Read [and reflect on the message below] in the context of your own faith, but with a curiosity, an openness, to hear what Native America has to say, to teach, to share…. When you enter into the mystery of these words for yourself, do so without preconception or judgment. With honesty and humility. Enter the deep earth of our ancient longing and reach for the highest branches of our collective hope…. Take each message as you find it. Let it speak to you directly. Ponder its meaning.
— Steven Charleston in Spirit WheelWhen I was a child I thought of the world around me
As a magical place
With small spirits darting through my grandmother’s garden
Like fireflies at night
Unseen voices whispering stories
From the branches of the old cottonwood tree
And angels flying over the house
To chase the billowing storm clouds away.All of these images and a thousand more
Filled the spirit world in which I lived.But now I am older.
So I have come to understand reality.
And what I understand is this:
I was absolutely right about what I saw as a child,
Because I still see it now.
I still live in a spirit world. I hope you do too.