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There are animal totems for the tribe, for the clan, for the family, for the
country, and for the state. Each animal totem has certain characteristics,
qualities, strengths, and weaknesses that can be utilized to learn valuable
lessons and to increase harmonic understanding of life's circle dance.
Animal Totems are spirits which protect, help, and guide one
everyday. Animal totem objects when placed in the environment or worn or
carried, create positive energy and result in a blessings and remembrance
linkage with the animal totem that results in constructive lessons and actions.
The Powwow is an important ceremony in
Native American tradition. The date of a powwow, or learning of all nations, is
announced in advance.
There is an open competition
part to the powwow where dance and drum groups compete with each other and then
there is a private undisclosed part to the powwow that is sacred.
Preparations for the powwow
include: constructing a building for the Elders and some special platforms;
obtaining gifts for the guests, singers, dancers, and Elders; and, preparing the
feasts.
The host drum usually sings
traditional songs at the Grand Opening and Closing. Drums are sacred because
they represent the rhythm of the universe and the pulsation of a nation.
Drums come in a variety of sizes based on ceremonial and
healing purposes. They also have keepers to protect them from negative influences... Go back  Explore Native American ArticlesAll are Kin Clans and Making Relatives, Clans Giveaways and the Keeping of Souls, Cosmology of Sacred Hoop Great Spirit, Drumming Smudging and Sweat Lodges, Glossary Terminology, Goddesses Gods and Star Teachers, Medicine Wheels and Four Directions, Native American Indian Spiritual Beliefs, Sacred Pipe Ceremony and Powwows, Visionquests and Power Animal Totems, Wakan Tanka and White Buffalo Woman
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Visit 
Native American Sacred Hoop Visionquest 
