Home Web Page

Team Earth Spirits

(League Riven from www.pogo.com)

Team Earth Spirit Rules

Team Earth Spirit Roster

Links:

Big Thunder (Bedagi) Wabanaki Algonquin

The Great Spirit is in all things, he is in the air we breathe. The Great Spirit is our

Father, but the Earth is our Mother. She nourishes us, that which we put into the ground she returns to us...

Team Earth Spirits was created by Marj (captain) and, Samantha (co. Captain). Created in May, of 2003. We want to create a loving family type of atmosphere. Our mission is to make everyone on the team comfortable as possible. If you ever have any questions or, concerns please do not hesitate to email us.

TeamEarthSpirits@yahoo.com

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Daily up dates: January 12, 2004:

Hi Everyone! Were back up and in business. I hope to see most of you returning to our team. E-mail me if you can either way at: TeamEarthSpirits@yahoo.com

Hope to see everyone back up and with us. Welcome back Earth Spirits!!

In Spirit,

Samantha SunGoddessSpirit

Daily up dates: January 13, 2004

Hey everyone, we are now officially at 14^th place, since last night. Everyone played wonderfully. We won 5 games and Lost 5 games. WTG everyone!!

Take the Earth Spirit Challenge!

To the person who gets the most new people to join our Wicked cool team in 1 month wins a free Cribbage board. Ready to take that challenge? You all have exactly 30 days starting today and, ending February 13, 2004. Good Luck everyone!

In Spirit,

Samantha SunGoddessSpirit

Daily up dates: January 14, 2004

Hey everyone, were in 12 position as of 6am this morning. Good work everyone, even though the cards were not in our favor last night…lol. It happens! But we can still get up the ladder (besides 12^th isn’t that bad after all!).

GOOO TEAMIES GOOOOO!!!

Don’t forget about the Earth Spirit Challenge!! Good luck everyone.

In Spirit,

Samantha SunGoddessSpirit

(Pogo Name: RedEarthSpirit)

Hi There!

I’m Marj your captain, I’ve been playing on pogo since early 90’s but regularly since the fall of 2000. I have been a member of 4 teams on riven (other than the Earth Spirits), including the co-captain on the last one. This one is ours and were here to stay.

The Name came from the idea that would allow people a wide choice of names, in my traditions are Native American (Mohawk direct decent). All living things have spirit and all that has passed through their memories and the teachings they have passed on to us. Our teachings teach you to have respect for all things on the earth and to honor them for being here. We are taught to honor the teachings of our elders because they have a lot more wisdom than us. Their belief value that has become my way of life has brought me much peace in my life.

We welcome all the new members and hope that you have a good time playing cribbage with us and find new friends/ extended family. So enjoy playing and help us bring Earth Spirits to be the team that they all hope they don’t play! (lol) But most important enjoy the game and the people.

I look forward to getting to know each of you and good luck or, bad luck (sometimes) as you play.

In Spirit,

Marj RedEarthSpirt

*********************************************************************************************************

(Pogo Name: SunGoddessSpirit)

(SunGoddessSpirit and WolfEarthSpirit)

Hi there,

I’m Samantha. I’ve been playing games on Pogo since December of 2002. Marj is a very close and dear friend of mine. Marj and I decided to make our own team. And here we are!

I am not personally Native American. But I believe in their beliefs. They truly are beautiful and respected people in my book. On this page you will find, animal meanings, different meanings to other Native symbols, Native Stories, and at the very bottom of this page you’ll find links to different sites. I hope that the meanings may help you find the perfect ladder name for your self. Also hope that you like our page!

Thanks you all

Well let’s play some Cribbage and Win!! Gooo Spirits GOOOO!!!!!!…Rock em sock em lets do it.

