By the late 1880s, many Indian tribes, desperate and facing a dire existence of poverty, hunger and disease, sought a means of salvation to revitalize their traditional culture. The evolution of a new religion, the Ghost Dance, was a reaction to the Indians being forced to submit to government authority and reservation life. In early 1889, a Paiute shaman, Wovoka, (son of the mystic, Tavibo, whose teachings influenced the new religion) had a vision during an eclipse of the sun in which he saw the second coming of Christ and received a warning about the evils of the white man.

Knowledge of the vision spread quickly through the Indian camps across the country. Word began to circulate among the people on the reservations that a great new Indian Messiah had come to liberate them, and investigative parties were sent out to discover the nature of these claims. On one of the excursions, it is said that the messiah appeared to an Arapaho hunting party, crowned with thorns. They believed him to be the incarnation of Jesus, returned to save the Indian nations from the scourge of white people. Delegations were sent to visit Wovoka in western Nevada and returned to their camps disciples, preaching a new religion that promised renewal and revitalization of the Indian nations. Among those who met with Wovoka, Good Thunder, Short Bull, and Kicking Bear became prominent leaders of the new religion which was called the Ghost Dance by white people because of its precepts of resurrection and reunion with the dead.

According to Wovoka, converts of the new religion were supposed to take part in the Ghost Dance to hasten the arrival of the new era as promised by the messiah. Although the Bureau of Indian Affairs banned the Ghost Dance (as they did all other Indians spiritual rituals), the Lakotas adopted it and began composing sacred songs of hope:

The whole world is coming,
A nation is coming, a nation is coming,
The eagle has brought the message to the tribe.
The Father says so, the Father says so.
Over the whole earth they are coming,
The buffalo are coming, the buffalo are coming,
The crow has brought the message to the tribe,
The Father says so, the Father says so.

The Ghost Dance religion promised an apocalypse in the coming years during which time the earth would be destroyed, only to be recreated with the Indians as the inheritors of the new earth. According to the prophecy, the recent times of suffering for Indians had been brought about by their sins, but now they had withstood enough under the whites. With the earth destroyed, white people would be obliterated, buried under the new soil of the spring that would cover the land and restore the prairie. The buffalo and antelope would return, and deceased ancestors would rise to once again roam the earth, now free of violence, starvation, and disease. The natural world would be restored, and the land once again would be free and open to the Indian peoples, without the borders and boundaries of the white man. The new doctrine taught that salvation would be achieved when the Indians purged themselves of the evil ways learned from the white man, especially the drinking of alcohol. Believers were encouraged to engage in frequent ceremonial cleansing, meditation, prayer, chanting, and most importantly, dancing the Ghost Dance. Hearing rumors of the prophecy and fearing that it was a portent of renewed violence, white homesteaders panicked and the government responded.

Leonard Peltier (a Lakota / Chippewa from North Dakotas Turtle Mountain Reservation) was among the many Indian organizers trying to aid Oglala of South Pine Ridge Sioux Reservation during mid-1970s. with traditional when hey faced down heavily armed federal agentsArmy soldiersarmorand jets in 1973 siege Wounded Knee.

Dozens of traditional Lakotas were killed in the aftermath of Wounded Knee, in a 'reign of terror' by Tribal Chair Richard Wilson and his Guardians Of the Oglala Nation (GOON) squad, backed by FBI agents in combat gear. At the same time, Wilson sold uranium-rich parcels of the reservation to the federal governnent.

On June 26, 1975 (the day after Wilson sold one-eighth of the reservation), a shootout at a traditional elder's home left three people dead two FBI agents, and a young Lakota man. Three Native American men were arrested, of which one was released, and two were found not guilty on the grounds of "self-defense." Peltier was then arrested in Canada, and extradited on the basis of false testimony by a Lakota woman who (the government later conceded) had been coerced by FBI agents.

Peltier's trial was marked by the FBI's falsification of evidence, including claims that Peltier's rifle fired the fatal bullets, in direct contradiction to their own (later released) ballistics tests. Peltier was sentenced to two consecutive life terms. (He was, however, later acquitted of similar trumped-up charges of "attempted murder" of a Milwaukee police officer.) The government now admits it has no idea who killed them. A 1993 Appellate Court ruling called FBI misconduct "a clear abuse of the investigative process," yet did not grant a new trial.

