Greetings, fellow wanderers and curious souls! Today, I share with you a tale woven from the threads of culture, spirituality, and personal growth. This journey begins with a serendipitous intersection of family, culture, and self-discovery. It highlights my future daughter-in-law, Bryce, a member of the Seminole tribe in Southwest Florida, and her exquisite skill in sewing tribal clothing. (Plug: You can find her on Instagram under sewawesomebybryce).
The Spark of Curiosity
As someone who thrives on exploring diverse topics from atomic energy to theology, I’ve recently delved into the rich history of Native American beliefs, particularly the concept of the medicine bag, also known as the sacred bundle. My exploration was ignited when I asked Bryce to sew me a medicine bag. Her response, steeped in tradition and respect, was a pivotal moment for me. She explained that a medicine bag, imbued with spiritual power, can only be crafted and blessed by a Shaman and given to me–or I could make one myself.
Understanding the Medicine Bag
This sacred pouch, often small and worn around the neck, is far more than a self-aggrandizing accessory. It’s a vessel of spiritual connection, linking humans with the supreme creative force of the universe. Intriguingly, it contains items of profound personal significance, be it sweetgrass, a crystal, or an ancestral photo. Each object is a representation of the universe’s ineffable wisdom, not worshipped, but deeply revered. It takes years, if done with reverence and reflection, to fill one.
Revelation
Bryce’s refusal to create a medicine bag for me was a lesson in respect and understanding. It’s a reminder that some things in life, especially those of spiritual significance, cannot be simply requested or purchased. They must come to us when we are ready, when the universe deems our spirit prepared.
A Gift of Spirit
Imagine my heart-melting surprise when, months later, a package arrived. Inside lay a beautiful medicine bag, adorned with lapis lazuli beads and leather fringe, crafted and blessed by Hatabushik, a Choctaw Native from Oklahoma, whose name means ‘butterfly.’ In some Native American cultures, butterflies are born from the Creator’s medicine bag, symbolizing transformation, hope, and endurance. Holding this bag, I felt a profound connection, as if it was meant for me.
My Empty Sacred Pouch
Days later, my medicine bag remains empty. As advised by Shamans, I approach its filling with the same care as one would fill their heart or mind. The bag, like life, is a journey of meaningful accumulations, constantly evolving as we grow and transform. Things may go into the bag after great consideration and care. Things too, when they no longer serve their purpose, whether due to personal growth or reflection–are removed from the bag.
This experience has reminded me of the spirit present in all things – rocks, rivers, trees, human beings, and animals. In our fast-paced world, we often forget these connections. I’ve been honored to receive other gifts of spirit in my travels, like a peace pipe from Dean “Little Lake” Johnson of the Taos Pueblo, and a bear’s paw and coral necklace from Tina Osceola of the Seminole Tribe (the latter a symbol of protection and strength).
The peace pipe was used to commune with the animate powers of the universe, embodying the honor and the source of the power who possessed them. It was used in prayer offerings, ceremonial commitments, sealing a treaty or covenant, rites of passage, and soul-keeping. Quoting a Sioux Medicine Man: “The Pipe is us!
As I ponder what to place in my medicine bag, I am reminded that the journey is as significant, perhaps more so, than the destination. It’s a process of selecting what truly matters and lifts our soul closer to the Divine. We may crave things, but as we evolve, our desires transform. For me, at this juncture of my life, experiences feel more meaningful. So, let us take care in what we fill our medicine bags, hearts, and minds with, for these reflect our spirit back onto the world and elevate us toward the sacred.