Today is Earth Day… Celebrate Life!
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 22, 2008
Although I am mindful of this wonderful and beautiful Earth each and every day, today is as fine as any to create awareness. As folks celebrate world-wide, I send out my heartfelt prayers for the healing and preservation of this Sacred planet.
We lost a Great and Ancient tree to the machinations of modernization, just recently. My daughter and I have loved to walk a path through the trees near a river by our home. Along this path lived a beautiful Cottonwood tree, the largest I have ever seen, standing watch over all the smaller plants and trees nearby. Each time we passed this Ancient Spirit we would stop and touch it, giving a prayer of thanks for the air we breathe and the wonderful shade provided during hot days. Although we love all that is green and natural, this Ancient One held a special place in our hearts. It had been here for much longer than the ugliness of some places nearby, and brought a timeless beauty to this place.
Last week we were walking across the river from this favourite tree, and I stumbled when I looked to see this tree. I could not seem to catch my breath and tears came to my eyes. My daughter grew concerned and asked me what was wrong. When I could speak I pointed across the river with a heavy heart. Our dear and beautiful tree still stood, yet all of it’s branches had been cut off. This still-living tree was about to be cut down, for no reason that I could see. It was still healthy and strong! I felt the pain of this quite deeply, and was so sad!
We crossed the river the next day. I truly dreaded approaching the part of the path where this Great tree had lived for so long. It still stood, and I swear I could feel the pain of this poor tree as it stood, with all of its branches full of new life, lying in piles around it. My daughter was very sad as well and asked me why. Why had they done this to a tree in a place where nothing was to be built and the tree represented Life, and was no danger to folks walking? I do not know why… so I approached the tree and offered tobacco to the spirit of this Ancient One. I cried and prayed and asked forgiveness for man’s folly. We said goodbye to this wonderful tree that had given us such pleasure and comfort on our many walks. This place no longer brought me pleasure, and I am not certain we shall return. I prefer to stroll in the wild places that man has not touched.
Each day it is good to take time to honor Life, and all living things. We do not own this planet… we are just here for a little while. The Earth is Ancient, and generous in her gifts. It is only right to be thankful for what we have been blessed with, and to teach our children to be caring and thankful as well. This is part of the great Balance. So each day, let us promote Life by planting seeds, and nurturing our gardens and forests. Let us care for each other as well.
Here are a few helpful tips to get started…
Reduce - Reuse – Recycle; bring your reusable grocery totes. If you must buy disposables, buy paper products rather than plastic or Styrofoam. The manufacture of Styrofoam depletes the ozone layer.
Conserve water, waste not and fix leaks.
Use fewer harmful chemicals and pollutants, and dispose of them properly.
Try to use phosphate-free laundry and dish soaps.
Don’t use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand.
Save your kitchen scraps for the compost pile.
Boycott tuna or buy only “dolphin-safe”
Use Seafood Watch to choose seafood that’s good for you, and good for the oceans.
Volunteer your time to conservation projects.
Participate in stream and beach cleaning programs.
Become more involved in marine environmental issues.
Vote for candidates that share your sentiments.
Write your legislators when you have an opinion about pending legislation on environmental, land use and other issues.
Plant native, insect resistant, trees and shrubs in your backyard to provide food and shelter for birds and other creatures.
Pull weeds instead of using herbicides.. Learn about natural insect controls as alternatives to pesticides.
Use public transit.. Ride your bike or walk instead.. Drive a more gas efficient car.
Roots & Shoots.. An Environmental Global Mission
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 4, 2008
Shall we devote a few minutes of our precious time to a mission both noble and humanitarian? Seeing as this is a program instituted through the Jane Goodall Institute, we all know it brings great value to the Environment and natural causes. I am proud to bring about awareness of a program called Roots & Shoots.
What is Roots & Shoots? The Roots & Shoots program is about making positive change happen—for our communities, for animals and for the environment. With tens of thousands of young people in almost 100 countries, the Roots & Shoots network branches out across the globe, connecting youth of all ages who share a common desire to help make our world a better place.
What is the Mission of Roots & Shoots?
*To foster respect and compassion for all living things, to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment.
What are the Goals of Roots & Shoots?
*To implement positive change through active learning about, caring for and interacting with the environment.
*To demonstrate care and concern for all animals.
*To enhance understanding among individuals of different cultures, ethnic groups, religions, socio-economic levels and nations through our global communications network.
*To help young people develop self-respect, confidence in themselves and hope for the future.
If you are interested in getting involved, and perhaps starting your own group in your area, please visit Roots & Shoots today, and see for yourself what you can do. Join tens of thousands of young people from almost 100 countries!
