In almost all Indian traditions, dreams and visions are very important and have helped indigenous peoples a lot when they faced the consequences of the White invasion. Dreams are seen as a source of spiritual power that can be used to obtain information and wisdom or to predict the future.
The Beaver Indians, an Atapasca-speaking village that lived on the Peace River of British Columbia and Alberta, believed that even a young child's dreams were important. However, the most valuable dreams were those a person had when he went out in search of a vision carrying a personal sacred hole. The hole was supposed to hang in the place where its owner slept, and it was believed to have great power over his dreams.
Sometimes, someone dreamed songs that became personal property, or were exposed to personal taboos that prohibited certain foods or activities. Prophets could also dream about things that would happen in the future, and dreams could be used as a defense against witchcraft. Dreams were usually interpreted by an old man or a wizard, who helped the dreamer to understand their meanings.
It is difficult to distinguish dreams from visionary experiences that occur in states of unconsciousness other than sleep. For example, it is difficult to determine whether what Black Alce described was a real dream or a vision occurred during a coma caused by the disease. Sometimes, when looking for a vision, a person may experience a “dream”.
Dreams are often related to a person’s everyday life, but sometimes they can give access to issues that are important to an entire people. After the whites caused physical and moral harm to the natives, the dreams inspired numerous movements that sought to raise the morals of the Indians and find authentically Indian ways of adapting to a radically changed world. Among other things, this happened with the great dreams and visions of the Seneca prophet Beautiful Lake.
It is said that in these prophetic visions, the dreamer leaves his body to travel to spiritual worlds full of symbolic images that are beyond human society.
Native American Cultures: Myths and magic
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This book challenges deep-seated stereotypes and offers an enriching perspective that contributes to a more comprehensive and respectful appreciation of the indigenous peoples of North America. Through an understanding of their myths and beliefs, we are taking an important step toward cultural reconciliation and the recognition of the diversity that has enriched the history of this continent.
These mythical stories, many of them linked to the literary genre of fantasy, reveal a world where the divine and the human intertwine in narratives that explain the cosmic order, creation, and the fundamental structure of the universe. Discover how these sacred tales bear witness to the deep connection of the natives with nature and spirituality.
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Native Americans: Cultures, customs, worldview
Traditions, myths, stories and legends