Lake Onondaga, Tree of Peace




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In 1990 I drove to lake Onondaga in Upper New York. A few years earlier I read Ken Carey’s book Return of The Bird Tribes. The book is filled with mystical heritage and Indigenous Folk Lore. The truth shines through by way of the story of the Iroquois Nation.


“The Tree of Peace is a symbol of peace in the Iroquois culture. The Tree of Peace is an important symbol of peace in Iroquois tradition and in the historical record of diplomacy between the Iroquois and Westerners. Weapons would be buried under a tree to seal a peace agreement. A tree might even be uprooted to create a cavity for the weapons. The replanted tree on top would become a tree of peace.”


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Years earlier I did not know I would end up here and I did not plan this journey. It just happened. It just came to mind that I was extremely near to this sacred place. I got a map and I drove there. It was Autumn and the weather was very cold. I was not familiar with the highways or the byways, yet I was pulled to drive to the very spot of this legendary gathering.

As I drove up to the lake, I noticed it was very calm. The Park was quiet, and no one was there. I opened the car door and found it too cold for a walk. I sat there and reflected and focused on the blue water that rippled with the frozen wind. I drove away knowing and holding a great ‘something’ within me.

When I look to my founding fathers I look to Hiawatha, Adadarhoh and the Keepers of the Council Fire!! At this time of disillusionment and embarrassment maybe our government should do the same!!

“Historically human egos know they are unfulfilled. They are looking everywhere for that which they lack. Those of you who remain locked into exclusive identity with them put out little grappling hooks in each of your missing pieces, but you continue to grapple at the wrong things. You grapple externally in the three-dimensional world, looking for fulfillment outside of yourself. But it is only the spirit of God {Great Spirit} that can bring fulfillment to an ego, and the spirit of God {Great Spirit} is experienced, not outside yourself, but within.”

Pg. 184 ~Return of the Bird Tribes by Ken Carey


Jigonhsasee





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