For Earth Day

Precatio Terrae: 

"Holy Goddess, Tellus, Mother of all Nature, engendering all things and regenerating them each day, as you alone bring forth from your womb all things into life. Heavenly Goddess, overseeing all things on earth and throughout the seas, in whatever by silent nature is restored in sleep and in death, in the same way that you put to flight the night with the light you restore each day. 

Earth, Enricher of Life, you dispel the dark shadow of death and the disorder of vast endless Chaos. You hold back the winds and storms, the rain showers and tempests. You alone regulate the weather cycles, either bestirring or putting to flight the storm, interspersing them with cheerful days. 

You give the Food of Life unfailingly, in fidelity, and when the soul by necessity departs, in you alone do we find refuge. Thus, whatever you give, in you all will be returned. Deservedly are you called Great Mother of the Gods. Piously then are all the celestial powers distilled in you. The One and True Parent of all living things, human and divine. Without you nothing could be born, nothing could grow, and nothing mature. 

You are the Great Goddess, the Queen of Heaven, you, Goddess, I adore. I call upon your power, come. Make what I ask to be readily and easily accomplished, and draw my thanks, Mother Earth, that, in fidelity, you do rightly merit. 

Hear me, please, and favor me. This I ask of you, Holy Mother, and may you willingly give answer to me: may whatever herbs grow by your providence bring health to all humankind. May you now send these forth to me as your medicines. May they be filled with your healing virtues. May everything that I prepare from these herbs have good result, each and every one in the same way. As I shall receive these herbs from you, so too shall I willingly give them out to others, so that their health too may be ensured through your good graces. Finally, Mother Earth, ensure your healing powers for me as well. This I humbly ask."

(Written by Antonius Musa, trans. M. Piscinus; photo of relief from the walls of the Ara Pacis Augustae, 13 BCE.)

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Earth Mother Prayer

Cover my Earth Mother four times with many flowers.

Let the heavens be covered with the banked-up clouds.

Let the earth be covered with fog; cover the earth with rains.

Great waters, rains, cover the earth.  Lighting cover the earth.

Let thunder be heard over the earth; let thunder be heard;

Let thunder be heard over the six regions of the earth.

~Zuni Prayer~

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For Earth Day

 

The mountains, I become a part of it.

The herbs, the fir tree, I become a part of it.

The morning mists, the clouds,

the gathering waters,

I become a part of it.

 The wilderness, the dew drops, the pollen,

I become a part of it.

Navajo Chant

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Happy Earth Day

 

The Earth is beautiful

The Earth is beautiful

The Earth is beautiful.

 

Below the East, the Earth, its face toward East,

the top of its head is beautiful.

*The soles of its feet, they are beautiful

Its feet, they are beautiful

Its legs, they are beautiful

Its body, it is beautiful

Its chest, it is beautiful

Its breast, it is beautiful

Its head-feather, it is beautiful

The Earth is beautiful.*

 

Below the West, the Sky, it is beautiful, its face toward West,

the top of its head is beautiful - (repeat **)

 

Below the East, the dawn, its face toward East,

the top of its head is beautiful -

 

Below the West, the afterglow of sundown, its face toward West,

the top of its head is beautiful -  (repeat **)

 

Below the East, White Corn, its face toward East,

the top of its head is beautiful -  (repeat **)

 

Below the South, Blue Corn, its face toward South,

the top of its head is beautiful -  (repeat **)

 

Below the West, Yellow Corn, its face toward West,

the top of its head is beautiful -  (repeat **)

  

Below the North, vari-colored Corn, its face toward North,

the top of its head is beautiful -  (repeat **)

 

Below the East, Sahanahray, its face toward East,

the top of its head is beautiful -  (repeat **)

 

Below the West, Bekayhozhon, its face toward West,

the top of its head is beautiful -  (repeat *)

 

Below the East, corn-pollen, its face toward East,

the top of its head is beautiful -  (repeat **)

 

Below the West, the corn-beetle, its face toward West,

the top of its head is beautiful -  (repeat **)

 

The Earth is beautiful.

