The Medicine Path

The Medicine Path, Road for Many Races
By Adam Kane

Native American spirituality has been growing in the western culture since the beginning of the "New Age Movement". It has not only attracted those of Native American blood, but also those from every other creed and culture.

The Native Americans have been able to maintain a strong link with the land; a link that many other modern cultures have lost. To the Native American everything is sacred and treasured. The earth that they walk on, the air that they breathe, the plants, animals, and minerals that they share the Earth with - these are all sacred to them.

This philosophy, this understanding and connection with the Earth is being adopted by many of non-Native American blood. The tradition or philosophy here described is known as the medicine path. The medicine path may not be for everyone. Many have taken their first step on the medicine path and have found that it is not their path; however many non-Native Americans have found comfort and connection with the medicine path.

What is the medicine path? The medicine path is not something tangible or even something that can be described in literal words. It is a direction in life that must be experienced to be realized and understood. It is a path that can only be tread when one becomes truly in-tune with the Earth and all of her denizens.

In my personal belief system I see no reason why any race can not walk the medicine path and share in its teachings. There are however, many who disagree with this theory. It is a common belief that only those of Native American blood may truly experience the medicine path of the North American continent.

It is said that a person's bloodline must be from a particular land to truly learn from that land. Since the Native American tribes are the only race that are truly from North America, it is commonly believed that they are the only ones who can learn from this land.

Although we must respect the beliefs of those who approach the situation from this viewpoint we must also be open to other perspectives as well. Does the fact that our ancestors from several generations ago came to North America from another continent invalidate that we are here on North America now?

Doesn't the fact that we are here now give opportunity to learn from North America. Our feet are now on this land, our ears now listen to its birds, and our eyes now see its sky and its creatures. It is not impossible for us to experience the beauty of this land because our ancestors did not known its beauty.

Do not be discouraged from following the medicine path because of the color of your skin. It is truly possible to have the spirit of a Native American without having their blood in your veins.

If you do not wish to make this spiritual journey on your own there are many tribes that are open to other races. There are also groups and workshops in most areas as well as institutes scattered across the nation.

All you need to do is make yourself open to the medicine path and truly have the desire and ambition to follow it. If the desire is present then the opportunities will surely find you. Keep in mind that the medicine path is not a passing fancy, it is a way of life, and it is sometimes not the easiest path to tread.