In Spirit,

Samantha SunGoddessSpirit

Animals meanings: Symbolic Meanings:

Alligator-Stealth, Survival Ant-Patience, Diligence and Work Antelope-Taking Action Armadillo-Boundaries, Self Protection Badger-Aggressiveness, Passion and Drive Bat-Death and Rebirth on Personal, Spiritual Level Bear-Gentle Strength, Introspection and Dreaming Beaver-Building, Accomplishing Goals Bee-Service, Gathering, Community Bird-Unity, Freedom, Community Buffalo-Abundance, Survival Needs Met, Good Fortune, Healing Butterfly-Self Transformation, Balance, Grace Bumblebee-Honesty, Pure Thinking, Willingness and Drive Caribou-Travel and Mobility Cougar- Power, Swiftness, Balance Coyote- "The Trickster" , Humor, Charm, Folly of Self-Deception and Survival Crane-Water, End of Summer, Migration Cricket-Singing, Spring, Fertility Crow-Sacred Law, Gateway To Supernatural, Shape Shifting, Illusion Deer-Gentleness, Compassion and Kindness Dog-Protection and Loyalty Dolphin-Joy, Harmony, Intelligence, Self Connection Dove-Love, Gentleness and Kindness Dragonfly-Dreamtime, Illusion, Spring, Water Dolphin-Life Force, Rhythm and Breath Eagle-Spirit Connection to Higher Realms, Courage Elk-Stamina, Pride, Power, Majesty Feather-Spirit Firefly-Communication, Illumination Fish-Water, Current, Flow of Life From the Earth Fox-Camouflage, Adaptability and Integration	Arrowhead-Represents Alertness. Buffalo Horns-Symbol of Success. Cactus Flower-Means courtship and romance. Corn-Symbol of Life. It is the mainstay for many tribes. Corn pollen and cornmeal is offered in blessing for protection, understanding, and forgiveness.  Corn Maiden-Gave the corn of her own body to  feed her family so they would not have to hunt the beloved animals. After she passed on she was reborn in the corn stalks and provided the seeds which continued to provide food for all. Feather-Sacred universal symbol of flight within the spirit world and serving as messenger to Great Spirit. Feathers Fanned into a Circle-Related to the Sun and The Creator. Fetish-Object containing spirit and power which benefits the beholder. Flowers-Symbolize a relationship to the sun. Handprint-Symbol of a human's life, achievements and legacy, the creative spirit, channeled energy. Kachina-A Kachina can be a force of nature such as life, death, fire, flood, or the spirit of a revered ancestor, and the dancer at a ceremony. Lasso-Symbol of Captivity. Man in the Maze-Tohono O'odham symbol of life cycles and choice, and eternal motion with the goal of achieving harmony. The man is named "U'ki'ut'l".
Frog-Fluidity, Water and Rain, Cleansing and Tears Goat-Tenacity, Diligence Goose-Safe Return, Love of Home Hawk-Strength, Foresight, Truth Hedgehog-Self Preservation Heron-Patience, Grace Horse-Physical and Spiritual Power, Carrier Of Burdens Hummingbird-Pure Love and Joy, Celebration of Life Ladybug-Delight, Trust Lion-Pride, Nobility, Cunning, Courage Lizard-Dreaming, Foresight, Ancient Secrets Loon-Peace, Tranquility, Generosity Lynx-Keeper of Mystical Secrets Moose-Self Esteem, Assertiveness Mountain Lion-Wisdom and Balance in Leadership Mouse-Scrutiny, Attention to Detail Opossum -Strategy and Diversion Otter-Earth and Water, Balanced Feminine Energy Owl-Clairvoyance, Magic, Astral Projection (Hopi Eagle Kachina)	Mask-Symbol of a human's animal spirit and prayer to sacred deities. Medicine Bag-Vessel containing herbs, remedies, and or stones necessary for healing and protection. Moon-Earth Protector  and Guardian in Night Morning Star-Honored as Kachina by most Pueblo tribes, sign of courage and purity of spirit. Music-Ritual of communication with Great Spirit with the singer's Life Breath. A method of settling disputes between tribes.  Name-Given, taken away, and changed at life defining events in one's life. Holds power of the individual thus given and spoken with respect and caution. Peyote-Psychedelic button of the peyote cactus used in religious ceremony to induce spiritual vision and connectedness with higher realms. Plants and Herbs-Represent essentials for survival including food, tools, basketry, and healing. Prayer Stick-Carved and painted cottonwood or cedar sticks decorated with feathers and images for a specific prayer, planted at sacred sites to send prayers to The Creator or to The Kachinas.  Rain Cloud-Symbol of change, renewal, and fertility. Rattle-Ceremonial songs are accompanied with rattles which are often used to represent the characteristic sounds of animals and nature. Sacrifice-("To Make Sacred") Offerings of food, tobacco, cornmeal, pollen, feathers, shells, beads, herbs, and such given to Spirit and Deities in blessing and prayer. Saddle Bag-Represents a journey. Shell-Served as Wampum (money) in trade. Used in decoration of traditional dress and jewelry,  as essential utensils of cooking, gathering water, and digging.  Shield-Warrior's most sacred possession from time of first battle until death. The design would be received in a dream by an elder who would then make the shield for the new warrior. Spiral Pattern-Whirlwinds, cycles of life, eternal renewal  and water essential for life. Squash Blossom-Symbol of plenty, abundance.
Parrot Feather-Bringer of Essential Rain and Seed Peacock-Recognition, Self Assurance, Pride Pelican-Abundance, Plenty Pheasant-Warning, Concealment Porcupine-Gentle Innocence and Trust Quail-Protectiveness, Group Harmony Rabbit-Fear, Overcoming Limiting Beliefs Raccoon-Curiosity, Inquisitiveness  Ram-Strength, Determination Raven-Bringer of Magic and Light, Creation and Knowledge Roadrunner-Speed, Agility Salmon-Dependability and Renewal Sandpiper-Foraging, Scavenging, Quickness Scorpion-Defense, Self Protection, Biting Truth Seagull-Carefree Attitude, Versatility, Freedom Seal-Inquisitiveness, Organization, Contentment Snake-Transmutation, Life Cycles Skunk-Reputation, Respect, Caution Snail-Perseverance, Determination Snake-Power, Life Force, Sexual Potency  Spider-Weaving, Symbolism Squirrel-Gathering, Preparation, Thrift Swan-Grace, Surrender to the Universal Plan Tadpole-Fertility and Renewal, Transformation Turkey-Give Away, Sacrifice of Self and Others Turtle-Mother Earth, Protection Weasel-Stealth, Information Gathering Whale-Historical Record Keeper, Traveler, Guardian Wolf-Teacher of New Ideas and Wisdom, Intense Loyalty with Balance of Independence  Woodpecker-Change, Persistance	Steps Pattern-Represent Kiva steps or clouds, direction and change. Sun-Earth Guardian in Day, Healing Energy Sun Face-Giver of life, warmth, growth, goodness. Tobacco-Sacred Herb used to make offerings, treat disease, seal agreements, and smoked for enjoyment. Tomahawk-Hatchet-like object used in ceremony and war. Often showed carvings of owners life events. As recognized in trade as the 'Indian blanket'. Totem-Representing guardian spirits of an individual, family or tribe. Totem Pole-Northwest tribal tradition, could be exterior and interior pole. Exterior often a memorial for deceased family member or a monument to the bearer's wealth and status, that of his family, and the deities connected with his family. Interior totem poles often recorded family legends and history serving as a family tree. Wave Pattern-Water and cycles of life, renewal and  water element essential for life. Zia-Symbol of the Zia Pueblo, also represents the sun, the four directions, and the circle of of life. Yeii Spirit-Navajo irit considered  to be a communicator between Man and The Creator. Yeiis control the natural elements. (Hopi Sun Kachina)

The Origin of Earth

Tuskegee

Native American Lore

Before the beginning, water was everywhere. But no people, animals, or earth were visible.

There were birds, however, who held a council to decide if it might be best to have all land or all water. "Let us have land, so we can have more food," said some of the birds. Others said, "Let's have all water, because we like it this way."

Subsequently, they appointed Eagle as their Chief who was to decide one way or the other. Eagle decided upon land and asked, "Who will go and search for land?"

Dove volunteered first and flew away. In four days he completed his hunt and returned, reporting, "I could not find land anywhere."

Crawfish came swimming along and was asked by the council to help search for land. He disappeared under the water for four days. When he arose to the surface again, he held some dirt in his claws. He had found some land deep in the water.

Crawfish made a ball of the dirt and handed it to Chief Eagle, who then flew away with it. Four days later he returned and said to the council, "Now there is land, an island has been formed-- follow me!"

The whole bird colony flew after Eagle to see the new land, though it was a very small island. Gradually, the land began to grow larger and larger as the water became lower and lower. More islands appeared and these grew together, creating larger islands into one earth.

Origin of Fire

*Tribes*

Native American Lore

Long, long ago, animals and trees talked with each other, but there was no fire at that time.

Fox was most clever and he tried to think of a way to create fire for the world. One day, he decided to visit the Geese, te-tl, whose cry he wished to learn how to imitate. They promised to teach him if he would fly with them. So they contrived a way to attach wings to Fox, but cautioned him never to open his eyes while flying.

Whenever the Geese arose in flight, Fox also flew along with them to practice their cry. On one such adventure, darkness descended suddenly as they flew over the village of the fireflies, ko-na- tcic-a. In midflight, the glare from the flickering fireflies caused Fox to forget and he opened his eyes--instantly his wings collapsed! His fall was uncontrollable. He landed within the walled area of the firefly village, where a fire constantly burned in the centre.

Two kind fireflies came to see fallen Fox, who gave each one a necklace of juniper berries, katl-te-i-tse.

Fox hoped to persuade the two fireflies to tell him where he could find a way over the wall to the outside. They led him to a cedar tree, which they explained would bend down upon command and catapult him over the wall if he so desired.

That evening, Fox found the spring where fireflies obtained their water. There also, he discovered coloured earth, which when mixed with water made paint. He decided to give himself a coat of white. Upon returning to the village, Fox suggested to the fireflies, "Let's have a festival where we can dance and I will produce the music."

They all agreed that would be fun and helped to gather wood to build up a greater fire. Secretly, Fox tied a piece of cedar bark to his tail. Then he made a drum, probably the first one ever constructed, and beat it vigorously with a stick for the dancing fireflies. Gradually, he moved closer and closer to the fire.

Fox pretended to tire from beating the drum. He gave it to some fireflies who wanted to help make the music. Fox quickly thrust his tail into the fire, lighting the bark, and exclaimed, "It is too warm here for me, I must find a cooler place."

Straight to the cedar tree Fox ran, calling, "Bend down to me, my cedar tree, bend down!"

Down bent the cedar tree for Fox to catch hold, then up it carried him far over the wall. On and on he ran, with the fireflies in pursuit.

As Fox ran along, brush and wood on either side of his path were ignited from the sparks dropping from the burning bark tied to his tail.

Fox finally tired and gave the burning bark to Hawk, i-tsarl-tsu- i, who carried it to brown Crane, tsi-nes-tso-l. He flew far southward, scattering fire sparks everywhere. This is how fire first spread over the earth.

Fireflies continued chasing Fox all the way to his burrow and declared, "Forever after, Wily Fox, your punishment for stealing our fire will be that you can never make use of it for yourself."

For the Apache nation, this too was the beginning of fire for them. Soon they learned to use it for cooking their food and to keep themselves warm in cold weather.

Warriors of the Rainbow

Native American Lore

There was an old lady, from the Cree tribe, named Eyes of Fire, who prophesied that one day, because of the white mans' or Yo-ne-gis' greed, there would come a time, when the fish would die in the streams, the birds would fall from the air, the waters would be blackened, and the trees would no longer be, mankind as we would know it, would all but cease to exist.

