Inspiration – If You Look, You’ll Find It.
White Buffalo Calf Woman

Legend tells us that long ago, during one winter, 2 young Lakota men were out hunting in the Sacred Black Hills of South Dakota. They saw something walking towards them. As it got closer, they saw it was a beautiful  young native woman dressed in white buckskin. Upon seeing her one of the men became lustful and told the other man that he would make her his wife. The other young man, feeling scared, advised his friend against this since he thought she was wakan (sacred).He lowered his gaze and kneeled as his friend approached the woman. As his friend got closer to her, a cloud arose from the ground surrounding them and they disappeared. The cloud slowly lifted and only the woman was left with a pile of bones next to her. She approached the respectful kneeling man and instructed him to head back to his people and announce her arrival to the elders and prepare for her visit.

The young man did just that and went back and told the Elders what he witnessed. The Elders gathered and waited. The White Buffalo Woman arrived carrying a bundle.

This sacred bundle contained the very first Cannupa (Sacred Pipe). She proceeded to teach the people about Seven Sacred Rites that would help them communicate with the Creator and bring balance and harmony into their lives.

The Seven Sacred Rites included the Inipi (Sweat Lodge), a purification ceremony; The Vision Quest, for communicating with the Creator for guidance and answers; The Sundance Ceremony, to pray for the well-being of all People.

After teaching the people the Seven Sacred Ceremonies, she left the sacred bundle with the Lakota elders. Legend says, that as she left, she transformed into a White Buffalo. To this day the Sacred Bundle is under the protection of the Lakota people.

Before she left, she promised she would return and shared the prophecy of the White Buffalo Calf. The  prophecy told that the birth of a white buffalo calf would be a sign that it was near the time when she would return to purify the world. Harmony and balance would return.

It matters not what you call the Creator. What matters is that you give thanks for your blessings and trust the guidance given to you from the world of Spirit. I hope your December and holidays are full of love and happiness and that you take time out to express your gratitude for all the beautiful gifts the Creator has given us. Including the warmth of the sun on your face while you drive, the smell of beautiful flowers, a hug from a friend or pet. I for one am extremely grateful to all of you who read my newsletter and those who respond with such beautiful words. It means more to me then you’ll ever know. Make sure to tell someone you love them! I love you all!

Rimi Inti