 

 

*The 8 lines between the asterisks are repeated to make a full stanza after each of the introductory lines.*

 

 

(Navajo Ceremonial Song from the Blessingway chant, translated by Dr. Harry Hoijer; Sand painting of Sky Father and Earth Mother.)

We Return Thanks

 

We return thanks to our Mother, the earth,

which sustains us.

We return thanks to the rivers and streams,

which supply us with water.

We return thanks to all herbs,

which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.

We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters,

the beans and squashes,

which give us life.

We return thanks to the bushes and trees,

which provide us with fruit.

We return thanks to the wind,

which, moving the air, has banished diseases.

We return thanks to the moon and the stars,

which have given us their light when the sun was gone.

We return thanks to our grandfather He-no,

that he has protected his grandchildren

and has given us his rain.

We return thanks to the sun,

that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.

Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit,

in whom is embodied all goodness,

and who directs all things for the good of all.

~Traditional Iroquois~

(© art by M. Roland)

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For Earth Day

 

"Our Mother of the growing fields,
'O our Mother of the streams, will have pity upon us.
For whom do we belong?
Whose seeds are we?
To our Mother alone do we belong."

(© Traditional Kogi Prayer, translation by Reichel-Dolmatoff.)

In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning

Iroquois Prayer of Thanks

We return thanks to our Mother, the Earth,

which sustains us.

We return thanks to the rivers and streams,

which supply us with water.

We return thanks to all herbs,

which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.

We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters,

the beans and squashes,

which give us life.

We return thanks to the bushes and trees,

which provide us with fruit.

We return thanks to the wind,

which, moving the air, has banished diseases.

We return thanks to the moon and the stars,

which have given us their light when the sun was gone.

We return thanks to our Grandfather He-no,

that he has protected his grandchildren

and has given us his rain.

We return thanks to the Sun,

that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.

Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit,

in whom is embodied all goodness,

and who directs all things for the good of all.

Traditional Iroquois

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Ute Earth Prayer

Earth teach me quiet, as the grasses are still with new light.

Earth teach me suffering, as old stones suffer with memory.

Earth teach me humility, as blossoms are humble with beginning.

Earth teach me caring, as mothers nurture their young.

Earth teach me courage, as the tree that stands alone.

Earth teach me limitation, as the ant that crawls on the ground.

Earth teach me freedom, as the eagle that soars in the sky.

Earth teach me acceptance, as the leaves that die each fall.

Earth teach me renewal, as the seed that rises in the spring.

Earth teach me to forget myself, as melted snow forgets its life.

Earth teach me to remember kindness, as dry fields weep with rain.

(photo, Ute rock art)

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Earth Day 2020

Traditional Chinook Blessing Litany

We call upon the Earth, our planet home,

with its beautiful depths and soaring heights,

its vitality and abundance of life,

and together we ask that it:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the mountains, the Cascades and the Olympics,

the high green valleys and meadows filled with wildflowers,

the snows that never melt, the summits of intense silence,

and we ask that they:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the waters that rim the earth,

horizon to horizon, that flow in our rivers and streams,

that fall upon our gardens and fields

and we ask that they:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the land which grows our food,

the nurturing soil, the fertile fields,

the abundant gardens and orchards,

and we ask that they:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the forests,

the great trees reaching strongly to the sky

with earth in their roots and the heavens in their branches,

the fir and the pine and the cedar,

and we ask them to:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the creatures of the fields and forests and the seas,

our brothers and sisters the wolves and deer,

the eagle and dove, the great whales and the dolphin,

the beautiful orca and salmon who share our Northwest home,

and we ask them to:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon all those who have lived on this Earth,

our ancestors and our friends,

who dreamed the best for future generations,

and upon whose lives our lives are built,

and with thanksgiving, we call upon them to:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

And lastly, we call upon all that we hold most sacred,

the presence and power of the Great Spirit of love and truth

which flows through all the Universe...

to be with us to:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

(photo courtesy of NASA)

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Greetings to the Natural World

Mohawk Greetings to the Natural World

The People: Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.

