"As Planet Earth goes through her Great Turning, and as we are witness to it, we must keep in mind our relationship with the future generations. How will they describe this time in history? Will they study about these times in their history books? Will they sing songs and tell stories about the people who saw the devastation that we were wreaking on our beloved planet and stepped forward to stop it? Will they tell tales about how we saved the oceans and waters from toxic spills and pollution? The indigenous people of North America have a tradition of considering the 7th generation in the future when they are making any kind of decision that will have long-lasting consequences." - Joanna Macy
Greetings and Thanks
Greetings and Thanks to each other as people
To the Earth, mother of us all - Greetings and Thanks
To the Waters, Waterfalls, and Rain, Rivers and Oceans - Greetings and Thanks
To all the Fish Life - Greetings and Thanks
The Grains and Greens, Beans and Berries - as one we send thanks to Food Plants
Medicine Herbs of the World and their Keepers - Greetings and Thanks
To all the Animals and their teachings - Greetings and Thanks
The Trees for Shelter and Shade, Fruit and Beauty - Greetings and Thanks
To all Birds large and small - joyful Greetings and Thanks
And from the Four Directions, the Four Winds - thank you for purifying the air we breathe and giving us strength - Greetings
The Thunderers - our Grandfathers in the Sky - we hear your voices - Greetings and Thanks
And now the Sun - for the light of a new day and all the fires of life - Greetings and Thanks
To our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, leader of women all over the world, the Stars for their mystery, beauty and guidance - Greetings and Thanks
To our Teachers from all times, reminding us of how to live in harmony - Greetings and Thanks
And for all the gifts of Creation, for all the Love around us - Greetings and Thanks
And for that which is forgotten, we remember.
We end our words.
And now our minds are one.
-Haudenosaunee Blessing