Seven Grandfather Teachings
LOVE: EAGLE
The Grandfather teaching of love is represented by the Eagle, one of the highest flying and biggest birds in the world. Knowing love is to know peace. Love is unconditional. We need love the most when we are weak. Love is based on devotion, admiration, tenderness, kindness and also kindness for all things around us. For one to love and accept themselves is to live at peace with the Creator and in harmony with all creation. Love knows no bounds. We must accept it sincerely and give it freely.
TRUTH: TURTLE
In many Indigenous cultures the Turtle is seen as a symbol of Truth. Truth is an important value that emphasizes integrity and the commitment to living in harmony with oneself, others and the natural world. It is important to speak honestly and authentically and to express thoughts and feelings truthfully, while also respecting the feelings and opinions of others. It is important to keep promises, be reliable and act with integrity. Speaking the truth is one of the fundamental principles for maintaining harmony within in the community.
WISDOM: BEAVER
Wisdom is represented by the Beaver. Wisdom is often described as the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding of life, emotions and human behaviour, enabling individuals to make sound decisions an navigate challenges effectively. Wisdom can be gained through personal experience, learning from mistakes, reflecting on one’s actions and seeking knowledge from various sources, such as books, mentors and life lessons.
RESPECT: BUFFALO
Respect is represented by the Buffalo. To honor all creation is to have respect. Respect is when we accept someone as they are and for who they are. That means accepting them even when they are different from us in some way or differ from us in opinion. Being respectful, means you care enough to think about how you impact others. At the heart of respect is caring. We are told to honor and respect everyone, especially ourselves, and to realize we also have personal boundaries and the right to be respected.
HUMILITY: WOLF
Humility is represented by the Wolf. Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of the creation.
Humility is about being humble. The expression of humility is manifested through the consideration of others before themselves. Humility is to know the strength of power and to use it wisely. To know humility is to know peace.
HONESTY: RAVEN
Honesty is represented by the Raven. The Raven accepts himself and knows how to use his gift. He does not seek the power, speed or beauty of others. He uses what he has been given to survive and thrive. To walk through life with integrity is to know honesty. Be honest with yourself.
Recognize and accept who you are. Accept and use the gifts you have been given. Facing a situation is to be brave, but having the courage to not only do the right thing, but also saying it, is honesty. You must allow truth to be your guide.
COURAGE: BEAR
Courage is represented by the Bear. Courage is to face adversary with integrity. Courage is the ability to face danger, fear or changes with confidence and bravery.
The Bear provides many lessons the way it lives, but courage is the most important teaching it offers. Though gentle by nature, the ferociousness of a Mother Bear when one of her cubs is threatened , is the true definition of courage. To have mental and moral strength, to overcome fears that prevent us from living our true spirit as human beings, is a great challenge that must be met with the same vigour and intensity as a Mother Bear protecting her cub.