Now our minds are one.

The Earth Mother:  We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Waters:  We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms-waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.

Now our minds are one.

The Fish:  We turn our minds to the all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Plants:  Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.

Now our minds are one.

The Food Plants:  With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Medicine Herbs:  Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.

Now our minds are one.

The Animals:  We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honored by them when they give up their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.

Now our minds are one.

The Trees:  We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.

Now our minds are one.

The Birds:  We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-from the smallest to the largest-we send our joyful greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds:  We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one.

The Thunderers:  Now we turn to the west where our grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We are thankful that they keep those evil things made by Okwiseres underground. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.

Now our minds are one.

The Sun:  We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.

Now our minds are one.

Grandmother Moon:  We put our minds together to give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of woman all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.

Now our minds are one.

The Stars:  We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to the Stars.

Now our minds are one.

The Enlightened Teachers:  We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring teachers.

Now our minds are one.

The Creator:  Now we turn our thoughts to the creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.

Now our minds are one.

Closing Words:  We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.

Now our minds are one.



(Art copyright Chholing Taha.  This translation of the Mohawk version of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address was published in 1993, courtesy of Six Nations Indian Museum.)

Kagaba Prayer

Only one thought.

Only one Mother.

Only one single word reaches upwards.

Only one single trail leads heavenward.

skími alúna hangu ité.

iskími hába guaselgukú hangu ité.

iskími mulyigába nici gataugénka.

iskími hiúngulda guxa nici naugénka.

Kogi Traditional Prayer

(© translation by Reichel-Dolmatoff, photo of staircase to Ciudad Perdida by D. Reilander; copyrights reserved.)

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Earth Prayer

Let us give thanks for the world around us,

Thanks for all the creatures, stones and plants.

Let us learn their lessons and seek their truths,

So that their path might be ours,

And we might live in harmony, a better life.

May the Earth continue to live,

May the heavens above continue to live,

May the rains continue to dampen the land,

May the wet forests continue to grow,

Then the flowers shall bloom

And we people shall live again.

(Traditional Hawaiian prayer)

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Earth Prayer

Cover my Earth Mother four times with many flowers.

Let the heavens be covered with the banked-up clouds.

Let the earth be covered with fog; cover the earth with rains.

Great waters, rains, cover the earth.  Lighting cover the earth.

Let thunder be heard over the earth; let thunder be heard;

Let thunder be heard over the six regions of the earth.

Zuni Prayer

(© photo P. Oldham)

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For Tellus

Precatio Terrae:

"Holy Goddess, Tellus, Mother of all Nature, engendering all things and regenerating them each day, as you alone bring forth from your womb all things into life. Heavenly Goddess, overseeing all things on earth and throughout the seas, in whatever by silent nature is restored in sleep and in death, in the same way that you put to flight the night with the light you restore each day. 

Earth, Enricher of Life, you dispel the dark shadow of death and the disorder of vast endless Chaos. You hold back the winds and storms, the rain showers and tempests. You alone regulate the weather cycles, either bestirring or putting to flight the storm, interspersing them with cheerful days. 

You give the Food of Life unfailingly, in fidelity, and when the soul by necessity departs, in you alone do we find refuge. Thus, whatever you give, in you all will be returned. Deservedly are you called Great Mother of the Gods. Piously then are all the celestial powers distilled in you. The One and True Parent of all living things, human and divine. Without you nothing could be born, nothing could grow, and nothing mature. 

You are the Great Goddess, the Queen of Heaven, you, Goddess, I adore. I call upon your power, come. Make what I ask to be readily and easily accomplished, and draw my thanks, Mother Earth, that, in fidelity, you do rightly merit. 

