Native American Medicine Wheel
This program presents the blend of spiritual and cultural values that resonate in modern Lakota lives. Musical instruments, song and dance, Lakota chants and even sign language guide and inspire. After highlighting Lakota Sioux history, the medicine wheel is introduced along with the colors and symbols for each of the four directions.
Using flour, the group draws the outline of a medicine wheel then fills in the four sections with corn, soybeans, sawdust or other colored material. Finally they erect stakes and hang offering packets filled with the four sacred herbs. A potlatch song is performed to “gift” the ground painting to the earth and a circle dance is performed.
Dot-Dot Dreaming
Australian Aboriginal Story Paintings
In 1970, a teacher on the Papunya reservation saw that Aborigines were losing the stories that preserved the laws and values of the tribes. Residents rekindled the practice of painting the myths, and the Western Desert or Dot-Dot style was born. Participants are introduced to the stories, music and paintings of Australian artists. The different styles and symbols of ancient and modern forms are discussed. Participants create symbols and paintings that tell an important story from their own lives: a birth, a death, or some other milestone. In creating the painting, they release the old energy and create new possibilities for themselves and their loved ones.
Modern Myths
Throughout history, similar themes appear in stories told by people around the world. Myths and fables explain everything from why trees change color in the fall to how people decided to celebrate certain holidays. The stories are simple in form yet rich with cultural context. The art form is as viable today as ever. Students learn the difference between myths, fables and folktales. Exercises walk students through the process of creating their own myth. Liberal time is given to brainstorming, writing and sharing pieces and the reasons for writing certain stories.
Storytelling as a Spiritual Journey
We don’t often consider storytelling to be part of our modern world yet we do it every day. Participants learn the basic elements of storytelling such as facial gestures, body movement, voice modulation and language choices. Exercises allow individuals to create their own combination of voice, movement and words. The emotional content and energy exchange between teller and listener is emphasized. Participants write their own stories then break into small groups for feedback.
Tjuringa: Spirit Boards and Sacred Objects
In Australia, Aboriginal tribes use a variety of items to help them tell stories, sing the important Dreaming songs, and connect with their totemic plants and animals. The primary items are spirit boards, click sticks and bullroarers. All items are used by men and women in their separate ceremonies; the symbols each gender paints on the items are usually very different. Participants learn about how each item is used. They see finished versions and are able to hear them played and see them being used. They learn about the kinds of symbols that might be painted on the different items and what those markings mean. Participants paint all three items with their own symbols.
If you have additional questions or would like to schedule or attend a workshop with Laine, email The Messenger for more information.