Despite overwhelming support for his case, every effort for Peltier's release through judicial means has failed; the FBI remains a powerful force in the federal government. The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee (LPDC) is calling for all supporters of Leonard Peltier to work for him at this time. We are being asked to write to the Clinton Administration to ask for executive clemency, to commute his sentence or release him from prison and restore him to his family. We are being asked to contact our representatives, and anyone else who can help, and to educate others about the case. February 6, 1998 will be an international day to call for a new parole hearing.

An LPDC representative wrote after one appeal denial: "Leonard needs your help more than ever. I sat with him yesterday and told him the news. I watched him look away, tears in his eyes, I heard his quiet voice uttering hopeless words about dying in prison. I know he will not give up. And we cannot give up on him. It is time now to return Leonard's sacrifice by making him the number one priority in our lives."

Community groups, churches, legal, environmental, and social justice groups are needed to educate the public and turn up the pressure. Peltier's case is symbolic of the wrongs done to Native Peoples on this continent. People of Wisconsin who have successfully defended treaty rights can help to free Leonard Peltier. His case has a special resonance here, as multinational corporations covet the minerals on Chippewa treaty lands in the North.

In his words, "I do not regret that I was one of those who stood up and helped to protect my people.....I have given up over one-third of my life so far. I am tired. Over the years I have hid away my suffering. I have had to stare at photographs of my children to see them grow up. I miss my freedom. Please do not forget that indigenous people worldwide are being oppressed. Please do not forget me tomorrow. I thank you for sacrificing your time to participate in the struggle for justice. Ain't nothing going to change my beliefs, and I hope one day we can all break bread together."

Leonard Peltier

As told by Joseph Chasing Horse

Traditional Leader of the Lakota Nation

We the Lakota people have a prophecy about the white buffalo calf, and how that prophesy originated was that we have a sacred bundle, a sacred peace pipe, that was brought to us about 2,000 years ago by what we know as the White Buffalo Calf Woman.

The story goes that she appeared to two warriors at that time. These two warriors were out hunting buffalo, hunting for food in the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota, and they saw a big body coming toward them. And they saw that it was a white buffalo calf. As it came closer to them, it turned into a beautiful young Indian girl.

At that time one of the warriors thought bad in his mind, and so the young girl told him to step forward. And when he did step forward, a black cloud came over his body, and when the black cloud disappeared, the warrior who had bad thoughts was left with no flesh or blood on his bones. The other warrior kneeled and began to pray. And when he prayed, the white buffalo calf who was now an Indian girl told him to go back to his people and warn them that in four days she was going to bring a sacred bundle.

So the warrior did as he was told. He went back to his people and he gathered all the elders and all the leaders and all the people in a circle and told them what she had instructed him to do. And sure enough, just as she said she would, on the fourth day she came. They say a cloud came down from the sky, and off of the cloud stepped the white buffalo calf. As it rolled onto the earth, the calf stood up and became this beautiful young woman who was carrying the sacred bundle in her hand.

And as she entered into the circle of the nation, she sang a sacred song and took the sacred bundle to the people who were there to take of her. She spent four days among our people and taught them about the sacred bundle, the meaning of it. And she taught them seven sacred ceremonies: one of them was the sweat lodge, or the purification ceremony. One of them was the naming ceremony, child naming. The third was the healing ceremony. The fourth one was the making of relatives or the adoption ceremony. The fifth one was the marriage ceremony. The sixth one was the vision quest. And the seventh was the sundance ceremony, the people's ceremony for all of the nation.

She brought us these seven sacred ceremonies and taught our people the songs and the traditional ways. And she instructed our people that as long as we performed these ceremonies we would always remain caretakers and guardians of sacred land. She told us that as long as we took care of it and respected it that our people would never die and would always live.

When she was done teaching all our people, she left the way she came. She went out of the circle, and as she was leaving she turned and told our people that she would return one day for the sacred bundle. And she left the sacred bundle, which we still have to this very day. And the sacred bundle is known as the White Buffalo Calf Pipe because it was brought by the White Buffalo Calf Woman. It is kept in a sacred place on the Cheyenne Indian reservation in South Dakota. it's kept by a man who is known as the keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, and his name is Arvol Looking Horse.

And when she promised to return again, she made some prophesies at that time ....One of those prophesies was that the birth of a white buffalo calf would be a sign that it would be near the time when she would return again to purify the world. What she meant by that was that she would bring back harmony again and balance, spiritually.