A sweet and cozy low impact Woodland Home
Posted by msterilinn on Oct 27, 2007
It has always been my dream to build a home that personifies nature and natural living, blending in perfect balance with my surroundings. Living in such a way brings such a feeling of oneness with nature, and total satisfaction in knowing we are creating a very low impact on our environment.
I love gardening and feel that growing our own food and herbs feeds not only our bodies, but our spirits as well. This is true of our surroundings. The place we dwell within is a reflection of our true selves, and while not all people love nature as I do, those who do may appreciate these quaint and cozy little homes as this family in Whales has built.
You can learn all the details, and step by step process, of how these homes are built and what future projects these folks have in mind. Not only is this a sweet and cozy dwelling, with the added bonus of learning how to build this for oneself, can you even imagine the feeling of joy in knowing you have created this charming space with such love to fill your home, as you shelter within? Is this truly how folks once lived as a rule? How could we have strayed so far from such a natural state?
You can be certain that I shall endeavor to build such a home for my own family, and those who shelter within my little earth home will feel the love and peacefulness surrounding them in a gentle embrace.
Take a little journey into one families adventures in building the home of their dreams at A Low Impact Woodland Home.
Here you will learn of their experiences, as well as step by step visuals and plans of how their enchanting home was created from the earth up. I found the entire process fascinating and hope that you will too… enjoy! 
Plant a Tree and give back to Mother Earth
Posted by msterilinn on Oct 11, 2007
Can you even imagine how many products are used each day, in which are created from harvesting trees? The paper we use to write on, the books we read, as well as the paper products being used in our household create an unbelievable demand upon our forests. Not to mention the dozens of other products derived from trees, from furniture to houses. There is a serious imbalance being created through the rampant destruction of our forests, which is not only affecting wildlife, yet is creating a serious danger to human life as well. Unless one wishes to wear an oxygen mask to live and breathe in safety, we need to take action and realize how important it is to be proactive in replanting our forests, and preserving the existing forests before some very necessary natural resources are totally lost forever. And the loss of the medicines derived from the Plant Nation is a very sad tragedy to contemplate.
Trees are the lungs of our planet, and we all need them to live and breathe. Among the Lakota, we call this nation the Tree People. Consider planting a tree. Or maybe two or three. Give back what you possibly take for granted as a limitless resource. We can all do our part in helping to restore the balance. I will certainly do my part, and wish to spread the word about a program designed to bring about a change for the positive.
Honor a Loved one with a TreeGivers Gift Tree
Arrange for your gift tree to be planted in the State or listed Country of your choice. Each TreeGivers gift tree supplements the natural resources of our Earth and brings life and beauty to the countryside!
Trees … are living, growing majestic beings.
They are a resource to our Earth, beings to take care of, a source of great power, living parts of our ever important world.
Trees purify the air, increase natural beauty, calm our souls, and are a perfect way to honor and remember special people.
If you wish to learn more, visit TreeGivers Gift Tree
today.
The Sweat Lodge… House of the Stone People
Posted by msterilinn on Oct 8, 2007
The old Greeks wrote about the strange people to the north who would whip themselves with pine boughs and climb into little huts with hot stones to make their bodies perspire. A contributor for Smithsonian Magazine wrote years ago about the discovery in Siberia of structures made from the rib bones of mastodons with piles of stones in each center. In Finland it’s called a sauna. Naturopathic physicians call it hydrotherapy. My Lakota grandfather called it Tunkan Ti, the house of the Stone People, or Inipikaga, ceremony to renew the life force. The structure is called “tezi,” meaning Mother Earth’s womb. Warm, dark and safe, our spirits grow inside the structure, and as we exit we are reborn each time, greeting all of our relatives in creation with the words “Mitakuye Oyasin,” or “We are all relatives.” It is a “keya,” the turtle, as well. Shaped like a turtle with the earthen altar as its head, it represents “Turtle Island,” our North American continent, named so from old stories that speak of the Earth coming out of the water on the back of a giant turtle. It is our church, our hospital and our university that we never graduate from. The White Nation calls it Sweat Lodge, but there is so much more, in addition to sweating, that happens inside.
The Stone People Lodge is most importantly a place of purification and prayer meant to heal the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual parts of the self through ritual. Native families who have preserved the ceremony have done so by suffering through years of persecution.
Christian churches were assigned by our Government to run the early concentration camps called Reservations, where food and supplies were denied to those who would not accept forced Christian conversion. My family was one of those who suffered to keep the instructions given to us by the Creator Spirit through prayer and purification. These sacrifices are why we still have our ceremonies today.
