Several years Ago, I was painted by an Elder with Zuni Earth Paint. You might have seen this on Native American Performers because it looks very deep reddish brown and is usually somewhere by the Temple and the Eyes. Now I can't tell you exactly how I was painted or where, but the beleif is that this paint is from the Earth and can be seen by spirits. That may seem strange to some, but to me because I understand the teachings, some where in my heart I believe this Paint protects me from evil. You see the Zuni's, as many Tribes, have a story about Creation. They are also one of the few Tribes that have a Snake Dance. Like the Hopi's they have a archetypical understanding of totems. To Non-Natives this would be the the word to describe animal symbolism. I will be the first to admit that I feel that I am fumbling to describe an Indian World View. The Traditions and Teachings of Primitive Cultures does not make sense in a Modern Day Society. We have an instinct as humans to gravitate towards understanding outside ourself. If you look at the basis of Indian Culture you will find our beliefs are rooted in the Earth. The power of Nature cannot be harnessed, but it is regarded as a great teacher. In this Mind frame, the animals are the mouth piece to an abundance of Intelligence that have no voice.
This where many people make the mistake of a conjuring of Spirits too mean something resembling human form. The typical egocentric personality assumes the self is the Greatest Power. My interpretation is in direct contrast to this belief. I believe the greatest power we have in our possession is to rid ourself of our own image. Think about it, where does all your dissatisfaction come from?
Contentment, begins in knowing your own Imperfection and looking outside yourself for Answers.
This is how I came to be painted, as a Warrior. Like all things meaningful, it was approached with Humility & Gratefulness. I look at that time in my Life when it was just me, wrestling with the Idea that I did not understand. How could the Creator care about me or any other being take an interest in my path & walk in life? I was made to stand facing East. An Eagle Feather was held out towards the Heavens on my behalf. I don't know what exactly was going through my mind, but I witnessed something very powerful and great which I have know rational conclusion. The Winds changed Direction and a once overcast clouded sky changed into a peaceful post evening Skylight. It was a deeply moving experience to hear another Humans voice make an apeasement on my ability to be recognized by the spirits. Again, I can't tell you what form or symbolic gesture transpired to be acknowledged as the power that encompassed me. I was painted and instructed in ancient preparation for engagement with forces of energy. The source of power that would be recognized by this energy would be Zuni Earth Paint.
I cannot describe the rest of the process or clarify how it works. It is something a person seeking for answers has to experience for themself. All I know is that you don't have too do it over and over again. Once you have properly mastered or administered the application of the Paint, you will feel the presence of it's energy. Protection is the word used when you are too engage with Forces of uncommon nature. This may sound Foreign and against sound judgement to anybody who in practical terms doesn't believe it. People often dismiss ancient practices as superstition or sinful. I am Christian and believe many of the parables taught in the bible. Why? would I not also acknowledge that I am Indian and believe in ways that have been carried on since time & memorial. These are concerns & issues we all carry as Human Beings. Many times, it is dictated that different schools of thought conflict. Likewise, in-animate objects that exist in the world naturally conflict. Who's to say our version of reality or Human Nature is all that exists. These are the type of questions the Human race has been struggling with for thousands of years. The Native People not only seek for these answers, they listen to what information they are given. Answers that work so to speak. Like I was saying, conflict is the creation of something new. As the World was forming, the Natural Elements came into embattled existence too survive. This is the source of the Earth's power to exist and it's inhabitants too thrive. The soil has all of the timely history written into it's code. The genetic make up of earth paint has something extra. It's very ancient, thus the extra care given when handling. Tribes of people have a wealth of knowledge of extracting these gifts. Modern science only touches the surface of indigenous wisdom. The Creation stories have a common thread in that they never attempt to claim out of nothing came life. They all acknowledge the existence of lack of understanding then some great event then slow progressive evolution.
The Great Event or Intervention of some outside power that changed things is the key. It is where Tribes differ in Teaching, as do all races of people. What is most important though is knowing it was Power and the source of all other kinds of power to follow. It is this acknowledgment a person comes to understand when they wear Paint. I see people with this paint and I don't know exactly what they have been taught, but I know it's good. I know somebody has recognized them and took the time to teach them something. This is just one example of the vast wisdom are elders possess. I apologize to anybody I might offend by talking about something so sacred to our Indian People. Likewise, I encourage all those who might correct me and share with me their teaching. As time goes on, I will speak about more things in this manner. For whatever reason, I have been inspired to write these words today. In our language, we have words for these things and it doesn't quite communicate the same way. We even ask to be forgiven for using a borrowed language. In a way, I think that is what it's about for me. When I wear paint, it's like I ask those powers that exist beyond my understanding to forgive me. I believe that is the protection it provides.
