on why I take the approach I do here at the cantina. I quit political and environmental blogging due to most of it leading to feelings of frustration, agitation, and wheel-spinning in me and others. That's why I tend not to link to passing news or opinions on other sites, political, astrological, environmental, or whatever, regardless of how well-meaning they are, as a lot of them are unhelpful regarding the larger work I'm trying to do.

I have found these things tend to promote division rather than unity, or offer erroneous information that can lead to unfortunate ego manifestations when challenged. With that in mind, I do offer a few excellent sites on my right hand links that for the most part offer accurate information on things I believe are important. Some of them are even humorous.

Today I give you a link to an excellent article focusing on a 100 year old abomination taking place here in America posted over at one of my favorite political sites, My Left Wing. The article is titled We Will Never Sell (Our Sacred Black Hills) and offers us all much food for thought. Of course, though much of what you will read is upsetting (as all injustices are) please use the agitation to move into a meditative state and direct your thoughtforms to whatever your highest intention and realization can bring forth. I probably won't comment much, since I am still staying somewhat "retired" from political commentary at this time in my life. But someday....

I found the article through a fan of the site, along with The International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers. I believe these to be very worthy efforts to bring our attention to our fundamental connectedness with the Earth and each other, which is why I offer them today.

I have been a friend of several "indigenous grandmothers" over the years, and find the "grandmothers" of all "tribes" promote the type of spirituality that will ultimately save our Souls and help us remember that we are all one tribe, one race, the human race. Divine Mother energy is on the move, and being ultimately redemptive and compassionate, holds the promise that we will again find heaven on Earth and the Spirit in each other's eyes and hearts.

© Copyright 2007 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[DianatheHuntress]

Heartfelt thanks for bringing this up, dear Robert..... my own beloved grandmother was Sioux, and this is something that I feel very passionate about too...... really appreciate your new "political" stance as well. A little Zen is a good thing (-:

With Love, D. } -----*

[Robert]

Hi Diana - Well, as a grandfather (for real!) I have utmost respect for the Grandmothers and all our relations. I believe maturity gives a natural reverence for Life. As for detachment, well, it's usually better than attachment, and I was getting way too attached to accurate but frustrating positions. Good news is always better than bad news, and it was time for me to find a new voice. Politially this isn't it, but someday...

[ann]

Very interesting topic this is Robert...

[jaihn]

Thank you so much for this.
I'm a fan of yours too.
Thank you for all your good work.
Warmly, xxx

[dcu]

Robert:
Thank You so very much for posting this article and great links about the Sacred Black Hills. As you know, it has been my great privilege to live in Rapid City, South Dakota for 10 years. We go out into the Black Hills pretty much every weekend. Our friends have been very active in attempting to protect Bear Butte from the creeping encroachment. It really is one of the most sacred places on our planet. The links that you put up are great.
Many people are doing Sun Dance all over this area as the Summer Solstice approaches. Some of our friends from Australia flew into the area and have been out on the Pine Ridge Sun Dancing.

We are now leaving to attend the Spiritual Unity of Tribes/Gathering of Eagles that will be held again this year in the Chuska Mountain area about 30 miles north of Gallup, New Mexico. We will light the fire in the Arbor at daylight on Thursday, June 21 on the Solstice. The fire will be kept and safe guarded for four days and nights. This event is open to all of mankind, no matter what race, creed, belief, etc. We usually have about 300 people. It is a family style campout. People are welcome to come for an afternoon, or for the entire week. It is free of charge. Donations and karma yoga are always appreciated. Anyone who reads this is cordially invited to attend.

There will of course be Solstice Ceremonies going on all over the planet. Some of them may be found by going to Arvol Looking Horse's World Peace and Prayer Day site. Here is a posting concerning a Solstice event going on at Bear Butte:

All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer!

World Peace and Prayer Day
Honor Sacred Sites Day

Thursday, June 21ST
Noon - 2 pm
Bear Butte State Park picnic area next to Visitor's Center Parking

All Nations, All Faiths are invited to Commemorate
World Peace and Prayer Day and Honor Sacred Sites Day.

Join us in One Prayer for World Peace and Global Healing.

*************************************************
Message from Chief Arvol Looking Horse
For World Peace and Prayer Day 2007

Miracles & Prophecies have revealed themselves; the White Animals are showing their Sacred Color to give us the message of change and sacrifice. Throughout the world, people have made spiritual commitment to bring peace, harmony and restoration back to our lives. Faith must continue to live in the hearts of the People - to gather at our Sacred Sites and heal our Grandmother Earth. Join us on June 21st - all nations, all faiths, one prayer - as we walk toward togetherness in respecting and understanding all of life. This is our responsibility!

***********************************************

This local Bear Butte gathering will coincide with World Peace and Prayer Day events at Sacred Sites throughout South Dakota and across the continents of the world.

Log on to: www.wwpd.org to locate WPPD events and information

We will share a community potluck afterwards. Bring a dish if you can.
Thanks in advance for your participation!

For more information on the Bear Butte event please contact:

[email protected] at www.ProtectSacredSites.org or

The Bear Butte International Alliance
[email protected] at www.MatoPaha.org

Please contact us or visit our websites to download the pdf flier for
World Peace and Prayer Day, Honor Sacred Sites Day.

Deb McIntyre, Director
South Dakota Peace & Justice Center
PO Box 116
Sioux Falls, SD 57101
605-743-5647
www.sdpjc.org
*****************************************************
Imagine all the people living Life in Peace
It's up to you, yeah, you!
All I want is the Truth! Just give me some Truth!
Happy Solstice, everyone!
Douglas and Mary Ellen Uptain
Black Hills, South Dakota