The whole structure is gathered and assembled with prayer. Saplings used are spoken to as “spirit to spirit” and “two-legged to standing people,” as they are given offerings in exchange for their “robe.” Even a song is sung to them to ask for their help. The trees help us willingly; they rarely say “no,” and we always remember to thank them. Holes for the saplings are made into our mother Earth, and into these holes are placed prayer with tobacco or cornmeal. The cut saplings are shaped into a structure that looks like an upside-down basket.
In the center of this, a small pit is dug to receive the hot stones. When this pit is opened, it is said that Grandmother is listening to our words, thoughts and intentions for this sacred place.
Our stones are gathered far away in the West where the lava has spilled onto the earth. Offerings are made to these (stone) People, and we listen to them with our spirit to find the ones who are willing to come with us. We are reminded that all things are alive and have consciousness according to their nature. It may seem strange to talk to a stone. But, try it sometime when no one is looking. Sit quietly with a stone and listen closely. It may take a few attempts to quiet your mind and connect spirit to spirit. See what answer your mind reflects from this part of creation that will still be here long after we are earth again.
We awaken and recreate fire in a pit called “old man four generations.” The fire itself is called “oehunkeshni,” or fire without end. It is a spirit and also very much alive. This spirit enters the stones and paints their face red and is brought into the “inipi” (place where we renew our life force) through these Stone People. The structure is covered in blankets instead of traditional buffalo hide. Water, sometimes infused with plant medicines, is offered to the hot stones. The water gives them voices as they hiss in their own language. The old songs are sung in the same order they have been sung for a thousand years, like a very old, worn and familiar path. A spirit or angel shows up as it has for a thousand years and asks, “Grandson or Granddaughter, what is it you need?.” “We ask for health and help for our People!” “Wichozani na wokiyektelo.”
Those who were taught this ceremony, passed down through generations, were taught without any thought of personal gain. There is never any charge for this ritual, as it was given to the two-legged for free and must be given freely for the help of one’s people. Families and extended families will sweat together. Men and women who are unrelated rarely sweat together as they are a distraction to each other.
Also, traditional people do not sweat naked in mixed company. Men and women who have committed themselves to the responsibility of learning this way give years of service to learn the songs, the prayer and the ritual. Everyone who leads a Sweat Lodge has someone they are responsible to so that no one is on their own to do as they please.
There are many who pretend to know these ways and exploit people. There are some who mean well but may hurt people through their own inexperience. East of the Mississippi, there are fewer traditional native people due to the ethnic cleansing that took place here generations ago and the prejudice that still exists today. Fortunately, President Jimmy Carter passed the Freedom of Religion Act for Native People in 1978, and now prayer does not have to be practiced invisibly.
If you have the opportunity to participate in this ceremony, always be respectful to that family and nation’s tradition by following their guidelines of conduct. The rules are in place for important reasons that may be understood later. If you cannot find your local inipi, then jump in a sauna and do your hydrotherapy. Purify yourself and keep your prayer inside and private. Know that Spirit hears all and knows your intention, no matter where you are.
Hetchtu, Mitakuye Oyasin. As I have said, we are all related.
Paul is the son of Lakota elder Buck GhostHorse and intercessor for the Sungleska Oyate Sundance in Washington state. He follows the traditional teachings of his family.
This article is by courtesy of New Life Journal
An interesting site relating to the Sweat Lodge
Earth and Spirit… A tree planting Ceremony
Posted by msterilinn on Oct 2, 2007
Saturday morning, October 13th, Jake Swamp will preside over a Tree of Peace Planting Ceremony. Over a thousand years ago, the Peacemaker and Aiionwatha (Hiawatha) brought the Great Law of Peace (Kaianerekowa) to the warring Indian nations of what is now New York State. The message of Peace, Power, and the Good Mind resulted in the forming of the Haudenosaunee Iroquois Confederacy. These nations were instructed to bury their weapons of war under the Great Tree of Peace. The Tree Planting Ceremony that Chief Swamp shares is an effort to bring awareness to environmental and social concerns.
Jake Swamp has been a Mohawk Sub-Chief and representative on the Grand Council of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and is an internationally renowned speaker on Indigenous, environmental and social issues. He was directly involved in the creation of the
Akwesasne Freedom School - a Mohawk language immersion school of critical acclaim that has been an inspiration to many First Nation peoples in the
What are the indigenous roots of our democracy? Are there other traditions that point the way to a satisfying and sustainable future of peace and consensus?
