RimahhhhRoars;: Primal Religions

Lakota Primal Religious Tradition

Location:

The primary location for the Lakota Indians are in North and South Dakota. However, some other Lakota Indians reside in Minnesota, Montana, Canada, and Wisconsin. Majority who live in the Dakotas live near Wounded Knee Creek, which is 16 miles from the town know as Pine Ridge. The land their is vast and beautiful. The Lakotas are surrounded by plains with creeks and sage-covered knolls.

Cosmology:

The primary focus of the Lakota cosmology is the existence of a universal energy. This energy is present at all times and is present within all things. It gave life and motion to all things that live and move, and in return is the creator. Also known as Wankan Tanka. And as a newborn takes its first breath, Wankan Tanka gives the newborn the breath of life. During breath of life, the newborn receives a spirit self, intellect and an emotional self. Because of this they believe that the four sacred parts of the human are the mind, body, emotions and spirit. The Lakota do believe that everything that is born must die. However, because the supreme creator, Wankan Tanka has given you these traits they are eternal and therefore, sacred.

The Lakota believe that the nagi or the spirit is present in the Spirit World prior to birth. When it is time for birth, where the spirit will now take on a physical matter, the spirit must travel through the center of the Big Dipper, where an old woman named Ton Wi decides who will pass. This same process also happens when an individual dies. They must pass the the same portal where they will once again be approached by Ton Wi and she will decide of has completed there spiritual duties in the physical form. If you have completed your duties you become a spiritual helper and if not you are reborn and sent to the Spirit Sweat Lodge to be cleansed. They believe the overall purpose of being in the physical form is to grow spiritually everyday, becoming better people.

Sacred Symbols:

The circle is considered the most important symbol of the Lakota culture. It represents the earth, the path of the sun around the earth and the circle of life, which they believe all things must pass through. This symbol was so scared to them that they structured their villages into a circle form and made their tipis with a circle form.

The arrow pointing to the right meant protection. The arrow pointing to the left meant warding off evil. A broken arrow symbolized peace and arrows that crossed symbolized friendship.

The eagle was very sacred in the Lakota culture. Because the eagle is known as the highest flier amongst all birds, the Lakota believe that because of this they have a different perspective and viewpoint of life. They also symbolize power and freedom.

Sacred Locations:

Spirit Sweat Lodge: Where they purify and cleanse those spirits said to not complete their spiritual works while in the physical form.

Devil's Tower: Where the Lakota did prayer offerings, Sun dance rituals, and where they told stories.

Harney Peak: Known as the Black Elk Wilderness. It is said to be where Lakota religious leader Black Elk received his Great vision.

Important Gods:

The Lakota name for the supreme reality is known as "Wakan Tanka", it can be translated as Great Spirit but the literally means "Most Sacred." This supreme reality refers to 16 different deities, 16 being the most sacred number in Plains religions. The Lakota people use descriptive stories to portray and describe the creation of the world and the arrival of the first human beings, some being supernatural. One supernatural being known to the Lakota culture is "Inktomi." The being serves a Lakota trickster figure. Inktomi serves a mediator between the supernatural and human worlds and taught the first humans their ways and customs.

Totems, Fetishes, Taboos:

Trees serve as a connector between the earth and the heavens, and the supreme being.

Eagle serves a power force.

Dogs help in the daily life of the Lakota people.

Buffalo has spiritual and ceremonial significance to the Lakota. It provides food, clothes, and shelter for the people and because of this they treat him with great respect.

Shaman/Magic:

The role of the shaman is one who has traveled the geography of the spiritual realm, has died and has come back to guide the people. This person also connects the spiritual world with reality. For the Lakota people this person is known as Wankan Tanka. The Lakota people believe in the supernatural world and believe that Wankan Tanka is the one who connects them with that world.

Rituals:

Vision Quest: Helps an individual gain access to spiritual power that will ensure greater success in activities such as hunting, warfare, and curing the ill.

Sun Dance: Occurs at the beginning of the summer, and serves as a celebration of the new year. It also serves to prepare for the great annual buffalo hunt.