Hear me, please, and favor me. This I ask of you, Holy Mother, and may you willingly give answer to me: may whatever herbs grow by your providence bring health to all humankind. May you now send these forth to me as your medicines. May they be filled with your healing virtues. May everything that I prepare from these herbs have good result, each and every one in the same way. As I shall receive these herbs from you, so too shall I willingly give them out to others, so that their health too may be ensured through your good graces. Finally, Mother Earth, ensure your healing powers for me as well. This I humbly ask."

(Written by Antonius Musa, trans. M. Piscinus; photo of relief from the walls of the Ara Pacis Augustae,13 BCE.)

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Happy Earth Day

Honoring the Earth, today and everyday!

(painting © S.Ribeiro)

In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning

Earth Prayer

Cover my Earth Mother four times with many flowers.
Let the heavens be covered with the banked-up clouds.
Let the earth be covered with fog; cover the earth with rains.
Great waters, rains, cover the earth.  Lighting cover the earth.
Let thunder be heard over the earth; let thunder be heard;
Let thunder be heard over the six regions of the earth.
Zuni Prayer

 

 

In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning

 

 

For Earth Day

 

The mountains, I become a part of it.
The herbs, the fir tree, I become a part of it.
The morning mists, the clouds,
the gathering waters,
I become a part of it.
 The wilderness, the dew drops, the pollen,
I become a part of it.

Navajo Chant

In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning

Iroquois Prayer of Thanks

 

We return thanks to our mother, the earth,
which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams,
which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs,
which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters,
the beans and squashes,
which give us life.
We return thanks to the bushes and trees,
which provide us with fruit.
We return thanks to the wind,
which, moving the air, has banished diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and the stars,
which have given us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to our grandfather He-no,
that he has protected his grandchildren
and has given us his rain.
We return thanks to the sun,
that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit,
in whom is embodied all goodness,
and who directs all things for the good of all.

Traditional Iroquois

 

In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning

 

Praise to Mother Earth

Behold! Our Mother Earth is lying here.
Behold! She gives of her fruitfulness.
Truly her power she gives us.
Give thanks to Mother Earth who lies here.

Behold on Mother Earth the growing fields!
Behind the promise of her fruitfulness!
Truly her power she gives us.
Give thanks to Mother Earth who lies here.

 Behold on Mother Earth the spreading trees!

Behold the promise of her fruitfulness!

Truly, her power she giveth to us,

Give thanks to Mother Earth who lieth here!

Behold on Mother Earth the running streams!

Behold the promise of her fruitfulness!

Truly, her power she giveth to us,

Give thanks to Mother Earth who lieth here!

 

 

 

(Traditional Pawnee chant, trans. A.C. Fletcher, artwork copyright Jaine Rose.)

 

In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning

 

Mohawk Greetings to the Natural World

Mohawk Greetings to the Natural World

The People: Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.

Now our minds are one.

The Earth Mother:  We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Waters:  We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms-waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.

Now our minds are one.

The Fish:  We turn our minds to the all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Plants:  Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.

Now our minds are one.

The Food Plants:  With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Medicine Herbs:  Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.

Now our minds are one.

The Animals:  We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honored by them when they give up their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.

Now our minds are one.

The Trees:  We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.

Now our minds are one.

The Birds:  We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-from the smallest to the largest-we send our joyful greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds:  We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one.

The Thunderers:  Now we turn to the west where our grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We are thankful that they keep those evil things made by Okwiseres underground. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.

Now our minds are one.

The Sun:  We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.

Now our minds are one.

Grandmother Moon:  We put our minds together to give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of woman all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.

Now our minds are one.

The Stars:  We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to the Stars.

Now our minds are one.

The Enlightened Teachers:  We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring teachers.

Now our minds are one.

The Creator:  Now we turn our thoughts to the creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.

Now our minds are one.

Closing Words:  We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.

Now our minds are one.

("Gathering the Day" painting, copyright Susan Spar.  This translation of the Mohawk version of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address was published in 1993, courtesy of Six Nations Indian Museum.)