A. Take care of Mother Earth and the other colors of man.

B. Respect this Mother Earth and creation.

C. Honor all life, and support that honor.

D. Be grateful from the heart for all life. It is through life that there is survival. Thank the Creator at all times for all life.

E. Love, and express that love.

F. Be humble. Humility is the gift of wisdom and understanding.

G. Be kind with one's self and with others.

H. Share feelings and personal concerns and commitments.

Native American Astroghy: Now the Animals for the months The Falcon-March 21-19 (Aries) A time of awaking- Element- Fire Clan- Hawk Wind- East wind Falcon Character: observant, confident, open, direct and honest. Falcon People are passionate and independent, spontaneous and uncomplicated. They are wonderful friends. The Beaver-April 20-May 20 (Taurus): A time for Growth Element- Earth Clan- Tortoise Wind- East Wind Beaver Character: Industrious, untiring, and sensible in all things. Beaver people need for security, and stability. They relish comfort and sensuality, and rarely take risks. The Deer: May 21-June 20 (Gemini) A time for Blooming Element- Air Clan: Butterfly Wind: East wind Deer Character: sensitive, relaxed and carefree. Open-minded and intellectual. Deer people are flexible and have quick reaction. They like stimulating changes and value open communication. The Woodpecker-June 21- July 21(Cancer) A time of consolidation Element- Water Clan- Frog Wind- South Wind Woodpecker Character; Desire emotional involvement, but carefully protect their boundaries. At times moody, Woodpecker people are deeply caring, especially of family and friends. The Salmon- July 22-Aug 21 (Leo) A time of Ripening Element- Fire Clan- Hawk Wind- South Wind Salmon Character; self-confident with a big heart and sunny disposition. Willing to accept responsibility salmon people are innate leaders and have good judgment. They enjoy recognition. The Brown Bear- Aug 22- Sept 21 (Virgo) A time of harvest Element- Earth Clan- Tortoise Wind- South Wind Brown bear Character: practical, rational, focused and independent. Bear people are reliable, industrious, and have an eye for detail. They are often perfectionists and are familiar with stress. The Raven Sept 22- Oct 22 (Libra) A time for Retreat Element- Air Clan- Butterfly Wind- West Wind Raven Charter; harmonious, diplomatic and accommodating. Raven people have a strong sense of fairness and justice. They are careful observers, but dislike confrontations. The Serpent Oct. 23- Nov 22 (Scorpio): A time of Death and Transformation Element- Water Clan- Frog Wind- West Wind Serpent Character; attractive, fascinating, and formidable. Serpent people pursue their goals vigorously and logically. They are attracted to the dark and mysterious. THE OWL NOV 23- DEC 21(Sagittarius) A time of Hibernation Element- Fire Clan- Hawk Wind- West Wind Owl Character; idealists who strive for a deeper understanding and a more profound truth. Owl people need freedom and independence, and they like a good debate for exchanging new ideas. The Goose DEC 22-Jan 19 (Capricorn) A time of Renewal Element- Earth Clan- Tortoise Wind- North Wind Goose Character; persistent, perseverance, realistic, sensible and responsible. Goose people prefer quality above quantity. They also have remarkable energy and vitality. The OTTER Jan 20- Feb 18 (Aquarius) A time of Preparation Element- Air Clan- Butterfly Wind- North Wind Otter Character: creative and humorous, full of hope and supporting positive changes in society at large. Rebels and revolutionaries. The Wolf Feb 19- March 20 (Pieces) A time of Renewal Element- Water Clan- Frog Wind- North Wind Wolf Character: Helpful, empathetic, devoted, sensitive and keenly aware of needs of others. Wolf people need solitude for recharging and for delighting in dreams and fantasy.

While the spider spoke, he continued to weave his web. When Iktomi finished speaking, he gave the elder the web and said, "the web is a perfect circle with a hole in the center. Use the web to help your people reach their goals, make good use of their ideas, dreams and visions. If you believe in the Great Spirit, the web will catch your good ideas and the bad ones will go through the hole."

The elder passed on his vision to the people, and now many Indian people hang a dream catcher above their bed to sift their dreams and visions. The good is captured in the web of life and carried with the people, but the evil in their dreams drops through the hole in the center of the web and are no longer a part of their lives.

