Judging by the twinkling lights newly emerged alongside my evening walking route, November’s end nears giving opportune time to pause, reflect and anticipate new
comings. Just before the December sugar rush!
Evening walks quite nicely supply me with these moments to listen to the teachings of the trees, the grand cedar being one, to shed our yesterdays, to find a still calm and prepare for new growth ahead.
“All plants are our brothers and sisters. They talk to us and if we listen, we can hear them.”
— Arapaho Proverb
It’s also a relevant time to convey respect and appreciation for Mother Earth and all she is and has so graciously provided.
Did you know one culture familiar to hold such deep veneration for Mother Earth while sustaining a core belief of harmony with nature,
and a rooted history in natural healing are the
Native American people?
“... and the earth is my mother, and on her bosom I will recline.” - Tecumseh
“...but the Earth is our Mother. She nourishes us... That which we put into the ground she returns to us." - Big Thunder Wabanaki (Algonquin)
“We are all flowers in the Great Spirit's Garden. We share a common root, and the root is Mother Earth.” - Hopi
Furthermore, that November has been designated in its entirety as a patron month for Native Americans?
In the summer of 1990, Congress passed House Joint Resolution 577 which was then duly signed by President George H. W. Bush therefore reserving the month of November as
National American Indian Heritage Month (also referenced as Native American Heritage Month).
There are over 500 recognized Native American tribes in the contiguous United States and Alaska with ancestral lines dating to B.C. bringing to present an extensive history, beliefs, legends, traditions, wisdom, culture, natural medicine and many more offerings. A profound incorporation of nature found in almost every aspect.
“The American Indian is of the soil, whether it be the region of forests, plains, pueblos, or mesas...”
-Luther Standing Bear (Oglala Sioux Chief)
“Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.”
- Mourning Dove (Christine Quintasket)
One plant that is part of the Native American Medicine Wheel observed sacred and a curative to many Native American tribes is cedar, (tobacco, sweetgrass, and sage being others).
The cedar tree (especially Western Red Cedar) is seen as a plant of strength and protection considered crucial in many indigenous ceremonies, for prayer and for healing. Merely touching this sacred giant is believed to give one strength.
It appears often as it interweaves with Native American aspects of life (mental, spiritual, physical and emotional) and elements believed essential to life (Earth, Water, Air and Fire).
Important to note: Cedar varies in type! Some are safe and flavorful, while others are toxic (like the Eastern Red Cedar), so it is wise to research before any use. Cedar is a known allergen and has mentionable respiratory cautions.
Always consult your healthcare provider before use!
Differing from its evergreen cousins, cedar has a less piney aroma. Instead,
it emits a more wood-like smell with a
hint of sweet earthy undertones making a favorable perfume base and good choice for its use as an incense. (This can be from the inner bark, oil, cone, or bough pieces).
As incense, cedar is believed to destress, harmonize, balance and focus. It is widely used in areas of meditation, prayer and grounding. Believed too, as a preferred herb of Mighty Native Spirits associated with thunder (Thunderers), it’s an incense known to be employed during storms.
Cedar is also highly acquainted with smudging and its long traditional use in sweat lodges. Its beautiful boughs being spread across the floors or bits burned upon heated stones for cleansing and protection in areas extending from negative energy to diseases.
Aside from burning, cedar is also known to be boiled. This can be generally aromatic form, for bathing or into a drinkable tea for possible remedy in areas like fever, cold symptoms and joints.
Cedar has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties which leads to its also known use in alleviating tummy troubles and even worms.
Along with tea intake, the red berries from some of the (non-toxic) cedars are known for making medicinal pastes and chewed for oral healing.
Additionally, beautyroutines make the natural cedarwood/oil remedy and use list as it’s known to be applied to skin as a possible cleanser and to help acne, reduce scarring and mend wounds, and to hair for restoration of oils.
Altogether, it is easy to see why the Native American people hold sacred the majestic Cedar.
As November doors close, a final reflection, a pause, a thankful nod to Mother Earth. Looking forward, an open heart, open mind and positive spirit!
-Elise’s Adventures In Herbaland
