Circles are in our DNA

Wood and Fire have warmed and nourished us for millions of years, igniting our spirits with stories and songs to share – forming a communal circle of safety, warmth and well-being.

Throughout the world, and throughout history, indigenous cultures have understood the inherent power of the sacred circle to build strong community. There are aspects of “circle work” which can be traced back to the indigenous people of the North America, Europe, New Zealand, Southern Africa, Ireland and Europe to name just a few.

Restorative Justice Circles
Restorative Justice Circles in the “Western world” emerged in Canada in the 1970s as an alternative approach to punitive court processes. The Talking Circle was taught to non-native people by indigenous people living in what is now known as Canada. The Restorative Justice Circles gained popularity alongside the Victims’ Rights Movement, which argued for a greater involvement of all stakeholders involved including the victims themselves in the criminal justice process. Among other things, Circles helped decide the restitution as compensation for losses while creating a community of invested individuals.*

The Talking Stick, Talking Feather and Circles in Native American Culture

The origin of Talking Circles, Talking sticks and the Talking Feather reveal legends and stories (see below) from a number of different indigenous tribes to what we now call North America. With permission, we are sharing some of the information from the Talking Feather website: Talking Feather is one of many educational websites with tools and curriculum for teaching both historical and current information about Native Americans located in parts of the U.S. and Canada. Here you can find lesson plans for students as well as educational art, poetry, history and news. For lesson plans focused on Northern New England’s indigenous Peoples, visit here.

Traditionally, Native Americans used the Talking Feather or Talking Stick as a method to insure organization during important council meetings among the tribes. They traditionally used and continue to use them to clarify and establish relationship agreements, to settle disputes, to bring mutual benefit and welfare, to bring order to unfinished business, to brainstorm for creative insight, to find solutions to a challenge, to achieve a consensus within a group, and to help structure a group into a cohesive team.*

How it works
Each member of the circle is guaranteed a chance to speak their thoughts from their heart. The Feather or Stick is passed to each person, and while the speaker holds this object, they can not be interrupted. Each member listens carefully to what is being said. Native children are taught to listen carefully when someone speaks. In many historical photographs we can see the Talking Stick represented. Photos of a Talking Feather are rare.

A council or talking circle is a method often used by Indigenous Native Americans when there are matters of importance to discuss that concerned the tribe. The goal is to hold these meetings in an equal and non-threatening manner. All present deserve an opportunity to speak, hence, the idea of the Talking Feather (or another object) is used to insure each speaker has a chance to share their heart-felt thoughts, without interruption or reprisal from the other members. The person holding the object speaks, and after they are through, the object is passed to their neighbor, who may speak or may pass the object on to the next person.

Sacred materials and meanings
The materials used for both Feather and Stick are important in Native American traditions. The Sacred Feather is usually from an Eagle representing truth, freedom, wisdom, and keen insight. Some tribes believe in using the Feather from an Owl which represents protection, wisdom, and strong insight into truth.

The Sacred Stick is made from trees such as the Oak (strength) the Elm (wisdom) and others. For example, An Abenaki Talking Stick is a piece of sacred ash, (from the ash tree) with tips bent to form circles representing the Sacred Hoop. There are also embellishments and adornments made from the skins or hides from animals such as Elk (physical ability), Deer (gentleness), Buffalo (abundance), Rabbit (ears for listening) and several other animals the various tribes know as sacred.

Color also plays an important role in the creations. Different tribes hold different meanings for each color. For example, one tribe might have Red symbolize the blood of life, white symbolize truth and purity blue is for healing. Besides other selected materials there can be paint, and carvings. The sacred Talking Stick and Talking Feather have a variety of descriptions and decorations. They always depend on the carrier and tribe.

Learn more here.

Legend of the Talking Feather: Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei Bestow the Gift of The Talking Feather

There are many legends about how the Talking Feather came to be.  Here is a story that grew within the Cherokee Nation.

“Long years ago, when gods walked this earth and the land beyond, Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei, were together enjoying the warm summer day. It was a day when the crickets chirrupted in the waving, green grass, when they noticed a figure moving towards them.

As the figure approached closer Kanati said “Look, that woman is crying, what could be the matter?” “I can not imagine why anyone would cry on such a glorious day.” Replied Asgaya Gigagei. “Let’s ask her.”

As the woman drew nearer, they could see her buckskin was decorated with beautiful designs and colors. She carried a bundle filled with leaves, sage, and colorful stones and feathers. They knew immediately this woman was a holy being.

Kanati asked her “Holy mother, why are you crying so?” The woman looked up in wonder, because she had been walking with her head down. “I’m crying because the men of my village are fighting constantly! Each thinks his ideas for leading the tribe is the best!” Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei glanced at one another, in perplexity. “Why, if there are so many good ideas for leading your tribe, why are the men fighting? And why aren’t you and the other members happy!” The poor woman shook her head sadly and replied, “Yes, you are right, the men do have very good ideas, but every man wants to speak his own ideas, and not listen to anyone else. They all shout and scream at one another so loudly, that it frightens the children who run and hide behind their mothers. The women are sad because their husbands come to the house upset and angry. Furthermore, the tribe is suffering, because no one can seem to make a decision.”  Just then a beautiful Eagle was soaring overhead, Kanati called out “Brother Eagle, may I have one of your feathers, there are poor humans in desperate need!”

Bother Eagle replied “Yes” and shook himself until a single iridescent, large feather fell to the ground. “Many thanks and Blessings on you” said Kanati. Kanati made secret signs and prayers over the Feather. Asgaya Gigagei helped him with the blessings. Kanati then said to the woman “This is the sacred Talking Father, it holds great power for the one who holds it. Go back to your people, hold this feather up in the air, all who see it will fall silent, and listen to what you have to say. Tell all who listen that from now on, who ever holds this feather, all present within the Circle Council must listen to his words. The feather must then be passed on to the next speaker.”