The Medicine Wheel

By the late 1880s, many Indian tribes, desperate and facing a dire existence of poverty, hunger and disease, sought a means of salvation to revitalize their traditional culture. The evolution of a new religion, the Ghost Dance, was a reaction to the Indians being forced to submit to government authority and reservation life. In early 1889, a Paiute shaman, Wovoka, (son of the mystic, Tavibo, whose teachings influenced the new religion) had a vision during an eclipse of the sun in which he saw the second coming of Christ and received a warning about the evils of the white man.

Knowledge of the vision spread quickly through the Indian camps across the country. Word began to circulate among the people on the reservations that a great new Indian Messiah had come to liberate them, and investigative parties were sent out to discover the nature of these claims. On one of the excursions, it is said that the messiah appeared to an Arapaho hunting party, crowned with thorns. They believed him to be the incarnation of Jesus, returned to save the Indian nations from the scourge of white people. Delegations were sent to visit Wovoka in western Nevada and returned to their camps disciples, preaching a new religion that promised renewal and revitalization of the Indian nations. Among those who met with Wovoka, Good Thunder, Short Bull, and Kicking Bear became prominent leaders of the new religion which was called the Ghost Dance by white people because of its precepts of resurrection and reunion with the dead.

According to Wovoka, converts of the new religion were supposed to take part in the Ghost Dance to hasten the arrival of the new era as promised by the messiah. Although the Bureau of Indian Affairs banned the Ghost Dance (as they did all other Indians spiritual rituals), the Lakotas adopted it and began composing sacred songs of hope:

The whole world is coming,
A nation is coming, a nation is coming,
The eagle has brought the message to the tribe.
The Father says so, the Father says so.
Over the whole earth they are coming,
The buffalo are coming, the buffalo are coming,
The crow has brought the message to the tribe,
The Father says so, the Father says so.

The Ghost Dance religion promised an apocalypse in the coming years during which time the earth would be destroyed, only to be recreated with the Indians as the inheritors of the new earth. According to the prophecy, the recent times of suffering for Indians had been brought about by their sins, but now they had withstood enough under the whites. With the earth destroyed, white people would be obliterated, buried under the new soil of the spring that would cover the land and restore the prairie. The buffalo and antelope would return, and deceased ancestors would rise to once again roam the earth, now free of violence, starvation, and disease. The natural world would be restored, and the land once again would be free and open to the Indian peoples, without the borders and boundaries of the white man. The new doctrine taught that salvation would be achieved when the Indians purged themselves of the evil ways learned from the white man, especially the drinking of alcohol. Believers were encouraged to engage in frequent ceremonial cleansing, meditation, prayer, chanting, and most importantly, dancing the Ghost Dance. Hearing rumors of the prophecy and fearing that it was a portent of renewed violence, white homesteaders panicked and the government responded.

Leonard Peltier (a Lakota / Chippewa from North Dakotas Turtle Mountain Reservation) was among the many Indian organizers trying to aid Oglala of South Pine Ridge Sioux Reservation during mid-1970s. with traditional when hey faced down heavily armed federal agentsArmy soldiersarmorand jets in 1973 siege Wounded Knee.

Dozens of traditional Lakotas were killed in the aftermath of Wounded Knee, in a 'reign of terror' by Tribal Chair Richard Wilson and his Guardians Of the Oglala Nation (GOON) squad, backed by FBI agents in combat gear. At the same time, Wilson sold uranium-rich parcels of the reservation to the federal governnent.

On June 26, 1975 (the day after Wilson sold one-eighth of the reservation), a shootout at a traditional elder's home left three people dead two FBI agents, and a young Lakota man. Three Native American men were arrested, of which one was released, and two were found not guilty on the grounds of "self-defense." Peltier was then arrested in Canada, and extradited on the basis of false testimony by a Lakota woman who (the government later conceded) had been coerced by FBI agents.

Peltier's trial was marked by the FBI's falsification of evidence, including claims that Peltier's rifle fired the fatal bullets, in direct contradiction to their own (later released) ballistics tests. Peltier was sentenced to two consecutive life terms. (He was, however, later acquitted of similar trumped-up charges of "attempted murder" of a Milwaukee police officer.) The government now admits it has no idea who killed them. A 1993 Appellate Court ruling called FBI misconduct "a clear abuse of the investigative process," yet did not grant a new trial.

