The meaning of an Owl - Page 2

ndnkidz_5 · 10-19-2004, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ojibwaysweetie

Howcome you all dont turn to your elders and ask this? I would think it varies tribe to tribe.

EXACTLY! there is no "pan ndn" meaning for owls you should go to your OWN elders and ask what it means for your nation. Why do peple on here think there is one way for all tribes.

Tom Iron Eagle · 10-19-2004, 03:38 PM

Excellent WhoMe and NdnKidz.

Need to make one other point:

We must not forget that most (not all but most) Native Events are Inter-Tribal and also open to the General Public. So you are going to see, hear, and experience many different teachings and beliefs at the same event.

JinglinBooty · 10-21-2004, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s_jingle

are you saying that someone is going to die if you encounter an owl?

In my experience, yes. I went night time swimmin' and we heard three owl screeches. Within the next two weeks, 3 of our friends died. We've also left pow wows after hearing owls. You might say I am supersticious (sp?), but from what my elders have taught me & our experiences.

sookout sh'nob · 10-21-2004, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s_jingle

there is a woman i know who is making an outfit and she wants to know if it would be inappropriate to use owl parts (feathers, feet, etc.) my grandma was told by her mom that owls brought bad luck and that she should never to listen to the owls...i would like to know your thoughts about using the owl parts for an outfit.

thanks

So I keep reading over and over again "Ask your elders," which, our young lady here has stated (in a post that I haven't qouted here) that she did.

She's askin for thoughts here people, not criticism directing her to do somthing she already has done. I'm sure many of us travel all over, and some of us travel way into another tribal groups territory for a lil song and dance. How's her friend going to know NOT to bring her owls down to Arkansas if no one tells her :D

C'mon folks... help a sister out!

lbgood · 10-21-2004, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhoMe

__

Yes, this does vary from tribe to tribe. Many tribes who still practice their tribal traditions have a common belief that the owl is a messenger of a bad omen and/or death.

Good Post!

It is my belief that the owl is a messenger, bringing forth a message that something is up or something negative is going to happen. When one hears the owl or comes across other beings then it allows that individual to take care of it in a spiritual way so that nothing bad happens.

In this respect, wouldn't you want to have a messenger to signal to you that something is brewing so you can take care of it before it happens? The owl isn't the one bringing on the bad omen - its just merely giving you a heads up of whats ahead.

Don't kill the messenger LOL! Remember their is good in ALL of the Great Spirit's creations.

But personally, I wouldn't wear Owl feathers either.

Just my perspective.

**AngelFeather** · 10-21-2004, 05:49 PM

I have been told as well that owls are the messengers But usually messengers of bad luck. So i would have to agree NOT to use the owls parts , for it is true most Pow wows are inter tribal and just out of respect fer different beliefs and traditions i wouldnt use them.
I agree with an earlier post as well that we must respect the animals and thier spirts and also yes ask your elders from your own tribe they will give you the correct advice.

**ojibwaysweetie** · 10-21-2004, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwehnzii

OS, I didn't know you were into S&M

shaaaaaaaaa :o

**ojibwaysweetie** · 10-21-2004, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sookout sh'nob

I see that you are salteux, which pretty much makes you Ojibwe - so I'll throw in my 2 cents ;)

Akawe, Let me tell you a story about this sort of thing. Once, maybe 6 years ago, we brought a Raven skin into the house. My family has a history of doing things a certain way, and as such, ravens (and certain other animal parts) were highly sought after in our house. So we got our skin one day, and brought it home. During the time this raven was in our house, we ran into an elder who talked about the raven - she said that the raven is a good being to work with, but to keep a real open mind because things might not always come exactly the way you want it (the raven is considered contrary in most of ojibwe territory - the feathers are also said to have a female or feminine spirit in them).

So we always talked about painting our basement, but there was a lot of stuff down there. Furniture, books, book cases, rugs and carpets - typical stuff. One day, we came home from travelling and the snow had all gone in one weekend (we usually have snow up to your wallet). Our basement was flooded and eveything was wet, so, we moved everything outside ot dry and see what might be saved. Know what we did next?

We painted our basement.

The owl is talked about in a similar way - a person needs to respect that owl and maybe ask for her to go easy on him. My brother-in-law and I have lots of owls - feathers and feet and claws. Sometimes people react to them in a really stroong way, with lots of fear. Sometimes they even act mean towards us, but it's just being afraid that gets them that way.

If you use the owl, respect her. Put some tobacco and a dish out for her and it'll smooth the realtionship up good ;) Respect that relationship and you'll be ok. I can think of two real good basic teachings that might help you out too.

1. Spirits will treat you the way that you treat yourself.
2. Your spiritual things take care of you as well or as poorly
as you take care of them.

I could talk all day :D , but maybe If you have a proper mide guy or elder in the area, try bringin a lil asemaa and ask him. For sure a mide guy will tell you those owls are ok.

booch igo, those are my thoughts.

sookout Niij,

You talk too much. Not ALL mide guys say that. I know this.

**ojibwaysweetie** · 10-21-2004, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sookout sh'nob

So I keep reading over and over again "Ask your elders," which, our young lady here has stated (in a post that I haven't qouted here) that she did.

She's askin for thoughts here people, not criticism directing her to do somthing she already has done. I'm sure many of us travel all over, and some of us travel way into another tribal groups territory for a lil song and dance. How's her friend going to know NOT to bring her owls down to Arkansas if no one tells her :D

C'mon folks... help a sister out!

Chi giigidoon, Niij....nagaaj! She will know what to do about it when she approachs her elders with asemma. Simple.

