DEITY: A common concept is that of a dual divinity.
A creator who is responsible for the creation of the world and is recognized in religious ritual and prayers. A mythical individual, a hero or trickster who teaches culture, proper behavior and provides sustenance to the tribe. There are also spirits which control the weather, spirits which interact with humans, and others who inhabit the underworld. Simultaneously, the Creator and the spirits may be perceived as a single spiritual force, as in the unity called Wakan Tanks by the Lakuta and Dakota.
CREATION: In the beginning, the world was populated by many people. Most were subsequently transformed into animals, thus feeling a close bond with animals. Natives, because of their shared human ancestry. Dogs are excluded from this relationship. This bond is shown in the frequent rituals in which animal behavior is simulated. Each species has its deer who is larger than all the others. Master, for example. The deer have a master. The master of humans is the Creator.
EMERGENCE OF THE TRIBE: This is a concept found extensively in the Southwest. The universe is believed to consist of many dark, underground layers through which the humans had to climb. They emerged into the present world through a small hole in the ground - the world's navel.
SACRED TEXTS: Native traditions have been preserved as an oral tradition, not in written form. As a result, traditions are often updated and changed as a result of dreams and visions.
AFTERLIFE: In general, native religions have no precise belief about life after death. Some believe in reincarnation, with a person being reborn either as a human or animal after death. Others believe that humans return as ghosts, or that people go to another would. Others believe that nothing definitely can be known about one's fate after this life. Combinations of belief are common.
COSMOLOGY: The universe is understood as being composed of multiple layers, with the natural world as a middle segment. These layers are thought to be linked by the World Tree, which has it's roots in the undergrounds, has a trunk passing through the natural world, and has it's top in the sky world.
SHAMANS: Spirits may be encouraged to occupy the Shaman's body during public lodge ceremonies. Drum beating and chanting aid this process. The spirits are then asked to depart and perform the needed acts. Other times, Shamans enter into a trance and traverse the underworld or go great distances in this world to seek lost possessions or healing.
VISION QUEST: Young boys before or at puberty, are encouraged to enter into a period of fasting, meditation and physical challenge. Girls are not usually eligible for a quest. The boy separates himself from the tribe and goes to a wilderness area. The goal is to receive a vision that will guide his development for the rest of his life. They also seek to acquire a guardian spirit who will be close and supportive for their lifetime.
RENEWAL CELEBRATIONS: The Sun Dance amongst the Plains Natives is perceived as a replay of the original creation. Its name is a mistranslation of the Lakota sun gazing dance. Other tribes use different names. It fulfilled many religious purposes to give thanks to the creator, to pray for the renewal of the people and earth, to promote health, etc. It also gave an opportunity for people to socialize and renew friendships with other groups. A sweat lodge purifies the participants and readies them for lengthy fasting and dancing. It was successfully suppressed in most tribes by the Governments of the US and Canada. However, it survived elsewhere and is now being increasingly celebrated.
SWEAT LODGE: This is a ritual of purification, of spiritual renewal and of healing. It is sometimes used to educate the youth in Native traditions. A sweat lodge is typically a small structure made of a frame of saplings, covered with skins, canvas or blankets. A depression is dug in the center into which hot rocks are positioned. Water is thrown on the rocks to create steam. A small flap opening is used to regulate the temperature. As many as a dozen people can be accommodated in some lodges.
HUNTING CEREMONIES: These involve the ritual treatment of a bear or other animal after its killing during a successful hunt. The goal is to appease its spirit and convince other animals to be willing to be killed in the future.
PROPHETS: The Abramic Religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) trace their development through a series of patriarchs and prophets. Native religions do not have corresponding ancient revered persons in their background. There have been a few prophets among the Natives, the most famous being Handsome Lade in the Iroquois confederacy. However, they appeared after the European invasion.
TRADITIONAL HOUSING: There were many variations across North America conical wigwams or tipis, long houses, and cliff dwellings. The shape of the structure often represents a model of the cosmos.
Suggested free e-books to read:
Anonymous - The Mysticism Of MasonryTuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Rampa Story
Robert Wang - The Qabalistic Tarot