Despite overwhelming support for his case, every effort for Peltier's release through judicial means has failed; the FBI remains a powerful force in the federal government. The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee (LPDC) is calling for all supporters of Leonard Peltier to work for him at this time. We are being asked to write to the Clinton Administration to ask for executive clemency, to commute his sentence or release him from prison and restore him to his family. We are being asked to contact our representatives, and anyone else who can help, and to educate others about the case. February 6, 1998 will be an international day to call for a new parole hearing.

An LPDC representative wrote after one appeal denial: "Leonard needs your help more than ever. I sat with him yesterday and told him the news. I watched him look away, tears in his eyes, I heard his quiet voice uttering hopeless words about dying in prison. I know he will not give up. And we cannot give up on him. It is time now to return Leonard's sacrifice by making him the number one priority in our lives."

Community groups, churches, legal, environmental, and social justice groups are needed to educate the public and turn up the pressure. Peltier's case is symbolic of the wrongs done to Native Peoples on this continent. People of Wisconsin who have successfully defended treaty rights can help to free Leonard Peltier. His case has a special resonance here, as multinational corporations covet the minerals on Chippewa treaty lands in the North.

In his words, "I do not regret that I was one of those who stood up and helped to protect my people.....I have given up over one-third of my life so far. I am tired. Over the years I have hid away my suffering. I have had to stare at photographs of my children to see them grow up. I miss my freedom. Please do not forget that indigenous people worldwide are being oppressed. Please do not forget me tomorrow. I thank you for sacrificing your time to participate in the struggle for justice. Ain't nothing going to change my beliefs, and I hope one day we can all break bread together."

Leonard Peltier

As told by Joseph Chasing Horse

Traditional Leader of the Lakota Nation

We the Lakota people have a prophecy about the white buffalo calf, and how that prophesy originated was that we have a sacred bundle, a sacred peace pipe, that was brought to us about 2,000 years ago by what we know as the White Buffalo Calf Woman.

The story goes that she appeared to two warriors at that time. These two warriors were out hunting buffalo, hunting for food in the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota, and they saw a big body coming toward them. And they saw that it was a white buffalo calf. As it came closer to them, it turned into a beautiful young Indian girl.

At that time one of the warriors thought bad in his mind, and so the young girl told him to step forward. And when he did step forward, a black cloud came over his body, and when the black cloud disappeared, the warrior who had bad thoughts was left with no flesh or blood on his bones. The other warrior kneeled and began to pray. And when he prayed, the white buffalo calf who was now an Indian girl told him to go back to his people and warn them that in four days she was going to bring a sacred bundle.

So the warrior did as he was told. He went back to his people and he gathered all the elders and all the leaders and all the people in a circle and told them what she had instructed him to do. And sure enough, just as she said she would, on the fourth day she came. They say a cloud came down from the sky, and off of the cloud stepped the white buffalo calf. As it rolled onto the earth, the calf stood up and became this beautiful young woman who was carrying the sacred bundle in her hand.

And as she entered into the circle of the nation, she sang a sacred song and took the sacred bundle to the people who were there to take of her. She spent four days among our people and taught them about the sacred bundle, the meaning of it. And she taught them seven sacred ceremonies: one of them was the sweat lodge, or the purification ceremony. One of them was the naming ceremony, child naming. The third was the healing ceremony. The fourth one was the making of relatives or the adoption ceremony. The fifth one was the marriage ceremony. The sixth one was the vision quest. And the seventh was the sundance ceremony, the people's ceremony for all of the nation.

She brought us these seven sacred ceremonies and taught our people the songs and the traditional ways. And she instructed our people that as long as we performed these ceremonies we would always remain caretakers and guardians of sacred land. She told us that as long as we took care of it and respected it that our people would never die and would always live.

When she was done teaching all our people, she left the way she came. She went out of the circle, and as she was leaving she turned and told our people that she would return one day for the sacred bundle. And she left the sacred bundle, which we still have to this very day. And the sacred bundle is known as the White Buffalo Calf Pipe because it was brought by the White Buffalo Calf Woman. It is kept in a sacred place on the Cheyenne Indian reservation in South Dakota. it's kept by a man who is known as the keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, and his name is Arvol Looking Horse.

And when she promised to return again, she made some prophesies at that time ....One of those prophesies was that the birth of a white buffalo calf would be a sign that it would be near the time when she would return again to purify the world. What she meant by that was that she would bring back harmony again and balance, spiritually.