**AngelFeather** · 10-22-2004, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sookout sh'nob

So I keep reading over and over again "Ask your elders," which, our young lady here has stated (in a post that I haven't qouted here) that she did.

She's askin for thoughts here people, not criticism directing her to do somthing she already has done. I'm sure many of us travel all over, and some of us travel way into another tribal groups territory for a lil song and dance. How's her friend going to know NOT to bring her owls down to Arkansas if no one tells her :D

C'mon folks... help a sister out!

Indeed.. theres no reason to get snooty about someone asking a question doesnt make them a wannbe makes them a person that wants to respect the culture and make sure they arent stepping on toes, it is good that she asked fer suggestion and opinion because it is true it varies from tribe to tribe So i thank her in posting the question its just sad that some feel the need to call others fake for it. Kinda judgemental and ignorant. We all hear people saying this person did something wrong and didnt go about traditiond but how are people to know if they dont ask and when you get snotty replies thats NOT our way, not the Native way. Yes true the elders ahve the answers but she was merely asking for an opinion not a judgement.

Native_Island_Poet · 10-22-2004, 01:44 AM

I am not an authority on the subject of Owls but have heard opposing replies from many different sources.

One must think of what tribe they are with, and listen to the teachings regarding their beliefs.

I do alot of Feather and fan work, and have to be very careful when using real or even hand painted feathers, when making something for a person! I usually ask them many questions regarding the different birds and as to what their meanings are to him/her!

I know this does not clarify much for you, but your people are the best resource for advice!

Another thing to remember is that any predator bird, or parts thereof, are considerrred illegal to possess by the Dept. of Wildlife, and they are not squeemish about aproaching you at n event to prove the validity of you possessing them. I have known two persons who were arrested and taken from events becasue they were in possession of Eagle and Hawk feathers!

I was advized by more than one person there, that the owl wing fan that I was carrying would get me into trouble if I was not careful!

The whole thing was an embarrasment to myself and a few other individuals, and a mad rush ensued to put away some very prized regalia items to prevent ourselves from coming under closer scrutiny by the visitng authorities!

Best Wishes in your search for knowledge!

**ojibwaysweetie** · 10-22-2004, 01:13 PM

Good answer, Poet.

It still all boils down to our own tribal ways and customs and beliefs ennit.

Asking an "opinion" on something tribally specific is difficult when it really is not an opinion but a way of life specifically owned by our different tribes.

You've brought other very good points up aside from traditions regarding owls. Cool.

sookout sh'nob · 10-22-2004, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ojibwaysweetie

sookout Niij,

You talk too much. Not ALL mide guys say that. I know this.

I never said they did.

sookout sh'nob · 10-22-2004, 03:29 PM

Quote:

10-19-2004, 03:38 PM	#22 (permalink)
Tom Iron Eagle Teen Dancer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 370	Intertribal Excellent WhoMe and NdnKidz. Need to make one other point: We must not forget that most (not all but most) Native Events are Inter-Tribal and also open to the General Public. So you are going to see, hear, and experience many different teachings and beliefs at the same event.

10-22-2004, 01:44 AM	#31 (permalink)
Native_Island_Poet Pow Wow Visitor Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gulf Coast Of Texas Posts: 14	The Mighty Owl - GOOD or BAD ????? I am not an authority on the subject of Owls but have heard opposing replies from many different sources. One must think of what tribe they are with, and listen to the teachings regarding their beliefs. I do alot of Feather and fan work, and have to be very careful when using real or even hand painted feathers, when making something for a person! I usually ask them many questions regarding the different birds and as to what their meanings are to him/her! I know this does not clarify much for you, but your people are the best resource for advice! Another thing to remember is that any predator bird, or parts thereof, are considerrred illegal to possess by the Dept. of Wildlife, and they are not squeemish about aproaching you at n event to prove the validity of you possessing them. I have known two persons who were arrested and taken from events becasue they were in possession of Eagle and Hawk feathers! I was advized by more than one person there, that the owl wing fan that I was carrying would get me into trouble if I was not careful! The whole thing was an embarrasment to myself and a few other individuals, and a mad rush ensued to put away some very prized regalia items to prevent ourselves from coming under closer scrutiny by the visitng authorities! Best Wishes in your search for knowledge! __________________ Be One With All, As Your Heart Knows the Trueness, of the Blood Coarsing through your Veins!

10-22-2004, 01:13 PM	#32 (permalink)
ojibwaysweetie PowWows.com Addicts Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Heart of the Great Lakes, Ontario Canada Posts: 5,029	Good answer, Poet. It still all boils down to our own tribal ways and customs and beliefs ennit. Asking an "opinion" on something tribally specific is difficult when it really is not an opinion but a way of life specifically owned by our different tribes. You've brought other very good points up aside from traditions regarding owls. Cool. __________________ "Gaa wiin daa-aangoshkigaazo ahaw enaabiyaan gaa-inaabid"

10-21-2004, 05:49 PM	#26 (permalink)
AngelFeather Cloud Dancer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Heaven Posts: 5,700	I have been told as well that owls are the messengers But usually messengers of bad luck. So i would have to agree NOT to use the owls parts , for it is true most Pow wows are inter tribal and just out of respect fer different beliefs and traditions i wouldnt use them. I agree with an earlier post as well that we must respect the animals and thier spirts and also yes ask your elders from your own tribe they will give you the correct advice.

10-22-2004, 03:29 PM	#34 (permalink)
sookout sh'nob Boogie Monster Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 544	Quote: