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[ Our Mission and Beliefs | Search | Read Books and Tracts Online | Videos | Free Downloads | Inspirational Poems | Like a trumpet sounding off in my ears, echo the words of Romans 1:25; “Who changed the truth of Elohim into falsehood, and worshiped and served what was created rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amein.”( Emphasis added)
Have you ever been to a Pow-Wow? I had thought of attending one, since I am a Native American. On the surface, Pow-Wows seem innocent enough. People getting together to see some circle dancing, beautiful customs, taste great food, listen to live music, see hand-made jewelry, baskets, and other trade goods. Not to mention seeing the nation of the Native Americans united in a feast of drums, music and dancing. Could the pow-wow have some forms of sun-worship? What about the Sun-Dance? “Wikipedia,” the free online encyclopedia online tells us the following: “A pow-wow (sometimes powwow or pow wow or pau wau) is a gathering of Native Americans. It derives from the Narragansett word powaw, meaning shaman.”(10) So, it would be safe to say that at one time, the Pow-Wow dance was actually, 'A Shaman Dance'. What is a shaman? A shaman, can be a male or female. Some call them a spirit traveler or what we would call a witch-doctor, medicine-man, or a wizard (to name just a few). Many believe shamans are able to control the weather and speak to the dead,(as a medium, charmer or a channeler). Shamans are also believed to interpret dreams. Scriptures tell us that there is nothing new under the sun:
In the book of Bereshith/Genesis, we learn that Pharaoh had a dream. He asked all the wise men and the magicians to interpret the dream. When they could not find someone to interpretate the dream, they remembered a Hebrew boy, by the name of Yoseph (Joseph). Elohim revealed the dream to Yoseph (Bereshith/Genesis 41:8-32). You may remember that the Babylionian King, Nebuchadnezzer also had a dream. The only one that was able to interpretate this dream was the servant that Yahuah revealed it to. That servant being Daniel (Daniel 2:3;2:26).
Shamams also are believed to be able to raise above the spirits, perform astral projection, heal and even hurt someone. In light of this information, let us see what Elohim has to say about a shaman. (emphasis added by me)
Pow-wows are danced in a circle. The dances are sometimes danced clockwise (sun-wise) and at other times they are danced counter clockwise. Pow-wow's may or may not be danced around bond fires. When fire is presented, it is considered to be sacred. Just like the other groups that dance in a circle, many Native Indians hold the circle as a sacred object. They refer to this ancient symbol as the ‘circle of life’. The religious Indians held festivals in honor of many things. For instance, the four seasons, and for hunting and harvest time. Regardless of the time of year, most celebrations included a fast and lasted for several days. They would chant songs and perform magic dances. At the end of the feast they would have an orgy. What I find interesting is that when Mosheh (Moses) went up to Mt. Sinai to receive the Marriage Vows (Ten Commandments) during those 40 days and 40 nights, the children of Yisra'el/Israel grew restless. They had previously crossed over the Red Sea, into the wilderness. It is here, in the wilderness, that they had to be deprogrammed. Then they were taught how to worship Elohim in spirit and in truth. Yes, each of us go through this same process when we are called of out Babylon. Some of us feel at peace, relieved to be out of the confusion. Sadly, there remain many Dathans and Aḇirams (Bemidbar/Numbers 16:25) among us. They just can't wait to get back into the house of bondage (Eqypt/Babylon), by holding onto fragments of paganism. As their impatience grew, they begged Aaron to make a golden calf. When the idol was made, Aaron gave the proclamation that the next day was a feast in honor of YHWH (HWHY). Aaron took the abomination a step further. They mixed the worship claiming it would be acceptable to Elohim. After they sacrificed, danced and ate, they arose to play/amuse themselves. They fornicated (had sex). This was not an acceptable feast unto Elohim. Twenty-three thousand fell that day (Shemoth/Exodus 32:4-6; 1 Corinthians 10:7-9). Do you see any similarities between the Native Amercan feast and the feast Aaron declared in honour of Yah? The children of Yisra'el/Israel greatly sinned, after the fact. Sadly, they still worshiped what they had witnessed for 400 years of slavery in Mitsrayim/Egypt. If any of us still need a little deprogramming, let us not worship Yahuah the Elohim of Yisra'el/Israel as the heathen worship their deities. This includes the way the Egyptians worshiped. During some Pow-wows, logs would be made in a form of a cross pointing to the four corners of the earth (North, South, East and West).
Then the logs would become the burnt offering in honor of the four winds. At other times, dancers would make up the four parts of a compass (North, South, East and West). There are rules one must abide by when attending a Pow-wow! The following is a list of some of these rules (11) (emphasis added by me, my thoughts are in parenthesis) _____________________________________ (http://www.pabineaufirstnation.ca/Annual%20Pow%20Wow.htm) 1. Pow-wows are fun events, but they are also sacred events. Ceremonial songs and dances, which are sacred, are performed from time to time throughout the pow-wow. (In other words Pow-wows is a form of worship) 2. People should stand during all ceremonial songs and dances. These include the Grand Enter, Flag Songs, Veteran Songs, Honor Songs and any other songs that the M.C. designates as ceremonial songs. 3. Do not take any photos or video or sound recordings of ceremonies without asking permission from the person or group you are recording. Some areas of Turtle Island do not allow the recording of ceremonies, period. (I wonder why? What is done in secret will eventually be known, Luke 8:17) 4. People should listen to the M.C. (Master Ceremonies) because he will announce the different songs and will also let people know when they can dance and when they cannot. He will also give out other information and news. 5. Respect the Elders, drummers, singers, dancers, and the pow-wow staff and committee. 6. The dancers wear regalia while they are dancing, not "costumes.” People should not touch the regalia before asking for permission. (Some websites say the regalia holds special religious meaning to the wearer. Hmmm...like a rabits tail?) 7. Appropriate dress and behavior are required in the dance area. 8. People should take good care of their children at pow-wows. Please make sure they are not getting into other peoples personal items as they are dancing. 9. Do not hold children while dancing in the dance area unless carrying the child in a carrier on the back. The child may be construed as a gift to the Creator. (What Creator? Molech?) 10. Do not run around the dance area. Always walk in a clockwise direction when you are in the dance area. Horseplay is not tolerated. 11. Do not bring alcohol or drugs to a pow-wow. Do not come to a pow-wow while you are intoxicated. 12. Dogs are not allowed around the pow-wow area. They may become drums. (I do not understand this at all.) 13. Bring your own chairs. Do not sit on someone else’s chair unless you have their permission. 14. Shelters are for the Elders so please move if you see your seat is needed. 15. The Sacred fire is also a ceremony and a place for prayer. Respect to fire keepers and no fooling around the fire. (some websites claim that you can not turn your back on the sacred fire) 16. Women on their time can not attend the pow-wow. Their bodies are going through a ceremony and the energy around them is too powerful. Please stay home as the dancers and drummers can become very ill from the conflicting energies. (Interesting.) 17. Remember you are a guest. Have fun, ask questions and meet people. ____________________________________ The arena that the dance circle (Pow-wow) is held in is considered sacred. Everyone is to enter the only invisible entrance which is located on the east side.
The four cardinal directions (North, South, East and West) are to be respected by the believer. East being the main one because of the rising of the sun. The drum is considered sacred and the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The creation is being worshiped and not the Creator. Romans 1:25; “who changed the truth of Elohim into the falsehood, and worshipped and served what was created rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amĕn." During a Pow-wow dance, many believe the creator, the 'Great Spirit', to be Gisoolg. They give their praises to a counterfeit, Gisloolg and not to Yahuah. They also worship Mother Earth. A Pow-wow is believed to:
As a believer, in Yahushua Ha Mashiach, I find these things to be contrary to what the Scriptures reveal to us. Scriptures tell us: (emphasis added)
If we be of Mashiach, then we will receive the comforter which will teach us all things. Therefore, let us open our vessels up to be led by the Ruach Ha Qodesh (Set-Apart Spirit).
If our helmet, is the mind of Mashiach, then our mind, body and being shall be cleansed. (Ephesians 6:17; 1 Corinthians 2:16) We, as believers, need to stay awake! Let us put on the whole armor of Yah.
If you do not think this is a salvation issue, then may I kindly remind you that if anyone worshiped anything other than the true Creator of heaven and earth, they would be stoned to death. Of course, we no longer stone people because Elohim will take care of all those who oppose Him and His Son.
A famous American Indian, by the name of Wovoka was a shaman (weather doctor). In 1889 he went into a trance, going into the spiritual realm.
This is common for shamans (channelers). When he came out of his trance, Wovoka claimed that their deity had told them to live peacefully with the white man. Wovoka (Jack Wilson) started a religious movement through his ‘Ghost Dance.’ He was also told, while in this trance state, that if they performed the dance for five days, they would not only be happy but would also help bring in the New World sooner. (Side note: some, claim that YHWH (HWHY) wants His people to circle dance for seven days.) Wow, this is amazing! Could this have been the little bit of revival that was needed to jump start the circle dance? Many Native Americians, from all over the United States, traveled to Nevada to hear about this new religious movement. The Mormons even joined in this new religious movement. Interesting to know, is that the Mormons (Church of the Latter-Day Saints of Jesus Christ) founder, John Smith Jr. believed a messiah would appear that year. This messiah would be among the Native American Indians. Many believed that Wovoka was this saviour or messiah to unite many people, tongues and bring in the new world.
Wovoka is the one that led the Paiutes’ circle dance. Men and women would move round and round, holding hands going clockwise. We must remember the circle dance was not new. Not only did Wovoka, adopt worldly influences, he also mixed religious beliefs. This is dangerous. A little leaven ruins the whole. We can not mix truth with errors! He and his wife agreed with parts of Christianity. Wovoka, just like Christians, believed in One Great deity, but he believed this one great deity to be the sun. Sound familiar? The sun-deity has gone by so many names throughout the centuries. That dragon, still manages to cast stumbling blocks in front of the children of Yisra'el/Israel.
The circle dance was a major part of Wovoka’s new religion. That is why this religion was called, Nanigukwa, meaning ‘dance in a circle.’ Oh my Brothers and Sisters, let us ponder here for a moment. The following is a list of facts that we have learned thus far:
Interesting to note, is that quite a few Native American Indians saw the silimilarities between the Christian faith and Wovoka’s new religious movement. His religious movement was even labeled, “Dance to Christ.”
The cirlce dance brought much debauchery. Many believed the dancing and the singing would release some special power. Some of these dances were as follows:
None of these things can be manipulated or controlled by man. We can simply acknowledge whom it is that brings the rain, who opens the womb, who gives life and taketh it away, the one that controls everything, we are to serve, give thanks and praises to His Name, Yahuah! There is no need to do a dance to fight off any evil spirits just, “Submit yourselves to Elohim and the devil will flee.”(James 4:7) For even the devils know there is one, yet they tremble". (James 2:19)
“By dancing the round dance Great Basin Indians gave thanks to the mysterious entities that made their existence possible and enjoyable. Directing prayers to Ape or “father” the great spiritual power behind all things.”(16) Wovoka also believed that the circle dance would close the gap between the living and the dead bringing them together. Sounds like what many believe Samhain-night or Halloween to be. Wovoka’s religious movement was also referred to as, wanagi wacipi, meaning “ghost dance" (spirit dance). Six years prior to Wovoka trance in 1889, the United States Government in 1883 put an end to what they called, 'evil practices' such as the "Sun Dance." The "Sun Dance" was preformed in a circle, holding hands and at times circling around a sacred pole or tree (sun-dance= circle dance). Clearly, the government rejected the "Sun Dance", but later they gladly excepted it under the more friendlier title, "Dance to Christ". We know the white man wanted to change an entire nation. Converting them to the Universal Religion, Christianity. Under the old guise, known as Mithraism.
Many tribal dancers, say when they do this dance they see their dead relatives. The picture shows Lakotas living on Rosebud Reservation doing the circle dance. Many are believing that by doing the circle dance they are uniting into oneness. Having one father. Look familiar? Who is your Abba? The Great I Am, Yah El' Shaddai or the counterfeit, wanna be satan (Nimrod, Baal, Dagon, Tammuz, Mithra, Zeus, Jupiter, Indra, Amon-Ra, Ahura Mazda, Thor, Molech, Sol, etc.) the unconquerable sun? Just like others before Wovaka (for example Constantine) and after him (many modern lukewarm wolves in sheep clothing), what Wovoka really did was create a ‘malt of religious confusion (Babylon)’. He picked, chose, and crossed out what looked good and felt great to him. “Having a form of godliness but dening the power within” (2 Timothy 3:5). By adding a pinch of truth, to the already pagan idolatry mixture, when the mixing is done what remains is a wishy-washy waterdown foundation of mans untempter morter!
The foundation was and still is Yahushua Ha Mashiach (1 Corinthians 3:11). After the true foundation of Yahushua Ha Mashiach is built, then the walls of obedience shall be constructed. In the event that one does not have him as the foundation it is instead built on man’s untempered mortar, it will fall! What kind of morter holds your walls, truth or lies? Is there a little leaven in your worship? Are you worshiping him in Spirit? What about Truth? Since Yah is a Spirit we need to worship Him in both spirit and truth. Proceed to: Return to:
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