Lecture: Jake Swamp, Tekaronianeken, will appear at the Natural Way-Indigenous Voices on Friday evening, October 12, 2007, to discuss the traditions of peace and democracy originating amongst his people, the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois Confederacy. As the role models for the Founding Fathers in the writing of the US Constitution, the Haudenosaunee have much experience to share with younger, struggling democracies.
The Natural Way Indigenous Voices begins its ninth season in October, 2007. The mission of this program is to honor all traditions that value the earth. We provide a forum for those who strive to preserve and enhance earth-based, sustainable living to share their traditions, knowledge and beliefs about the earth.
~ Mother Goddess and Earth Goddess ~
Posted by msterilinn on Sep 20, 2007
© Sharon George Fantasy and Goddess Art
Can we save the planet and heal Mother Earth?
Posted by msterilinn on Sep 10, 2007
This is a question asked by many. With all the natural, and unnatural disasters occuring around the Earth, there has been a rising concern for the health of our planet and it’s inhabitants. This is nothing new, yet is reaching a critical stage, and we DO have the power within each of us to bring about this healing. In caring for and healing ourselves we can bring about healing of the Earth. Getting involved, and actively participating in nurturing the land around us is of vital importance. We cannot keep taking more than we are willing to give in return. As caretakers of our Earth Mother, we have the power to create a positive flow of energy just as we do when caring for our own gardens. Why do we call this planet Mother Earth? Because she truly is our Mother, in that she provides everything we need to live, grow and thrive. Nurturing our Spirits through her beauty as well as our bodies with all her gifts in Nature, creating a healthy balance. Loving her is all too easy in our acceptance of her abundance in caring for all our needs. It is well past time to wake up and realize how special this relationship between Mother Earth and the humans who inhabit this planet really is. And how truly vital it is to understand the importance of this connection.
I would like to direct you to a site with some interesting views on this subject… Healing Mother Earth
Another great site about connecting with Nature… New Life Journal
Exploring Ancient Earth… Sacred Sites
Partial Solar Eclipse on September 11th 2007
Posted by msterilinn on Sep 4, 2007
The last Solar Eclipse of the year is partial, and will only be visible from Antartica and parts of South America. Greatest eclipse (75 percent of the way to total) occurs in the South Ocean at 12:31-UT.
Early risers in southern South America will see the sun partially blocked during and/or soon after sunrise. One might ask what is the significance of these Eclipses? Is it all just scientific, or are there hidden meanings underlying these wondrous events…
The Solar Eclipse of September 11th, 2007 in Virgo 8:31 EDT has to do with Earth, practicle, sensible, dedicated and logical. As opposed to the Lunar Eclipse which occured on August 28th of 2007, which has to do with Water, Healing, Spiritual, Psycic and Sensitivity.
A powerful energetic geometry is formed as the four Eclipses of 2007 come to the end of their performance. Light from these two parallel events form lines of information that are seen in fractal patterns just beneath the surface of life. Eclipses represent openings and closings. These Eclipses are about the hidden messages in all words. Like a cosmic scrabble game the capital letters come together to be written anew; new thoughts.. new opportunities.. new beginnings.
Eclipses mean changes, good and bad, up and down and everything in-between. Eclipses always escort in significant events– marriage, divorce, death, birth, career change, etc. They intensely magnify and are living parenthesis forcing us to look at what we have turned our pretty heads away from. The old restraints in words and thoughts fall away like rusty shackles exposing new and tender skin. Within each word of the alphabet are hidden texts, challenging your mind to open to the vastness of what lies within them.
Solar eclipses mean new beginnings, (September 11 2007) and lunar eclipses (August 28, 2007) represent finishing things. These are very powerful Eclipses each with their own gifts and own set of rules.
From the mouth of babes… Tell me Why?
Posted by msterilinn on Aug 16, 2007
When I ran across this video, the song and Declan’s voice, touched my heart and gave me goosebumps. There is not much to say, just listen to the song and it speaks for itself. I would also recommend listening to this young wonders other music, as he truly sings like an Angel and is extemely talented…
Lyrics for “Tell Me Why” by Declan Galbraith
In my dream children sing a song of love for every boy and girl
The sky is blue and fields are green and laughter is the language of the world
Then I wake and all I see is a world full of people in need
Tell me why (why) does it have to be like this?
Tell me why (why) is there something I have missed?
Tell me why (why) cos I don’t understand.
When so many need somebody we don’t give a helping hand.
Tell me why?
Everyday I ask myself what will I have to do to be a man?
Do I have to stand and fight to prove to everybody who I am?