There would come a time when the "keepers of the legend, stories, culture rituals, and myths, and all the Ancient Tribal Customs" would be needed to restore us to health. They would be mankinds' key to survival, they were the "Warriors of the Rainbow".

There would come a day of awakening when all the peoples of all the tribes would form a New World of Justice, Peace, Freedom and recognition of the Great Spirit. The "Warriors of the Rainbow" would spread these messages and teach all peoples of the Earth or "Elohi". They would teach them how to live the "Way of the Great Spirit".

They would tell them of how the world today has turned away from the Great Spirit and that is why our Earth is "Sick". The "Warriors of the Rainbow" would show the peoples that this "Ancient Being" (the Great Spirit), is full of love and understanding, and teach them how to make the Earth or "Elohi" beautiful again.

These Warriors would give the people principles or rules to follow to make their path right with the world. These principles would be those of the Ancient Tribes. The Warriors of the Rainbow would teach the people of the ancient practices of Unity, Love and Understanding. They would teach of Harmony among people in all four corners of the Earth.

Like the Ancient Tribes, they would teach the people how to pray to the Great Spirit with love that flows like the beautiful mountain stream, and flows along the path to the ocean of life. Once again, they would be able to feel joy in solitude and in councils. They would be free of petty jealousies and love all mankind as their brothers, regardless of color, race or religion. They would feel happiness enter their hearts, and become as one with the entire human race. Their hearts would be pure and radiate warmth, understanding and respect for all mankind, Nature, and the Great Spirit.

They would once again fill their minds, hearts, souls, and deeds with the purest of thoughts. They would seek the beauty of the Master of Life -- the Great Spirit! They would find strength and beauty in prayer and the solitudes of life. Their children would once again be able to run free and enjoy the treasures of Nature and Mother Earth.

Free from the fears of toxins and destruction, wrought by the Yo-ne-gi and his practices of greed. The rivers would again run clear, the forests be abundant and beautiful, the animals and birds would be replenished. The powers of the plants and animals would again be respected and conservation of all that is beautiful would become a way of life.

The poor, sick and needy would be cared for by their brothers and sisters of the Earth. These practices would again become a part of their daily lives. The leaders of the people would be chosen in the old way -- not by their political party, or who could speak the loudest, boast the most, or by name calling or mud slinging, but by those whose actions spoke the loudest. Those who demonstrated their love, wisdom, and courage and those who showed that they could and did work for the good of all, would be chosen as the leaders or Chiefs.

They would be chosen by their "quality" and not the amount of money they had obtained. Like the thoughtful and devoted "Ancient Chiefs", they would understand the people with love, and see that their young were educated with the love and wisdom of their surroundings.

They would show them that miracles can be accomplished to heal this world of its ills, and restore it to health and beauty. The tasks of these "Warriors of the Rainbow" are many and great.

There will be terrifying mountains of ignorance to conquer and they shall find prejudice and hatred. They must be dedicated, unwavering in their strength, and strong of heart. They will find willing hearts and minds that will follow them on this road of returning "Mother Earth" to beauty and plenty -- once more.

The day will come, it is not far away. The day that we shall see how we owe our very existence to the people of all tribes that have maintained their culture and heritage. Those that have kept the rituals, stories, legends, and myths alive. It will be with this knowledge, the knowledge that they have preserved, that we shall once again return to "harmony" with Nature, Mother Earth, and mankind.

It will be with this knowledge that we shall find our "Key to our Survival".

Links:

Would you like to read more great Native American stories?

http://www.ilhawaii.net/~stony/loreindx.html

Native Nations link:

http://www.nativeculture.com/lisamitten/nations.html

Team Riven Home Page:

http://www.myleague.com/teamriven/

Back Door:

http://backdoors.to/pogo/

Native News:

http://www.nativeweb.org/