Thanks Kevin ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) for the in depth about Joni's Medicine Wheel.
Kevin writes: "You may remember that at the beginning of Joni's video 'Painting with Words and Music' she speaks about the Medicine Wheel and what it represents in Native American sprituality. The studio was in fact set up in the round to emulate in part this wheel. In its most simplistic definition, the Medicine Wheel is a symbol of ALL creation, of all races of people, birds, fish, animals, trees, and stones. It's shape is that of a wagon wheel, made of stones. The circular shape of the wheel represents the earth, the sun, the moon, the cycles of life, the seasons, and day to night. The wheel also teaches the four aspects of our nature...physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Native Americans. . . Our contribution to the whole is our vision, our ability to see beyond the line of logic and taught truths. " That was Kevin's post. . . Here's mine: It touches me to hear and feel about this now for two reasons. . . one is the upcoming "Columbus Day." . . . and how our country celebrates "Columbus discovering America." When the Native Americans discovered Columbus. The indians were here before Columbus! Also, the native Americans had true respect for all of nature and all people... . and Columbus and subsequent white peoples came over, stole and devoured this country, trees, buffalo, people, 'fishes in the deep blue sea,' species, etc. The medicine wheel seems to respect and hold reverence for all. Thank you Joni and thank you Kevin. and also . . . No offense to all those loving people out there (you) who are sporting American Flags at this time, but the American flag doesn't do it for me. . .it speaks to one nation as if it is the most important. "All of it is important or none of it is." Why do we have the "patriotism" for people within our borders only, or more care for "our" people? This is a narrow view, to me. Many people are dying and are suffering NOW in other places than America (I am in no way diminishing the present tragedy.) I guess maybe it's the proximity thing. . . what about "All one people?" (and creatures). I have been thinking about a symbol that is patriotic to the planet.(I have to say that the word "patriotic" hits a negative chord in me just to say it). I like the ecology sign and flag (Where can I get one, anybody know?)although I think this speaks directly to the environment, then again, maybe we are all just part of the landscape . . . and The medicine wheel is probably the other closest symbol that speaks to "all one people, all one planet." Any other ideas? Symbols . . . hmmmmmm. No red, white and blue for me. thanks again kevin Marianne stardust, golden Rochester, NY ps. thanks cool joni people for being there and being YOU. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