Is that what my life is for to waste in a world full of war?
Tell me why (why) does it have to be like this?
Tell me why (why) is there something I have missed?
Tell me why (why) cos I don’t understand.
When so many need somebody we don’t give a helping hand.
Tell me why?
(children) tell me why? (declan) tell me why?
(children) tell me why? (declan) tell me why?
(together) just tell me why, why, why?
Tell me why (why) does it have to be like this?
Tell me why (why) is there something I have missed?
Tell me why (why) cos I don’t understand.
When so many need somebody we don’t give a helping hand.
Tell me why (why,why,does the tiger run)
Tell me why (why why do we shoot the gun)
Tell me why (why,why do we never learn)
Can someone tell us why we let the forest burn?
(why,why do we say we care)
Tell me why (why,why do we stand and stare)
Tell me why (why,why do the dolphins cry)
Can some one tell us why we let the ocean die ?
(why,why if we’re all the same)
tell me why (why,why do we pass the blame)
tell me why (why,why does it never end)
can some one tell us why we cannot just be friends?
Mother Earth is growing… what a concept!
Posted by msterilinn on Aug 14, 2007
Now, we all should know that our precious Mother Earth is a living being. She lives, breathes, feels and grows… just like any other being we percieve as being “alive”. This is why it is important to care for her, and respect her as the precious gift she is. The Creator placed us here so we can live and grow in harmony, taking little and walking softly, as our Ancestors were taught. Everything we need to live full, healthy lives was given to us in Nature, and it is a shame to see this treasure squandered thoughtlessly. This is our Life! People need to wake up before it is too late.
I found this video to be a fascinating scientific view on how our dear Mother Earth has grown over the Millenia.
Enjoy…
~ August 28th 2007 marks the next Lunar Eclipse! ~
Posted by msterilinn on Aug 7, 2007
I am truly excited to view this event, especially as this year it occurs just hours after my birthday!! Mark your calendars for August 28th 2007, as this marks the date of the next Lunar Eclipse. This event will be visible from the United States and Canada as well as South America, the Pacific Ocean, western Asia and Australia. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon’s disk can take on a dramatically colorful appearance from bright orange to blood red to dark brown and (rarely) very dark gray.
“Times and Phases of the Total Lunar Eclipse of August 28, 2007″
To many of us, Full Moon is the phase of love and romance. When the Moon is Full, it rises at sunset and is visible all night long. At the end of the night, the Full Moon sets just as the Sun rises. None of the Moon’s other phases have this unique characteristic. It happens because the Moon is directly opposite the Sun in the sky when the Moon is Full. Full Moon also has special significance with regard to eclipses.
An eclipse of the Moon (or lunar eclipse) can only occur at Full Moon, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of the Earth’s shadow. The shadow is actually composed of two cone-shaped components, one nested inside the other. The outer or penumbral shadow is a zone where the Earth blocks part but not all of the Sun’s rays from reaching the Moon. In contrast, the inner or umbral shadow is a region where the Earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.
The color and brightness of the totally eclipsed Moon can vary considerably from one eclipse to another. Dark eclipses are caused by volcanic gas and dust which filters and blocks much of the Sun’s light from reaching the Moon. But since no major volcanic eruptions have taken place recently, the Moon will probably take on a vivid red or orange color during the total phase.
The total phase of a lunar eclipse is called totality. At this time, the Moon is completely immersed within the Earth’s dark umbral shadow. During the August 28 eclipse totality will last 90 minutes.
Enjoy!
Mythology… Truth or Fiction?
Posted by msterilinn on Aug 3, 2007
One may wonder where Legends and Myths truly come from. Is it the product of an overactive imagination? Or were visions in the sky and visitations from other beings just a fact of life for those who lived long ago? Perhaps it is true that the Earth and the Sky had a totally different look and feel. There is evidence in cave drawings and symbols depicted on many different continents of the world, showing a striking similarity in visions from the sky. Could so many cultures, with people living so very far from each other, be wrong in painting a picture of a very different sky above the Earth? Were they very far off the mark in imagining these were Symbols of the Gods? Where do Myths truly come from? And who is to say what is Truth and what is Fiction in a world we are still striving so hard to understand.
You may wonder what may have prompted me to venture into such a subject. For one, I am fascinated with Ancient History, and the truth of it therein. And I am not one to dismiss out of hand the truth hidden in Legends and Myths. There are too many similarities, and I know for a fact that much truth has been supressed down the Ages, through religious control and domination.
Here is an interesting Video which prompted some serious curiosity and thinking on my part..
