fb pixel

My summers have been spent on a lake in the north eastern corner of Michigan’s mitten.  Clean and pure, set along side Huron National Forest, the area is rich in natural resources and history. Native American lore is strong in Michigan; myth and legend abound for many tribes.
Their names and spirit echo in many ways, some subtle, and others so strong they are apart of the national language of our country.

The shore my family has been blessed to stay on was once considered sacred to the Chippewa tribes.  Once a year, during the Festival of the Harvest Moon, all the tribes came together on the shore line of which our home now rests. They came not only for tribal discussion and ceremonies, just as their forefathers had done, but also to chant, dance and sing in their full Chippewa ceremonial attire.  Indeed, the Chippewa made powerful offerings on the sacred burial grounds of their Chiefs.

Whether we are conscious of it or not, energy is imprinted on the land, in the water, in the very air we breathe. The spirit and intentions of those who come before us resonates, and calls to us subtly, encouraging our souls to take on their lessons and wisdom so that future generations continue to grow and expand their consciousness.

As I reflect, I understand that bonfires along the lake that began as quiet evenings with family honored those who came before us. The dancing and singing around the fire that came later were inspired by the spirit of the Chippewa.  Our journeys to the top of the “mountain”, which we later learned were the site of their ceremonies, were a must on every visit. Once we reached the top, we more often than not sat in silent appreciation of the beauty surrounding us. The appreciation of the land; the desire to protect what was here before us is surely what the Chippewa felt about this area.

There are less obvious ways I know that this land speaks to me, has influenced my soul and life. The necessity to return yearly is a strong calling to not just me, but to all of my family. The feelings of home and of healing are distinct and palpable. This land that we converge upon annually is sacred to me, and I wish to pass that on to future generations.

Are we conscious as a people of the imprints on the land by others?  More importantly, are we aware of the energy we are leaving behind for others?  Other cultures continue to hold ceremony to their forefathers and nature spirits that have resided and continue to reside upon this earth. Is there a lesson for us all?  How shall we help and honor our earth and those who have come before us? What traditions do we need to embrace again to honor our Mother Earth?

The spirit of the Chippewa lives on in the guardians of the land here. Efforts are underway to have a nature conservancy purchase the sacred ceremonial grounds, and through this research and effort, traces of Mound Builders are being discovered. Relatives of the Chippewa remain, but they no longer canoe the lake, or hold their ceremonies here. Their names linger on street signs, school names or at state parks; but more importantly the spirit of their medicine remains here at the lake and in the people who remember.

I do not think the measure of a civilization
is how tall its buildings of concrete are,
But rather how well its people have learned to relate
to their environment and fellow man. ~
Sun Bear of the Chippewa Tribe



Love Getting Great Discounts?

Enter your email to be notified about the latest deals, updates & more!


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

By clicking join, I accept the Crystal Life Technology website Terms of Service.
You may unsubscribe at any time.

Click for hours & more!

Our store hours are 11-6 Monday-Saturday, 11-5 Sunday.

You can order online or by phone. You can also always purchase an online Gift Certificate.

Phone: 1.800.871.9985 or 630.208.6001

Email: inquiries@crystal-life.com

Address: 121 S Third St, Geneva, IL 60134

 

 

 

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Call Now Button
    X