Spiritual Health: Finding Balance in Natural Spirituality

The Six Powers

Bill Moyers interviewed Joseph Campbell and asked what was the best example that the noted mythologist found in his worldly travels to illustrate 'Spiritual Imagery.' Campbell replied promptly and without pause, "Without question, Black Elk's Vision!" (From the book, Black Elk Speaks.)

The Sioux believe that the story of Black Elk and his vision well demonstrates Nature-based imagery of the spiritual forces which govern our planet. Black Elk's vision constitutes the powerful core of our Sioux Natural Spirituality today – a visionary teaching that brings to this present time the ancient values of Nature's Way.

In a time when the Sioux tribe enjoyed the freedom of the Great Plains, over a century ago, a powerful vision took place. This event occurred several years before the famous Custer battle when the Sioux defeated Colonel Custer. A young boy named Black Elk (in later years he was referred to as Nicholas Black Elk) had a vision that took him into the Rainbow Covered Lodge of the Six Powers of the World. West Power, North Power, East Power, and South Power are the Four Directions, and all spoke individually. Father Sky and Mother Earth then spoke to the youth. At the end of their speaking, a Blue Man of destruction and corruption appeared down below them. Native Traditionals believe that this Blue Man is now wreaking havoc upon the earth and, unless confronted by human, we will lose the planet. A more detailed presentation and discussion can be found in my book, Native Wisdom, (Council Oaks Books, Tulsa and San Francisco).

For a long time Black Elk was afraid to reveal his vision to his people. His tribe had become captives, herded onto reservations. A federal insane asylum was even built at Canton, South Dakota, mainly for innocent resisting traditionals, many of whom were Sioux holy men. An honest white man came to him to catalyze his courage to tell his story. John Neihardt, a writer, entered Black Elk's life and his story was written to be conveyed to the world in the book, Black Elk Speaks. Neihardt was Black Elk's needed helper in order to have the message of the Vision become fulfilled. This particular vision is directly observable. The guiding forces that revealed themselves within, we have all observed and experienced whether or not we know a single page of what was revealed.