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I love the sayings of Black Elk and would like to get his book: Black Elk Speaks. Has anyone read this book and what do you like best about it? Do you have a favorite story of legend of his?

Wow! There are so many wonderful stories about Raven and Crow. I have a particular fondness for these birds. When we first moved into our many years ago, I used to watch these crows drop walnuts down onto the street in front of our home. It was a crack up (literally LOL).

Another time I watched one chase a mouse across the yard. The mouse got away - but crow sure did look hysterical.

We also watched one on a roof top getting stalked by a cat. It limped across the roof as the cat came slowly after it. Just as the cat pounced, it flew away and the cat tumbled (but was okay - except for being embarrassed).

Hi Deanna, thanks for stopping by. According to the Native Americans, Crow and Raven are 'tricksters' and always thinking of crafty plans for their own benefit. Your crow was probably trying to lure the cat away from its nest of young ones, maybe. We had a pet crow when I was just a little girl. His name was Jimmy and he was always playing tricks on us.

March is Women's History Month. Are there any Native American women you would like to have me research and write an article on? On March 3 I did one on Native American Women In History and I will have one coming out next week on Rosebud Yellow Robe. If you have any requests, let me know.

MEDICINE-SONG


Sung by Geronimo


O, ha le
O, ha le!
Awbizhaye
Shichl hadahiyago niniya
O, ha le
O, ha le
Tsago degi naleya
Ah--yu whi ye!
O, ha le
O, ha le!


O, ha le
O, ha le!
Through the air
I fly upon the air
Towards the sky, far, far, far,
O, ha le
O, ha le!
There to find the holy place,
Ah, now the change comes o're me!
O, ha le
O, ha le!

I cannot think that we are useless or God would not have created us. There is one God looking down on us all. We are all the children of one God. The sun, the darkness, the winds are all listening to what we have to say.

When a child, my mother taught me to kneel and pray to Usen for strength, health, wisdom and protection. Sometimes we prayed in silence, sometimes each one prayed aloud; sometimes an aged person prayed for all of us... and to Usen.

- Quotes from Geronimo

Hi Phyllis, these are beautiful quotes. I was raised in a very strict religion that doesn't necessarily honor the earth. As a young adult, I found another path for myself. When I first learned of the spirits of the wind, the plants, animals, even the stars, I felt like I had stepped into a dreamland, and I never wanted to wake up

I'm so glad that now, as a mother, I can share these thoughts with my children, and they get to experience them as children.

Hi Deanna, I am so happy you found something on my forum that makes you feel good. Thank you for the compliments. Any time you would like to add a poem, quote or story regarding Native American beliefs, myths, legends, etc - please feel free to do so. That is what "The Hello Place" is all about - sharing.

Black Elk: Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux, 1863-1950
"Sometimes dreams are wiser than waking."

I am so enthralled with Black Elk's sayings and stories right now. I just got the book "Black Elk Speaks" and am so happy with it! I am sure a lot of you have read it or at least are familiar with it, but, for those of you who are not I highly reccomend the book! I love the way Black Elk was outside his cabin, waiting for John Neihardt even though no one had told him Neihardt was coming to interview him. A fascinating book!

Do you have any favorite sayings/stories of Black Elk's?