A. Take care of Mother Earth and the other colors of man.

B. Respect this Mother Earth and creation.

C. Honor all life, and support that honor.

D. Be grateful from the heart for all life. It is through life that there is survival. Thank the Creator at all times for all life.

E. Love, and express that love.

F. Be humble. Humility is the gift of wisdom and understanding.

G. Be kind with one's self and with others.

H. Share feelings and personal concerns and commitments.

Native American Astroghy: Now the Animals for the months The Falcon-March 21-19 (Aries) A time of awaking- Element- Fire Clan- Hawk Wind- East wind Falcon Character: observant, confident, open, direct and honest. Falcon People are passionate and independent, spontaneous and uncomplicated. They are wonderful friends. The Beaver-April 20-May 20 (Taurus): A time for Growth Element- Earth Clan- Tortoise Wind- East Wind Beaver Character: Industrious, untiring, and sensible in all things. Beaver people need for security, and stability. They relish comfort and sensuality, and rarely take risks. The Deer: May 21-June 20 (Gemini) A time for Blooming Element- Air Clan: Butterfly Wind: East wind Deer Character: sensitive, relaxed and carefree. Open-minded and intellectual. Deer people are flexible and have quick reaction. They like stimulating changes and value open communication. The Woodpecker-June 21- July 21(Cancer) A time of consolidation Element- Water Clan- Frog Wind- South Wind Woodpecker Character; Desire emotional involvement, but carefully protect their boundaries. At times moody, Woodpecker people are deeply caring, especially of family and friends. The Salmon- July 22-Aug 21 (Leo) A time of Ripening Element- Fire Clan- Hawk Wind- South Wind Salmon Character; self-confident with a big heart and sunny disposition. Willing to accept responsibility salmon people are innate leaders and have good judgment. They enjoy recognition. The Brown Bear- Aug 22- Sept 21 (Virgo) A time of harvest Element- Earth Clan- Tortoise Wind- South Wind Brown bear Character: practical, rational, focused and independent. Bear people are reliable, industrious, and have an eye for detail. They are often perfectionists and are familiar with stress. The Raven Sept 22- Oct 22 (Libra) A time for Retreat Element- Air Clan- Butterfly Wind- West Wind Raven Charter; harmonious, diplomatic and accommodating. Raven people have a strong sense of fairness and justice. They are careful observers, but dislike confrontations. The Serpent Oct. 23- Nov 22 (Scorpio): A time of Death and Transformation Element- Water Clan- Frog Wind- West Wind Serpent Character; attractive, fascinating, and formidable. Serpent people pursue their goals vigorously and logically. They are attracted to the dark and mysterious. THE OWL NOV 23- DEC 21(Sagittarius) A time of Hibernation Element- Fire Clan- Hawk Wind- West Wind Owl Character; idealists who strive for a deeper understanding and a more profound truth. Owl people need freedom and independence, and they like a good debate for exchanging new ideas. The Goose DEC 22-Jan 19 (Capricorn) A time of Renewal Element- Earth Clan- Tortoise Wind- North Wind Goose Character; persistent, perseverance, realistic, sensible and responsible. Goose people prefer quality above quantity. They also have remarkable energy and vitality. The OTTER Jan 20- Feb 18 (Aquarius) A time of Preparation Element- Air Clan- Butterfly Wind- North Wind Otter Character: creative and humorous, full of hope and supporting positive changes in society at large. Rebels and revolutionaries. The Wolf Feb 19- March 20 (Pieces) A time of Renewal Element- Water Clan- Frog Wind- North Wind Wolf Character: Helpful, empathetic, devoted, sensitive and keenly aware of needs of others. Wolf people need solitude for recharging and for delighting in dreams and fantasy.

While the spider spoke, he continued to weave his web. When Iktomi finished speaking, he gave the elder the web and said, "the web is a perfect circle with a hole in the center. Use the web to help your people reach their goals, make good use of their ideas, dreams and visions. If you believe in the Great Spirit, the web will catch your good ideas and the bad ones will go through the hole."

The elder passed on his vision to the people, and now many Indian people hang a dream catcher above their bed to sift their dreams and visions. The good is captured in the web of life and carried with the people, but the evil in their dreams drops through the hole in the center of the web and are no longer a part of their lives.

The Medicine Wheel